Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-07-18
SECRET SERVICE.

r ore
The warning came from distance
and was only to be expected in view
OF the fact that links bordered the
woodland Donald Parr heard but
paid no heed.
But he started and stopped stock
still when a whitish sphere sped like
a bullet within six inches of his nose.
For several seconds he remained
stationary, looking keenly about him.
Then, we'll toward the edge OF the
woodland a tluttering Bit of white
caught his eye and forthwith disap-
peared; and with a noncommittal
grunt Parr moved toward ii.
Ten ards, and he paused again
this time behind a stable tree.
Immediately ahead dense thicket
blotted the fair prospect of the links,
and behind this. his back to Parr,
skuked an understood person clothed
in those amazingly ugly garments
which the motor-cyclist of today af-
fects. He was busly unknotting a
handkerchief from the end of Il stick.
Now and again he peeved stealthily
over the top of the thlCket
Beyond, on the links, four figures
were visible. OF these, three remained
in the background. two being caddies,
the third a tall ant slender gentleman
In rakish white iii nhels. The fourth,
a man Of middle age neither tall nor
short. but tOlerably stout, and COM
monty well II not unsuitably dressed
for the game. appearing seduIousIy 10
search for his lost golf ball, boldly
left the links, and without further sub
terfuge rounded the thickets and
stopped before the motor-cyclist, who
greeted him with u salute Of deep re-
spect.
PARIS teeth frightened on his briar.
Bv this alone did he betrGy surprise
surprise it were. This closer view
showed him that gofist anG cyclist
alike were Japanese the mOtor-cycllst
Of the commOnest caste, the other
Well 1t happened that Parr
knew the other both by sight and ill-
repute.
He called himself Baron Huroki.
He was the only son Of a Samurai a
man of much influence In Toxic and
Of vast wealth, whose great gifts as
diplomatlst had frequently been
demonstrated ia the course of long
career as japanese ambassador to
various European capitals. The OFF
spring of marriage with an English
woman Of title. the present Baron
HuroGi had inherited all his fathers
wealth. together with much of his
cunning, his courage, nd his morals
or lack thereof.
Acknowledging the obelsanCe with
the most brusque OF gestures the
baron silently held out his hand. As
silently the motor-cyclist produced a
folded slip Of paper. and placed 1t in
the expectant palm. Baron Huroki
unfolded and scanned what was writ
ten upon the paper. pocketed it,
whipped out ii notebook, rapidly pen
ciled one Of its leaves, tore this out
and gave il to the other. Then, after
few curt words in japanese. so
guardedly pitched that Parr could
J make uoIulhS lHtIc OF Allttb, ne SllOut
briSkiy back to the links.
Delaying only to fold and secrete
the baron's message In the leather of
his cap, the motor-cycIist trotted off
through the trees.
After a brief moment Of indecis'on,
Parr left cover and darted after the
japanese.
( The path debouched into a shallow
glade, crossing another. At this point
the gods launched at the devoted Jap
anese their bolt In the shape of a
/ splendid sorrel saddle-horSe with
slim young woman on Its back.
They came together squarely. In
trice the motor-cyclist was bOwled
over and stretched out unconscious.
The sorrel went to his knees. His
fair rider shot on. over MS head. Parr
came up just in time. and without 9th
err choice than 10 receive her in his
arms.