The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1922-08-17
was not a dine limit set IN the note"

4 WEE NOT uIuc HILL Set III tAS uOIS''
With a simultaneous gasp everyone
| turned. Maillard staggered; his face
went livid. Every eye was fastened
upon that amazing figure now advanc-
ing from the shadows Of the recess.
1t was the figure Of an aviator, clad
In leather from top to toe, the goggles
and helmet shield completely masking
his head and features from recognf-
ton. In his hand he held an auto
matte pistol, which covered the group
Of men before him with its threaten
ing mouth. .
mot a sound, If you please" he
warned, his voice thin and nasal-ob-
vfOusly disguised. II trust that none
Of you gentlemen. is. armed, because I
en- very quick on the trigger. A very
pleasant surprise, Maillard? You'd
oven me up, eh?"
For an instant no one spoke. Then
Naillard moved slightly, moved his
hand toward button set in the wall
near the safe. The voice of the ban
dit leaped out at him like thin steel:
"Quiet, you fool! II you touch that
button"
Maillard stiffened, and gripped the
table edge with his shaking hand.
The ba1idit bowed slightly, and ad-
dressed tie gathering in tone OF dry
raillery:
1.-The rights Of property are to me
far more sacred than human life;
there l agree with the law. So, gen.
tlemen kindly empty your pockets on
the table" His voice became crisp.
1.-THE jeWeled scarfpins which you re-
ceived as favors this evening may be
added to the collection; otherwise, I
shall not touch your private possess
sions. No watches. thank you. Mall
lard, kindly begin! ! believe that you
carry a wallet? If you please"
The banker could not but obey. His
hands trembling with fear and, rage,
he took from his pocket a wallet, and
emptiedi sheaf, of bills upon the
table. One after, another, the other
men followed his example. When It
came Ids turn, Jachin Fell drew .
single bill from his pocket, and laid
It down.
"You put some faith in that warn
ing, Mr.. FelI?" ,Ehe bandit laughed.
do you think that: you will know me
again." =
Il hardly believe so, SIR" answered
Fell in his apologize fashion. "Your
disguise is really excellent" s.
'"rhank you" 1rhe bandits voice
held q thin mockery. Coming from
you, sir, that compliment is most well
Gomez
"What the devil does the fellow
mean?" exploded Judge Forester. 81" 49,.
"Then you are not aware that MIR.
Fell is a man of large affairs" The
bandits white teeth flashed In
smile. HE is modest man, this at
torney! And a dangerous man also. l
assure you. But come, Mr.. Feu, I'll
not betray you
joachim Fell obviously did not arpie-
ciate the pleasa utry. His shy and won
dering features assumed a set and
hardened look.
"Whoever You are" he responded,
subtle click of anger in his tone,
you shall be punished for this!"
"For what, Mr.. Fell? For knowing
too much of your private affairsT
The bandit laughed. "Fear not-I am
only an amateur at this game, for.
tunately! So do your worst, and my
blessing upon you! Now. gentlemen.
kindly withdraw a few PAGES. ALI but
you, Maillard I'm not through with
you yet"
The automatic. pistol gestured; IN
der its menace everyone obeyed the
command, for tie calm assurance Of
the bandit made it seem extremely
likely that he " Ould use the weapon
without compunc tion. The men with
drew toward the far end Of the room,
where word frc IN the aviator halted
them. Maillard remained standing
where he was.
The Masquer advanced to the table
and gathered tn heap of money and
scarfpins into t he leathern pocket Of
his coat. Durin & the process his gaze
did not waver rom the group Of men.
nor did the thlseat of his weapon lift
from the bankar before him.
"Now, MaillaF d. he quietly ordered,
you will have the kindness to turn
around and opei the wall safe behind
you. And don't q ouch the button"
Maillard start ed.
THAT safe! 'Why-why-d-n you,
I'll do nothing OF the sort!"
IF you DON'T vas the cool threat,
I'll shoot you through the abdomen.
A man fears bu llet there worse than
death. 1t 'rlay kill you, and it may
not; really, L carl. very little. You
Tou financieI.w I
Scorn leaIped into the quiet voice,
'corn th:lt lslshed and bit deep.
Cohtln ued in, next issue
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