The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1922-12-07

they had rendezvous arranged some.
where with that arch -conspirutor, some
hidden spot along the lake shore where
they were to meet shortly, and divide
the spOils, or make further plans. Ho-
bart unquestionably was the leader Of
the gang; but who was the woman2
She had evidently been in Mikes place
the night before, and had a glimpse Of
his face. She must have left with
that party in the automobile, yet she
surely was not the one who had
dropped that note begging the police
to search this vessel
What then had become Of the Other7
II she was being held prisoner, 1t was
not at all probable she had been left
somewhere ashore; apparently she had
reason to know where she was being
taken-to the Seminole; otherwise she
would never have written as she did.
She must have overheard their plans,
before she hastily scratched Off the
note desperately; and yet those plans
might have been changed. However.
II so, why were these people-accom-
plices OF Hobart no doubt-fieeing In
the yacht. seeking to conceal their
identity In an effort to disappear!
What were they fleeing frOmf Why
were they SO fearful Of discovery by
the police7 What would cause them to
kidnap him. merely on suspicion that
he was friend Of Natalie CoOlidgel
The very act was proof positive Of the
desperation of their crime. 1t could
be accounted for on no other theory.
West paced the narrow space, his
brain whirling. as he attempted to
reason the affair out, his own helpless
ness becoming more and more appar-
ent. What could he do? There was
S.s 3::2 a-!sw2--s~cb absolutely nothing as
he was then situated. He could only
wait for some movement on the part
Of the others; his fate was out Of his
own hands; he had been fool and
must pay the price. The cords about
his wrists chafed and hurt with each
movement. The metal wash-stand gave
him hn inspiration; Its upper strip was
thin. and somewhat Jagged along the
edge; possibly 1t might be utilized to
sever the strands. 1t was better to
try tie experiment than remain thus
helplcSSly bound. With hands free
he could at least defend himself.
He made the effort, doubtfully at
first, but hope came as the sharp edge
began To tear at the rope. 1t was slow
work, awkward, requiring all the
strength Of his arms, yet he felt sure
Of progress. He could feel the strands
yield little by little. and reiouhlcd his
efforts. At last, exercising all his
muscle. the last frayed strand snapped.
His wrists were bleeding, and the
hands numb, but the severed cord lay
on the floor and he again had the free
use of his arms. The sudden freedom
brought new hope and courage. He
listened at the door testing the knob
cautiously. There was no yielding. ami
for the moment no sound reached him
from without. The woman was doubt
less there on guard, and any effort he
might make to break down the door
would only bring the whole gang upon
him. Unarmed he could not hope to
fight them all. AS he stood there hest.
: tatins unable. to determine what to ut.
bling under foot, increasing in intensity.
West knew instantly what 1t meant.
they were testing out the engine; II
all worked well. the boat wOuld cast
of.
He sprang back to the port and
stared out. eagerly hoping that. as they
swept out into the LIKE, he might finl
some opportunity to communicate with
some one on the pier. Perhaps by this
time Mac would have arrived, and be
watching their departure, unable to in.
tervene, as he had no warrant for ar.
rest, or any definite knowledge that the
yacht was being used for criminal
purpose He had not long to wait.
Hurrying steps echoed along the deck
a Vote shouted out some order, and
the end Of lOOsened rope dropped
splashing into the water astern; the