Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-05-14

"Who told you thatr The general
was quick to catch her up. Tho girl
felt swift stab OF fear. On the In
slant she realized that here was some
body attempting to drive into the
mystery which she herself could not
understand, but which she had pledged
herself to keep inviolate. Her voice
nuttered in her throat as she an
swered:
"Why, he did himself. general
HE did, Ell? Gave you a bit OF his
history on first meeting? Conading
chap, what? But you, Miss Gerson-
you've been to Egypt, you say?"
"No, general"
Jane was beginning to find this cross
examination distinctly painful. She
felt that already her pledge, SO glibly
given at Captain Woodhouse's insist
ence, was involving her in situation
the significance Of which might prove
menacing to herself and one other.
She could sense the beginnings Of a
strain between herself and this genial
elderly gentleman, her host
do you know, Miss Gerson"--he
was speaking soberly now-I believe
you and Captain Woodhouse have met
before"
you're at liberty to think anything
you like, general-the truth or other.
wise" Her answer, though given
smilingly, had sting behind 1t.
'I'm not going to think much longer.
I'm going to know He clapped his
lips shut over the last word with
smack OF authority.
"Are you really, General Crandall p
The girls eyes hardened just percepti-
bly,. He took turn of the room and
paused, facing her. The situation
pleased him no more than 1t did bis
breezy guest, but he knew his duty and
doggedly pursued it
"Come-eome, Miss Gerson! l be-
Heve you're straightforward and sin
cere or I wouldn't be wasting my time
this way. III be the same to you.
This Is time Of war. You understand
all that implies, l hope. A serious
question concerning Captain Wood
houses position here has arisen. II
you have met him before, as think
you have. 1t will be to your advantage
to tell me where and when. am In
command Of the Rock, you know"
He finished with an odd tenseness Of
tone that conveyed assurance Of his au-
thority even more than did the sense
of his words. His guest, her back to
the table on which the roses rested and
he. hands hracing her by their ten sc
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 q diplomat All this
war and intrigue make me dizzy. But
know one thing-this isn't my war
or my country's, and I'm going to fol-
low my country's example and keep
out Of It." Is.
General Crandall shrugged his Shout
ders and smiled at the girls defense.
"Maybe your country may not be
able to do that" he declared, with
touch Of solemnity. II pray God it
may. But I'm afr i'd your resolution
win not hold, Miss Gerson."
'1'm going to try to make it any
way" she answered.
Gibraltar's commander, bafiied thus
by 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 to-
help you get home" he began.
you've been very good to me-" Jane
broke In feelingly.
"What I say now IS spoken as .
friend, not as governor Of the Rock
II It is true that you have met Wood
house before and our conversation
here vertfles my suspicion-that very
fact makes his word worthless and re-
leases you from any promise you may
have made not to reveal this and what
you may know about him; also It
should put you on your guard-his mo-
tives in any attentions he may pay
you cannot be above suspicion"
II think that is personal matter I
am, perfectly capable Of handling"
James resentment sent the flags to her
cheeks.
(To Be Continued.)
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