The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-11-16
FOURTEENTH lNSTALLMENT

Hope. realizing that the interna-
tionai situation must be grave indeed
TO cause the bureau OF intelligence TO
Bend him so urgent n summons, within
an hour was on his way to Washing
ton
Admiral Burnside left instructions
that he was TO be notified as soon as
you arrived" the secretary who took
Hopes card Informed him. "I'll let
him know that you are here"
Almost Immediately he returned.
The admiral wishes you to appear be-
fore the board. SIR" he reported, add
Ing In confidential undertone.
They're looking mighty worried
=. hope you have good news for
them"
'rm glad 10 see you back, Lieuten-
ant Hope" said Admiral Burnside
kindly. "You come at very oppor-
tune time. | trust you can give US
some encouragement as to the chances
OF finding Doctor Burke's invention"
I'm afraid can't sir" replied Hope.
Il fear that there is only a slight
chance OF finding the formula"
''Be sented," said the admiral, "and
let us hear the story. Your reports
have been very brief and we have had
none OF the details"
Whereupon Hope briefly sketched
the extraordinary story OF the search
for the lost formula.
Throughout this amazing narrative
the hard-headed old sea-fghters about
the table sat spellbound.
"By George !" one OF them burst out
as Hope concluded. TITS the most in
teresting story I ever listened to. II
beats a novel by oppenheim."
1T is indeed n most interesting mar
rative, Lieutenant Hope" said the
chairman, "and | can assure you that
your services In this matter will not be
forgotten. only wish that you had met
with better success. for II there was
ever n time In our history when we
stood In need Of such weapon as
this Invention OF Doctor Burke would
place In our hands, II Is now. ! will
be frank with you. Mr.. Hope. The
nation finds itself today In n grave.
not TO say perllous, situation. A for
eign power. whose name there Is no
need to mention, taking advantage OF
the Mexican imbroglio. has presented
60 this government certain demands
which are, to all lntents and purposes,
an ultlmatum. Our national honor will
not permit us to agree TO these de-
mands which are humlllatlng In the
extreme, yet to enter into n war with
first-class power Mt the present time,
with our navy sadly deficient In ships
and mCA and our army engaged In
Mexico. would only Invite disaster.
The only thing that would save the
situation for us would be the discov-
cry OF Doctor Burke's invention. With
such weapon In our hands, the safe
~ of our COASTS and harbors would
be virtually assured. for under such
circumstances ! doubt II any power
would expose Its navy to the risk OF
destruction by attacking us. You see,
therefore, how much depends on find
ing this formula. Now that you are
acquainted with the situation that con-
fronts u.s. are you still OF the opinion
that II is useless TO continue the
senrch?"
"The formula has not been de-
strOyed." said Hope. AT least we
have no reason 20 believe that II has.
And as long as II is In existence there
is always chance, even though a
very slim one. Of Its being found"
-Arr yuu willing to resume the
searchi" asked the chairman. ~ am
not giving you an order, Lieutenant
Hope-I am asking you question"
Hope rose and saluted. "WIth your
permission, SIR" he spld briefly, II
will start for the coast t0Nig ght."
Though Hope had received no an.
Swer to the wire which he had sent
Cleo from New York, informing her
that he had broken his engagement tc
Inez Machin and that he was return
ing to California to marry her, he con
jectured that the message might have
been delayed In reaching her.
Within an hour after his arrival II
San FranGseo he was crossias the ba,
by ferry to Ynidavia. Never had th'
California sky seemed so blue; nevel
had the flowers seemed so fragrant
never had the little town seemed s,
attractive. Yet as he drew neare
to the nttlef. house there WIS II
ITS appearance something whicl
brought sudden chill 20 his hear