The Dolores star. [volume] (Dolores, Montezuma County, Colo.) 1901-current, 1916-03-17

tnef Bt2Tt WQen ne entered the 01n1ng
room. But among her numerous ques-
tionings. one thing she could and
would discover: What did Pedro
know about Hill?
Have you known Mr.. Hill long?"
she asked. 81 see that It 10 his studio
that you have taken"
mo-" said he; Il have seen him only
once. But I feel . great friendship for
him." he added in . significant tone.
She changed the subject hastily.
How could this stranger have learned
Of her former attachment? And yet
his tone implied that he had. All at
once the idea for which she was
searching flashed into her mind.
II hope you will not think what am
about to say. too strange" she began.
''or. consider me very presumptuous In
assuming that you are already sum-
ciently my friend to permit my making
such . request Of you; but remember
have come together instantly on the
same plane without any Of the usual
preamble. Perhaps indebtedness al
ready incurred 10 scarcely . ground
for claiming further help; but you will
undefstand-ah. you must, for I am in
great distress and trouble. and there
Is no one to whom I can 90 with my
dinlculty."
Pedro. who had been examining .
vase. turned to her with surprise. Ever
ready with sympathy. he put out his
hand with single expressive gesture.
Madonna" no exclaimed. you
know l would willingly serve you. II
1t 10 in my power to help. surely you
must know that would not hesitate"
Very well. then" she said gravely.
1T II this: My father 10 . strong
man, brave man. Am sure. and one
who 10 not easily daunted or disturbed.
You noticed how he acted today? Why,
he was scarcely civil to you. Such
rudeness. believe me. IL far from his
habit. and there 10 only ono
explanation for 1t. He must be deeply
troubled about something, and for 1t to
disturb him %. that thing II q very
serious matter; otherwise he would
throw 1t OF. or. at worst. conceal it."
Have you no idea of what this
trouble is?" he asked.
Il have tried to get him to tell me-"
she replied. but 1t has been . useless
effort. My father and I are close
friends. but he persists In saying there
ID nothing wrong. which simply means
that something 10 very wrong indeed;
50 much SO that he is unwilling to tell
me-"
II am sorry" said Pedro. but how
can l help?"
THE case is just this!" she cried.
rising In her excitement: Il have
good reason to believe that he Is be-
ing either defrauded by pack of
scoundrels who have managed to de-
ceive him into some questionable un-
dertaking, or that he is being black
mailed. Could you-oh. do you think
that you could in any way find out II
be is being deceived. imposed upon.
and help him. or at least set my dis
turbed mind at rest?"
1T 10 q curious request" said Pedro
slowly. Il to help your father! Why,
he is q great mana wonderfully sue
cessful person. Surely you cannot
really believe l could serve him!"
You do not yet understand" she
urged. HE Is strong and capable, but
he is almost ridiculously sensitive on
lines which touch his honor, and is
quite susceptible to being worked and
tormented by interruptions people.
And have some real proof that this
Is happening, although I cannot actual.
ly show it to you at this moment. Do
you remember my saying that 1 car
ried papers of value the day you res
cued me with your bear? Well. the
sight Of them excited my father great
ly, and ever since. he hiss been receiv-
ing letters which have nothing to do
with his regular business or his social
correspondence. l know it for q fact,
because I stumbled upon them acct
dentally, in a secret drawer of his
desk. They are in 4 foreign language
think-and he keeps them
all with great secrecy. Oh, am sure
he 10 being harried by some mysteri-
Gus people. Why. that note he received
at luncheon was directed in that same
flne foreign handwriting in which the
others are written. Now won't you
help me? Don't you see that 1t is an
exQuisitely delicate matter with which
cannot go to every one?"
Have you no relations whom this
would concern" he asked.
NO." said she, I'VE have only some
distant cousins whom we seldom see
and who would not do at ALL"
Then" said Pedro. 81 will help you.
It is q position Of questionable honor,
almost, which you require for this
spying and l cannot 90 about It DELHI
erately. Yet, II you sometime can give
me definite task in the matter, will
make sure to, perform It: or should
chance throw me any information l
shall not fail to use It and follow it
up. and shall be on the watchout for
Anv auch SILL II Il mt likolp That