Gilpin observer., 1917-03-08

seC over Tue IuCI tuuC AuuIuS uuu
come back hero in the estimation
Of the government and the Dares.
1t was Major Brent who, while
Adams was being examined by the
general army staff, tried to pierce his
testimony full of holes and make him
out anything but well-meaning and
patriotic fellow.
you knew that the Canal defense
plans were in Captain Payne's belt
from the very beginning. didn't your"
queried the major at that time.
81 d-didn't," answered Adams to the
point.
"When did you discover them to be
concealed there?" interposed the chief
of staff.
"On the day Major Brent t-took
them from me-"
"In the hut Of the old woman in
Granada?"
Adams nodded.
"Why then did you resist arrest and
conceal the information you now
vouch?"
II had notion that could k-ketch
that there Silent Menace. 1 wanted
to coop the credit. Amt that natural?
I jest let Major Brent think t-that I
was Granadian spy"
But who other than you could have
given the Canal defense plans to Bo-
lero?" interjected Brent, sarcastically.
"Why, the Silent Menace, himself J."
answered Adams in surprise at such a
question.
ut was not you, then?"
II told you before it w-wasn't me-"
maintained Adams, his features flush
ing in anger. 1.-THE Silent Menace
ain't been about l-lately-ever since
1 shot Bolero."
To that suggestion there could be
only vague comment
..
Major Brent fell silent and bided
his time.
you'll git me yet, w-won't you, ma
jor?" ironically inquired Adams one
day when the two were for moment
alone in Colonel Dare's library.
The major eyed him ferociously.
you may depend upon 1t. will"
"I'm terribly scared of you," laughed
the orderly. "M-me and Miss Bonn
we're afeared ito open our mouths.
Have you seen the lady Lately? And
that reminds me. major-youd give a
hull h-heap to have that photograph
back, wouldn't you? I amt n-no
blackmailer, but"
Brent held up protesting hand, for
Miss Dare was approaching.
Adams withdrew into the hall. He
chuckled when he overheard Miss
Dare's greeting.
"Thnnks for the flowers, Thornton"
She wore beautiful and becoming
corsage. ut was rs usual thoughtful
of you" Then she changed the SUBJ
ject.
II wonder what has become of Miss
Bertha Bonn" she asked, innocently.
Miss Bertha Bonn?" repeated Ma
jor Brent, blanSly.
"The girl we saved from BOlerO.
I haven't seen or heard of her since
we left the Granadian border"
Admins fingered In the hallway, lis
tening.
II know nothing about her." lied
Major Brent in the manner of one dis
missing an uninteresting subject.
"Will you look her up?" persisted
Pearl. clinglng to her theme.
"If you nsk me to, yes"
"Obtain her address, please. TIL ask
her to call. want to set her struight
about"
"About what?" Brent fnltered.
"Don't pry into women's secrets.
Thornton" she warned in an arch
manner II may possibly want to dis
cuss-you."
"Good Lord!" exclaimed Brent, try
ing to be comlcnl, but failing utterly.
He wns in hot water and showed it
by muttering something about Adams.
"Did you call me, Miss Dare?" in
terrupted Adams, suddenly appearing
In the doorway. His laughing eyes
were fastened upon the disconnected
major.
II don't see howsyo can stand that
awkward gink around" growled Brent
as Pearl dismissed the orderly with n
kindly motion.
PEARLS eyes opened wide. "He's not
awkward. He's handsome"
you'll rue It,. warned Brent, sigh
ing rs one who knows.
Subsequently Adams, obtaining
leave from Colonel Dare, went up
town and paid nm unexpected call on
Miss Bertha Bonn In her apartment
in the Hotel Wilton.
"Gosh!" he exclaimed, feeling bit
awkward in her luxurious sitting
room. ut m-must cost you heap of
money to live here"
Bertha laughed and offered him n
cigarette from her gold case, lighting
one herself.
They sat down.
II knew that You would come some
time. I'm not afraid OF you any more,
L. o. Adams. In fact. believe that
we can get along well together" she