Gilpin observer., 1917-09-27
SEVENTH EPISODE.
Red Dawn.
coUNTERPLoT.


decided character, the envelope was
superscribed:
ORSON BERTRAAf, Esq,
General Manager,
Charming, Inc,
Introducing 81 Broadway, New York.
Capt. Donald Parr.
The addressee accepted 1t from the
hands of Capt. Donald Parr with a
slightly bored air which was swiftly
dissipated once he had scanned the
dozen or SO lines composing the body
of the note.
With q somewhat startled express
sion Mr.. Bertram peered over his desk
at this Captain Para brief scrutiny
which Donald endured with composure
until Mr.. Bertram with the manner of
one challenging the testimony Of his
own senses), returned undivided at
tentiOn to second reading Of the
note. Then twinkle of amusement
showed in Donalds eyes, he communi-
Gated this emotion in swift glance to
his companion, and again masked it
with semblance of impassivity.
Having verified his first impression
of the sense of the communication,
Mr.. Bertram clicked his tongue against
his teeth meditatively-'Tch! Tch"
"Miss Claiming reposes a-pardon
me-surprising degree Of confidence in
you, Captain Parr," he commented.
II hope to prove worthy of her
trust" Donald declared with all due
humility.
II used the term surprising in view
Of the fact that it has been my mis-
fortune never to have heard Of you
as friend of Miss Channing's."
"Don't apologize" said Donald calm
ly-and let it go at that.
"Of course" Mr.. Bertram amended
hastily, II am Miss Channing's serv-
ant. Her will is my law. Pray ad-
wise me In what way I may serve
you"
Permit me first" Donald suggested,
ito introduce my friend, Mr.. Edward
w. Ryley. late of the United States
Secret Service, now associated with
me in the private bureau Of informa-
ton which have organized for Miss
Charming Mt her suggestion"
Mr.. Bertram looked, II possible, more
than ever startled.
II know nothing of that" he said,
mechanically shaking hands with Mr..
Ryley.
"It is Miss Channing's desire that ]
inform you concerning 1t, In strict
onf1dence-naturally."
Naturally" echoed Mr.. Bertram
and assumed receptive attitude.
Rapidly Captain Parr sketched for
the benefit of the general manager
an outline of the existing situation be.
tween Patria Claiming and himself
on the one hand, and on the other
Baron Huroki and his associates.
As he drew to his conclusion Mr.
Bertram betrayed boundless amaze
ment.
Extraordinary he commented
and rather needlessly mopped his brow
MAY ask"
Anything. Mr.. Bertram. 1t is no
only my duty, am only too happy tt
tell you everything"
"Why-since these Japanese ant
Mexican conspirators have so openl.
shown their hands-T'
II won't indorse openly" Donald in
terrupted with smile. "They hav,
been very shrewd and cunning. 1t ha
thus far been our good fortune-witl
the assistance of Mr.. Ryley here-t
penetrate their intrigues and mat
their every move"
"But surely you have ample excus
for swearing out warrants for thei
arrestl'
"If we do that" Donald explaine
patiently, 1--WE merely exchange a
enemy we know for one we do nc
know. japanese conspiracy will nc
die out in this country II we expos
and punish Baron Hurok; anothe
will take his place; and warned b
Huroki's fate, will work even NOR
surreptitiously. But as long as Baro
Huroki Is suffered to remain head an
forefront OF the intrigue, we kno'
whom to watch and, through our e,
perience with his methods, how bes
10 forestall his Vaccinations"