The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-08-13

first came aboard you told me you loved your
"oh, well-one says lots of things finds
one was mistaken about, when one has time to
think y he said, fatuousy.
Shelley was far gone, indeed; there could be
doubt about that. And Jones, taking note of
everything, well satisfied, the whole. He
knew that Mona had failed, but he had
built very strong hopes upon the outcome Of her
attempt to penetrate the shell of Mr.. X. He knew
very well that in the spy he was opposed by an
antagonist who would require the very best
efforts of any who opposed him. And his deter
mination to recover the plans was not one whit
daunted by the increasing darkness Of the out
look.
The day before the steamer was to dock saw
the three conspfrators again in consultation.
by Jove-it looks pretty bad !" said Jones
Now, If American liner, going
into New York. I'd have difficulty! I'd have
that safe opened in jffy the plea that he
a smuggler-and get the chance to search his
things!'
Mary started
Wait minute" she said, suddenly II
believe I've got an idea-its terribly risky---but,
il there any real trouble, you could get us
ell out of it, sooner or later, couldn't you?"
'As soon as could reach the nearest Amer
lean minister with my credentials" said Jones
But that sort of thing is frowned on--the State
Department doesn't want to have to get its agents
out of trouble very often
"Oh, don't really believe it would come to
that, said Mary. Il was just thinking that it
would oe we'll TO nave an anchor to Windward
that's ALL When I've told you the whole idea
you'll why"
Go ahead-dont keep in suspense" said
Mona She spoke rather sharply; she was still
irritated and disturbed by her failure. 1t had
touched her pride-and it was because she realized
that that she was angry.
"Therel be festivities of some sort tonight
you know" said Mary. 'Mr Shelley is full of the
plans. A quite wonderful dlnner--sthe captains
dinner, you know. And music afterward and a
chance to dance, perhaps. All the women to
bring out their very prettiest gowns-we're to be
very stunning"
"Well?" said Jones.
LISTEN said Mary. And she unfolded her
plan They listened in the growing excitement,
but it was not long before Mona clapped her
hands softly.
"oh. that's splendid, Mary!" she laughed
'Well-will it work?" Mary asked Jones,
when she had finished.
Il believe it will =" he said drawing long
breath. My hat is off to you'll believe you've
hit upon the way out of difficulties! Win
lose-youve given us the gamblers chance that's
all we have right to expect And, if win
oh, it's worth trying, a thousand times"
You see the risk, don't you?" said Mary.
There's no use letting ourselves think that it
will be easy. We've got to work together-and
yet not let soul on board suspect that we're do
ing anything of the sort
oh of course" said Mona. How lucky that
we arranged to stay apart through the voyage
as we did l couldn't just why that
essary when arranged t--and yet, If we had
not there would have been no chance even to try
this play Of yours Mary" "
'Well-to work then :" said Mary. .You both
understand? You won't be at the dinner, Mr.
Jones?"
I'm dreadfuly sorry he said, in mock dis
tress. But feel of my terrible headaches
coming on, and I'll have to see the ships sur
geon, and ask him to get little relief-and.
incidentally establish bit of evidence that will
come in handy later ont"
TITS too bad you have to miss all the fun"
said Mona, mockingly.
Il think I'll be able to bear up" he said
with grin. II rather suspect I'll be cured--to
night And I'll big lunch to make up for
the dinner I shall have to miss. On second
thought I'll wait until after lunch before l
the doctor!'
Mona and Mary were both radiant that
night. when they appeared at the captains dinner
Both We're superbly dressed; those who knew of
the GOODNESS between them whispered to an
other that each had evidently determined to out
shine the other
1t would have been hard to say which OF
them had succeeded. Indeed, honors between
them appeared, at first glance to be even. But 1t
was not long before all eyes were drawn to a
superb necklace of diamonds that Mona wore. 1t
dimmed the lustre of every other jewel, although
several OF the other women ornaments of
unusual brilllancy and beauty. And it i'm
possible for anyone who could not take the neck
lace and examine 1t closely to see that 1t con-
sisted not of diamonds, but of imitation stones
so cleverly wrought that any but an expert eve
must have been deceived.
Mary started with well fegned jealousy when
she saw the stones. She turned to the purser,
and intending, it seemed that only he should
hear her, but speaking loudly enough for the
others at the table to catch her meaning, said:
Don't you think such display of jewels is
in very bad taste? few simple rings-but for
young girl to such string of huge stones
that Well. I brought up not to believe
in so much display"
81 say-it is rather startling!" admitted the
purser Still i suppose she likes to show them