The Redwood gazette., 1909-11-17

s ~.
"Who Is Rhincstroms" commanded
Bradley.
shall be only too glad.-
The secret service man was not one
to be whimsical or chivalrous when he
had started out to accomplish any
thing, Promptly he took Pinckney at
his word.
That's very good of you, sir, and
you can be of the greatest service to
us. Lieutenant Sommers goes to face
the court of inquiry at Washington,
and it is his desire and mine to reach
there with as little delay as possible.
No steamer sails from this port to New
York fer nearly week.
Now, the gun that made this trou-
bic was forged at your works, and
therefore, whether you wish it or not,
you have direct interest in the case.
Perhaps I'm going to ask you some
thing unusual, but it will be a great IA
vor if you Will allow Mr.. Semmers and
myself to sail with you on the Ir-
veSsa''
Pinckney and Sommers both stared
at the secret service man in amaze
ment. The cool audacity of the pro-
posal took them both off their feet.
Sommers was the first to recover.
Bradley! Nor he exclaimed fmpet-
uously.
PinciIney bowed ac0ldly.
Tn sorry, sir" be said, "but YOU
are asking too much. That'H be i'm
possible"
Ire turned away just as Frances.
tired Of the waiting, re-enteretl the
courtyard.
"Ah. Frances, you are ready?'' he
asked.
Without replying the girl came
straight to Sommers.
What are you going to do now?
she asked directly.
4 nave been ordered to report at
washington at once to face the courr
of inquiry" returned the officer
FIhe gisl smiled There were both
sadness and joy in it-sadness for his
unfortunate situation, JOY that they
had a chance still to he together
we are just starting'' she suggest
ed Come with us on the yacht"
Sommers shook his head.
II IA sorry; can't do that"
line girl stood looking at him. hurt
anu uncertain. She had not expected
tnat rebuff She could not understand
It. Again Bradley seized the situation
Miss Durant, Mr. Sommers goes "a
ashlngton TO endeav0r to show WHY
he should not be court niartialed for
neglect of duty the night his gun was
forged. It's most important that he
get 'thefe as soon as possible. and no
snip sails from this port FIR week"
flnckney stepped forward anarily.
Mr- bradley. your explanation is
most uncalled for" he exclaimed.
Then Frances began to see. Her
mead came up, and her eyes lighted
ION the contrary. Mr. Bradley. I'm I
very much Obliged to you for your ex- +
PLANTATION she declared haugbtiIv /
Would it not be possible for YOU ana
lieutenant Sommers to return with
us?''
1T would be the greatest favor. Miss
Durant." he said earnestly. Il had AL
ready requested it. but Mr.. Pinckpey
Objects
The girl turned on Pinckney haugh-
tily.
When Mr.. Pinckney realizes that
The lrvessa is my fathers yacht and
nat this gun was forged in nv father's
works and that it is my desire thai
Lieutenant SoTners and Mr.. bradley
all with US at once am sure he will
ave no objections to offer"
Rebuked. Pinckney bowed with in
race.
Since Miss Durant wishes it | am
My too happy to have you come with
IS. of course he said to Bradley.
The secret service man bowed in
urn.
Then we'il go. of course. with
nanks.' be said simply. IF you will
zcuse me III get ready. Lieutenant
ommers and | will be at the dock =
-ithiD an hour"
when Bradley and Pinckney both
ad gone Frances came over to where q
er lover was standing.
That was wrong" she said. gently
'proving. You should have trusted
e more. We must have no more
isundersta ndings. From now on what
1ects you affects me. You and /
e one. but don't you see"-she paused
moment. looking up at him. her ;,
art in her eyes-"but don't you see !
love your"
hi