Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-04-23

The dark handsome, richy-dressed lady had
seemed to pursue Captain Tenney or the artiI-
lery for several weeks altogether. She had
praised his success in obtaining the command
of the important fortress at age when 9TH
ers were puppets of subordinates; she
had limited at his charms and his dash; and.
above ALL she had made great friends with
Master Kenneth-Kenneth. who was six ana
who had the solemn, brown eyes Of his de-
parted mother
Mime. Montraban was fascinating as few
women are and she knew we'll the use of her
charms. The captain had dreamed of her three
times and idly wondered if so tigerishly charm
ing a woman could ever be domesticated.
He was somewhat surprised. however. when
the foreign lady presented herself at his office
In the entrance to the grim, gray guardian
ess Of the coast, the Delevan fortress.
NINE. Montraban, I am honored," he de-
clared. To show that he was indeed highly
honored, Captain Tenney colored vividly. and
madame saw and seemed pleased.
They talked of this and that, of mutual
friends in the gay world of fashion. of the
boy, Kenneth, and finally they struck the per-
sonal note. whereat Captain Tenney colored
again, an honest brick-red
Would you do things for me?' asked
Nine. Montraban. suddenly
Command me- assured the young captain.
wait until you have heard" cautioned
Nine. Montraban. 1T is a matter at which
you may sickle, not UNDERSTANDING Yet 1
assure you it it but a harmless fancy. 1 am
as you know. a keen student of military af-
fairs. of Notifications and naval construction
and tactics and the history of wars. 1t is an
odd fad for woman, 1 grant you; but /
think you will agree that am different from
other women. You are in command here OF
one of the best-equipped American fortresses ..
Yes" nodded the soldier feeling a slight
uneasiness.
IF you would let me see the plans" SAID
/ madame, softly.
why, Nine. Montraban-" began the
young commander; but the lady put up her
soft, white hands and cleaned her black eyes
at him.
1T is merely fancy, insisted madame.
and you said you would do things for me-
But my oath-and my dutyP' objected Cap.
tain Tenney growing pale now.
What harm is there?' protested madame,
soft tones a compelling light in her great,
dark eyes You have said that you care for
me, Edward" 1t was the first time she had
II know" conceded the captain. doubtfuIly.
1t was difficult not to feel the charm of Nine.
Montraban.
II pledge you my honor" continued madame,
that none shall see but myself and you shall
have them right back. What harm is there
Edward?"
''Oh, none, I suppose" answered Captain
Tenney, YEARLY, IF you really care about It, -
81 do" said madame; and she came nearer,
so that he felt still more her irresistible mag
netism.
Il will get them" he said. resignedly; Just
sit down"
The faint tap Of a drum was heard without
II will wait here" said madame, with a
glitter in her black eyes.
Rat-a-tat-tat! went the drum-a very small
drum-and the man paused as II recalling
something familiar. Then he started from the
room.
Rat-a-tat! Rat-a-tat! Rata tat tat! came
the light, quick beat, nearer and nearer.
The captain paused at the threshold. remem
bering, steadying, collecting himself There
was a light, little step without; then a Iona
r-r-r-roll of the tiny drum; the door swung
back and young Kenneth appeared in the en-.
trance
''Hooray!" he cried. in his childish tones.
''Hooray for the stars and stripes!' And he
waved a miniature American flag.
Thank Godr gasped the captain. THE
boys in time with his soldier play!'
Your promise Edward" urged the lady,
coming close and using her beautiful eyes.
HBeat the drum-beat it hard KENNETH
cried Captain Tenney. IT'S the only way
against this witch of a spy!'
And Kenneth beat a tremendous, rumbling
r-r-r-rol on the tiny drum, while Nine. Mon
traban sailed angrily out, leaving behind the
plans Of the grim. gray guardian-lady of tho
coast