Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1913-12-12

Almost the first person his eyes
lighted upon was a 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. On, to
be sure, he had risen to find out who
had maltreated his bag. Then
Good Heazens! HoltCns hands flew
to his head after the most approved
manner of tragedy, and for moment
he tried to dismiss the surging
thoughts from his mind But no, tie
facts were large and luminous and not
to be denied, and these facts were as
follows: He lad gone asleep in the
car, his bag had been cut open and
rifed. Now, then, Miss La Tossa had
been designated by men who should
know whereof they spoke as 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 q while
he kept his mind fairly well upon the
tale, but eventually Eo found his
| thoughts straying to the girl in front
Of him. Eventually he flung the mag
azIne aside and shifted about uneasilys
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 it is directed does not
feel it, is hardly q satisfactory course
to pursue
With this thought, Holton arose
from his seat ana, with q self-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
locked up. Mr. Holton!" she cried.
The very same" laughed Holton,
and may / ask what strange circum-
stances have brought us together
again?"
Z was just going to ask you that"
HoltCn looked at her curiOusly, hard
~ knowing what reply to make, after
such check.
Where are you going?" he inquired
at length.
ITO Tampa and thence 70 ny home"
she responded.
OH" Holton shifted doubtfully.
I'm going to Tampa, too
Really"
Il trust if | can BE of any service
you will avail yourself Of my pres
ence, Miss La Tcssa,'' he added some
what formally.
Thank you. Won't you sit down?
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-
oGly.
What are you laughing att"
AT your brilliancy. Oh, you are
mastery! And yet she added, they
told me you were so clever"
Il cannot help what people say" he
began, and then, impatient at his OBJ
vious disadvantage, he changed the
subject. Il had the most curious
thing happen to me on this train" he
went on.
Now" she laughed, you promise
to be really entertaining. What was
it? Do tell mel"
81 boarded the car said Holton.
"and fell asleep" She giggled, and
he raised his hand impatiently. Il
fell sleep and while I slept some ras-
cal cut hole in my bag and run-
mayed through the contents"
He glanced at her sharply. But
her face revealed nothing except po-
lite concern.
Indeed" she remarked.
Nothing was stolen" continued the
officer, and l cannot imagine why the
thing was done"
Il think, perhaps, l can tell you,"
she said calmly. You were attached
to the Scorpion. She had been testing
out some new torpedo. You came to
Washington on the eve of war, and
now you hurry away again to Tampa.
Certain persons were DESTROYS to know
whether your departure concerned the
Scorpion, and your bag was searched
for orders or other writings that might
throw light upon the subject
You are frank" Holton looked
at her admiringly. But how do you
happen to know all this?"
Because Tina spy"
Holton's face assumed the color of
perfectly ripened tomato.
"You-you-"
Her hearty laughter brought him TO
a pause.
How astonished you seem to be-"
| She regarded him humorously. why ,"
! she added, 4 really believe he thinSs
now | cut open his bag"
! Holtor brought himself UP VII
Jerk.
Miss la Tossa,T he sa;3 y bow %