Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-09-27
CHAPTER III.
The House In Baltimore.

1t as his opinion that heart disease
was the cause of death, and stated
that there would be no need of an
inquest.
WAS he excited just before his seiz-
ure?" he inquired Of Donald.
"Yes," answered the lieutenant. "He
was worked up about a theory of his
own"
The doctor nodded. "a very happy
DEATH" he said. "He didn't suffer. I
suppose you know where his relatives
are to be found?"
Donald was entirely ignorant. The
little group that had gathered about
the body, their own theories tempo
rarily laid aside, were equally in igno-
rance. Nobody was much interested
in anyone else at the Inventors club.
Then Professor MacBeard stepped
forward.
81 had some acquaintance with Cap
tain Masterman," he said. ''In fact,
we were strong friends, although our
views were divergent upon certain
subjects. I shall be happy to see to
the interment and to take charge Of
any papers that my old colleague may
have left, pending the appointment Of
an official trustee"
Lieutenant Paget was convinced
that MacBeard was lying. Why it
was hardly ten minutes since Master
man had denounced him in his char
acteristically unmeasured terms And
at that moment, apparently by cOinCi-
dence, but doubtless on account of a
slight jar to the couch on which the
body had been laid, bulky envelope
fell out Of the dead mans pocket.
MacBeard stopped hastily and was
about to transfer it to his own when
Donald interviewed.
Excuse me, but is that not ad-
dressed to me?" he asked. 'My name
is Paget-Lieutenant Paget."
He was sure that he had seen his
name upon the envelope, and 1t oc-
Cured to him that this must be the
document about which Masterman had
spoken. Donald felt greatly touched
to think that Captain Nfasterman had
had him in his crazy mind, even be-
fore their accidental meeting, out Of
all his acquaintance.
MacBeard had placed his hand over
the envelope, as if to hide the adj
dress; but, seeing that it was impos-
sible to deny Donalds assertion, he re-
piled:
81 suppose that you are the man
you claim to be, and can prove it? A
good many persons are anxious to
profit by Captain Masterman's discOy-
cries"
The insolent challenge, and the
sneering tone awakened Donald's an
ger. He grasped the professor by the
wrist which held the letter.
ST am not accustomed to having my
identity questioned" he answered.
you'll hand over that envelope, and
afterward I will submit my proofs to
whoever is qualified to receive them
and you can do the same"
MacBeard's hand opened and Don
aid took out the envelope.
"Why, my dear SIR said the pro-
fessor with an embarrassed laugh, 81
really had no intention of Withholding
anything that is legitimately yours, [
assure you, nor of questioning your
good faith. / was q little startled
at the moment. Perhaps, as mutual
friends of the late Captain Master
man, we may take care of his inter
ests jointly"
AS Donald made no reply of any
nature, MacBeard turned to the ply
stefan, and had soon completed the
arrangements for the removal Of the
body. Then he went to the clerk s
desk.
He held the envelope In his hand
still, end he was about to place 1t In
his pocket when his glance fell upon
a sentence of the manuscript within.
Donald drew 1t forth and read:
In the event Of your hearing of my sud
den death you must not delay a moment.
but so to my house at 166 ......... street
Baltimore. Above all, beware of Mac
Beard. He is an enemy of the human
race So much I have learned, but
Donald thrust the loose sheet into
his trousers pocket and replaced the
envelope, containing the rest of the
manuscript, in the inner pocket of his
coat just as MacBeard returned.
He would go to the house in Balti-
more, and see what there was to be
DONE He knew Masterman had lived
there alone for years, in the intervals
between his voyages.
MacBeard came up to Donald with
a smile of affected friendliness.
II understand that there is no rec
ord of our friends address," he said
"Poor MaSterman was a very retiring
man. No doubt we shall learn from
his friends in q day or two. I will
have an announcement published, and
have arranged for the funeral 70 be
held from Byam's undertaking estab-
lishment the day after tomorrow al
noon Is there anything further to
be done?"
~ hardly think So" answered Don,
aid
"Then If you can look in here to,
morrow at eleven, we may talk mat
tiers over. And now permit me to wish
you good evening" said the profes
sor cordially.
Donald took the proffered hand and
felt a sense of disgust at the touch
of the limp fingers. He strobe out OF