Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1910-01-20

mers about this whole affair. If I car
be OF any service to him or to you
shall be only too glad
The secret service man was not one
to be whimsical or %chivalrous when he
mad started out to accomplish any
thing. Promptly he took Pinckney a,
his word.
That's very good of you, sir, and
you can be Of the greatest service te
US. Lieutenant Sommers goes to face
the cour of inquiry at Washington
and 1T Is his desire and mine to reach
there with as little delay as possible
J NO steamer sails from this port to New
York for nearly a week.
NOW. the gun that made this trou
BILE was forged at your works, anC
therefore,. whether you wish it or not
you have a direct interest in the case
Perhaps I'm going to ask you some
thing unusual. but it will be a great ia
vol if you will allow Mr.. Sommers anG
myself to sail with you on the IT.
vessa."
Plnckney 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! Mop he exclaimed impet
uously.
P1nckney bowed coldly.
I'm sorry, SIR he said, 'but YOU
are asking too much. That'll be i'm.
possible"
He turned away just as Frances
t1red or the waiting. re-entered tho
courtyard.
"Ah. Frances, you are ready?" he
asked.
Without replying the girl came
straight to Sommers.
what are you going TO do nov, .,
she asked directly.
l nave been ordered to report 81
washington at nee to face the court
OF inquiry returned the officer.
Ihe girl smiled. There were both
n and joy in it-sadness for his
unfortunate situation. JOY that they
mad a chance still to be together.
w are just starting" she ugges
ed. Come with us on the yacht"
Sommers shook his head.
I'm sorry; | can't do that"
The girl stood looking at him, hurt
and uncertain. She had not expected
that rebuff. She could not understand
1t. Again Bradley seized the situation,
MISS Durant, Mr.. Sommers goes to
Washington to endeavor to show vhv
he should not be court martialed for
neglect Of duty the night his gun was
forged. It's most important that he
get there as soon as possible, and no
ship sails from this port for q week F."
Plnckney stepped forward angrily.
Mr.. Bradley. your explanation is
most uncalled for" he exclaimed.
Then Frances began to see. Her
head came up, and her eyes lighted.
ION the contrary. MI. Bradley. I'm
very much obliged to you for your ex-
planation.' she declared haughtily.
Would it not be possible for you and
Lieutenant Sommers to return with
us?
1T would be the greatest favor, Miss
Durant." he said earnestly. 81 had al
ready requested it, but Mr.. Pinckney
objects"
The girl turned on Pinckney haugh-
tily.
when Mr.. Pinckney realizes that
the Irvessa is my fathers yacht and
that this gun was forged in my fathers
works and that it is my desire that
Lieutenant Sommers and Mr.. Bradley
sail with us at once l am sure he will
have no objections to Offer"
Rebuked. Pinckney bowed with III
grace.
Since Miss Durant wishes it | am
only too happy to have you come with
us, Of course" he said to Bradley.
The secret service man bowed in
turn.
"Then We'll go, of course, with
thanks" he said simply. IF you will
Reuse me I'll get ready. Lieutenant
Sommers and l will be at the dock
within an hour"
When Bradley and Pinckney Doth
had gone Frances came over to where
her lover was standing.
THAT was wrong" she said. gently
reproving. You should have trusted
me more. We must have no more
MISUNDERSTANDING! From now on what
affects you affects me. You and |
are one. but don't you see"-she paused
a moment. looking up at him. her
heart in her eyes-"but don't you see
I love your"