White Pine news. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1920-1923, 1922-05-28

From everyone broke a swift assent
to the toast, a murmur of relieved en-
sion. The silver goblets were lifted,
touched In a musical blinking of edges.
and the aromatic breath of iuleps
filled the library as the drinkers, In
true southern fashion, buried noses
In the fragrant mint. Then. as the
cups were lowered, from the recess of
the curtained windows ut one end of
the room came a quiet voice:
II thank you. gentlemen, But l
must remind you, Maillard, that there
was not n time limit set In the note"
With a simultaneous gasp everyone
turned. Maillard staggered his face
went livid. Every eye was fastened
upon that amazing figure TO- advanc-
ing from the shadows OF the recess.
Ii 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 recognl-
ton. In his hand he held M auto
matte pistol, which covered the group
Of men before him with its threaten
ing mouth.
Not a sound, II you please he
warned, his voice thin and nasal-ob-
viously disguised. II trust that one
Of you gentlemen is armed, because |
an very quick on the trigger. A very
pleasant surprise, Maillardf You'd
given me up, eh?"
H. -. stk 10 .naIy. Than
Malllard moved slightly, moved his
hand toward a 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 stinfened, and gripped the
table edge with his shaking hand.
The bandit bowed slightly. and adj
dressed the gathering In a tone Of dry
raillery:
1.-The rights OF property are TO me
far more sacred than human life;
there | agree with the law. So, gen.
tlemen kindly empty your pockets on
the table" His voice became crisp.
''The jeweled scarfpins which you re-
ceived as favors this evening may be
added to the collection otherwise. l
shall not touch your private posses
sions. No watches. thank you. Mail
lard. kindly begin believe that you
carry a wallet? II you please"
The banker could not but obey. Ills
hands trembling with fear and rage,
he took from his pocket a wallet, and
emptied a sheaf Of bills upon the
table. One after another, the other
men followed his example. When II
came his turn. Jachin Fell drew q
single bill from his pocket. and laid
Il down.
"You put some faith IN that warn
Ing, Mr.. Fell?" The bandit laughed.
do you think that you will know me
againT"
II hardly believe so. sir" answered
Fell in his apologize fashion. Your
disguise is really excellent"
Thank you" The bandits voice
held a thin mockery. Coming from
you, sir, that compliment is most well
come"
"What the devil does the fellow
meanf'' exploded Judge Forester.
"Then you are not aware that Mr..
Fell is a man Of large affairsf' The
bandits white teeth flashed In a
smile. "He is a modest man, this at
torney, And n dangerous man also. |
assure you. But come, Mr.. Fell. I'll
not betray you"
joachim Fell obviously did not appre-
ciate the pleasantly. His shy and won
dering features assumed a set and
hardened look.
whoever you are" he responded,
a subtle click of niger in his tone,
"you shall be punished for this.
"For what, Mr.. Fell7 For knowing
too much of your private affairsf'
The bandit laughed. Fear mott 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. All but
you, Maillard I'm not through with
you yet"
The automatic pistol gestured UNI
der Its menace everyone obeyed the
command, FOR the calm assurance of
the bandit made II seem extremely
likely that he would use the weapon
without conjunction. The men with
drew toward the far end of the room,
where n word from the aviator halted
them. Maillard remained standing
where he was.
The Masquer advanced to the table
and gathered the heap OF money and
s%carfpins into the leathern pocket of
his coat. During the process his gaze
did not waver from the group of men,
nor did the threat of his weapon lift
from the banker before him.
snow, Maillard," he quietly ordered.
"you will have the kindness TO turn
around and open the wall safe behind
you. And don't touch the button"
Maillard started.
"That safe! Why-why-d-n you.
I'll do nothing Of the sort!"