The Washington herald., 1914-04-19

erior he himself under another's suspicion.
For long time he studied the face he knew
WELL trying vainly to some sign of guile upon
the handsome. stern young countenance. It
more than pulling, more than baffling-that
cusatOry pair of frank grey eyes.
Lieutenant" he began slowly. Il have tried to
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 disappearan
of the papers turned over to You. Can you sug-
gest some other person that might possibly have
interest in their disappearance"
"I can, sir" steadily answered the aide, his
eyes holding those of the older man. II am not,
however, insubOrdinate nor insoent to my sup
eror officer"
The smouldering fame in General Loves eyes
leaped high as he graspad 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 was
carrying the guilty party: Can you tell me any
thing of such knowledge?'
Gibson stared increduousy 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 1t be possible that this old man was
willing to make his daughter a scapegoat for his
crime? No, it was all too unbelievable. And yet
the General must have sold the papers. He could
see no other explanation. But what this tale
of landing aboard the Empress in an aeroplane?
He suddenly felt rush of blood to his head,
mad fury, determination to get the truth of
this whole thing even 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 Marconigram
across the desk
Gibson stared wonderingly at his chief won
dering at the purping OF his already florid face,
the rage that shot streaks of blood across his
eyes as he read and re-read the message Sud-
ed
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 explana-
ton" he muttered. "Ard Lucille is all that
stands between and disgrace. You will come
with me, Lieutenant"
"Yes, 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"
Certainly l sent message Immediately
Harley told his story We can 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
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 unconsciousy support
ing the they walked toward the wireless
station. He did not notice the Generals orderly
hurrying toward them until the man halted in
salute there 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. a mutual fear
for mutual object. Who was this u Iseen enemy
who struck such fierce blows from out of the
dark? And Lucille. sweetheart and daughter,
Lucille. the pampered, dainty, fragile Lucille was