Macon beacon., 1917-03-30


startling suggestion.
Perhaps 1t can be turned to good
account and some of the wrong be un-
done," he continued, without looking
up.
Bertha said nothing In response to
that.
What would you do with this locket
II l were to return it to you?" Brent
suddenly asked. "Would you show 1t
to Miss Dare as you originally intended
and thus interrupt forever the hope of
marrying her which l have enter
tained?"
II would hand 1t back to you, Thorn
ton," whispered Bertha with feeling.
Brent laughed resignedly.
Knowing that oil my chances In that
direction are gomez"
knowing that If Miss Dare loves
anyone except Capt. Ralph Payne in
memory, that one is not you and that
you really never had chance"
"That one being-Adams?
Bertha nodded. adams"
"The Silent Menace"
She nodded again. 'The Silent
Menace"
"And you would let her marry him,
superfend that he Is, the countrys en-
emy and ours, responsible for Payne's
trouble and her unhappiness? You
would do that to revenge yourself on
me?" He looked at her strangely and
waited for her reply.
1t was Berthas chance to admit q
change Of heart and motive and she
did not hesitate. Il no longer seek to
harm you, Thornton, and l would glad
ly give my life to Miss Dare. The ST.
lent Menace shall never marry her.
Yet to prevent that tragedy and at the
same time shield you by any confes-
sion of my own will not be easy. For
this reason l have held my tongue" d"
"Shield me? From what?"
"FrOm irregular conduct In an army
offlcer-the sort that sends men, to the
penitentiary for nfe."
Brent shuddered. He knew that she
spoke truly. He had erred grievously
In the performance Of duty. And the
time was fast approaching when con-
sequences would have to be faced. All
Of a sudden he experienced a reckless
impulse to hurry that time and he
thought Of the marriage license.
Bertha /" He grasped her hand and
continued In tense whisper: what
do you know about a marriage license
for you and for met"
Bertha smiled family. adams gave
1t to me-" :,
sand about a wedding gift2"
She smiled again. "He told me about
that, too"
They gazed fxedly in each others
eyes.
"Will you marry me, Bertha7 l will
resign before 1t Is too late!"
Bertha freed herself and slowly
shook her head. II will marry you,
Thornton, but only after you have re-
deemed yourself-before 1t is too late"
He clenched his fists and groaned
aloud. "Tell me howl Help mel"
In common accord they rose and
stood face to face. "Unmask Adams
I will stand by you! Do 1t at once, to-
night, In the presence of Miss Dare
and the colonel!"
Brent's eyes flashed with determina-
ton. "rll do III" he cried, sharply, for.
getful for the moment Of time and
place, clasping her hands once more.
"Do what, major?" loomed the voice
of Colonel Dare out Of the darkness ;
and at the same moment he appeared
on the walk accompanied by a tele-
graph messenger boy.
Bertha, motioning the major to be
silent, ran toward the colonel and re-
piled In his stead. "Major Brent just
concluded to look you up. Miss Dare
and Adams have not yet come home"
A look Of concern filtered over the
features Of the colonel. Here's boy
with a telegram, major. I'm glad
you're here for I have something Of
importance to say he stated, gravely.
Brent took the telegram and hastily
scrawling his receipt dismissed the
boy who hurried away. With side
long glance at Bertha, he broke the
seal, the colonel looking on lmpatlently.
Pearl Dare and Orderly Adams are my
prisoners. They will remain so until
have accomplished my purpose. II you
follow Colonel Dare's instructions you al
so will become my victim. forewarn
you
It was signed by the Silent Menace
under his silhouette.
Brent Strengthened up, pressed his
lips firmly together and handed the
telegram without q word to Colonel
Dare.
"What do you get out Of this,
Brent?" he calculated.
"May l inquire what the instructions
referred to are7
"You may, but how they reached
his ears Is unfathomable !" thundered
the colonel, pacing up and down the
porch. Here are your orders, sealed !"
He stopped before Brent and handed