Macon beacon., 1917-08-03

1t was Major Brent who, Will
Adams was being examined by tn
general army staff, tried to pierce hi
testimony full Of holes and make hin
out anything but well-meanlng an,
patriotic fellow.
You knew that the Canal defens
plans were In Captain Payne's bel
from the very beginning, didn't you!
queried the major at that time.
Il d-didn't," answered Adams to tn,
point.
"When did you discover them to bt
concealed thereY interposed the chlel
Of staff.
"On the day Major Brent t-tool
them from me-"
I'm the hut Of the old woman IL
Granada?'
Adams nodded.
"Why then did you resist arrest and
conceal the Information you now
vOuch?"
Il had notion that ! could k-ketch
that there Silent Menace. | wanted
to coop the credit. Amt that natural
Jest let Major Brent think THAT |
was II Granadlan spy"
but who other than you could have
given the Canal defense plans to Bo-
lcroT interjected Brent, sarcastically.
"Why, the Silent Menace, himself I"
answered Adams in surprise ut such a
| question.
1T was not you, then?'
Il told you before 1t w-wasn't me-"
maintained Adams, his features flush
Ing In anger. "'The Silent Menace
amt been about Elately--ever since
| shot Bolero."
To that suggestion there could be
only vague comment.
Major Brent fell silent and bided
his time.
You'll git me yet, w-won't you, ma
JorY ironically inquired Adams one
day when the two were for a moment
alone in Colonel Dares library.
The major eyed him ferocously.
you may depend upon 1t, will"
I'm terribly scared of you" laughed
the orderly. "M-me and Miss Bonn
were afcarcd Ito open our mouths.
Have you seen the lady l-lately? And
that reminds me, major-you'd give n
hull h-hcap to have that Photograph
back, wouldn't you? l amt n-no
blackmailer, but"
Brent held up Il protesting hand, for
Miss Dare was approaching.
Adams withdrew into the hall. He
chucElcd when he overheard Miss
Darc's greeting.
Thanks for the flowers, Thornton"
She wore beautiful and becoming
corsage. "lt was as usual thoughtful
of YOU Then she changed the sub
icct.
81 wonder what has become of Miss
Bertha Bonn?' she asked innocently.
Miss Bertha Bonn?" repeated Ma
jor Brent, blankly.
"The girl we saved from Bolero.
| haven't seen or heard of her since
we left the Granadian border"
Adams fingered In the hallway, lis
tcning.
Il know nothing about her." lied
Major Brent in the manner of one dis
an unlnterestlng subject.
"Wlll you look her up?" persisted
Pearl, cllngng to her theme.
"lf you ask me to, yes"
obtain her address, please. I'll ask |
her to call. want to set her straight
about"
About what?" Brent faltered.
Don't pry into women's secrets,
Thornton" she warned In an arch |
81 may possibly want to dis
rusS-you."
Good Lord" exclaimed Brent, try
Ing to be comcal, but failing utterly.
lie was in hot water and showed 1t |
BY mutterlng something about Adams.
ibid you call me- Miss Dare?" in
ierrupted Adams. suddenly appearing
N the doorway. His laughing eyes
we're fastened upon the Disconnected
major.
Il don't see how you can stand that
awkward gink around" growled Brent
Is Pearl dismissed the orderly with n
Kindly motion.
PEARLS eyes opened wide. Hes not
awkward. He's handsome"
you'll rue It," warned Brent, sigh.
ne as one who knows.
Subsequently Adams, obtaining
cave from Colonel Dare, went up
own and paid an unexpected call on
Miss Bertha Bonn in her apartment
n the Hotel Wilton.
GOSH he exclaimed, feeling bit
wkward in her luxurious sitting
oom. at m-muSt cost you n heap of
money to live here"
Bertha laughed and offered him
cigarette from her gold case, lighting
ne herself.
They sat down.
II knew that you would come some
ime. I'm not afraid of you any more,
'. o. Adams. In f;lct, l believe that
1e can get along well together" she
egan, cordially.
"What do you think I c-come for?"
nquired he, looking at her steadily.
ITO talk with me about Major
'rent's photograph and my locket,"