The Ordway new era., 1917-10-05
SEVENTH EPISODE.
Red Dawn.
cOIJNTERPlOT.

couNTERPLoT.
In a hand at once feminine and of
decided character, the envelope was
superscribed:
ORSON BERTRAM, Esq.
General Manager,
Claiming. Inc,
Introducing 81 Broadway, New York.
Capt. Donald Parr.
The addressee accepted it from the
hands of Capt. Donald Parr with a
slightly bored air which was swiftly
dissipated once he had scanned the
dozen or SO lines composing the body
Of the note.
With q somewhat startled express
sion Mr.. Bertram peered over his desk
at this Captain Para brief scrutiny
which Donald endured with composure
until Mr.. Bertram (with the manner Of
one challenging the testimony Of his
own senses), returned undivided at
tention to a second reading Of the
note. Then a twinkle of amusement
showed in Donalds eyes, he communi-
Gated this emotion in n swift glance to
his companion, and again masked it
with a semblance of impassivity.
Having verified his first impression
of the sense of the communication,
Mr.. Bertram clicked his tongue against
his teeth meditatively-"Tch! Tch ~
"Miss Claiming reposes a-pardon
me-surprising degree of confidence in
you. Captain Parr," he commented.
II hope to prove worthy of her
trust" Donald declared with all due
humility.
II used the term surprising In view
Of the fact that 1t has been my mis-
fortune never to have heard Of you
rs friend of Miss Channins's."
Don't apologize" said Donald calm
ly-and let it go at that.
"Of course" Mr.. Bertram amended
hastily, II am Miss Channing's serv-
ant. Her will is my law. Pray ad-
wise me in what way I may serve
you"
"Permit me first" Donald suggested,
ito Introduce my friend, Mr.. Edward
w. Ryley. late of the United States
me In the private bureau of informa-
ton which / have organized for Miss
Charming at her suggestion"
Mr.. Bertram looked, If possible, more
than ever startled.
Il know nothing of that" he said,
mechanically shaking hands with Mr..
RyIey.
"It is Miss Channing's desire that
inform you concerning it, in strict
onfidence-naturnlly."
Naturally echoed Mr.. Bertram,
and assumed receptive attitude.
Rapidly Captain Parr sketched for
the benefit of the general manager
an outline of the existing situation be-
tween Patria Claiming and himself.
on the one hand, and on the other
Baron Hurokl and his associates.
As he drew to his conclusion Mr..
Bertram betrayed boundless amaze
ment.
Extraordinary ~ he commented,
and rather needlessly mopped his brow.
May ask-Y
Anything. Mr.. Bertran1. 1t IS not
only my duty, am only too happy to
tell you everything"
~Why-sfnce these japanese and
Mexican consplrators have SO openly
shown their hands-T'
II won't indorse openly" Donald in
terrupted with a smile. "They have
been very shrewd and cunning. 1t has
thus far been our good fortune-with
he assistance Of Mr.. Ryley hereto
spanefrate their intrigues and mate
Stketr every move"
-f3ut surely you have ample excuse
;zos swearing out warrants for their
sasrest r,
NJ ~ 10 that Donald explained
,rql lnt1y, .swe merely exchange an
1 1 ~ know for one we do not
\ S1 5apanase conspiracy Will not
4 W ~ ttils country II We expose
7 11f alA Haron Hnrohi; another
l M ptass;s ~ waEnsd -
q Et$A VIII lH6xk eytA 1npra
~ IN - l6ing " lonGn
~ ~ - 49,
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