The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-23

HW#1EM been following for ten minutes. N E<Y0 I've him before, but can't &Plt~ place him"
 N V%lNN Mary laughed. She leaned close N VIV to Mona. "Il look in minute," N O she said. And then: q know him N His name is Jones-he's a United K States secret service man." "Well2" said Mona, fatly. "Mary-what has \ secret service to do with us?" That's the secret of it, suppose!" said Mary. At any rate, we're likely to find out. You know, Mona--there people who would say that way of getting along was very far from ! being what it should be-.
 Ii You're right, of course" said Mona. I'm nervous I think-that's all" "Well--get it! He's coming over, and he's going to speak to us. I'm sure Don't act as | If you thought there was anything odd" The next moment, indeed, Jones was beside them, hat in hand beaming. i Miss Hartley-Nliss Burnettw said Jones. I "You don't know how glad I am to you! was not certan--it is some time since have seen anything of you"
 eve must be getting old, Mona !" said Mary, with laugh. If it takes an effort to recognize You're unknd," said Jones, responsibility. Then all at once his manner changed. Seriously" | he said, T am extremely anxious to have talk with you. There is matter of the gravest inn portance, in which, believe, you, and you only, 1 can help I wonder if you would come in here with me-and have some tea, perhaps while we talk?"
 And so few moments later they were sit- ting with him at a secluded table. They gave their order he waited until the tea things had been brought, and then he leaned toward them, speaking in a low, confidential tone.
 Its my business, you must know," he said, ''to be aware of good many things know, for example-and I think, too, that I understand, very fuly-something of your lives. I know that you have no incomes-that the com fort in which you live you must supply your selves It will be simpler if you will believe that I could, if I chose, give you very complete sum- mary of everything that you have done for good many months!"
 q agree!" said Jones. q will be frank, then. You have been able more than once, to get the best of who have fancied themselves ex- tremey clever. I want you to undertake the task once more-and this time, if you succeed you will place me under the heaviest of obligations and you wi what is far important, do great service to the United States-a service important that it would be impossible to estimate it!
 "This country as you must know," he said, depends for it's security against attack, in very large measure, upon it's coast defenses. To put the matter briefly, secret that is vital seems about to fall into the hands of foreign power and of that fore power moreover which !; is
 "Oh" said Mona. But how could we help-?"
 What has happened is this," said Jones. "A man named Hawkins, let say, was in posi- tion to make tracings of certain drawings-plans, and so on. He trusted-he betrayed his trust. He made the tracings; he has sold them to man whom I shall call Mir. X. Mir X occupies posi- tion of responsibility It would be impossible to bring charge against him without proof of the most definite sort. am sure of my facts-but I cannot prove them know that X is spy of the most dangerous sort, but I almost alone in my knowledge"
 "Where is he?" asked Mary
 q telling you everything" said Jones. He will be his way to Halifax within few hours He will sail from there 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 steamer, as shall 1O I tO m O those plans.'
 "Let's do it." said Mary. "we'd be doing something for our country, Mona Wouldn't that be worth while?"
 q thought you would feel so!' said Jones, riumphantly. But there will be more sub stantial return than that of knowing that you have done patriotic act. will promise you that the reward will be adequate-there is large contingent fund, for which accounting need be nade-"
 "No!" said Mona with decision. "Id never
 ''Nor !" echoed Mary. "Our expenses-but no more. We'll go gladly those terms, MT. Jones'"
 That shall be as you choose, of course,' he Baid. Gan you start tonight? You had better ravel separately, and on the steamer it would be we'll if you failed, even, to strike up the GUS Eomary ocean acquaintanceship-if you let it ap- bear that you disliked one another. I shall be board, but will know neither of you officially"
 The girls nodded understandngly.
 You want to expose Mir. X, don't you?" said Mary. Isn't it true that he has such position hat he is very fully trusted?"
 "Yes My warnings are laughed at. There is ho reason why he should not execute this mission, return, and continue his work He has covered bis tracks cleverly that he appears to be birely immune from suspicion. But if I prove hat he has those papers-and of couse, get them rom him-his usefulness spy will be at an md, in this country at least And I can tell you hat will regard that the best piece of work have done"
 You count us," said Mona. "I only pope will really be able to help! Come, Mary we're going to start on such short notice we must hurry home. It takes time to pack'
 It matter of moments only to complete he few arrangements still to be made. Jones furnished them with tickets; he had reserved sev- ral state-rooms the liner, he explained.
 II try to be prepared for emergencies" he aid. 1T knew would need help-I didn't know It all who would be with But there will be 10 delay. I shall not see you again until we are n board, and even then, of course, we will meet entire strangers"
 Does MT. X know you?" asked Mary.
 "I think not" said Jones' with good deal of atisfaction. His people are very fond of laugh hg at our secret service-but we manage to turn
 trick ourselves in while"
 Even in the hustle of sailing it was not diff- ult for the two girls to make guess as to which