Rocky Ford enterprise. (Rocky Ford, Colo.) 1887-1950, 1911-12-15

sion. am glad-glad, you under
stand; glad that you were not" She
stopped and fought back her emotions,
then went on: But you must not
come in; you must go away at once.
Your-your life is in danger here"
How did you know / was coming?"
inquired Mr.. Grimm.
From the moment Mr.. Howard tel.
ephoned,' she replied, still hastily,
still in the mysterious half whisper.
II knew that it could only be some
one from your bureau. and l hoped
that it was you. l saw how you
forced him 10 call us up here, and
that was all you needed. 1t was sim
pie. of course. to trace the telephone
call" Both of her hands closed over
one of his desperately. Now, go.
please. The Latin compact is at an
end; you merely invite death here.
Now, go!"
Her eyes were searching the list
less face with entreaty in them; the
slender fingers were tiercely gripping
one of Mr.. Grimm's nerveless hands.
For an instant some strange, soften
ing light fickered in the young mans
eyes, then 1t passed.
Il have no choice, Miss Thorne," he
said gravely at last. 81 am honor
bound by my government to do one
of two things. If fail in the first of
those-the greater-it can only be
because"
He stopped; hope famed up in her
eyes and she leaned forward eagerly
| studying the impassive face.
Because" she repeated.
at can only be because / am kill
ed" he added quietly. Suddenly his
whole manner changed. ~ should like
to see the-the INVENTOR"
But don't you see-don't you see
you will be killed If" she began
tensely.
May I see the inventor, please?"
Mr.. Grimm interrupted.
For little time she stood, white
and rigid, staring at him. Then her
lids fiuttered down YEARLY, as If to
veil some crushing agony within her.
and she stepped aside. Mr.. Grimm
entered and the door closed noiseless.
ly behind him. After a moment her
hand rested lightly on his arm, and
he was led into room to his left.
|
ly turning to face him.
| I'VE may talk here a few minutes
without interruption" she said in a
low tone. Her voice was quite calm
now. IF you will be-"
please understand. Miss Thorne."
he interposed mercilessly, that
must see the inventor, whoever he is.
What assurance have l that this is
not some ruse to permit him to es-
. cape?"
You have my word OF honor" she
said quite simply.
| Please go on lie sat down.
You will see him too soon, fear"
she continued slowly. IF you had not
come to him he would have gone to
you" She swayed Il little and pressed
one hand to her eyes. Il would to
God it were in my power to prevent
that meeting," she exclaimed desper-
ately. Then, with an effort: There
are some things l want TO explain to
you. 1t may be that you will be will
ing to go then of your own free will.
II ! lay bare to you every step / have
taken since ! have been in Washing
ton; If ! make clear to you every OBJ
scure point in this hideous intrigue;
IL l confess to you that the Latin com.
pact has been given up for all time.
won't that be enough? Won't you 60
them"
Mr.. Grimm's teeth closed with a
snap.
81 won't want that-from you." he
declared.
But if / should tell It all to you?
she pleaded
81 won't listen. Miss Thorne. You
once paid me the compliment of say.
ing that I was one man you knew in
whom you had never been disappoint-
ed" The listless eyes were blazing
into her own now. Il have never
been disappointed in you. will not
permit you to disappoint me now. The
secrets of your government are mine
II can get them-but l won't allow
you to tell them to me-
MY government Miss Thorne re-
peated, and her lips curled sadly. IT
i have no government. have been
cast of by that government, stripped
OF my rank. and branded as a trai-
tori"
Traitor" Mr.. Grimm's lips formed
the word silently.
81 failed. don't you see?" she rushed
on. 'Ignominy is the reward of fall
ure. Prince d'Abruzzi went on to
New York that night. cabled full
account of the destruction of the COM
pact to my government. and sailed
home on the following day. I was the
responsible one. and now 1t all comes
back on me" For a moment she was
silent ITS so singular. Mr.. Grimm.
The fight from the first was between
us-we two; and you won
(TO BE CoNTINUED)