The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

was a little click AS she gave the case
back she shuddered little.
But when. later on. Carstairs waited
downstairs to say good-by. she came
suddenly into the dim hall
wait a minute-here's something for
you" and she put a tiny envelope into
his hand. IT'S a note from me. but
you're not to read # till you're on
the boat
What's all this mystery said Car
stairs. laughing.
Never mind. Don't open It till you're
on the boat Good-by."
"Cood-by." said Carstairs, and was
gone.
At the Grand Hotel, Halzund. Car
stairs ordered dinner in a private room.
Half an hour later the landlord came to
him with a long face. his house was
crowded, he had no room whatever. and
a gentleman had just arrived after trav-
cling all day; would Mr.. Carstairs be- so
J good as to let the stranger dine with
him? He was extremely sorry to in
convenience Mr.. Carstairs.
Not at aIl,'' said Carstairs. and he
sat down 10 dinner with a black beard
ed man who had small. keen eyes Car
stairs congratulated himself on havinl
such brilliant companion. The stranger
seemed able to talk on any subjec
whatever
After the meal they rang for coffee
; and Carstsirs got up from his chai
} and went TO his overcoat pocket for hi
2 cigarette case. AS quick as lightning
, the stranger leaned over the table an
2 little dark powder slid INFO IN
D glass.
] An hour had passed before Carstair
- came 10 himself He experienced sick
e ening sensation OF WEAKNESS as he open
b ed his eyes. Where was he2 The litter
L the dinner things still lay upon III
n table; two of the Ted-shaded candles ia
e iuttered out. There were unpleasa1
e shadows now In the corners of Il
& room, and knowledge crept steadily baC
It TO him. The queer tasting coffee he T,
2, membered, and there had been a stranj
II er. Could Il be possible He sprang
his feet, with a white face. frantical
unbuttoning his coat. Great heaven
the dispatch was gone.
n ringe. and then suddenly he remembe
<. ed the strange manner OF her good-by
ID him. He felt for the note in his pocks
and his face changed from night
morning as he read.
Dear old Ken-I had a curious ID
re when you told me OF your mission tn
to you were rather TOO confident. and IN
r something might happen TO your al
patch. So I took great liberty. Ke
When you put the tin case into my han
1 took the paper therein contained. 3,
n when l handed you back the case the
was nothing inside IT. and I have sc,
IS the dispatch inside the lining Of va
av overcoat pocket.
- NELL
Carstsirs darted to his overcoat a
his fingers tore at the lining OF
LEI pocket. Through the gap he made sho
ne ed something white. The next mini
no he was waving the dispatch above
head in his excitement.
SO the dispatch was carried safely
GU it's destination, and Kenyon Carsta
and Nell Gorringe were married in
&c. spring.
The black bearded man was well on
way TO Carlshren before Carstairs We
10 consciousness.
." Cecil Ackerson sat quietly in his chi
waiting the arrival OF his messenger.
,td turned slightly as the dOOTSOpened.
The man with the black beard and
cen eyes placed something carefully
II the table He was smiling in a salts
tin kind Of way.
It. AckersOn took il from the table,
key clicked In the lock Of the
=. The rext minute he sprang TO hi
You have brought me an en-
vas you fool" he cried. and fur
fling, open and empty, TO the
ere THE END-I