Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1903-07-03
AN IMPORTANT DISPATCH

GO HE Embassy Ball at Carlshren
was a very brilliant affair. Cecil
Ackerson, who hated balls and
that sort Of foolery, and only attend
ed them because he was obliged to do
so by the Office which he held, had
come tonight for purpose. Cecil
Ackerson was strong man.
1t was not till late in the festivities
that he was able to approach Helena
Gorrlnge, acknowledged beauty of the
English colony at Carlshren. She was
engaged to young Vincent Kenyon
months appointed to 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,
l 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 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 Ackerson
had to leave such thoughts alone, for
relations were 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 proper 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,9an | have selected you to
carry 1t. 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 Halzund, so you will have to stay
there the night. l need hardly coun.
sci you to take great care of the dis.
patch, Carstalrs."
"Yes"
every well. Come to me this even.
ing for the dispatch.
Vincent Carstalrs 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 m,
instructions. I've got to carry" h,
paused for effect, ian important dis
patch. Why, what's the matter? Yo,
seemed surprised"
"Oh, nothing" said Miss Gorrlnge
"Dld you say that Mr.. Ackerson CAV,
you the dispatch?"
"Of course; who else would?"
81 wonder what dispatch Is llkeY'
asked Miss Gorrlnge, innocently.
Just an ordinary paper folded" sait
Carstairs. would you like to look a,
IT." He had been longing to show 4
all the time. He took the shallow fir
case from his pocket and unlocked II
and handed the case to her.
She took II to the window to SEQ 4
better. and for a minute her back wa,
toward him.
"Let me lock It." she said, and ther,
was n little click. AS she gave tn,
case back she shuddered little.
But when, later on, Carstairs waite,
downstairs to say good-by. she cam,
suddenly into the dim hall.
walt u mlnute-here's sometime
for you," and she put tiny envelop,
into his hand. "It's note from me
but you're not to read 1t till you're OF
the boat"
whats all this mysteryg" said Car
stairs, laughing.
Never mind. Don't open II TIL yo
are on the boat. Good-by."