ade his way to the door of the
annex. He tried it. It was locked. But as he turned away, he heard
voices on the other side.

Mr. Magee had barely enough time to extinguish his candle and slip into
the shadows of the corner. The door of the annex opened. A man stepped
out into the passageway. He stood there The light from a candle held by
some one in the doorway whom Mr. Magee could not see fell full upon his
face--the bespectacled wise face of Professor Thaddeus Bolton.

"Better luck next time," said the professor.

"Keep an eye an him," said the voice from inside. "If he tries to leave
the inn there'll be a big row. We must be in on it--and win."

"I imagine," said Professor Bolton, smiling his academic smile, "that
the inmates of Baldpate will make to-morrow a rather interesting day for
him."

"It will be an interesting day for every one," answered the voice.

"If I should manage to secure the package, by any chance," the professor
went on, "I shall undoubtedly need your help in getting away with it.
Let us arrange a signal. Should a window of my room be open at any time
to-morrow, you will know the money is in my hands."

"Very good," replied the other. "Good night--and good luck."

"The same to you," answered Professor Bolton. The door was closed, and
the old man moved off down the passageway.

After him crept Mr. Magee. He followed the professor to the east
balcony, and saw him pause at the open window of number seven. There the
old man looked slyly about, as though in doubt. He peered into the room,
and one foot was across the sill when Mr. Magee came up and touched him
on the arm.

Professor Bolton leaped in evident fright out upon the balcony.

"It's--it's a wonderful night," he said. "I was out for a little walk on
the balcony, enjoying it. Seeing your open window, I was afraid--"

"The night you speak so highly of," replied Mr. Magee, "is at your left.
You have lost your way. Good night, Professor."

He stepped inside and closed the window. Then he pulled down the
curtains in both rooms of his suite, and spent some time exploring.
Finally he paused before the fireplace, and with the aid of a knife
unloosed a brick. Under this he placed the package of money, removing
the traces of his act as best he could.

"Now," he said, standing up, "I'm a regular hermit with a buried
treasure, as per all hermit specifications. To-morrow I'm going to hand
my treasure to somebody--it's too much for a man who c