The Washington herald., 1916-06-18
Plot Bronson Ho,uard Nouhsation

I first came aboard you told you loved your
work, Mr.. ShelleyF'
"oh, well-one says lots of things one finds
one was mistaken about when one has time TO
think" he said, fstuously.
Shelley was far gone, indeed there could be
doubt about that. And Jones, taking note of
everything, was well satisfied on the whole He
knew that Mona had failed, but he had never
built very strong hopes upon the outcome of her
attempt to penetrate the shell of Mr.. Y. He knew
, very well that in the spy he was opposed by
antagonist who would require the very best
efforts Of any who opposed him. And his deter
mination to recover the plans not one whit
daunted by the increasing darkness of the out
look.
The day before the steamer was TO dock saw
the three conspirators again in consultation.
by Joye-it looks pretty bad :" said Jones.
Now, If we were American liner, going
into New York, I'd have no difficulty! I'd have
that safe opened in a jiffy the plea that he was
smuggler-and get the chance TO search his
thingsr'
Mary started
Wait minute I" she said, suddenly. 81
believe I've got idea-it's terribly risky-but,
II there any real trouble you could get US
all out of it, sooner later, couldn't your"
"As soon as could reach the nearest Amer
lean minister with my credentials" said Jones.
But that sort Of thing is trowned on-the State
Department doesn't want to have to get its agents
out of trouble very often"
"Oh, don't really believe il would come TO
y.
would be well to have anchor to windward,
that's all. When I've told you the whole idea
you'll see why"
go ahead-dont keep us in suspense" said
Mona She spoke rather sharply; she still
irTitated and disturbed by her failure 1t had
touched her pride-and il was because she realized
that that she angry.
'Theren be festivities Of some sort tonight,
you know" said Mary. "Mr. Shelley is full Of the
plans quite wonderful dinner-the captains
dinner, you know. And music afterward, and
chance to dance, perhaps All the women are 70
bring out their very Prettiest gowns-were to be
very stunning"
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. Nary" she laughed
''Well-will it work7" Mary asked Jones,
when she had finished.
Il believe it will!' he said. drawing a long
breath My hat is off to you-I believe you've
hit upon the way out of our difficulties Win or
lose-you've given US the gamblers chance, that's
all we have right to expect! And, If win
oh, it's worth trying, 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
we did I couldn't see Just why that was nee
essary when arranged it-and yet, If we had
not there would have been no chance even TO try
this plan of yours, Mary"
'Well-to work then :" said Mary. You both
understand? You won't be at the dinner, Mr..
Jones?"
I'm dreadfully 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 onr'
Its too bad you have to miss all the fun
said Mona, mocldngly.
Il think I'll be able to bear up" he said,
with grin. 81 rather suspect I'll be cured-to-
night! And I'll eat a big lunch to make up for
the dinner I shall have to miss. On second
thought III wait until after lunch before see
the DOCTOR
Mona and Mary were both radiant, that
night, when they appeared at the captain dinner
Both were superbly dressed those who knew of
the coolness between them whispered to one
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 it
was not long before all eyes were drawn to
superb necklace of diamonds that Mona wore. II
dimmed the lustre of every other jewel, although
several of the other women ornaments Of
unusual brilliancy and beauty And ii i'm
possible for anyone who could not take the neck
lace and examine 1t closely TO that 1t
sisted, not of diamonds, but of imitation stones
so cleverly wrought that any but expert eye
must have been deceived
Mary started with well feigned jealousy when
she 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 a string of huge stones
that Well, was brought up not to believe
in much display"
81 say-it is rather startling!' admitted the
purser. Still I suppose she likes to show them