The Washington herald., 1914-06-06
THE NATIONS PERL.


and smiled shyiy at Clifford. But after
the one tiunid glance OF recognition she
was once more absorbed In her reading.
"Queer." mumbied the Secret Service
agent as he slowly walked away; II was
almost sure she was In Washington. fs
1t possible that
He whistled softly. He had met Ma
talie Brien at the embassy ball just
before his departure for Honolulu on a
mission, the nature Of which was known
to but a few Of his associates in the
service. No doubt he had Whispered silly
things in her ear during their brief con-
versation in the conservatory. and he
wondered IL the secrecy Of her big. black
eyes had coaxed from him the secret OF
his mission to Honolulu, He could not
remember.
The girls presence on the steamer
suggested number Of possibilities
Clifford weighed and sifted them all as
he walked the deck. Suddenly he felt
some one brushing against him. and .ne
next moment a slip of paper was thrust
into his hand. 1t happened 50 quickly
that before he had recovered from the
surprise the man who had tostled him
was gone. He opened the note, whlch
was written in a feminine hand:
"You must be careful. Take no wine
with your dinner tonight Certain per-
sons are determined that you shall be
seized with a sudden and serious illness
"A FRIEND"
clifford smiled as he folded and pocket
ed the note. He was sure 1t was from
Natalie Brien. for there was no otner
woman on the steamer who could take
the slightest interest in his welfare. But
II rather surprised him that Natalie,
cousin of one of the cleverest and most
tA4o
should have troubled to send him a note
Of warning.
Keep your eye on Brien.' he told
Haskins, his assistant, shortly after
ward. Better watch him pretty closely
tonight. He Is planning something dig.
You might as well take these papers
too II anything should happen to pre-
vent me from delivering them. you VIII
know what to do with them"
Haskins pocketed the papers, and Cliff
ford resumed his walk. Although he
knew that Brien and his associates were
desperate enough for anything, Natalie's
mote had disquieted him. At any rate.
they were less likely to do violence to
Haskins. and the papers would be safer
with him.
you are not dining tonight" He
heard a low. melodious voice, and when
he turned Natalie Brien stood beside
him. They were in an unfrequented and
sparsely illumined place.
No. you see i am needing your warn
ing Immensely obliged to you for send
ing me that note. didn't know you
were on the Oceanic until / saw you this
afternoon
Il think you have been too busy
watching my cousin to notice poor little
me?' she suggested. smiling up at him
mischieyously.
Then you know
Did you really think was stupid
enough not to know why you were going
to Honolulu" She slapped his arm In
mock severity Just to prove that 1
am not as dense as you think. / am
going to tell you. You intercepted a GER
tain document received at our embassy.
Is 1t not so? This paper directed my
cousin to so to Honolulu and obtain
certain information concerning the gen.
eral plan of defenses. You are following
him to thwart his design"
You are very discerning person." OBJ
served Clifford. -.--. .s
In addition" pursued the girl "you
are carrying certain papers which you
are to deliver TO 4 certain great per
sonage at Honolulu. Am / not right?'
You seem to have a most wonderful
fund OF information. There would be no
use denying what you have said But /
can't understand why you work against
your cousin and your own people out Of
friendship for me-"
She laughed tremulously. "Can't you
guessT she said, and before Clifford had
time to venture surmise she had run
away from him.
He was about to pursue her, but a
sudden shrek. a roar OF steel and a
frantic shouting caused him to forget
Natalie for the moment The steamer
had stopped. From excited comment he |
learned a man had gone overheard He
peered over the railing into the waters |
That cleaned uncannily in the glare Of |
The electrics overhead. A man was be- |
ng hoisted aboard.
Haskins." he muttered
Dirty rat" fumed Haskins as he |
Triggled into a change of dry clothing.
Almost got me that time. Guess he or |
'ne of his spies saw you hand me those
'apers. Anyhow
II understand nodded Clifford
I'll get even with him." threatened |
daskins sullenly.
But the following day the slippery
oreign spy was nowhere to be Seen Clif-
ord and Haskins searched the ship for
Inn and made repeated inquiries, but to
10 avail. The captain assured them the
teamer had not been in touch with any
'osition that he might have left the
teamer was out Of the question
"Brien is not the sort of man who is
.pt to commit suicide" mumbled Clifford
He must be on the steamer somewhere.
But"
A girl looked UP from her chair and
hrew him mischievous glance. Clifford
vas inclined to question her, but realized
hat she might be embarrassed IL they
we're seen together. He was still search
ng for the elusive spy when his ex-
'erience of the day before was repeated
nd he found a note in his hand
you disappoint me- 1t should not be
ifhcults to find the man YOU are seek
ng. People are not in the habit Of
vaporating into mist. How do you know
am not carrying my cousin along as
'aggage to save passage?
YOUR FRIEND"
Clifford's tubed lips emitted a long
whistle. What a brick OF a girl she is
and what simpleton am.'' he unused.
She has learned that her cousin is hid
ng In trunk or some such thing, and
bis is her way Of suggesting II to me-"
ie spent the remainder of the afternoon
the steerage, and when he
net Haskins in the evening he smiled
landly
Il found trunk as big as a chorus
iris. and 1t has air holes" he en-
ghtened
And probably a murderous little rat
I a spy inside" guessed Haskins.
You watch It." suggested Clifford. |
And to make sure he doesn't escape
ii do little sentinel duty above"
Haskins srinned broadly happy in an
cipation Of the sweets Of revenge But
hen the steamer touched mort he came !