Macon beacon., 1917-03-30


He drew Pearl to him. She was
too greatly stunned to resist. There's
something l w.want to say to you
he went on, thiCkly. Its now or
n-never girl! I've got terrible secret
and | g-gueSS it's going II die with
me. But l want you to know as w-we
stand here on the edge Of eternity that
Through everything I've been square
to you. Because he gazed tenderly
into the eyes SO near and fixed intent
ly on his "-becauSe love you as
m-man never loved woman before.
In spite Of all, g-girl, I'm going to
kiss you again, by heaven I'm going
to-" And he kissed her. Now y-you
know. You amt mad, are your"
Pearl lay In his arm like n stunned
little thing, her eyes partly closed.
mo, Adams, I'm not angry" she muir
INJURED at the end of several seconds.
I'm very much afrald-Tm glad. for
whoever you are or whatever you are,
and regardless. Of the past. love YOU"
Then as he folded her close n great
light broke across the PROV OF the
ship and flashed full upon them. They
thought for one instant that the end
had come when clear cry arose on
the starboard. They ran to the rail
and discerned shape lying low In the
water not thirty feet away.
1t was the American submarine.
They saw several persons on the cap
taln's bridge, one holding megaphone
to his lips.
"Shlp ahoyw beloved a familiar
voice.
ITS Colonel Dare!" exclaimed the
nstonished Adams. Then he thought
of the dangerous proximity OF the sub
marine to the mined vessel.
This ship Is m-mined!" he roared
making trumpet Of his hands. Hold
off. Pick us up"
He turned quickly to the girl cling
ing to him. up" he cried. lifting her
to the top OF the rail and springing
after. They stood a second in the full
glare of the searchlight. olive"
Without word Pearl flung herself
headlong into the sea, holding Adams
by the hand.
When they emerged they grasped a
life buoy which had been thrown to
them.
"Pullw slgnaled Adams to the
American seamen; and thus they were
drawn to safety and friends on the
deck Of the submarine, to whom they
told their story.
Ten minutes after the submarines
escape from the danger zone fire
broke out in every section OF the ship
Of the Silence Menace. A little later
the waters about the submarine trem-
bled from terrific explosion. Through
the smoke and mist the ships wreck
age began to float toward the awed
spectators.
"COlon!" cried Colonel Dare to the
submarines captain. Your wireless,
man, your wireless!"
Then he turned with curious grin
to Major Brent and pointed significant
ly to the dripping figure Of Adams. II
guess you're wrong about Adams be-
Ing the Silent Menace, major" he stat
ed not without a touch Of sarcasm.
"We'll see about that, colonel" the
major replied In dry voice, but with
out malice.
"Yes, we'll see soon enough" grunt.
ed the colonel. aad he went under deck
following his daughter and the cap
tain.
Adams ard Brent were for the mo-
ment alone. II overheard your re-re-
marks, major" said the former ap-
preaching as near as he dared without
wetting his superior officer. II got q
n-notion that you better shut up on
that Silent Menace b-business."
Brent gave him one look Of scorn
and struck him full In the face with
his glove. Then he went under deck.
Adams stood stock still, filed with
fury. Suddenly he broke into laugh
ter.
by golly BY gum! ~ he CALCULATED,
rubbing his stlnging features. "What
do you think OF t-that for d-n foolT
Pearls head now appeared at the
opening Of the hatch. "An American
merchant ship passed into the canal
from the Pacific three hours ago !"
she cried excltedly. ITS been scut-
tied and sunk In Alamarante bayt'
Then the mines are laid" an
nOunced Adams, solemnly.
Pearl stepped on deck and advanced
toward him. adams !" she cried, In
voice full Of emotion, grasplng his out
stretched hand, her eyes gllstenlng
with tears. II have told you that ]
love you. Now l will say more. Lo-
cate and destroy those mines and l
will marry you"
A harsh laugh broke upon their
ears. Major Brent had come up be-
hind them unobserved. II can furnish
absolute proof that he will not do that,
even to marry you, PEARL He will
pretend to do 1t, but he will fool you!
I'm going to locate those mines. | think
we know where they are laid"
Pearl stamped her foot. For the first
time In her life she felt hatred for a
human being. She walked away with
out looking at Brent. Adams laughed