Mountain Home Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1915-1946, 1917-08-04

"But l thought you We're going to
marry the lady" ventured Ferdy.
"You've got another guess coming"
At the young mans surprised stare he
added: "Never!" with such emphasis
that Ferdy had the pleasing conyic-
tiOn that they were both in the same
boat, and that he had an ally who could
be depended upon. AT first he had
simply thought Of damaging his rivals
prospects by "queering' him in the
eyes of Miss Melissa but here was the
more exciting game of running to earth
the really successful sutton.
A week had passed by when the sher-
if one evening having gotten comfort
ably into his slippers with pipe and
newspaper, was interrupted by a small,
breathless boy with a note from Ferdy
demanding his instant appearance at a
certain corner overlooking Miss Melis-
sa's place.
Ferdy met Barker, and drew him in
to the shadow.
BE CAREFUL" he whispered. "We
mustn't be seen. something is going
on! Two people have gone in there
with masks over their faces, q man
and woman. Look there comes an.
other one"
Sure enough, a man in long coat,
with a SLOUGH hat pulled down over his
! eyes, wearing a black mask, walked
quickly up the path, rang Miss Melis-
sas bell, and was admitted.
"Well," gasped the sheriff. IF that
isn't pretty bold! I'll have to go and
get two or three men before | start in
| to arrest that bunch. Don't stir till
/ get back !" and he started off on a
run. In about fifteen minutes he was
back with three of the villagers, ell.
derby men, who looked either incred-
ulOus or highly excited, and feeling
their heroiSm at thus taking their lives
in their hands for the safety of their
country. Ferdy announced that three
more had come; and the sheriff con-
cluded they had better enter at once
| before any more conspirators arrived
to make the matter harder to handle
1t was arranged that two men We're to
remain outside to stop any fleeing Grim
inal, and Barker and two men entered,
while Ferdy and another mounted
guard.
Barker and the men pushed past the
surprised maid, and entered the parlOr.
There was no talking Everything was
strangely quiet. AS they came into the
room they saw eight or ten people, all
in long black or white robes, wearing
masks, and sitting or standing in
groups. Barker wondered if this was
the organizing Of a secret society,
something like the Ku KluX in the
South. He demanded of the maid the
instant attendance of her mistress.
Miss Melissa in gown and mask APP
peared. She removed her mask, and
asked why he had come without one.
Barker replied that he had come on
serious business, and regretted having
to perform such a painful duty, but
he must insist that she answer his
questions truthfully, or he should be
obliged to place her under arrest. The
guests in the room made a movement
to go, but Miss Melissa asked them to
remain.
"Yes," said the sheriff 81 wish you
to remain. Now, Miss Dart, will you
give me the full name of the German
you are harboring under your roof"
"German?" echoed Miss Melissa in
a dazed way. "There is no German
here"
"Oh, yes there is. Let me see this
man who has been stopping here"
"Oh, do you mean Mr.. Lindqust?
He is an American. But his grandpa
Their was a Swede He is my brother
in-law. Marcia, tell Mr.. Lindquist
want him."
"Those two boxes that came here"
ooh yes" she broke in cheerfully.
II hope you're judge of old china.
Those pieces have been in the family
for years, and my sister has just sent
them to me. There's a fine japanese
vase, too, present from John. They're
not quite all unpacked yet, I've been
SO busy"
At this juncture Mr.. Lindquist APP
peared, and was properly introduced
and much pleased to see Mr.. Barker
Of whom he had heard his sister, Miss
Dart, speak. The sheriff, though be-
ginning to feel bit ridiculous, still
reasoned that all this might be a blind,
and proceeded to ask the gentleman
some questions. He answered that he
wdS of the firm Of Lindquist and
Brand, wholesale importers of Phila-
delphia, and was quite willing to an
swer anything further if he might
know why he was asked. Barker re-
piled that he would explain later on,
and demanded the instant removal of
every mask in the room.
''NOw look here, Mr.. Barker" pro !
tested Miss Melissa. "This IS carrying |
things little too far My guests are |
not to unmask till eleven, most Of |
them are late in coming and the music
is not here yet. III not allow you to |
spoil my little masquerade party !"
"In the name of the law, | demand |
these masks no taken off or / shall |