The age-herald., 1901-11-24
I'm the Secret Service.

on it the time 1t was despatched I win neglect no precaution this time"
 I could see that the Chief was a good deal disturbed. which was no wonder, considering the responsibility which rest ed on him. and l was determined that the secret he had entrusted to my care should be well guarded. Therefore, when 1 employed the blind messenger, Ark wright, for the first time, I had him fol- lowed to and from the Chiefs office
 The note l had given him was a mere pretext for testing his fidelity, and I as- certained that 1t was delivered secretly , and quickly, and that he had not turned aside for anything or anybody, either going or returning. So far this was per fectly satisfactory.
 Arkwright was an interesting looking young man, hardly more than a boy, with bright, intelligent face and pleas ant manners. To see him going about one would hardly guess he was blind
 his movements were so deft. I found that it was only necessary to explain the way once clearly to him when he was sent any where, and he never made a mis- take. His instinct and sense of touch were wonderfully keen, as they so often are with those born blind.
 had been established in my comforta- ble rooms in Walpole street more than fortnight before heard anything of MT. Watson. 1 had assumed the manner and appearance of a middle-aged lady of quiet habits and learned proclivitiss, who had come up from the country to do some research work at the British NIu- scum There were no other lodgers in the house but myself, as I had taken care to ascertain before engaging the rooms, and my landlady was a hard | working widow with an only daughter My surroundings therefore, seemed as safe and harmless as possible. l had just come in, having been at the read Ing room the whole morning in accord ance with my supposed character, when | the servant, who was a pleasant contrast to most lodging house generals" being neat and prim, came up to say that a l gentleman had called to see me.
 l was feeling rather depressed by my mornings experience, for the reading room at the Museum is not calculated to raise ones spirits, suggesting, as it does, poverty and failure, almost as much as erudition, for it is apparent that many of the habitues only go there to earn daily wage. But I frightened up immediately at the. prospect of q visitor and, without asking his name, I gave d. rections that he should be shown up at once. Of course it might be only ''dum- my" visitor-of whom I had had one or two, whose visits were arranged, as the Chief suggested, so that MT. Watsons should not appear singular-but I hoped that 1t might be the real man at last.
 And 1t was s7rsa
 saw benevolent looking elderly gen tlenan. dressed as a clergyman, whom one would have put down at once as the Vicar of a prosperous country parish He had shaken hands with me in sight of the servant and l, following nis lead, had greeted him as an old friend, but when the door closed. the pleasant smile died out of his face, has though it had been wiped off by a sponge, and into the rosy face and blue eyes came a curious alert, watchful look. The look I have only seen in the faces of men who are accustomed to carry their lives in their hands. 'I
 He waited in utter silence for a few minutes after the servants footsteps had died away, then he opened the door with out sound looked outside. and closing it again noiselessly turned the key in the lock.
 You will excuse me-" he said, but I must guard against any chance of inter ruption. l saw you return from the Mu- scum just now, so I knew l should find you in. I did not wish to have to can 8 second time. Here are the papers," and he took a little packet from his
 
 gether by an elastic band.
 They are not sealed" I said surprised. 2 'No" with slight smile. the people I have to deal with would think nothing of breaking a seal, and making 1t good | again. No one has seen them yet; for I that you may take my word The Chief | seems to be unusually anxious and wor- ried. l never suspected him of nerves before"
 ''TIe does not take alarm unnecessarily, | as a rule" replied a little dryly.
 Well, I should not keep these" touch | ing the packet carelessly, "any longer in | your possession than you can help, if | I were you. They are very valuable. | There is a man now in Gower street who | would risk his immortal soul-if he has | not given it away long ago-to look at | them"
 ''Gower street." I echoed. It seemed | uncomfortably close. Was 1t chance or