The St. Charles herald., 1922-12-30

10 AQvoruSer. Am 70 ldte cap
tain Of Engineers; university
graduate, adventurous disposition.
Would be glad to consider your
proposition. Address, Box 81,
University club"
He placed this In an envelope, called
club messenger, and, handing the
boy sum of money, sent him over to
the newspaper office.
Two days elapsed before an answer
appeared in his box; small envelope,
addressed in lady's handwriting ap-
parently, and mailed from one of the
sub-postoffices. The brief note read !:
sBox 81, University club
"YOur answer to advertisement
makes a good impression. and I am
willing to put you to the further test
of a personal meeting. If you are In
earnest in this matter, and quite pre-
pared to assume the necessary risk.
you will be at the northwest corner
of Spaulding park at $50 tomorrow
afternoon. Do not come in uniform,
but it will be well to bring evening
clothes in bag. Be sure of yourself,
and be prompt.
"Very truly yours,
'The Advertiser"
West read this over, again and
again, smoking furiously, and endeav-
oring to weigh each word. The letter
sounded honest and sincere; the
writer evidently had a purpose In
view, and was selecting an agent with
great care and secrecy. No hint as to
what that object was would be re-
vealed blindly-he must be tried In
every way first; thoroughly tested as
to both character and courage. Un-
doubtedly steps had already been TAX
en- to do this. The delay in reply
would have afforded opportunity for
some investigation, as his address
would give the necessary clue to his
identity. The request for evening
clothes, however, rather reassured
him: evidently his first plunge into
this mystery was not to occur in any
stratum Of low society; no vast
amount of personal danger could be in
volved In such preliminaries. The ad-
yertiser was woman! This fact al
so stimulated his Imagination, and rem
dered him the more eager. By Joye!
he would see the thing through
Ills decision was reached. He
would 60. but would make every ef-
fort to protect himself against any
possible treachery. He had room at
the club, and wrote letter or two be-
fore proceeding to dress, arranging
for their personal delivery in case he
failed to return at designated time;
carefully examined his service revolv-
er, and deposited 1t in the pocket OF
the business suit he decided to wear.
Satisfied with these arrangements, he
dressed rapidly, and then packed his
bag, bearing it In his hand as he de-
parted in ample time for the point OF
rendezvous. A cab took him to the
place designated, and he found HIM
self alone In a rather desolate spot,
with which he was in no way famil-
lar. He had no knowledge Of how he
was to be approached, or identified,
but his being requested to bring
bag containing evening clothes, some
how suggested riding, rather than
walking, and consequently his eyes
followed more or less intently the con-
slant stream of automobiles.
He grew restless and doubtful as the
moments slipped pass Then suddenly.
without the slightest warning, black
limousine whirled In alongside the
curb, and came to stop Immediately
in front OF where he waited. The
chauffeur, dressed In plain dark livery,
stepped out, and threw open the rear
door, without asking 80 much as
question. Except that the fellow stood
there, looking directly toward him, his
fingers on the latch, expectantly,
West would not have known that he
was wanted. Yet It was all SO obvious
he could not question. Silently he
picked up his bag, and stepped for
ward. He saw no one within, but firm
In the belief that the chauffeur must
have his orders, he entered blindly,
the door closing instantly behind him.
The curtains were drawn, the interior
gloomy and indistinct, and the driver
had resumed his seat, and started the
n~Ac~r yyou< ~on1f0nd <h0t ho