The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1913-12-19

| lighted upon was a girl in the section
diagonally opposite him. One glance
at her profile was sufficient to senC
Holton stumbling and gasping back
into his seat.
The girl was Miss La Tossa.
He thought for a moment. On, tc
be sure, he had risen to find out who
had maltreated his bag. Then
Good Heavens! Holton's hands few
to his head after the most approved
manner of tragedy, and for a moment
he tried to dismiss the surgng
thoughts from his mind. But no, the
facts were large and luminous and not
to be denied, and these facts were as
follows: He had 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 a spy.
Miss La Tossa was the only other
person in the car-he paused lie
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 while
he kept his mind fairly well upon the
tale, but eventually he found 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 it Is directed does not
feel 1t, is hardly satisfactory course
to pursue.
With this thought, Holton arose
from his seat and with self-conscious
smile, hustled up to Miss La Tossa As
though he had just discoveredr her
presence.
why, of all things!" he Exclaimed.
How do you do, Miss "a Tossa!"
Her book fell to ting floor and she
looked up. Mr.. HoIkon!" she cried.
,ns.sse VERY ssr 99hies;-slaughed Holton,
"and may l ask what strange circum,
stances have brought us together
again."
81 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 going?" he inquired
at length.
ITO Tampa and thence to my home,
she responded.
"Oh!" Holton shifted doubtfully
I'm going to Tampa. too"
Really"
Il trust If l 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 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
eddy.
What are you laughing att"
"At your brilliancy. Oh, you are
mastery! And yet" she added, "they
told me you were so clever"
81 cannot help what people say" hi
began, and then, impatient at his oh
vious disadvantage, he changed thu
subject. 81 had the most curious
thing happen to me on this train." hi
went on.
Now" she laughed, you promise
to be really entertaining. What wa
it? Do tell mel"
81 boarded the car" said Holton
and fell asleep" She giggled, an,
he raised his hand impatiently.
fell sleep, and while slept some ras
cal cut hole in my bag and rum
mayed through the contents"
He glanced at her sharply. Blu
her face revealed nothing except DC
lite concern.
Indeed" she remarked
Nothing was stolen" continued tn
officer, "and l cannot imagine why tn
thing was done"
81 think, perhaps, I can tell you,
she said calmly. You were attaches
to the Scorpion. She had been testin
out some new torpedo. You came t
Washington on the eve of war, an
now you hurry away again to Tampa
Certain persons were DESTROYS to kno,
whether your departure concerned tn
Scorpion, and your bag was searche
for orders or other writings that Nigh
throw light upon the subject"
You are frank" Holton locke
at her admiringly, But how do 20
happen to know all this?"
Because I'm spy"
Holton's face assumed the color c
perfectly ripened Il nato.
"You-you-"
Her hearty laughter brought him t
a pause.
How astonished you seem to be,
She regarded him humorously. why
she added. 81 really believe he think
now cut open his bag"
Holton brought himself up with
jerk.
Miss La Tossa," he said, 81 bow {