The Monticellonian., 1917-05-10

descending goodnight, assured him that she felt safe from harm in his care.
 But Adams did not share her good opinion of Major Brent. An incident he saw during their flight from the Paso del Norte came to his mind dur ing the lonely vigil now beginning
 It occurred after they had forded the Rio Granada and were climbing 1 up the slope on the other side. The invaders on American soil were being routed, separating into groups and l scattering in various angles, pursued by the relentless U. s. cavalry splen- l,didly disciplined. A detachment under Major Brent was engaged in bril- liant clash with Bolero. The valorous major was putting up a superb fight, not sparing himself or reckoning the risk and was in fair way to exter- | minate the notorious border menace when he veered in his saddle and his horse began to rear and pitch. This lost for the doughty officer the rare opportunity of dispatching Bolero with the sure shot of which he was capable and brought half dozen of the erst- while generals rogues upon his back.
 Adams, surprised, looked for and found the cause of Brents denoue- ment. There were two prisoners in Bolero's party. One was Pearl Dares chauffeur, Toko. The other was Ber- tha Bonn. Brent, to whom the girl beckoned, ignored her plight, turned and dashed away. Adams experienced then as he did now, before the dying fire, deep contempt for the major and sense of pity for the girl. He rose and replenished the fire.
 He became nervous and agitated. He opened the tent flap, peeped inside and partly entered. Pearl was sound asleep. He took the belt from her. closed the flap and stole away.
 Pearl had a horrible dream that night. It pertained to grotesque shadow which crept to the tent while she slept and substituted for the belt of Captain Payne a new one of slmi- lar design. When she awoke from this miracle of slumber she found that her dream had come true and a missive fastened in the new belt buckle. It was signed by T. O. Adams of Monks Corner, Nebraska, and his words were ::
 FORGIVE AND FORGET ME-"
 Adams had departed.
 Meanwhile, in the overnight camp pitched by Bolero's retreating raiders, the two captives were kept under a close surveillance.
 They were not roughly treated. In fact Bolero tried to make them feel as though they were honored guests .v4~sa ... -.-time svs.s~~.. 1 ...s ..s-.. - tality. Neither, however, was deceived by him. Both knew that escape was impossible and that the guerilla chief tain could afford to be magnanimous. Bertha Bonn in a woman's way, quickly divined ulterior motives in the man. She bridled under his insinuating eye, but said nothing. Nor was her companion Toko unobservant.
 They were seated in a niche in the rocks too uncertain of everything to think of sleep. when Toko suddenly spoke:
 Poor Miss Dare But maybe she escape" Then he smiled little. T forgot" he concluded; you no like Miss Dare."
 "Why don't like her?' she interro- gated, marvelling.
 q have eyes. I see much-and far, silently. It is the nature of my race. I know nothing for why should Toko know anything. I not like Major Brent. I very sorry that Miss Dare does like him."
 She shot swift glance at this il- lumina,ing fellow sitting quietly be- side her. Perhaps you see too much" " she intImated, sarcastically. "A little | less mystery and more candor on your part, please! What reason have you to even suspect an acquaintance between Major Brent and myself?'
 "You were in Major Brent's room that night at the Hotel Wilton," he piocecdeu- iHSCIutupiS, ioohiLtS Ut hcl wrists. "No marks on your arms now. The major, he didn't get locket, did he?"
 | q don't know what you're talking | about" she mumbled, incoherently. A sudden fear of this discerning and un- fathomable foreigner possessed her. She wondered how much more he knew.
 "You tell me to speak out" he went on, imperturbably. T speak out. You put the locket in hotel vault that night, eh? I hope that its secret will keep Major Brent from marrying my mis- tress.'
 'sThen you don't know the secret in side of the locket?"
 He looked at her open-eyed. "No What is it?"
 She sighed in infinite relief. "Yet you associate it with Major Brent Miss Dare and myself?"
 "An orderly-my friend-with the chief of general staff he tell me what he saw at Major Brents room that night" said Toko, simply.
 She looked at him in the superior way assumed by a lady when over hearing herself talked about among servants. Then Bolero joined them boldly sitting close to Bertha and in terrupted further conversation be | ttx,A