Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-13

ferry barge paid stouty maintaining that they had
come over in good faith and wouldn't leave until l had
reimbursed them to the extent of twenty-five cents
apiece ferry fare. sent Britton out with the money
He returned with the rather dlsquetlng news that
he had recognized of Plesss secret agents in the
mob.
al wonder if he suspects am hereo" said the Coun-
tess paing perceptiby when mentioned the presence
of the two
at doesn't matter" said I. "He can't get into the
castle while the gates locked, and-by Jove! IN
tend to keep them locked"
presence of the two detectives outside my gates was
not to be taken too lightly Unquestionaby they had
got wind OF something that aroused Suspicion IN tnelr
minds. confidently expected them to reappear IN the
morning perhaps disguised as workmen. Nor were my
fears wholly unjusthed.
Shortly after nine o'clock syfaced man IN overalls
accosted me in the hail.
al beg your pardon, Mr. Smart he said in fairly
good English, "may l have word with you? have
a message from Mr.. Pess | am agent of the Secret
Service Yesterday failed to gain admission as visi-
tor; today come as laborer We work in a mysterl-
Gus way, Sir
as it necessary for Mr. Pless to resort to suberfuge
nanded Indignantly.
at was not necessary yesterday; but it is today"
said he He leaned closer and lowered his voice. Our
every movement is being watched by the Countess S
detectives. We obliged to resort to trlckery to
throw them off the scent. Mr. Pess has read what you
had to 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 to him.
He realizes that it means great deal to have the sup
port of powerful with the United States govern
ment. If to work together Mr.. Smart in bring
ing this justice, it must be managed with ex-
IRENE skill, or her family may
what is this you are saying!" l broke IN, scarcely
able to believe my
Al speak English so badly" he apologzed. perhaps
should do than to give you his message He
would like YOU to meet him secretly tonight at the
Rempf Hotel the river. 1t is most important
that you should do so, and that you should exercise
to him '''0 ~ y
For an instant was fairly stupefed. Then I expert
enced feeling of relief vast that he must have
the CLEAN of triumph in my eyes. The trick was lne
after all. "You may tell Mr. PesS that will be there
at nine" said l.
The agent departed.
WHEN he was safely out of the room explained
w the situation to Poopendyke, and then made my
way through the panels to the Counesss
8Then 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 mine?"
stood over her, trying my best to scowl You know
better than that You know II as loyal as-as
can be- Hang it ALL" burst out impusvey, "do you
suppose for minute that want to hand you to
that Internal rascal, that I've come tothat is to
say, that we're such ripping good friends?" 49,
She looked up at me very pathet'caly at hrst linen
the most penetrating inquiry Slowly flush crept into
her cheeks and her eyes wavered. Il think can
trust you TOTO do the right thing by me-" she sald
descending to banality in her confusion.
l held out my hand She laid hers in it rather
timidly almost if afraid of me.
al will not fail you'll" said |.
For unaccountable reason she rose hastily from
the chair and walked to the window similar reason
no doubt held rooted rather safely to the spot
which stood. have vague recollection of feeling
dizzy and rather short of breath. My heart acting
queerly.
"Why do you suppose he wants to you? she asked
after moment, turning toward again. She was as
calm a breeze. All trace of nervousness had
left her.
II can't supply guess
"You must be very, very tactfu she said uneaslly.