Omaha daily bee., 1918-10-23
CHAPTER III
m HE chimney in which Billy Bel
gium and Peggy had taken

shaft. 1t was so large that the chill
dren had plenty of room in which
to move about. An iron ladder
which was evidently used in adjust
ing the various outlets in the shaft,
ran from the bottom to the top This
might be means of escape if the
Huns discovered the secret door.
Hoarse shouts sounded through
out tho house. Commands rang
out, doors slammed, and there was
much confusion. A loud argument
could be heard in a room directly
above the children, the voices being
carried distinctly by the ventilator.
1t seemed that Jonathan Hardest
was protesting to the Germans
against the running of his property
and was being threatened with
worse things.
Lets see what's going on" whis-
pered Billy to Peggy, leading the
way up the ladder. She followed
eagerly.
They came to an elevator that
looked down on a drawing room.
Through the grated opening they
could see without being seen.
At a beautiful mahogany table in
the center of the room was seated
German general. Around him were
other officers. In front, guarded by
two soldiers, was Jonathan HARDEST.
"This is an outrage, to attack a
peaceable home in this way!" shout
ed Mr., HARDEST. 1T is not right"
This is war;" answered the gen.
eral grimly, anything is right that
will help Germany win."
Il want pay for every cents
worth of damage" clustered Mr..
Hardest, "and I'll,get it if"
Silence" Numbered the general,
Cali you'll get is bullet through
your heart if our demands are not
met promptly. Our reports show
you are very wealthy. You have in
this house at the present time up
ward of $250,000 in money and
jewels. You will turn this over to
US immediately"
"I'm a poor man." walled Mr..
Hardest.
Here's list of your valuables-
diamonds, pearls, money. Do not
try to deceive us"
'Where did you get that list?"
gasped Mr.. Hardest
Our spies are very efficient. You
will admit that it is correct?"
mo! No" cried Mr.. Hardest.
what do you say, Hans and Sc
bastian?"
Two men stepped forward and
saluted smartly.
1T is absolutely correct, excel
lencyw they said.
my private secretary and butler"
gasped' Mr.. HARDEST.
Its no use trying to evade us"
said the general, "I'll not haggle
with you If in ten seconds you do
not produce the valuables listed
you will be shotp
Mr.. Hardest looked around in
wild despair. He saw no mercy in
the faces of the Huns.
"Ill lend you my money-at only
per cent" he offered.
Germany is not borrowing, Ger
many is taking" grimly replied the
officer. Your time is up The
soldiers lifted their guns.
'I'll get it! I'll get It'll" shrieked
| Mr.. HARDEST, running from the room
with the soldiers following. In a
few moments he was back again.
Two soldiers lugged in the chest.
The German officers threw it open
and checked off the valuables, the
secretary and butler assisting.
st is all here" said the secretary.
THAT is fortunate for you," de-
clared the general to Mr.. HARDEST.
THAT $250,000 will buy many a can
non with which to fight the Ameri-
cans"
A young officer hurried in.
General, our soldiers have been
fired upon from houses in the viii
lage."
| so" said the general, glaring at
Mr.. Hardest. 'You are prominent
citizen of misplace. You, with nine
other leading citizens, will be shot in
one hour in the public square as an
example. Take him away" Mr..
Hardest, almost fainting at the
dread sentence, was carried from
the room.
Billy Belgium and Peggy looked
at each other in horror-stricken dis
may.
I'VE must save him." whispered
Billy Belgium, "And we must get
that money back too. Uncle Sam
needs it to whip the Germans.
They shall not use it to buy guns
to kill our boys.
Tomorrow will be told how Peggy and
Il