Gilpin observer., 1917-09-27

1
to masquerade to Baron Huroki as
this creature, Elaine, whom he tried
to put in Miss Channing's place"
at is not my wish, but Miss Chan
ning's will. She herself conceived the
notion Of playing Elaine to Huroki,
and she insists on going through with
it."
"But why"
| "As long as Huroki believes her his
tool masquerading as Elaine, he will
have few secrets from her-and con-
sequently-from u.s."
"But If he discovers his mistake-w
Il am doing all can to provide
against any serious upshOt."
Miss Charming is = very brave
young woman"
II would be a poor American were
1 not heart and soul and hand with
Miss Charming in this work!" he ex-
claimed. ''Tell me how may help!''
Donald consulted his watch.
"Her train is due at Grand Central
now," he announced. "Unless Huroki
has changed his plans, they will call
on you at four or thereabouts. wish
to be present at the interview"
"Won't that be dangerous to your
plans? How am to excuse your pres
ence"
by this" And with q few words
Of explanation Donald submitted to
the consideration of Mr.. Bertram a
legal document whose nature cOmplet-
ed the process of stupefaction inaugu-
Tor hxyf fhn Of intr
After time he nodded. II under
stand. What else?"
II want you to go down to Powder
Town tonight-as soon as you can
leave after the interview with HurOki
and take the situation there in
hand"
Mr.. Bertram's tone was edged with
alarm. "What situation there?"
Are you ignorant of the fact that
there is certain amount of disaffec-
ton among your employees, in spite
of munitions-contract wages, short
hours, and general prosperity"
II give you my word, know moth
ing of any such state of affairs!'
1T none the less exists"
''How do you know?"
''Through the activities of Mr.. Ry-
ley's assistants, who have been in
Powder Town in one or another os-
tensible capacity-some even working
in the Claiming mills-ever since we
learned, through Patria-Miss Chan
ming, I mean-that Huroki was plan
ming a demonstration there to compel
Channing's acceptance of the Mexican
| munitions contracts"
"You astound me-"
"Will you go?"
without losing moments time"
"Then," said Donald, rising, ''there
Is nothing more for us to arrange until
we have had our talk with Huroki. l
will be back at half-after three"
Punctual to the minute of his ap-
pointment, he anticipated the appear
ance of Patria and her dupes by less
than Quarter-hOur.
AS he dropped into chair by the
side Of Bertram's desk that gentle
man answered the muffied signal of
his private telephone, and after giving
1t an instant of attention, handed the
instrument to Donald, accompanying
the action with gesture Of surprise.
"Channing, New Jersey" he said,
giving Powder Town" its proper title,
according to the United States postal
authorities, ''is calling Capt. Donald
Parr."
Putting receiver to ear, he called !:
Eyes. This is Captain Parr."
| Do st,
over the wires-"speaking from Pow
der Town"
Something important, Barnes?"
'"Things look pretty nasty. sir. The
airs thick with suspicious circum-
stances. Strike and violence are be-
ing publicly preached. but no one
seems to know just when anything
definite will happen. And notice u
lot Of Japs in the streets; they pre-
tend to be engaged In petty business
running restaurants and that sort OF
thing-but it's safe bet they're in
close touch with Huroki and his out
fit. I've been spotted already, I'm
afraid"
"What makes you think soT Par
asked as the other ceased abruptly tC
talk.
For all answer he heard deadenet
bang ut the other end of the wire-t
, sound closely resembling that made b,
, slammlng open the foldlng-door Of NJ
alleged "sound-proof" booth.
, "Hello?" he called impatiently
: Hello? Barnes! What the deuce
Hello?"
| No answer.
, At this juncture the secretary t,
{ Mr.. Bertram announced Miss Chan
t ming with Baron Huroki and Seno
E de Lima.
r Once more Patrla commanded Don
Y AIDS unstinted wonder and admiration
e by her consummate histrionic ability
a from the instant she entered the room