Free trader-journal and Ottawa fair dealer. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1920-1927, 1920-11-26
CHAPTER XVII.
Oisappearance.

Seldom perhaps, has Il habitatiOn
been so unceremoniously vacated as
was the solitary farmhouse on that
isolated island. Whitaker delayed
only long enough to place bill, Dor
rowed from Ember, on the kitchen
table. in payment for what provi-
slons they had consumed. and to cx.
tinguish the lamps and shut the door.
Ten minutes later he occupied Il
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
uge was swiftly blending into n small
dark blur upon the face of the waters.
"Ember," he demanded ENORMOUSLY,
"whnt the devil is that place.!
"You didn't know" Ember asked,
amused. at is No Mans Land"
I'm strong for its sponsors In bap-
tism. And the other--?'
"Martha's Vineyard. That's Gay
hcad-the headland with the light
hohNF. vi ~ lllC Hbi III VI ~, wv
Elizabeth islands. II we're lucky,
Wen be at anchor Off East Twenty
fourth street by nine o'clock tomorrow
morning. Any kick coming?'
Not for me You might better con-
sult-my WIFE" said Whitaker with an
embarrassed laugh. Look here: I've
told you how things We're with us, in
brief; but I'm hanged if you've dis
gorged single word of explanation
as to how you came TO let Drunmond
slip through your fingers to say moth
ing Of how you managed to find us"
He didn't slip through my fingers"
Ember retorted He launched young
earthquake at my 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.
at was easy enough to surmise
DrummOnd had some pal or other
working with him-I 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 friend, an oldtme client
Of mine. We kept cruising, looking up
unlikely places. And, at that, we were
on the point of throwing up the sponge
when l picked up schooner that re-
ported signal fires on No Mans Land.
l think that clears everything
up"
yes said Whitaker sIeepily.
And so strong was his need Of sleep
that 1t was not until ten o'clock the
following morning, when the yacht lay
nj her moorng in the East river, that
Ember succeeded in rousing him by
main strength and goodwill.
His wife had gone ashore an hour
ngo, nfter refusing tn listen to a sug-
geStion that Whitaker be disturbed.
The note Timber handed him was brief,
but In Whtaker's sight eminently ade-
quate and compensating.
Dearest Boy: ! won't let them wake
you, but ! must run away It's early AMI
must do some shopping before people
are about. My house here is closed; Mrs
Secretan Is in Maine with the only KEYS
OH a..
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 will dine to-
gether. Every fiber OF my being loves
you. MARY.
Whitaker took n serene and shining
face to the breakfast in the saloon,
under the eyes Of Ember. Toward
noon they parted ashore, each taking
Il taxicab to his lodgings. The under
standing was that they were to dine
together-nll three. Whitaker promis-
Ing for his wife upon the morrow.
At six that evening, returning to his
rooms to dress, Whitaker found an
other note waiting for him, In a hand
writing that his heart recognized with
n sensation of wretched apprehension.
He comprehended its contents with
difficulty, half blinded by swimming
mist of fol'eboding.
My Dear: I find my strength unequal
to the strain OF seeing You tonight. In
deed, I am so worn out and nerVe-rackcd
that | have had TO consult my physician.
He orders me Immediately to sanato-
rum, to rest for "A week or two Don't
worry about me | shant fail TO let YOU
know as soon as | feel strong enough to
see you. Forgive mo. | love YOU dearly.
MARY.
Ito be continued.)
--------------------