Arizona republican., 1914-07-03

cror he himself was under anoher's suspicion
For long time he studied the face he knew SO
we'll trying vainlv to some sign of guile upon
the handsome. stern young counenance. 1t was
more than pulling, more than baiflDg-that ac
cusatory pair of frank grey eyes.
Lieutenant he began slowly, 81 have tried to
think of some solution to this affair that viii not
involve you. You must realize how greatly de-
sire this. But I have thought for hours and there
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 disap?earance?'
Il can. sir steadily answered the aide, his
eyes holding those Of the older Il am not,
however, insubordnate nor insolent to my sup
erior officer
The smouldering fame in General Loves eyes
leaped high as he grasped the sem-accusation. BY
an effort he mastered himself, forcing his voice to
steadness
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 any
thing of such 1nowledge?'
Gibson stared ncreduously 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. pierre
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 all too unbelievable. And vet
the General must nave SOLD the papers. he COulu
see no other explanation. But what was this tale
of landing aboard the Empress in aeropane?
He suddenly felt rush of blood to his head. a
mad fury determination to get the truth of
this whole thing though obliged to wiring
it from the old mans throat. Unconscousy he
took a step closer the desk when the orderly
again entered silently passing Marconigram
the desk.
Gibson stared wonderingly at his chief,
dering at the purpling of his already horid face,
the raU that shot StrpaLS Of blood his
eyes 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 "Not the aide. General Love sold me
papers"
The lieutenant felt a warm 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 an eXplana-
ton" he mutered. "And Lucille is all that
stands between us and disgrace. You will come
with me- Lieutenant
eyes, sir. You have some idea-
ITO the provisional governor curtly an
swered the old soldier, until this charge can be
sifted. Meanwhile. will wait until there is
word from Lucille in answer to the message
sent"
"a message? You did not mention that"
"Certainlv j sent message Immediately
Harley told his story. We drop in there on
the way to the Governors mansion"
Gibson nodded shortly. He in 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
bitterness which had been his during his con
fnement He felt himself wondering whether
the old man could clear himself of the charge
against him. felt himself unconsciously support
ing the they walked toward the wireless
station. He did not notice the Generals orderly
h,rrying toward them until the man halted in
salute there on the parade grounds, the moon
casting an eerie shadow across his olive khaki.
"Sir,' he reported. 'the operator has tried
to reach the Empress but there is no response.
Her wireless must be disabled
General Love stared at his aide. Fear
cleaned in the eyes of both men, mutual fear
for a mutual object. Who 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