The Mena weekly star., 1913-12-25

pocket large bunch of keys, and the man tried several without success. Finally, becoming impatient, he drew the bag to the seat behind Holton, and, drawing his knife, cut long hole near the top. Then, inserting his hand and arm, he fished about for several minutes, but without feeling anything other than wearing apparel and toilet articles.
 Finally he strengthened up and pushed the bag into the place whence it had been withdrawn with the frown- ing remark:
 "Well, we'll have to let him go; we've done our part"
 The two men spent some time in the station, framing a telegram in cipher, which, when completed, was sent to Tampa. Then they disappeared.
 Holton in the meantime slept, and was still asleep when the train moved out Awakened by a sudden turn of the cars, he started bolt upright and looked about him with only a vague idea as to where he was. When he came to a realizing sense of his situ- ation he looked at his watch, and then tried to resume his nap. But this time he did not fall asleep, and so, after fidgeting about for half an hour, he decided to go into the smoker.
 He had some very excellent cigars in his grip. and, pulling out the bag, he leaned down to unlock it, when he saw the long hole which had been cut in the shining pigskin.
 He regarded the damage for a sec locked the valise and searched it thor oughly to see what had been stolen. For his only idea was that some sneak thieves had taken advantage of his slumber
 But, finding everything intact, he was obliged to cast about for another explanation. It was then that the thought of spies occurred to him. Thus thinking, he rose from his seat and looked searchingly over the oc- cupants of his car.
 Almost the first person his eyes lighted upon was girl in the section diagonally opposite him. One glance at her profile was sufficient to send Holton stumbling and gasping back into his seat.
 The girl was Miss La Tossa-
 He thought for a moment. Oh, to be sure, he had risen to find out who had maltreated his bag. Then
 Good Heavens! Holton's hands flew to his head after the most approved manner of tragedy, and for a moment he tried to dismiss the surging thoughts from his mind. But no, the facts were large and luminous and no. to be denied, and these facts were as follows: He had gone asleep in the car. his bag had been cut open and rified. Now, then. Miss La Tossa had been designated by men who should know whereof they spoke as a spy. Miss La Tossa was the only other person in the car-he paused. He just would not think it, that was all
 So. picking up a magazine, he set. tied back in his seat and tried to lose himself in serial story. For a while he kept his mind fairly we'll upon the tale, but eventually he fund his thoughts straying to the girl in front of him. Eventually he flung the mag azine aside and shifted about uneasily
 After all, was he playing the game as he should? Silent contempt was all right if it were only noticed. But silent contempt when the person against whom 1t is directed does not feel 1t, Is hardly satisfactory course to pursue.
 With this thought, Holton arose from his seat and, with a seif-conscious smile. hustled up to Miss La Tossa as though he had just discovered her presence.
 Why, of all things!" he exclaimed. How do you do, Miss La Tossa!"
 Her book fell to the floor and she looked up. MT. Holton!" she cried.
 The very same" laughed Holton, "and may I ask what strange circum- stances have brought us together again?"
 T was just going to ask you that"
 Holton looked at her curiously, hard ly knowing what reply to make, after such a check.
 Where are you goingY" he inquired at length.
 ITO Tampa and thence to my home. she responded.
 "Ohl" Holton shifted doubtfully. I'm going to Tampa. too"
 Really"
 'I trust If I can be of any service you will avail yourself of my pres ence. Miss La Tossa," he added some what formally.
 Thank you. Won't you sit downf That's one service you can perform talk to me; I'm dreadfully bored"
 Holton seated himself obediently.
 "Beastly raw and windy. wasn't it, today?"
 Yes"
 Then she laughed at him unaffect- edly.
 What are you laughing atf"
 At your brilliancy. Oh. you are masterlyl And yet" she added. they told me you were so clever"
 q cannot help what people say" he began, and then, impatient at his ob- vious disadvantage. he changed the subject. q had the most curious thing happen to me on this train" he went on.