Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1917-03-02
CHAPTER XVI.
Disappearance.

Seldom, perhaps, has a habitation
been so unceremoniousIy vacated as
was the solitary farmhouse on that
isolated island Whitaker delayed
only long enough to place bill, bor-
rowed from Enber, ON the kitchen
table. In payment for what provi-
sions they had consumed, and to ex-
tinguish the lamps and shut the door.
Ten minutes later he occupied a
chair beneath an awning on the after
deck of the yacht, and, with a blessed
cigar Tuning in the grip of his teeth,
stared back to where their rock of ref
uSe was swiftly blending into a small
dark blur upon the face of the waters.
"Ember," he demanded Querulously,
what the devil is that placer
"You didn't know" Ember asked
amused. 1T is No Mans Land
TIN strong for its sponsors in bap-
tism. And the other"
"Martha's Vineyard. That's Gay
head-the headland with the light.
house. Off to the north of it, the
Elizabeth islands. If we're lucky,
Wen be at anchor off East Twenty
fourth street by nine o'clock tomorrow
morning. Any Kick comingY
Not for ne. You might better con-
sult-my wife" said Whitaker with an
embarrassed laugh. 'Look here: I've
told you how things were with us, in
brief; but I'm hanged il you've dis
gOrged single word of explanation
as to now. you came to let Drummond
slip through your fingers, to say moth
ing OF how yon managed to find u.s."
He didn't slip through my fingers"
Ember retoJe1. "Ee launched young
earthquake at nay devoted head and
disappeared before the dust settled. |
came to some time later with gag
in my mouth. handouts on my wrists,
behind my back. and rope round my
legs. Midnight the following night,
the owner happened along and let me
loose.
1T was easy enough to surmise
Drummoud had some pal or other
working with hiin-1 was slungshot.
ted FROM behind, while Drummond was
walking ahead. And two men had
worked in the kidnapping of Mrs.
Whitaker SO | went sleuthing; traced
you as far as Sag Harbor. There
lost you-and there l borrowed this
outfit from a friend, an old-time client
of mine We kept cruising, looking up
unlikely places. And, at that, we We're
on the point OF throwing up the sponge
when l picked up Il schooner that re-
ported signal fires on No Mans Land.
! think that clears everything
up"
Yes" said Whitaker sleepily.
And 50 strong was his need of sleep
that it was not until ten O'Clock the
following morning, when the yacht lay
at her mooring in the East river, tina.
Ember succeeded in rousing him by
main strength and goodwill.
His wife had gone ashore an hour
ago, after refusing to listen to a sug-
gestion that Whitaker be disturbed,
The note Ember handed him was brief,
but in Whitaker's sight eminently AIDE
quate and compensating.
Dearest BOY: I won't let them wake
you. bat I must run away. It's early and
I must do some shopping before people
are about My house here is closed; Mrs,
| Secretan is in Maine with the only KEYS
| aside from those at Great West Bay; and
| I'm a positive fright in a coat and skirt
| borrowed from the stewardess. | don't
want even you to see me until I'm decent.
| " dressed. / shall put up at the Waldorf;
! come there tonight. and we viii dine to-
yethe-. Every fiber OF my being loves
| you. MARY.
Whitaker took a serene and shining
face to the breakfast in the saloon
under the eyes of Embcr. Toward
noon they parted ashore. each taking
a taxicab to his lodgings. The under
standing was that they were to dine
| together-ah three, Whitaker promis
ing for his wife upon the morrow.
CrO BE CONTINUED.)