The Washington herald., 1916-06-18

Vim Mary laughed. She leaned close
WV to Mona. "Tll look in a minute,
she said. And then: Il know him
His name is Jones-hes a United
States secret service man."
"WenP" said Mona, fatty. "Mary-what has
a secret service man to do with usp"
That's the secret of it, I suppose" said
Mary. AT any rate, we're likely to find out You
know, Mona-there are people who would say
that our way Of getting along was very far from
being what it should be-"
you're right, of course" said Mona. I'm
nervous, think-that's all"
"WeIl-get over it! He's coming over, and
he's going to speak to US. I'm sure! Don't act as
II you thought there was anything odd"
The next moment, indeed Jones beside
them, hat in hand, beaming.
Miss HartIey-AEiss Burnett - said Jones
you don't know how glad I am to see you!
not certain-it is some time since have seen
we must be getting old, Mona !" said Mary,
with laugh. If it takes an effort to recognize
Us"
You're unkind," said Jones, reproachfully
Then, all at once his manner changed Seriously"
he said, 81 am extremely anxious to have a talk
with you. There is matter of the grsvest i'm
portance, in which, believe, you, and you only,
help l wonder if you would in here
with me-and have some tea, perhaps, while we
talk?"
And so, few moments later, they were sit
ting with him at secluded table They gave
been brought, and then he leaned toward them,
Speaking in low, confidential tone
Its my business, as you must know" he
said, TO be aware of good many things. I
know, for example-and I think, too, that
understand, very fully-something of your lives.
know that you have incomes-that the
fort in which you live you must supply your
selves 1t will be simpler if you will believe that
could, il chose, give you very complete sum
mary Of everything that you have done for good
many months"
81 agree - said Jones. 81 will be frank then
You have been able than once, TO get the
best of men who have fanced themselves
tremely cleTer. I want you to undertake the task
once more-and this time, if you succeed, you
will place under the heaviest Of obligations
and you will, what is far more important, do
great service to the United States-a service so
important that it would be impossible to
estimate it,
This country, as you must know" he said,
depends for its security against attack, in very
large measure, upon its coast defenses. To put
the matter briefly, secret that is vital
about to fall into the hands Of a foreign power
most likely to use its knowledge against us!"
OH said Mona. But how could
help"
What has happened is this" said Jones "A
man named Hawkins, let say, in a posi-
tiOn to make tracings of certain drawings-plans,
and He trIsted-he betrayed his trust.
de made the tracings; he has sold them to man
whom shall call Mr.. x. Mr.. occupies posi-
bring a charge against him without proof of the
most definite sort. I am of my facts-but
cannot prove them I know that X is spy of the
most dangerous sort, but I almost alone in
my knowledge"
Where is hep" asked Mary.
Il telling you everything" said Jones.
He will be his way Halifax within few
hours. He will sail from there on a liner that
makes call at Rotterdam. I am certain Of this
and that the plans will be with him. Now-I
want you TO sail on the same steamer, as shall
do myself. l want you to help me to recover
those plans"
Let's do it." said Mary Wed be doing
something for country, Mona Wouldn't that
be worth while?"
81 thought you would feel SO said Jones,
triumphantly. But there will be a more sub
stantial return than that of knowing that you
have done patriotic act I will promise you that
the reward will be adequate-there is large
contingent fund, for which no accounting need be
Nor said Mona, with decision I'D never
Nor r. echoed Mary. "Our expenses-but no
more. Well go gladly, those terms, Mr..
That shall be as you choose, of course" he
said. Can you start tonight? You had better
travel separately, and on the steamer 1t would be
well If you failed, even, to strike up the Gus
tomary ocean acquaintanceship-if you let it ap-
pear that you disliked another. I shall be
aboard, but will know neither of you officially"
The girls nodded Understandings.
1Ou want TO expose Nr. y, don't yOu?' said
Mary. Isn't it true that he has such position
that he is very fully trusted?"
Yes Ny warnings laughed at. There is
no reason why he should not execute this mission,
return, and continue his work. He has covered
his tracks cleverly that he appears to be en-
tirely immune from suspicion. But If can prove
that he has those paPers-and, of couse, get them
from him-his usefulness spy will be at an
end in this country at least. And tell you
that l will regard that the best piece of work
have ever done"
You can count u.s." said Mona. 81 only
hope we will really be able to help! Come Mary
II we re going to start such short notice
must hurry home. It takes time to pack"
1t was matter of moments only to complete
1.-THE few arrangements still to be made. Jones
Furnished them with tickets; he had reserved sew
3ersl state-rooms on the liner, he explained.
Il try to be prepared for emergencies" he
said. "F knew would need help-I didn't know
bt all who would be with me. But there will be
DO delay. I shall not you again until we are
|pn board, and even then, of course, we will meet
es entire strangers"
Does Mr.. X know you?' asked Mary.
Il think not" said Jones, with good deal of
fatisfaction. His people very fond of laugh
Ing at our secret service-but manage to turn
y trick ourselves once in a while"
Even in the hustle of sailing it was not diff