The Tupelo journal., 1911-08-18

way and escape BY way Of the kftch-
en-? II you did not do the shooting,
why the necessity Of escape, carrying
the revolver"
There was that in the blue-gray
eyes which brought Mr.. Grimm to his
feet! His hands gripped each other
cruelty; his Q n was calm a always.
why did you take the revolver"
he asked.
Miss Thorne's head dropped for
ward q little, and she was silent.
There are only two possibilities. Of
course" he went on. First, that you,
in spite Of your denial. did the shoot
ing"
Il did mott" The words fairly burst
from her tightly closed lips. \
"Or that you knew the revolver, and
took 1t to save the person, man or
woman, who fred the shot. will as
sumo, for the moment, that this is cor
rect. Where is the revolver"
From the adjoining room there
came = slight noise. a faint breath Of
sound; or it might have been only an
echo of silence. Their eyes were fixed
each upon the others unwaveringly.
with not a flicker to indicate that
either had heard. After q moment
| Miss Thorne returned to her chair and
sat down.
It's rather a singular situation,
isn't it, Mr.. Grimm" she inquired IT.
~releventIy. You, Mr.. Grimm CT the
c>o,~x Cnr,;o> of @ha TYn;tod C%c+a~.
/, Isabel Thorne. . secret agent of
Italy together here, one accusing the
other Of a crime, and perhaps with
good reason"
Where is the revolver" Mr..
Grimm insisted.
IF you were any one else but you!
l could not afford to be frank with
you and"
IF you had been any n else but
you ] should have placed you under
arrest when ! entered the room.
She smiled, and inclined her head.
Il understand" she said pleasantly.
For the reason that you are Mr..
Grimm of the Secret Service / shall
tell you the truth. ! did take the re-
volver because l knew who had fired
the shot. Believe me when | tell you
that that person did not act with my
knowledge or consent. You do be-
lieve that? You do?" She was plead
ing, eager to convince him.
After a while Mr.. Grimm nodded.
The revolver is beyond your reach
and shall remain So" she resumed.
According to your laws ! suppose /
am an a~ccomplice. That is my mis-
fortune. 1t will in no way alter my
determination to keep silent. If I am
arrested I can't help it." She studied
his face with hopeful eyes. Am / to
be arrested"
Where is the paper that was taken
from Senior Alvarez Immediately after
he was shot?' Mr.. Grimm queried.
II don't know she replied frankly.
"As l understand II. then, the mo-
tive for the shooting was to obtain
possession Of that paper? For your
government"
The individual who shot Senior Al
varex did obtain the paper, yes. And
now, please, am l to be a~rrested?"
And just what was the purpose.
may l inquire, Of the message you te-
esrslhed With ycnr fan in the ball
room" ss'
"You read that?" exclaimed Miss
Thorne in mock establishment. You
read that?"
And the man who read that mes
sage? Perhaps he shot the senor"
Perhaps" she tainted.
For a long time Mr.. Grimm stood
staring at her, staring, staring. She,
too. rose, and faced him quietly.
Am I to be arrested?" b asked
again.
why do you make me do it," hs
demanded.
THAT is my affair"
Mr.. Grimm laid a hand upon her
arm, a hand that had never known
nervousness. A moment longer he
stared, and then:
Madam. you are my prisoner for
the attempted murder of Senior Al
varez!"
The rings on the portieres behind
him clicked sharply, and the d~raperies