Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-08-21
Copyright, The Bobbs- Merrill Coz
cHApTER xII-Continued.

CHAPTER XII-Continued.
you're at liberty to think any
thing you like, General-the truth or
| otherwise" Her answer, though CIV
en- smilingly, had q sting BEHIND It
I'm not going to think much long
er. I'm going to know!" He clasped
his lips shut over the last word with
a smack of authority.
care you really, General Crandall!"
The girls eyes hardened just percep,
tibly. He took a urn of the room ana
Ipaused, facing her. The situation
pleased him no more than it did his
breezy guest, but he knew his duty
and doggedly pursued 1t.
"Come-come, Miss Gerson! I pc
lieve you're wasting my time this way.
I'll be the same with you. This IS q
time of war; o understand all that
implies, I hope. A serious question
ton here has arisen. If you have met
him before-as I think you have-it
will be to you advantage to tell me
where and when. I am In command
of the Rock. you know"
He finished with al odd ~tenseness OF
tone h a conveyed assurance or MS
authority ever more than did the
sense Of his words. His guest, her
back to the table on which the roses
ieSleo dAo Aer uduuS pIdCAu6 AeA Ny
their tense grip on the table edge,
sought his eyes boldly.
General Crandall,' she began, "my
training in Hildebrand's store hasn't
made me much Of a diplomat. All
this war and intrigue makes me dizzy.
But I know thing; this isn't my
war. or my country's and I'm going
to follow my country's example and
keep out Of it."
General Crandall shrugged his
shoulders and smiled at the girls de-
fiance.
Maybe your country may not be
able to do that" he declared, with q
may. But I'm afraid your resolution
will not hold, Miss Gerson."
I'm going to try to make it any.
way" h answered.
Gibraltar's commander, baffled thus
by a neutral-a neutral fair to look
on, in the bargain-tried another
tack. He assumed the fatherly air
Lady Crandall and I have tried
to show you we were friends-tried tt
help you get home" he began.
You've been very good to me-
Jane broke in feelingly.
i What I say now is spoken as .
friend, not as governor of the Rock
If it Is true that you have met Wood.
. AAodcC OuI SoIktS1 Sdk1OI
here verif1es my suspfcion-that very
fact makes his word worthless anC
releases you from any promise you
may rave made not to reveal this ant
what you may know about him. Also
1t should put you on your guard-his
motives many attentions he may pay
you not be above suspicion"
Il think that is a personal matter
am perfectly capable Of handling
James resentment sent the flags to hel
cheeks.
General Crandall was quick to back:
water; Eyes. yes! Don't misunderstood
me. What I mean to say il"
He was Interrupted by his wife.
calling for Jane from the near-b!
room. Anticipation her interruption
he hurried on:
For the present, Miss Gerson, wei
drop this matter. I said a few mil
utes ago 1 intended shortly to-know
I hope I won't have to carry u tina
Jane was withdrawing one of tn,
buds from the jar. At his last word
she dropped it with a little gasp.
Threat, General?"
II hope not. Truly I hope not. Blu.
She stopped. picked up the flower
and was setting. 1t in his buttonhol
before he could demonstrate.
'"This one was for you, General,
she said, and the truce was sealed
That minute, Lady Crandall was watt
ed into the room on the breeze of he
own staccato interruption.
Whats this-what's this! Firth,
with poor old George-pinning a ros
on my revered husband, when m,
backs turned? Brazen miss. Tn
here to take you off to the gardens a
once, where you a find somebod,
lyounger-and not near so dear-t,
captivate with your tricks. At once
now!"
She had her arm through jane
and vas marching her off. An ex
change Of glances between the COVER
nor and Hildebrand's young diploma