Rocky Ford enterprise., 1914-12-18

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 few
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. 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
rifled. 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
tust would not think 1t. that was all.
So. picking up a magazine, he set
tied back in his seat and tried to lose
himself in a serial story. For a 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 II 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 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
looked up. "Mr. Holton!" she cried.
THE very same." laughed Holton.
land may l ask what strange circum.
stances have brought US together
again?"
Il 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 goinE!" he inquired
at length.
ITO Tampa and thence to my home
she responded.
"oh!" Holton shifted doubtfulIy.
I'm going to Tampa. too"
Really"
| 81 trust II ! 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.
"Beasuy raw and windy. wasn't It,
today"
YES"
Then she laughed at him unaffest.
edly.
What are you laughing att"
"At your brilliancy. Oh. you are
mastery! And yet" she added. they
told me you were SO clever"
I cannot help what people say" he
began, and then. impatient at his OBJ
vious disadvantage. he changed the
subject. n 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. 81
fell sleep, and while | slept some ras
cal cut a hole in my bag and rum
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 I cannot imagine why the
thing was done"
81 think. perhaps. 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 desirous 10 know
whether your departure concerned the
Scorpion, and your bag was searched
for orders or other writings that nigh,
throw light upon the subject"
You are frank" Holton looked
at her admiringly. But how do you
happen 10 know all this?"
Because I'm a spy"
Holton's face assumed the color O.
perfectly ripeped tomato.
"You-you-"
| han ,tx, tun h., l.
a pause.
How astonished you seem to be-
She regarded him humorously. why
che added. 81 really believe he thinks
now | cut open his bag