The Tomahawk. [volume] (White Earth, Becker County, Minn.) 1903-192?, 1916-03-23

The event which determined the
course of the clippers fell at Lafayette.
Here q second, and this time long
telegram was handed them, and Haz-
ard, with the aid of little red leather
bound book, translated its phrases.
For it was composed in that one of
the several Sutherland codes that was
used only in cases Of the most ex-
ira ordinary gravity and Importance.
As finally rendered the code message
read thus:
Neither my former message nor this
one is command, but an appeal:
first, to your sense Of loyalty to us,
and next to your patriotism.
For the matter on which you are
so urgently wanted at Washington is
of no less gravity than being one that
vitality affects our government, our
national honor.
prentice Will advise you fully.
1T is the opportunity of your life
time. 1850
Il rely on you.
Am not fully Informed Of all par
ticulars Of Mrs Hazards assignment
A woman operative is wanted, and
neither the Washington nor Pitts
burgh Offices can meet the call just at
this time. Understand the work is
agreeable and will suffice to occupy
her time pleasantly during the ordeal
Of an enforced separation
will expect an immediate favorable
reply. Congratulations and God bless
you both"
When Helen perceived the lean.
hawklike features Of her consort hard
en-, and the dark, intense eyes take
on the old keen look of concentration
and capability with which long asso-
citation had made her familiar, she in
dulged in a covert, enigmatic little
smile and for the second time surrep-
titiously squeezed his long, sinewy
fingers.
1t is enough to say that a favorable
reply, albeit laconic to the point OF
curtness, was flashed to the anxiously
waiting chief back in Chicago.
Arrived finally at Washington with
out further incident, Hazard first dis
covered that he was not obliged to
look up Prentice; that gentleman was
at the station awaiting him. And
then if the bride and groom
wanted anything further to emphasize
the seriousness of the affair that
had so unceremoniously obtruded
itself into the midst Of their new
found happiness, it was plainly mani
fest in the sober, absent, hurried fash
ion with which Prentice offered his con-
gratulations and best wishes.
All during their brief collo4uy he
seemed worried and uneasy.
Felix" he said abruptly at last,
Il don't want to seem rude, but it
won't do for us to be seen together too
much.
Take taxi and ride round half
hour, then come to the office. Meet
you there. I'll start Mrs. Hazard
toward the Interstate National. Her
jobs easy. Something like the DAY.
enant case, only there's no bloodthirsty
dog to be afraid Of Old Jonas Is wait
ing"
And who, pray, is old Jonas?'"
Helen wanted to know.
Prentice stared.
Why" he exclaimed. don't you
know? Lean closer SOS l can whis-
per He's the army and navy
expert that analyses and passes on all
explosives
Mr.. Jonas Hudnutt Helen found to
be an elderly though vigorous man,
hard-eyed and Manufactured, and
brusque both of speech and manner.
Yet he did not appear very formidable.
His first words were question.
fired at her in a dry. hard voice.
Young woman. do you know the
difference between central and east
ern timer
Surprised by this fern of catechism.
for a moment Helen was at loss to
reply.
why, yes" she returned at length.
Eastern time is one hour faster than
central"
A short jerk of Jonas Hudnutts
iron-grav bullet head signiied his ap-
prevail. Said he:
Very good. You appear capable
young woman. I'll instruct you in
your duties as we ride down to Black
water. Country estate of a-er-of
a friend CT mine, across in Virginia.
You won't have much to do, though,
besides taking care of the old clock.
Old family heirloom, you know. Much
priced and revered."
Helen wondered whether she had to
do with lunatic; but the expensive,
high-powered motor that was to speed