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

L/l\N Mary laughed. She leaned close
WV to Mona. "I'll look in a minute,
~ she said And then: Il know him
n His name is Jones-he's United
Il States secret service man..
"well?" said Mona, fatty. 'Mary-whst has
y secret service man to do with us?'
that's the secret of it, / suppose" said
Wary. AT any rate, we're likely to find out. You
\ know, Mona-thcre people who would say
that way of getting along was very far from
4 being what 1t should be-"
you're right, of course said Mona I'm
nsrvous, think-that's all
"well-get 1t! He's coming over, and
hes going to speak to us. I'm sure! Don't act as
~ you thought there was anything odd"
The next moment, indeed, Jones was beside
them. hat in hand beaming.
Miss Hartley-Miss Burnett I" said Jones
~Ycu don't know how glad to you!
was not certain--it is some time since I have
anything of you-"
1--WE must be getting old, Mona :" said Mary,
with laugh If it takes an effort to recognize
you're unkind" said Jones, reproachfully.
Then. all at once his manner changed Seriously"
be said, Il extremely anxious TO have talk
with you There is matter of the gravest i'm
portance, in which, believe you, and you only,
can help me. wonder If YOU would come in here
with me-and have some tea, perhaps. while we
talk?"
And so. few moments later. they sit
ting with him at secluded table. They gave
their order: he waited until the tea things had
been brought and then he leaned toward them.
ITS my business, you must know" he
i sci. to- be aware OF a good many things, !
know for exampe-and l think, too, that l
understand. very tuly-something of your lives
know that you have no incomes-that the
fort In which you live you must supply your
selves. II will be simpler If you will believe that
! could, if chose, give you very complete sum
mary of everything that you have done for good
many months"
IL agree" said Jones "1 will be frank, then.
You have been able than once, to get the
best of who have fanced themsee s
tremely clever want YOU to undertake the task
cnce more-and this time, if you succeed, you
will place under the heaviest of obligations
and you will. what is far important. do
treat service to the United States-a service so
important that it would be impossible to over
estimate it
This country, you must know" he said,
depends for its security against attack. in very
large measure. upon its coast defenses. To put
Il the matter briefly. secret that is vital seems
1, shout to fall into the hands of foreign power
md Of that foreign power, moreover which Is
most likely to use its knowledge against us'
OH said Mona. "But how could we
hsip-?"
man named Hawkins, let say, in posi-
tsAp to make tracings Of certain drawings-rlaps
and SO He was trusted-he betrayed his trust
Z He made the trscngs; he has sold them to q man
whom shall call Mr.. X. Mr.. occupies a posi-
tion Of responsibility. It would be impossible to
bring a charge against him without proof of the
most definite sort of my facts-but
Eannot prove them know that is spy OF the
most dangerous sort. but l am almost alone in
WY knowledge
where is hep" asked Mary.
II am telling you everything" said Jones
\ He will be on his way Halifax within few
: hours. He will sail from there liner that
Z makes call at Rotterdam am certain of this
4 and that the plans will be with him Now--I
Il want you to sail the same steamer as | shall
4 do myself I want you to help me to recover
those plans"
! Let's do It," said Mary Wed be doing
0YYRt l1ntf hat
be worth while?"
!. Il thought you would feel so" said Jones'
I triumphantly But there will be sub
stantia return than that of knowing that you
hase done patriotic act. will promise you that
\ the reward will he adequate-there is large
q contingent fund for which no accounting need be
moi" said Mona, with decision aid never
"Nor !" echoed Mary. "0ur expenses-but no
more Wen go gladly, on those terms, Mr..
b Jones'
THAT shall be as you choose. of course" he
n sOatd. Tan you start tonight? You had better
Z travel separately, and the steamer il would be
i we'll II you failed, even, to strike up the GUS
Z tomary ocean acquaintanceship-if YOU let it APP
pear that you disliked another shall be
y aboard, but will know neither of you oaiciay."
The girls nodded erstandngly.
You want to expose Mr.. X, don't you?' said
Mary. isn't it true that he has such position
that he is very fully trusted? ?"
"Yes. My warnings laughed at. There is
no reason why he should not execute this mission
& return and cont nue his work lie has covered
his tracks so cleverly that he appears to be en-
stire!~ immune from suspicion. But if | can prove
that ne has those papers-and of couse get them
from hm-his usefulness spy will be at an
Il md, in this country at least And l tell you
n That will regard that the best piece of work
#s have done"
S@M You count on u.s." said Mona II only
Aope we will really be able to help Come, Mary
ne y were going TO start such short notice we
+ xnnst hurry home. 1t takes time to pack"
IA O
M Nhe few arrangements still to be made. Jones
E 1nrnished them with tickets; he had reserved
osut statF-rooms on the liner, he explained
Il try TO be prepared for emergencies" he
nd. Il knew | would need help--I didn't know
I'd ~ all who would be with me. But there will be
&4 - delay. shall not see you again until are
- board and even then, of course, We will meet
kAA5ue entire strangers"
Does Mr. knor, you?" asked Mary.
Il think not" said Jones. with good deal OF
1oeaxfaction His people very fond of laugh
Nc ~ our secret seryice--but manage to turn
On trick ourselves once in a while
Er@n ia the hustle OF 'ft.iing II was rof 4 sf