New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-13


the plaza until their return fares on the
ferry barge were paid tou,iy maintaining that they had
come over IN good faith and wouldn't leave until mad
reimbursed them - the extent Of twenty-five cents
apiece ferry fare. | sent Bntton out with the money.
He returned with the rather disqWcting news that
he had recognized two Of Pcsss secret agents in the
mob
tess paling pcrccptibly when mentioned the presence
81 the two men.
at doesn't matter said l. lie can't get into the
castle while the gates are locked andy Jove. m
tend 70 keep them locked. m
Nevertheless | did not sleep well that night. The
presence Of the two detectives outside my gates was
not 10 be- taken too lightly. Cnqucsuonably they had
got wind Of something that aroused suspicion IN their
minds confidently expected them to reappcar IN the
morning perhaps disguised workmcn Nor were my
fears wholly unlustiicd.
shortly after nine o'clock slyaccd man in ovcralls
accostcd me IN the hall.
Il beg your pardon Mr.. Smart" he said in fairly
good English "inay have a word with YOU, have
a message from Mr.. Plcss. am agent OF the secret
Service Yesterday failed 10 gain admission rs visi-
tor; TODAY come as a laborcr. We work in a mystcrl-
way, Sir.
as il necessary for Mr. Pcss to resort to a subcrugc
Of this character in order to get message TO me; de-
mandcd Indignantly
1T was not necessary Yesterday; but IT IS today,
said he He leaned closer and lowered his voice our
every movement is being watched 10y the Countess
detectives. We obliged 10 resort to trckcry 10
throw them off the scent Mr. Plcss has read what YOU
had say in the newspapers, and he IS too grateful,
Sir To subject YOU TO unnecessary annoyance at the
hands Of her agents Your friendship is sacred 10 him.
He realizes that il great deal To have the sup
port OF powerful with the United States govern
mcnt. If TO work together, MIR. Smart in bring
ing this to justice it must be managed with ex-
trcmc skill her family may
what is this YOU are saying | broke IN, scarcely
able 10 believe nv ears.
Il speak English 50 badly, he apoogzcd. "Pcrhaps
should do no more than TO give you his message lie
would like YOU to meet him secretly tonight at the
Rcmpf Hotel the river. 1t is most important
that YOU should do 50, and that you should exercise
great caution. am to get your reply and take IT back
TO him.
For an instant was fairly stupefed Then | expert
cnccd feeling of relief vast that he must have
the CLEAN OF triumph in my eyes. The trick mine,
after all you may tell Mr.. Pcss that will be there
at nine" said |.
The agent departed.
WHEN he was safely out Of the room; | explained
w the situation to Poopendyke, and then made my
way through the secret panels to the Countesss
"Thcn YOU don't intend to send out the statements
she cried in disappointment. "You going to let
everyone think YOU are his friend and not mnc?'
stood over her, trying my best to scowl. "Nou know
better than that You know II am loyal as-aS
be- Hang it all" burst out impulsively, do you
suppose for a minute that want to hand you over to
that Internal rascal now that I've to-that is to
say, that were such ripping good friends?'
She looked up at me very pathctcaly at first. Then
her expression changed swiftly to of wonder and
the most penetrating inquiry. Slowly flush crept into
her cheeks and her eyes wavcred. 81 think | can
trust you TOTO do the right thing by me- she said,
descending to a banaty in her confusion.
held out my hand. She laid hers in it rather
timldy, almost as if afraid OF me-
81 will not fail youl said J.
For unaccountabe reason she rose hastily from
the chair and walked to the window. similar reason
doubt held rooted rather safely to the spot on
which stood have "A vague recollection of feeling
dizzy and rather short of breath My heart acting
queerly.
"Why do you suppose he wants to see YOU she asked
after a moment, turning toward me again. She as
calm as a summer breeze. All trace Of nervousness had
left her
Il can't even supply guess
"You must be very, very tactfu she SAID uneasily