Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-06-09
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AN IMPORTANT DISPATCH


ed them because he was obliged TO do
SO by the office which he held. had
come tonight for a purpose. Cecil
AckersOn was a strong man.
1t was not till late in the festivities
that he was able to approach Helena
GOrringe, acknowledged beauty of the
English colony at Carlshren. She was
engaged to young Vincent Kenyon
Carsta.fs, who had been only six
months appointed 10 a post at the
embassy. Ackerson was aware of
the engagement, but the knowledge
did not trouble him.
IF you don't mind, Miss Gorringe,
i would rather not dance" said he.
Through the curtains that shaded
their retreat five minutes afterward
she could catch a glimpse of the light
ed ballroom. Then Cecil Ackerson
was telling her that he loved her. His
words came quickly, but his voice
was very firm. and she was unable to
stop him. He said that he had never
been a woman's man, and he had
never met a woman like her. His
vehemence frightened her, but she
rose and turned on him with blazing
eyes. telling him of her engagement to
Carstairs.
Cecil Ackerson laughed and took her
back to the ballroom. On the morning
ing after his astonishing behavior to
Miss Gorringe Ackerson walked saw
agely to and fro in his private room
at the embassy. He thought of in
Vulnerable schemes. but at length only
came to the conclusion that Kenyon
Carstairs was in his way.
The next day or so Cecil Aekerson
had to leave such thoughts alone, for
relations We're a little strained with
the home country The country of
which Carlshren was the capital was
small. but important The question
of war even hinged on the prope- con-
duct of these negotiations. And then
the idea came to him by which he
might put his young rival right out of
the running. He sent for Carstairs.
The latter came at once, wondering for
what purpose his chief wanted him.
81 have an important dispatch here
for home, and l have selected you to
carry It. You will take the dispatch
with you when you leave this evening.
You will start tomorrow morning,
and you should reach the coast by
night. find there is no night boat
from Haiz md. so you win have to stay
there the night. l need hardly coun-
sci you to take great care of the dis
patch. Carstairs."
Eyes"
every well. Come to me this even
ing for the dispatch.
Vincent Carstairs went to tell Miss
Gorringe he was going away for day
or so. He was full of his news.
"You look happy" said she.
81 am" Carstairs replied. ''The chief
had me up this morning and gave me
instructions. I've got to carry" he
paused for effect, "an important dis
patch. Why. what's the matter? You
seemed surprised"
"Oh, nothing" said Miss Gorringe
"Dld you say that Mr.. Ackerson gave
you the dispatch"
"Of course; who else wouId?"
81 wonder what dispatch is like?'
asked Miss Gorringe. innocently.
Just an ordinary paper folded said
Carstairs. "Would you like to look at
it," He had been longing to show it
all the time He took the shallow tin
case from his pocket and unlocked it.
and handed the case to her.
She took 1t to the window to see 1t
hotter. and for minute her back was
toward him.
'I.et me lock It." she said. and there
was a little click. As she gave the
case back she shuddered a little.
But when, later on, Carstairs waited
downstairs to say good-by. she came
suddenly into the dim hall.
..Walt a minute-here's something
for ycu." and she put tiny envelope
into his hand. ITS a note from me.
but you're not to read it till you're on
the boat"
eWhat's all this mystery?" said Car
stairs. laughing.
"Never mind. Don't open 1t till you
are ON the boat Good-by."
"Good-by," said Carstalrs. and was
gone.
At the Grand Hotel Halzdnd. Car
stairs ordered dinner in a private
room Half an hour later the land
lord came to him with long face. His
house was crowded. he had no room
whatever. and gentleman had just
arrived after travelling all day; would
Mr. Carstairs be so good as TO let the
stranger dine with him2 He was ex-
tremely sorry to Inconvenience Mr..
Carstairs.
mot at air. said CarStairs. and he
sat down to dinner with a blackboard
ed man who had small keen eyes.
Carstairs congratulated himself on
having such brilliant companion. The
stranger seemed able TO talk on any
subject whatever.
After the meal they rang for coffee,
and CarstaIrs got up from his chair
ard went to his overc0at pocket for
his cigarette case. As quick as light
Ming the stranger leaned over the table
and 3 little dark pow It slid into the
glass.
An hour had passed before Carstairs
came 10 himself. lie experienced
sickening sensation Of WEAKNESS as
he opened ais eyes. Where was hei
The litter Of the dinner things still lay
upon the table; two OF the redDshaded
candles had duttered out. There were
unpleasant shadows now in the corners
of the room. ami knowledge crep;
seadily back 10 him. The queer tast'
lug -5ffee he remembered. ard there
had been s. stranger. Could It be pos
sibleg lie sprsng TO his feet with 3
white face. frautically unbuttoning bis
coat. Great heavens! the dispatch was
gone.
His thoughts went back to Nell Cor