The Monticellonian., 1917-05-24

major, who had satisfactorily ex- plained the mufIler affair, could not get over the fact that Adams had come back a hero in the estimation of the government and the Dares.
 It 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 you?' queried the major at that time.
 T d-didn't," answered Adams to the point.
 "When did you discover them to be concealed there?" interposed the chief of staff.
 "0n the day Major Brent t-took them from me-"
 Tn the hut of the old woman in Granada?''
 Adams nodded.
 ''Why then did you resist arrest and l toh1tdi SOu uOm vouehl'
 'I had a notion that I could k-ketch that there Silent Menace I wanted to c-cop the credit. Amt that natural? :? 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?" interjeeted Brent, sarcasdcally.
 "Why, the Silent Menace, himselfl !" answered Adams in surprise at such question.
 Tt was not you, then?'
 .I told you before 1t w-wasn't me-" maintained Adams, his features flush- ing in anger. 'The Silent Menace ain't been about l-lately-ever since I shot Belero."
 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. Mime and Miss Bonn we're afeared tito open our mouths. Have you seen the lady l-lately? And that reminds me. major-you'd give hull h-heap to have that photograph back, wouldn't you? I ain't 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.
 Thanks for the flowers, Thornton" She wore beautiful and becoming corsage. Tt was as usual thoughtful of you" Then she changed the sub Ject.
 II wonder what has become of Miss Bertha Bonn?' she asked, innocently.
 Miss Bertha Bonn? repeated Ma tor Brent, blankly.
 'The girl we saved from Bolero. I haven't seen or heard of her since we left the Granadian border"
 Adams fingered in the hallway, lis tening.
 "I know nothing about her." lied Major Brent In the manner of one dis missing an uninterestlng subject.
 twill you look her upw persisted Pearl, clinging to her theme.
 If you ask me to, yes"
 Obtain her address, please. I'll ask her to call. want to set her straight about"
 About what?" Brent faltered.
 Don't pry Into women's secrets, Thornton" she warned in an arch manner. T may possibly want to dis cuss-you."
 Good Lordl" exclaimed Brent, try ing to be comical, but failing utterly. He was in hot water and showed 1t 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 disconcerted major.
 l uutl Stt UOW yOu ton awkward gink around" growled Brent as Pearl dismissed the orderly with a kindly motion.
 Pearls eyes opened wide. Hes not awkward. He's handsome"
 You'll rue it." warned Brent, sigh ing as one who knows.
 Subsequently Adams, obtaining leave from Colonel Dare. went up town and paid an unexpected call on Miss Bertha Bonn in her apartment is the Hotel Wilton.
 Gosh. !" he exclaimed, feeling q bit awkward in her luxurious sitting room. "It m-must cost you heap of money to live here"
 Bertha laughed and offered him q cigarette from her gold case, lighting one herself.
 They sat down.
 q knew that you would come some time. I'm not afraid of you any more, T. O. Adams. In fact, believe that we can get along well together she began. cordially.
 "What do you think I c-come for?" inquired he. looking at her steadily.
 ITO talk with me about Major Brent's photograph and my locket," :" ~~~~~-~~~~~~~-~~-~