The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1931-03-13
the
Handsome MAN
by MARGARET TURNBULL
Illustrations by IRWIN MYERS
W. N. q. servica

The doctor nodded and completed
his bandaging, then spoke a few
words TO Roberta. giving directions
and medicine. Il will he in the hotel
for while If you should want me-"
He crossed to the window and
looked out 1.-The bridge is still burn
ing Lucky you people got over when
you did"
He nodded TO his patient. Roberta
went with him to the doorway. Open
ing the door made them all instantly
aware that the hall downstairs was
filed with noise and clamor. quite
distinct from the sounds that came
from the burning bridge, the fire en-
gines and the crowd
Roberta turned and looked toward
the bed. "Jackr' she exclaimed.
THAT was Jacks voice"
II was Enthusiastically Jacks voice.
raised in evaporation, hOarse and
angry.
Sir George pulled himself up on his
pillow. Get me some clothes, Doctor.
nave to see that-fellow. He must
NOT get away until | have seen him"
''Be quiet" the doctor told him
peremptorily. He called downstairs
in clear incisive voice. Bring that
man up here"
Jack appeared, disheveled and bel
ligerent. escorted by two village con-
stables and the landlord.
''Feller says he's a friend of yours.
the elder constable said TO Roberta.
"Caught him maxim off in car AT
didn't belong TO him"
Sure thing" said the younger con-
stable, who conversed without dis
turbing wad of tobacco that unduly
distended his long jaw.
"Know him?" Judge Arlett asked Ii
of the man on the bed but his glance
and resembling more than anything
else one of the funny tumble" toys
invented for children, the Judge man.
aged 70 give a pleasing impression
and was a thoroughly friendly soul.
YES" said Sir George quickly,
''only too we'll"
Hmm" Judge Arlett took in Jack,
the cOnstables. Sir George and again
Roberta Seems his tale is that he
was helping himself because the lady
told him to get a car, somehow, any
how, TO take you TO the hospital"
Sir George looked from Roberta to
Jack. His mind cleared suddenly. He
had the girl to look after. This fellow
might have, probably had, some black
mailing scheme up his sleeve. Gen
tlemen." he said slowly. would you
mind guarding the door, while ! ask
your prisoner a question or two? Ii
he doesn't answer them satisfactorily
I'll hand him back to you with
much more serious charge to answer
than trying to steal a car"
The two constables digested the
request and the English accent before
they glanced at Judge Arlett.
Seems reasonable" he remarked.
The two officers of the law, the
doctor and the judge slowly left the
room. Roberta stood silently between
Jack and the window.
'.Well?"
Sir George looked up at Jack from
the pillow. He beckoned with
bandaged hand and WINGED with the
pain the movement gave him. Come
over TO the foot of the bed where
can see YOU"
Jack, with a look at Roberta, did so.
Now, listen TO me, for ] can't be
bothered repeating myself. | know
who you are and what you are. It
depends on how you conduct yourself
in this interview, how much | tell
Miss MacBeth-and the Others"
Jack said something under his
breath which finally became articulate
as go as far as you like"
81 will. First, hand over the mar
rage license"
"What?"
Both Roberta and Jack were startled.
Jack looked at the girl with an angry
scowl
81 mean what | say. I'm not bluff
ing. | know Jack acquired one last
week"
Roberta gasped.
'What do you think you can do
with it?' Jack sneered.
Destroy it. Hand it over, because
it isn't going to be used. Is ii
Roberta?'
mo" said Roberta shamefacedly.
Come. be quick Sir George de-
manded He felt rather rocky.
Roberta took step nearer him.
She looked down on the white band
aged face. You ought not to talk