Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1917-12-28
SECRET SERVICE
BY BOYD RiDeELy MARSH.

Grimm.
"He seems a generous-hearted, de-
cent young fellow: appears to make
friends readily. but he flashes in upon
us without credentials or introduction,
and outside Of the fact that he claims
TO be looking out for coal possibilities
up in the hills. we know nothing about
him."
Nothing whatever" chimed In
Abel. But I'm going to-"
Vance Radcliffe had been a guest
Of the local hotel for over two weeks.
lie lived well, got acquainted with
members of the leading social set and
was attracted 10 Dolly Merton from
the first hour he met her.
The only pretense Radcliffe made to
having business at Clyde was strolls
down the river where the big mills
were located and tramps among the
hills looking for coal groupings that
did not exist.
I'll cultivate this fine young fell
low." resolved Abel, after his con-
versation with Dolly's brother. 'Tn
worm myself into his confidence and
find out what he really is here for. !"
But his efforts in that direction were
not worth the pains. Radcliffe, in his
bluff. direct way, laughed at Abd
when he one day put the question:
II say, Radcliffe, people wonder
what business you have down here"
"So?" smiled Radcliffe. "Well, you
know I'm interested in mineralogy."
"Oh, that's bunk I" retorted Abel in
his rude way. Everybody knows
those old hills haven't an ounce Of
iron or coal. or anything else but lime
stone and slate.s
swell, all the same am under sal
airy and orders from relative" de-
clared Radcliffe.
Abel was irritated at his failure to
entrap or compromise his rival. One
day he decided to shadow him on one
of his regular strolls down the river.
He played the accomplished detective
complete. He kept at a safe distance
behind Radcliffe. He wore a false
beard, SLOUGH hat, a long enveloping
raincoat, carried cane, limped, and,
TO the view of a person hundred
yards away, suggested the role he had
adopted--that of an old man. When
Radcliffe reached the settlement where
the workers at the mills had their
homes, Abel did not dare to follow
him into the houses and restaurants
he visited. He finally lost track Of
Radcliffe completely and, disappointed
and baflled, started back for Clyde.
Abel sat DOWN, two miles of his re-
turn journey covered, to rest, smoke
aud think over matters. He was en-
gagged thus when shout aroused him,
and tracing it's source to spot where
bluff rose up boldly, he discovered
the object OF his distrust and interest.
Radcliffe was beating back an assault
on the part of three rough looking
fellows.
Abel sprang TO his feet and yelled
Justify at the group. He always went
armed in true detective style and car
ried q revolver. This he drew and
began to fire. The three men ran
away, but not until one of them had
dealt Radcliffe a terrific blow with a
cudgel that sent him Keeling over the
edge of the bluff. He rolled to the
road below and lay there impassive.
Abel hurried to the spot, and observed
packet of papers that had fallen
from an inside pocket of the insensible
man.
',They look suspicious" muttered
Abel, and they did, and this self-con-
stituted ernissary of the secret serv-
ice looked over them with amazement,
and then the most vivid satisfaction
and triumph showed in his face.
i've got the goods on him, sure as
atei-Heyr
Thus Abel hailed the driver of q
wagon coming down the road. The
latter drove hurriedly to the spot
where Abel waited.
whats the troublei' he inquired.
"Man hurt, don't you see? / want
to get him to Clyde"
"All right. I'm going that way"
Radcliffe had not reused by the time
they reached Clyde. Abel went at
once to the Office of the town marshal,
whittier his captive was carried and
placed upon bench. Then Abel ex-
hibited the papers he had discovered.
Let us search further" suggested
Abel eagerly.
Hello" suddenly exclaimed the
marshall for as Abel pushed back the
coat of the prisoner a badge showed.
"Why, Grimm" declared the mar
shall, you've put your foot in it This
man is an officer of the secret serv-
Ice"
81 sayl What am l doing hereT'
cried Radcliffe, rousing up at that mo-
ment. "Oh, seer he added. with a
quizzical smile as he noted the docu-
ments on the table. Il had some trou-
BILE getting those and fight to retain
them"
you said you was working for a
relative" said Grimm.
Yes. / did," nodded Radcliffe
promptly-"Uncle SAM"
Hes my uncle. tool" declared Doll
" Merton to Radcliffe, when the story
Of his adventures was recited to her,
and patriotic fervor and her admira-
ton made her fair face lovelier than
ever.
s.Then, being so closely related" sug-
gested Radcliffe, ''let us cherish one
another at all times, and just at this
time would Ike to tell you how much
love you"
And Dolly fingered to listen to loves
street, sforv-never old.