The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1911-08-25

~AASAADCA "a JouI AdAuly mtBuI Aor9
seen you unlock the safe some time.
and thus learned the combination?"
Senior Rodriguez did not quite know
whether to be annoyed at Mr.. Grimm's
persistence, or to admire the tenactty
with which he held to this one point
You must understand, Senior
Grimm, that many state documents
are kept in the safe," he said finally.
therefore it is not advisable that any
one, should know the combination.
nave made it an absolute rule, as did
my predecessors here, never to un-
lock the safe in the presence of an
other person"
State Documents" Mr.. Grimm's
lips silently repeated the words Then
aloud: Perhaps there's record Of
the combination somewhere? If you
had died suddenly, for instance, how
would the safe have been opened?""
There would have been only one
way, Senor-blow it open There is
no record"
well, If we accept all that as true"
observed Mr.. Grimm musingly, cit
would seem that you either didn't put
the money into the safe at all, or
please sit down, there's nothing per.
sonal in this-or else the money was
taken out of the safe without It being
unlocked. This last would have been
miracle, and this is not the day OF
miracles, therefore ="
Mr.. Grimm's well modulated voice
trailed off into silence. Senior Rodri.
guez came to his feet with blaze OF
anger in his eyes; Mr.. Grimm was
watching him curiously.
Il understand. Senor," said the mir
lister deliberately. that you beliey
that 1t"
Il believe that you have told tn.
truth" interrupted Mr.. Grimm placid
~, that Is the truth SO far as 20,
know it. But you have stated on
thing In error. Somebody besides your
self does know the combination
Whether they knew it or not at thi
time yesterday I can't say, but some
body knows it now"
Senior Rodriguez drew deep breath
of relief. The implied accusation hat
been withdrawn as pleasantly ant
frankly as 1t had been put forward.
Il ran across a chap in New Yorl
once, for instance" Mr.. Grimm tool
the trouble to explain, who could un
lock any safe--that is, any safe of tn,
kind used at that time-twelve o.
fourteen years ago. So you see.
doubt if he would be 20 successful
with the new models, with all .thei
improvements, but then! You know
ne would have made an ideal burglar
that chap. Now, Senior, who lives her
In the legation with you?"
my secretary, Senior Diaz, m
daughter Inez. and just at the me
! ment, Miss Thorne-Miss Isabe
Thorne," the senior informed hin
Also four servants-two men and tw
women"
I've had the pleasure Of meetin
your daughter and Miss Thorne,' MI
Grimm informed him Nov, suppos
we take look at the safe?"
Certainly"
Senior Rodriguez started toward tn
closed door just as there came a tim
i'd knock from the hall. He glance,
at Mr.. Grimm. who nodded, then h,
called:
Come I'M"
The door opened, and Miss Thorns
entered. She was clad in some filmy
gossamer-like morning gown with hel
radiant hair caught upon her whit,
neck. At sight of Mr. Grimm the blue
gray eyes opened as if in surprise
and she paused irresolutely.
Il beg your pardon, Senor," she
said, addressing the diplomatist, 40
did not know you were engaged. And
Mr.. Grimm!" She extended a slim
white hand. and the young man bowed
low over it. 1--WE are old friends" she
explained, smilingly, to the minister
Then: II think must have dropped
my handkerchief when was in here
yesterday with Inez. Perhaps you
found it?''
Isl. Senorita." replied Senior Rod.
riguez gallantly. 1T is on my desk
in here Just a moment"
He opened the door and passed into
the adjoining room Mr.. Grimm's
eyes met those of Miss Isabel Thorne.
and there was no listlessness in them
now, only interest. She smiled at him
tauntingly and lowered her lids. Senior
Rodriguez appeared from the other
room with the handkerchief.
mil gracias. genor." she thanked
him.
mo hay de que. Senorita," he re-
turned, as he opened the door for her.
Monsieur Grimm. au revoir!" She
dropped little curtsey, and still smil.
ing. went out.
"She is charming. Senor," the diplo.
matist assured him enthusiastically.
albeit irPelevantly. Such vivacity.
such personality. such-such-she is
charming"
THE safe. please" Mr.. Grimm re-
minded him.
Cro BE coNTINUED.)