Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-08-12

Brent went to the WINDOW. ana, taKlhs
another electric torch out of his pocket.
proceeded to send a swift message out
into the darkness 1t gave really a charm
ing effect the bright spots of electricity
were twtrled this way and that. making
an interwea wing pattern of beams lost as
soon as made. as though some tragic web
were being woven on an invisible looni
But Charles Sanderson was decidedly not
in the mood for admiring artistic ef-
fects, and thus it came about that the
electric light was suddenly switched up
behind Chris and he turned to find him
selfsfa by Sanderson's revolver
best wild and woolly west manner.
Good Lord. Sanderson, how you
startled me- And Chris with a smile of
relief let his hands. which still held the
electric torches and which he had IN
stinctively thrown up above his head.
drop again.
dead man.
Chris stared at him. but though his
grin broadened he obeyed.
Dash it ALL Sanderson, aren't you car
rying this joke little too far" he pro-
tested.
do as you're told. you swine" was
Sanderson's impolite rejoinder. torcibly
delivered $50 you're the spy. after ALP
Brent wagged his head at him knowing
ly. 'Oh. no. you don't, he said. We
been had with that once today already,
and his hands began to drop again.
Keep them up. That sort of monkey
ing may be very clever, but it's no use
to you now, my friend. Tell me at once.
what were you up tor
well I wish you'd let me put these
bally torches down first" said Brent
plaintively. I'm getting most horribly
cramped"
Put them down here ordered San
derson. touching the table with the muz-
zle of his revolver.
Thanks" said Brent more cheerfully
as he laid them down: thanks awfully-
Oof. it's devilish cold in this kit and he
made as though to plunge his hands into
the pockets of his dressing gown.
Put them up" This in kind of sup
pressed yell from Sanderson: Put them
up and keep them up or I'll let a hole
through you in another minute
Look here. I'm sick of these Swedish
exercises" protested Chris. "0h. all right
have 1t your own way" and he once more
stood in the prescribed attitude.
Now then" went on Charles. wei
have it out What were you signaling
for"
A beam of gratified pride shone over
Rrent's face. He gave little Nhuckle
signaling? Did even you think l was
signaling? BY George, That's good
Charles. too. smiled. but little YEARLY
Its not a bit of use trying to fool me
my friend he advised
But l have fooled you" crowed Chris
by CAD. it's bit of a score, taking you
in as we'll
What the devil do you mean"
Look here. I'll tell you all about it. bu
do let me put my hands down. / shall ge
heart disease If you aren't careful; l shall
really It's great strain having to holt
ones arms up above ones head like
this"
''Oh, all right. but keep them away from
your pockets Now. out with it
We'll" began Brent confidentially. ''yol
swear you won't say anything about it a
breakfast"
Good Lord. are you fool mad -
cried Charles irritably. NO. ! won't sa,
anything about it at breakfast. Now. g
on
You know young Pennicuik's out O,
the cliff there? Well. he was braggin,
today about signaling and l said / didn'
believe he had had time to get the sub
ject up. and so to prove il | have jus
sent him a
Message" interrupted Sanderson. ''Yor
understand it, them
"Of course. | don't. That's just wher
the joke comes in" explained the de
lighted Brent. Il only know the frs
seven letters. I've sent him spoo
signal, but I'll bet you what you lik
he'll pretend tomorrow that he un
derstood it" Brents manner was per
feet. His story hung together well, an
Sanderson felt at loss to believe.
$50 that's the explanation. is it?'' h
asked. We'll. IT | were you Id thlni
twice before ! played that silly tricl
again. In times like this it's liable 4
be misunderstood. It's damned dan
gerous. in fact"
Dangerous Brent's face sobere
considerably. How ,"
Because / should have been quit
within my duty if I'd shot you straigh
off without questioning you It's
punishable offense to send signals a
night nowadays. That's why"
by Jove, l suppose it is. But l say