Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1922-10-27

lux u Cledi WY Az
To Advertiser: Am 26 late cap
tain Of Engineers; university
graduate, adventurous disposition.
Would be glad to consider your
proposition. Address, Box o.,
University club"
He placed this In an envelope, called
n club messenger, and, handing the
boy a sun of money, sent him over 10
the newspaper office,
Two days elapsed before an answer
appeared in his box; a small envelope
addressed In a lady's handwriting ap-
%parently, and mailed from one or the
sub-postofices. The brief note READ:
"Box 81, University club.
"Your answer to advertisement
makes a good impression, and l am
willing to put you to the further test
of a personal meeting. IL you are III
earnest In this matter, and quite pre-
nared to assume the necessary risk,
YOU will be at thu northwest corner
Of Spaulding park at $50 tomorrow
afternoon. Do not come in uniform,
but it will be well to bring evening
clothes in a 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
yealed blindly-he must be tried In
every way first; thoroughly tested as
to both character and courage. I'm
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 MS
identity. The request for evening
clothes, however, rather treasured
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
yolved In such preliminaries. The ad.
vertiser was q woman! This fact al
so stimulated his Imagination, and rem.
dered him the more eager. BY Jove!
he would see the thing through!
His decision vas reached. he
would 20, but would make every eff
fort to protect himself against any
possible treachery. He had a room nj
the club, and wrote a letter or W be-
fore proceeding to dress, arranging
for their personal delivery In case ne
failed to return at a designated time;
carefully examined his service reVOlv-
4 err, and deposited 1t In the pocket OF
the business suit he decided to wear.
Satisfied with these arrangements, ne
: 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
l self alone in a rather desolate spot,
with which he was In no way famll'
lar. He had no knowledge of how ne
= was to be approached, or identihed
! but his being requested to bring 9
{ bag containing evening clothes, some
Z how suggested riding, rather thai
! walking, and consequently his eyes
u followed more or less i~ntently the con
slant stream OF automobiles.
u He grew restless and doubtful as tn
1t moments slipped past. Then suddenly
y without the slightest warning, a blacl
Limousine whirled In alongside tn
d curb, and came to a stop immediatel,
i in front of where he waited. Tit
chauffeur, dressed In plain dark livery
u stepped out, and threw open the rea
door, without asking so much as
t question. Except that the fellow stoo'
% there, looking directly toward him. nj
x fingers on the latch, expectantly
Is West would not have known that h
u was wanted. Yet II was all 50 obvlou
he could not question. Silently h
; picked up his bag, and stepped fol-
u ward. He saw no one within, but FRI
y In the belief that the chauffeur mus
have his orders, he entered Blind!
u, the door closing instantly behind hin
III The curtains were drawn, the interio
gloomy and indistinct, and the drive
~ had resumed his seat, and started tn
: motor, before West realized that !
was not alone. In one corner Of tn
wide back seat, drawn back from an
III possible observation from without, So
ne q woman.
Gu At first glance he could only barrel
d distinguish the outlines OF her igur
dimly discernible against the dar
ISL background of the upholstery, but,
OF his eyes accustomed themselves
II the faint light, her features also b
mt came dimly visible-enough so,
Fly least, to convince him that she WI
young. Neither spoke for some m
ments, while the automobile gather'
speed, and West had an uncomfortab
feeling that the lady was watehii
him with great intentness. lie cou