Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-11-17
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was plenSunt. But Wnal ulu ne Wuut9 "Yes, take Mir. rfnckney's dicia- tlon." she agreed cautiously.
 And he's never written to Rhine strom?" demanded Bradley, with sud den sternness.
 For moment the girl hared mp.
 "Say, who are you anyhow? What do you want? Are you trying to pump mey
 Her questioner smiled blandly.
 "0h. please don't suggest such a thing" he said. I'm going in the works now to see man named 0'Lea- ". When Mir Durant comes tell him that Mir. Bradley of the secret service is in the works. then send for me. Goodby. Much obliged for what you had to tell me"
 Magic o'Brlen leaned back in her chair. looking after Bradley with a curious expression on her face.
 "Well, what do you think of that?" she said to herself at last in astonish- meni "Him a detective! Well, he's a pretty good looking fellow--for de
  Der he was around here month ago" Ten minutes later the detective was back in the office in time to meet Frances entering with Lieutenant Sommers.
 'I'm glad you're here. Miss Durant." he declared earnestly. ''Would you mind if ask you some questions on investigation"
 The girl smiled at the idea.
 "Wil 1 mind?" she exclaimed. 'You know I'll do anything in the world 1 can to clear Mir. Sommers of any blame. Have you found out anything so fari"
 Bradley shook his head
 'I've got no positive proof, but I think shall have before this investi. gation is over"
 And Mir. Sommers will be cleared when he goes before the court of in- qulry at washington" persisted the girl.
 Bradley bowed.
 "I certainly hope so, Miss Durant. You know how much I owe to Mir. Sommers and to you. feel sure he is innocent of any neglect or wrongdoing. and you can depend on me 10 work my head off to clear him. Everything will depend, however, on what can get from Marsh"
 Frances looked surprised.
 'I can't think Marsh Is guilty" she admitted anxiously. Hes been in the works for years, and nothlng's ever been said against him"
 Bradley nodded.
 'I know all that. Miss Durant. But may tell you a secret? l believe Marsh is the inventor of the Rhine strom gun. and if can prove that the rest is easy"
 And if you cant?' the girl asked fearfully.
 Bradley smiled with confidence.
 'I never let myself look on that side" he said. "Now must leave you. I'll be back in a few minutes"
 When the door had closed on Brad ley the girl turned impulsively to Som mefS Nt Ter Slue.
 What will you do if you find they are against you?" she asked bluntly.
 The man looked at her seriously.
 "There is nothing that can do then. Frances. I'll be dishonored, a disgraced man."
 You mean" she persisted. 'if this investigation dIscloses nothing and the court of inquiry at Washington finds against you that you will not come back to me?'
 An expression of pain crossed Som mers' face, but his answer came out straight
 How could come back 10 you, dear? A cashlered naval officer. dis graced for life. couldn't come to you. couldn't ask that sacrifice of you"
 Impulsively the girl had laid her hand on his arm.
 ''Then listen, dearest" she said soft ly, but with determination that would not De denied. eff the Washington au- thorities place the blame of the acci- dent upon you. if you a... Gishonored and disgraced, you need not come back 10 me" She paused moment, then