Gilpin observer., 1917-04-12
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done," he continued, without looking
up.
Bertha said nothing in response to
that.
"What would you do with this locket
If l were to return 1t to you?" Brent
suddenly asked. "Would you show it
to Miss Dare as you originally intended
and thus interrupt forever the hope of
marrying her which I have enter
tained?"
Il would hand 1t back to you, Thorn
ton," whispered Bertha with feeling.
Brent laughed resignedly.
Knowing that all my chances in that
direction are goneT
knowing that If Miss Dare loves
anyone except Capt. Ralph Payne in
memory, that one is not you and that
you really never had chance"
'That one being-Adams?"
Bertha nodded. adams"
1.-THE Silent Menace"
She nodded again. "The Silent
Menace"
And you would let her marry him,
superfiend that he is, the country's en-
emy and ours, responsible for Payne's
trouble and her unhappiness? You
would do that to revenge yourself on
mel" He looked at her strangely and
waited for her reply.
1t was Bertha's chance to admit q
change of heart and motive and she
did not hesitate. II no longer seek to
harm you, Thornton, and would glad
ly give my life to Miss Dare. The ST.
lent Menace shall never marry her.
Yet to prevent that tragedy and at the
same time shield you by any confess
sion of my own will not be easy. For
this reason 1 have held my tongue"
"Shield me? From what?'
''From irregular conduct in an army
officer-the sort that sends men to the
penitentiary for life."
Brent shuddered. He knew that she
spoke truly. He had erred grievously
In the performance Of duty. And the
time was fast approaching when con-
sequences would have to be faced. All
of n sudden he experienced a reckless
impulse to hurry that time and he
thought of the marriage license.
continued in tense whisper: "What
do you know about marriage license
for you and for mel"
Bertha smiled family. adams gave
1t to me-"
"And about wedding gift?"
She smiled again. "He told me about
that, too"
They gazed fixedly in each others
eyes.
"Will you marry me, Bertha? / will
resign before 1t is too late!"
Bertha freed herself and slowly
shook her head. II will marry you,
Thornton, but only after you have re-
deemed yourself-before it is too late"
He clenched his fists and groaned
aloud. "Tell me how! Help me !"
In common accord they rose and
stood face to face. "Unmask Adams
l will stand by you! Do 1t at once, to-
and the colonelw
Brent's eyes flashed with determina-
ton. an do 1t !" he cried, sharply, for
getful for the moment of time and
place, clasping her hands once more.
do what, major?" loomed the voice
of Colonel Dare out of the darkness
and ut the same moment he appeared
on the walk accompanied by a tele-
graph messenger boy.
Bertha, motioning the major to be
silent, ran toward the colonel and re-
piled In his stead. "Major Brent just
concluded to look you up. Miss Dare
and Adams have not yet come home"
A look Of concern filtered over the
features Of the colonel. Here's boy
with telegram, major. I'm glad
you're here for / have something Of
importance TO say" he stated, gravely.
Brent took the telegram and hastily
scrawllng his receipt, dismissed the
boy who hurried away. With side
long glance Mt Bertha, he broke the
seal, the colonel looking on impatiently.
Pearl Dare and Orderly Adams are my
prisoners. They will remain 80 until /
have accomplished my purpose. II you
follow Colonel Daro's Instructions you al
you.
1t was signed by the Silent Menace
under his silhouette.
Brent Strengthened up. pressed his
lips firmly together and handed the
telegram without u word to Colonel
Dare.
"What do you get out Of this.
Brent" he circulated.
"Nay inquire what the instructions
referred to are?"
"You may, but how they reached
his ears Is unfathomable !" thundered
the colonel, pacing up and down the
porch. Here are your orders, sealed II
He stopped before Brent and handed