River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1916-02-24

diagram. Not long ago FrenchmRn;
named Huysman, living In Tours, was
mysteriously murdered-a poor in-l
ventor, who had starved himself to
perfect q stabilizator, an attachment
for aeroplanes which renders them
practically fool-proof. His final trials
had created sensation, and he was on
the eve of selling his invention to the
government when he was killed and
his plans stolen.
Circumstantial evidence pointed to
an international spy named Ekstrom-
Adolph Ekstrom, once chief OF the avi-
alton corps OF the German army. cash.
Tered for general blackguardism-wit
suspicion of treason to boot. How
ever, Ekstrom kept under cover. and
presently the plans turned up in the
German war Office. That was a big
thing for Germany; already supreme
with her dirigibles, the acquisition OF
the Huysman stabilizator promised her
ten years lead over the world in the
field of aeroplanes.
Now, yesterday, EkstrOm came to
the surface in London with those self
same plans to sell to England. Chance
threw him my way, and he mistook
me for the man he'd expected to meet
downing streets secret agent Well
no matter howl got the plans from
him and brought them over with me.
meaning to turn them over to France
to whom, by rights, they belong"
Without consideration? the girl in
CURED shrewdly.
mot exactly. had meant to make
no profit of the affair-Tm a bit
squeamish about tainted money-but
under present conditions, If France In
sists on rewarding me with safe con-
duct out of the country, l sha'n't re-
fuse it. Do you approve?"
She nodded earnestly. ut would be
worse than criminal to return them to
Ekstrom."
That's my view of the matter"
But these?" The girl rested her
hand upon the jewel case.
Those go back to Nine Omber. She
has home here in Paris that know
well. In fact, the sole reason why
didn't steal them here was that she
left for England Unexpectedly, just as
was all set to strike. Now l purpose
to use my knowledge Of her house to
restore the jewels without risk Of fall
ing into the hands of the police That
will be an easy matter. And that
brings me to the one great favor /
would beg of you"
Cha pouo him lob GU
ly kind that it staggered him. But he
had himself we'll In hand.
you can't leave Paris now before
mOrning-thanks to my having over
slept" he continued. There's no hon
est way / know to raise money before
morning opens the pawnshops. But
I'm hoping that won't be necessary;
I'm trusting l can arrange matters for
US without going to that extreme.
Meanwhile-you agree that these law
els must be returned?"
"Of course" she affirmed gently.
"Then-will you accompany nue.
when l replace them7 There won't be
the slightest danger. l promise you
that. Indeed, 1t would be more hazard
Jus LUZ JOu W WblL 1OI LILO GlS0WA0IO
while I attended to the matter alone.
And I'd like you to be convinced of my
sincerity"
Don't you think you can trust me
for that as well?" she asked with a
flash Of humOr.
Trust you!"
ITO believe. Mr.. Lanyard" she told
him earnestly, II do believed"
you make me very happy" he said
but I'd like you to see for yourself.
And I'd be glad not to have to fret
about your safety in my absence. AS a
bureau of espionage, Popinot'b brigade
of Apaches are without a peer in Hu-
rope. I'm positively afraid to leave
you alone"
THAT is your sole reason for ask
ing this OF me?" she insisted, eying
him steadily.
He colored, and boggled his answer.
'I cant tell you," he admitted in the
end.
why can't you tell me?"
He stared at her miserably. 1--WE n@
right. In spite of all I've said, In
spite of the faith you 30 generously
promise me, in your eyes / must stir
figure as thief, liar, an impostor-
self-confessed. Men aren't remade by
mere protestations, nor even by their
own efforts, in an hour, or day, or a
week. But give me year. If can
live a year in honesty, and earn my
bread, and so prove my strength
then, perhaps, / might find the cour-
age, the-the effrontery to tell you
why want your good opinion. Now
I've said far more than / meant or had
any right to. l hope" he ventured
pleadingly, you're not offended"
Only an instant longer could she
maintain her direct and unfinching
look. Then his meaning would no
more be ignored. Her lashes fell, q
tide of crimson flooded her face, and
with a quick movement, pushing her
chair little from the table, she turned
awav from him. But she said moth