Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-09-11
CHAPTER III

oAlfhl III
FTNIiE. chimney in which Billy Belgium and
i Peggy had taken refuge. really a ven
tilatng 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 adjusting the various outlets to the
shaft. ran from the bottom to the top. This
might be means of escape If the Huns dis
covered the secret door.
Hoarse shouts sounded throughout the
house. Commands rang out. doors slammed.
and there was much confusion. loud
argument could be heard in room directly
above the children, the voices being carried
distinctly by the ventilator. 1t seemed that
iona than Hardest protesting to the Ger
mans against the running of his property and
was being threatened with worse things.
Let's see what's going on" whispered
Billy to Peggy, leading the way up the lad
der. She followed eagerly.
They came to ventlator 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 a German
general. Around him were other officers. In
front, guarded by two soldiers, was Jonathan
Hardest.
This is an outrage. to attack peaceable
home in this way" shouted Mr.. HARDEST. TT
is not right"
This is war" answered the general grim
ly. Anything is right that will help Ger
many win"
II want pay for every cents worth of dam
age" clustered Mr.. Hardest And I'll get
it if"
"Silence - thundered the general. "Al
you'll get is a bullet through your heart il
our demands are not met promptly. Our re-
ports show you very wealthy. You have
in this house at the present time upward
of $250,0 in money and jewels. You will
turn this over to. us Immediately"
I'm a poor man." walled Mr.. HARDEST.
r'Here's a list of your valuables-diamonds
pearls money. DO not try to deceive u.s.
Where did you get that lst?" gasped
Jonathan Hardtist.
"Our spies very efficient. You will
admit that it is correct?'
mo No." cried Mr.. Hardest
What do you say, Hans and Sebastian"
Two men stepped forward and saluted
smartly.
1T is absolutely correct Excelency!" they
said
MY private secretary and butler" gasped
Mr.. HARDEST.
general "I'll not haggle with you. If in ten
seconds you do not produce the valuables
listed you will be shot ~
Mr.. Hardfst looked around in wild de-
spar. He saw no mercy in the faces of the
Huns.
cent" he offered.
Germany is not borrowing. Germany is
taking" grimy replied the officer Your
time is up" The soldiers lifted their guns.
"Ill get it I'll get it !" shrielted Mr.. Hard
fist running from the room with the SOL
diers following. In few moments he was
back again. Two soldiers lugged in the
chest. The German officers threw 1t open
and checked off the valuables. the secretary
and butler assisting
1T is all here said the secretary
THAT Is fortunate for you" declared the
general to Mr.. HARDEST. THAT $25O,OOO will
build many a cannon with which to fight the
Americans"
A young officer hurried In
General, our soldiers have been fired upon
from houses in the village"
So said the general, glaring at Mr..
Hardest. You are a prominent citizen of
this place. You, with nine other leading citi
zens will be shot in one hour in the public
square as an example. Take him away"
Mr.. Hardest, almost fainting at this dread
sentence, was carried from the room
I'VE must save him." whispered Billy Bel
gum. And we must get that money back.
too Uncle Sam needs It to whip the Ger
mans. They shall not use 1t to buy guns tn
kill our boys"
(TomorroU 1oiH be told hoto Peooy and
Billy Belgium make a daring attem1t IN
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