The Holly chieftain., 1914-10-02


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
just 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 serial story. For q 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
azlne aside and shifted about uneasily.
After all, was he playing the game
as he should? Silent contempt was
all right II 1t were only noticed But
silent contempt when the person
against whom 1t Is directed does not
feel it. 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,
"and 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 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"
II 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-
edly.
What are you laughing at?"
AT your brilliancy. Oh, you are
mastery! And yet" she added. "they
told me you were SO clever"
Il cannot help what people say" he
began, and then, impatient at his OBJ
vious disadvantage, he changed the
subject. 81 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. az
fell sleep, and while slept some ras-
cal cut 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 cannot imagine why the
thing was DONE"
Il think, perhaps, l 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 to know
whether your departure concerned the
Scorpion, and your bag was searched
for orders or other writings that might
throw light upon the subject"
you are frank" Holton looked
at her admiringly. But how do you
happen to know all this?"
Because I'm spy"
Holton's face assumed the color Of
a perfectly ripened tomato.
"You-you-"
Her hearty laughter brought him to
a pause.
How astonished you seem to bel"
She regarded him humorously. why"
she added, 81 really believe he thinks
now | cut open his bag"
Holton brought himself up with a
Jerk.