The Washington herald., 1914-03-09
THE FLAMING
DIAGRAM


der and watched with sly and crafty
eyes the trembling hand that was trans
ferring TO bit OF paper the great secret
that had existed only in the inventor s
mind. His lips curled into triumphant
smile as Frank Erickson. the old in
ventor began 20 write out the formula
that was expected to revolutionize war
fare apd change the political map OF the
civilized world.
wiry arms flung him aside. Thorwald
Erickson. the old inventors son, stood
beside him with clenched fists and eyeing
him contemptuously.
II have a good mind to thrash you,"
he snarled You came here our guest
and my sisters fiance and take sdvant-
age of our friendship by prying into my
fathers private affairs. An honest mans
fist is too good for you. There's the
door. Now goI'
The Young foreigners eyes blazed
hatred and defiance. The gray-haired in
ventor had left his chair and regarded
the scene with puzzled eyes. slender
young woman stepped up TO Thorwald
and laid a restraining hand on his arm.
Tears glistened in the frinses OF her
eyes.
He isn't worth your tears. Sis" said
1horwaId. HE is a sneaking coward.
! happened to be watching him. While
father was writing out the formula he
snesked Up behind him, hoping TO steal
the secret that foreign governments
haven't been able TO buy with all their
millions. You must forget that you ever
knew him. Sis
The young woman fixed a piercing
glance on Brack. ''Is it true?" she de-
manded For a moment his shifty eyes
net hers. and then his glance fell
1T is true, then-I see it," and the
girl pointed to the door. Il never want
to see you again-never." The, words
sounded as if wrmg from aching depths.
With mocking laugh Brack bowed and
left the room.
The old invento- crumpled a piece of
paper in his hand. Il hadn't written
enough to do him any good he mur-
INJURED. But it shows how careful wel
must be-so many people are trying to
steal it. Only the other day Diagram
offered me three millions il | would give
II to his government l wonder if Do,
you suppose that?
The old inventor looked thouchtfullv at
his son. do you suppose that Brack had
been bribed by Diagram to get the
formula?'
"A sneak like Brack is capable of any
thing said the young man contemptu-
ously. Il have long suspected that he /
is a spy. though he is working as a.
It's an open secret in Washington that
Diagram is the chief of his country's
spy system here. l wouldn't be at all
surprised to learn that Brack was in his
PAY
The old man tottered TO his desk |
rhorwald went back to his sister, who
was still struggling with tears.
There, Lillian dear, you must be !
brave" He csressed. her rebellious
tresses and kissed her. Il know it's
hard. but it's better to find out now
what a scoundrel he is than. GooG! I
jus. knew you would soon be smiling
again.
Lillian brushed away her tears and
smiled at her father. who had approach ID
them with an envelope in his hand. But
an expression OF alarm crept into her
face as she noticed his pale and haggard
face l.
Il think our secret is safe now said
the inventor. Il have written out the
formula in such way that only you two
will understand ii. | am putting it in
sealed envelope to be deposited in a
ment. 1t is to be opened only after myi
death and only in your presence. The
key which explains the formula will be
found in my desk
His voice faltered. and as Lillian led
him 10 his room n" staggered like 4
broken man whose work lS completed.
4 few days later. his fevered mind
still busy with the great secret. he died
in the arms of his son and daughter. and
after their grief had subsided they real
lied il was time to get the envelope.
''l'll send it TO you by messenger" tele-
Ihoned a secretary in the War Depart
ment. "Oh yes. il will be safe. He is an
old and trusted man and We will send
him over in an automobile.
Thorwald and Lillian waited. a weird
silence between them. In a little while
the great secret that had throbbed in a
dying mans mind would be in their pos
session. Thorwald stepped TO the window |
and looked out. The automobile bringing | 1
the messenger and the tremendous secret
was not in sight. He idgeted nervously. I
Lillian sought 10 fight back subtle (
sense of fear. After Rncther long wait I
ThoTwald stepped to the telephone.
His face had turned ar ashen pailor I
when he again faced his sister The d
police have just learned that the auIc- s
mobile was held up by thugs and The
messenger kidnapped" lie groaned. Then l
his face frightened THE formula will !
10 them no good without the key" he J
said. '
II was thinking of that" replied Lillian /
But can't you see what their {
next step will be? They will attack US S
here in the hope OF finding the key"