The Lamar register., 1917-11-28

that they would haNr much wider
circulation than If printed in the vii
lage journal.
In one day Miss Melissa's custom
ers dropped of so that scarcely any
one entered the place. But Miss Melis-
So did not seem to notice this having
departed early leaving an attendant
In charge of the shop while she went
off on long motor ride with the sus-
plcious stranger.
Mrs. Knowles was not slow in i'm
parting her Impressions Of these
strange proceedings to Mr.. Jared Bar
ker when he came into her shop on
an errund for the church committee.
She had known Mr.. Barker in church
affairs, and had burning desire to
know him better. This was the first
time he had ever entered her shop,
and she meant to make the most Of
the visit.
AS an officer of the law, Mr.. Bar
Xer, feel it my duty to tell you things
l might not otherwise have men
toned" she said with an appealing
smile.
Barker thanked her most cordially,
and went away thinking seriously on
the matter. Since he had become sher-
IF he had not made one arrest lie
had actually done nothing TO deserve
the election. If he could run down
a German spy he would be adding
quite n good-sized feather to his cap
Yes, he must certainly take the mat
ter in hand.
Ferdy Watkins went out Of his way
to work up the matter with Barker
He had believed Barker his successful
rival till the German appeared, and
now he was not sure which was the
one But at any rate he meant II pos
slble to set the two at lOggerheads.
1t would be the means Of finding out
which was the man who had won, and
the fight would afford him considerable
amusement while it lasted.
When the next day two wooden
boxes. one two feet and the other
about yard long. which the express
man handled with great care. were
taken in at Miss Melissus the horrible
probability Of uIeir contents being high
explosives was bruited about, and the
dark suspicious of a German plot be-
came an almost certainty.
Ferdy Watkins agreed to assist the
sheriff by doing voluntary patrol duty
around the suspected premises Of Miss
Melissa.
But" he protested to Barker, 81
don't suppose you'd do anything
against Melissa Dart II l found them
manufacturing bOmbsl'
"Oh wouldn't IT, snOrted the sheriff.
airy met"
"But l thought you were going to
marry the lady" ventured Ferdy.
you've got another guess coming"
At the young mans surprised stare he
added: "NeverlH with such emphasis
that Ferdy had the pleasing cOnvic-
ton that they were both In the same
boat, and that he had an ally who could
be depended upon. At first he had
simply thought Of damaging his rivals
prospects by "queering" him In the
eyes Of Miss Melissa; but here was the
more exciting game Of running TO earth
the really successful suitor.
A week had passed by when the sher-
in one evening having gotten comfort
ably into his slippers with pipe and
newspaper, was interrupted by n small,
breathless boy with u note from Ferdy
demanding his instant appearance at a
certain corner overlooking Miss Melis-
sa's place.
Ferdy met Barker, and drew him in
to the shadow.
"Be CAREFUL" he whispered. 1--WE
mustn't be seen. Something Is going
onl Two people have gone In there
with masks over their faces, a man
and woman. Look there comes an
other one!"
Sure enough, a man in a long coat,
with a SLOUGH hat pulled down over his
eyes, wearing a black mask, walked
quickly up the path, rang Miss Melis-
sa's bell, and was admitted.
well" gasped the sheriff. 'If that
isn't pretty boldl III have to go and
get two or three men before l start in
to arrest that bunch. Don't stir till
l get back !" and he started off on a
run. In about fifteen minutes he wus
back with three of the villagers, ell
derby men. who looked either incred-
ulous or highly excited, and feeling
their herolsm at thus taking their lives
Ia their hands for the safety Of their
country. Ferdy announced that three
more had come; and the sheriff CON
Guided they had better enter at once