Hearts and Masks

"And wondering a whole lot where that third ten of hearts has gone."

"But, listen. How are we to get back to the trolley? We certainly can

not walk the distance in these clothes."

"Oh, that carryall will come to our rescue. We are weary and are

leaving early, don't you know? That part is simple; the complicated

thing is to shake the dust of this cellar."

"What a big furnace!" she exclaimed, as we came into view of the huge

heating apparatus. "And there's more coal."

A man stepped out from behind the furnace, and confronted us. A red

bandana covered the lower part of his face and his hat was pulled down

over his eyes. But I recognized him instantly. It was the fellow with

the villainous pipe! Something glittered ominously at the end of his

outstretched arm.

"If you make any noise, sir, I'll have to plug you, sir," he said in

polite but muffled tones.

The candle slipped from my fingers, and the three of us stood in

darkness!