The daily sentinel., 1914-05-13

auOther's
For long time he studied the face he knew so
well, trying vainly to see some sign of guile upon
the handsome, stern young countenance. 1t
more than puzzling, more than baffling-that
cusatory pair of frank grey eyes.
Lieutenant" he began slowly, 81 have tried 10
think of some solution to this affair that will not
involve you You must realize how greatly de-
sire this But have thought for hours and there
seems no other explanation of the disappearance
of the papers turned over to you. Can you sug-
gest some other person that might possibly have
an interest in their disappearance?"
Il can, SIR steadily answered the aide, his
eyes holding those of the older man. 81 am not,
however. insubordinate nor insolent to my sup
erior officer"
The smouldering flame in General Loves eyes
leaped high as he grasped the semi-accusation By
an effort he mastered himself, forcing his voice to
steadiness.
Harley, the aviator, has just reported that
Lucille came to him this evening and persuaded
him to take her to the Empress. She evidently
felt she possessed information that would clear
you of this charge and that the Empress
carrying the guilty party Can you tell me any
thing of such knowledge?"
Gibson stared incredulously at his superior.
His lips opened to repeat the name of the ship
though what he heard unbelievable to
him. He felt the Generals eyes upon him. piero-
ing him, searching into the very depths of his
soul. Could it be possible that this old man
willing to make his daughter scapegoat for his
crime? No, it was all too unbelievable. And yet
the General must have sold the papers. He could
no other explanation. But what this tale
of landing aboard the Empress in aeropane?
He suddenly felt rush OF blood to his head,
mad fury. a determination to get the truth OF
this whole thing though obliged to wiring
it from the old mans throat. Unconsciously he
took step closer the desk when the orderly
again entered, silently passing a Marcontgram
across the desk.
Gibson stared wondcringly at his chief, won
dcring at tho purpling of his already forid face,
the rage that shot strealss of blood across his
eyes as he read and re-read the message. Sud
denly with choking laugh the old man tossed
the wireless to his aide. the last blow of Hugo
Loubeque: mot the aide General Love sold me
papers,"
The lieutenant felt throb of pity
for the old man: He seemed suddenly to have
aged, to be on the verge of collapse under this
mysterious charge The General Strengthened
slowly, rising from his chair.
Somewhere, somehow there Is explana-
ton" he muttered. "And Lucille Is all that
stands between us and disgrnce You will come
with me-. Lieutenant"
Eyes, sir. You hare some idea"
"To the provisional governor" curtly an
swered the old soldier until this charge can be
sifted. Meanwhile, win wait until there is
word from Lucille in answer to the message
sent"
"a message? You did not mention that"
R'Certainly I sent message immediately
Harley told his story. We drop in there on
the way to the Governors mansion"
Gibson nodded shortly. He was in a haze
STILL feeling that his suspicious of the old officer
had been unfounded. knowing that some evil
brain was conniving at their destruction.
Pity for the General took the place of the
fnement He felt himself wondering whether
the old man could clear himself Of the charge
against him, felt himself unconsciously support
ing the man they walked toward the wireless
station. He did not notice the Generals orderly
hurrying toward them until the halted in
salute there on the parade grounds, tho moon
casting eerie shadow across his olive khaki.
"Sir," he reported, "the operator has tried
to reach the Empress but there II no response.
Her wireless must be disabled
General Love stared at his aide Fear
MI iv,f ftao ,fh hntl man tI1al
for mutual object. Who wos this unseen enemy
who struck such fierce blows from out of the
dark? And Lucille, sweetheart and daughter,
LUCILLE the pampered. dainty fragile Lucille was