The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1914-10-15

power to interest the administration at
Washington in his behalf"
WELL Of all the Oh, l say, Countess,
you don't believe a word Of all this, do
youl"
She regarded me pensively. ''You have
said some very mean. uncivil things to me. ;"
If | thought you believed" l began
desperately but her sudden smile relieved
me of the necessity OF jumping into the river.
by Jove, | shall write to these miserable
sheets, denying every word they've printed.
And what's more, III bring an action for
damages against all Of 'em. Why, it is posi-
lively atrociousl The whole world will think
l despse you and- l stopped very
abruptly in great confusion.
'And-you don't' she queried, with real
seriousness in her voice. ''You don't des
pise me-
Certainly not!" I cried vehemently.
Turning to Poopendyke, said: "Mr.
Poopendyke, will you at once prepare a
complete and emphatic denial Of every da--
of every word they have printed about me,
and III send it to all the American CORE
spondents in Europe. Wen cable it our
selves to the United States. l sha'n't lest
until l am set straight in the eyes CT my
fellow countrymen. The whole world snail
know, Countess, that l am for you first, last
and all the time. II shall know
but you don't know who I am, Mr..
Smart" she broke in, her cheeks very warm
ard rosy. how can you publicly espoise
the cause Of one whose name you refuse to
have mentioned in your presencei'
l dismissed her question with a wave Of
the hand: ''Poopendyke can supply the name
after l have signed the statement. l give
him carte blanche The name has nothing
to do with the case, SO far as l am coa-
cerned Write it, Fred, and make it strong. '"
She came up to me and held out her hand
II knew you would do it" she said softly.
Thanks"
bent low over the gloved little hand.
Don Quixote was happy gentleman,
Countess, with all his idiosyncrasies, and so
am I"
She not only came for dinner with us on
Sunday, but made the dressing for my alliga-
tor pear salad. We were besieged by the
usual crowd of Sunday sight-seers, who came
clamoring at our staunch, reinforced gates
and anathematised me soundly for refusing
admission. One bourgeoise party OF fifteen
refused to leave the plaza until their return
fares on the ferry barge were paid. stou!ly
maintaining that they had come over in
good faith and wouldn't leave until l had
reimbursed them to the extent Of fifty hellers
apiece ferry fare. | sent Briton out with
the money. He returned with the rather dis
quieting news that he had recognised two
of Mr.. Pless' secret agents in the mob.
Il wonder II he suspects that I am
here said the Countess palng pereeptibly
when l mentioned the presence of the two
men.
TT doesn't matter, said I. 'He can.
get into the castle while the gates are locked,
and, by Jove, intend to keep them locked
what q delightful orge you are, Mr..
Smart" said she.
Nevertheless, l did not sleep we'll that
night The presence Of the two detectives
outside my gates was not to be taken too
lightly Unquestionably they had got wind
Of something that aroused suspicion in their
minds. l confidently expected them to re-
appear in the morning, perhaps disguised as
workmen. Nor were my fears wholly un.
justified.
Shortly after nine o'clock sly-faced man
in overas accosted me in the hall
II beg your pardon, Mr. Smart he said
in fairly good English, ''may have a word
with youl I have message from Mr.
Pless.'
don't believe he observed the look of
concern that fitted across my face
From Mr. Plessi'' l inquired, Stimulating
surprise Then looked him over SO curl
ously that he laughed in a quiet simple way
II am an agent Of the secret service
he explained cody Yesterday l failed to
gain admission as a visitor, today I come as
q laborer. We work in mysterious way, |
SIR
ITS II necessary for Mr.. Pless to resort |
to q subterfuge Of this character in order |
to get o message to met l demanded in
dignantly.
He shrugged his shoulders
''It was not necessary yesterday, but II is
today" said he. He leaned closer and low
cred his voice. ''Our every movement is |
being watched by the Countesss detectives.
We are obliged to resort to trickery to throw
them off the scent. Mr.. Pless has read what
you had to say in the newspapers and he is
too grateful, sir, to subject you to unnec
esssry annoyance at the hands of her agents |
Your friendship is sacred to him. He real |
ises that it means great deal to have the |
support of one so powerful with the United |
States government. II we are to work TO-
gether, Mr.. Smart, in bringing this woman
10 justice, II must be managed with extreme
skill or her family may"
"What is this you are sayingi" l broke
in, scarcely able to bslieve my ears.
''I speak English SO badly" he apol |
ogised. Perhaps I should do no more than |
10 give you his message. He would have you |
TO meet him secretly tonight a the Rerpf