The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-04-21

In q hand at once FEMININE and OF
decided character, the envelope was
euperscribed:
ORSON BERTRAM, Esq,
General Manager,
Claiming, Inc,
Introducing 81 Broadway, New York.
Capt. Donald Parr.
The addressee accepted it from the
hands of Capt. Donald Parr with a
Slightly bored air which was swiftly
dissipated once he had scanned the
dozen or so lines composing the body
of the note.
With a somewhat startled express
sion Mr.. Bertram peered over his desk
at this Captain Para brief scrutiny
which Donald endured with composure
until Mr.. Bertram with the manner of
one challenging the testimony of his
W senses), returned undivided at
tention to a second reading of the
note. Then a twinkle of amusement
showed in Donald's eyes, he commune
Gated this emotion in a swift glance to
his companion, and again masked it
with a semblance of impassivity.
Having verified his first impression
of the sense of the communication,
Mr.. Bertram clicked his tongue against
his teeth meditatively-"'Tchi Tch!'
Miss Claiming reposes a-pardon
me-surprising degree of confidence in
you, Captain Parr," he commented.
81 hope to prove worthy of her
trust" Donald declared with all due
humility.
81 used the term surprising In view
of the fact that it has been my mis-
fortune never to have heard of you
as a friend of Miss Channing's."
"Don't apologize" said Donald calm
ly-and let it go at that.
"Of course" Mr.. Bertram amended
hastily, 81 am Miss Channing's serv-
ant. Her will is my law. Pray adj
wise me in what way 1 may serve
you"
Permit me first" Donald suggested,
ito introduce my friend, Mr.. Edward
w. Ryley, late of the United States
Secret Service, now associated with
me in the private bureau of informa-
ton which 1 have organized for Miss
Charming at her suggestion"
Mr. Bertram looked, If possible, more
than ever startled.
81 know nothing of that" he said,
mechanically shaking hands with Mr..
Ryley.
at is Miss Channing's desire that /
inform you concerning it, in strict
confidence-naturally."
Naturally" echoed Mr.. Bertram,
and assumed a receptive attitude.
Rapidly Captain Parr sketched for
an outline of the existing situation be-
tween Patria Claiming and himself,
on the one hand, and on the other
Baron Huroki and his associates.
AS he drew to his conclusion Mr..
Bertram betrayed boundless amaze
ment.
EXTRAORDINARY I" he commented,
and rather needlessly mopped his brow.
MAY 1 ask-Y
Anything, Mr.. Bertram. 1t is not
only my duty, 1 am only too happy to
tell you everything"
"Why-since these Japanese and
Mexican c~onspirators have SO openly
shown their hands"
81 won't indorse openly" Donald in
terrupted with a smile. "They have
been very shrewd and cunning. 1t has
thus far been our good fortune-with
the assistance of Mr.. Ryley hereto
penetrate their intrigues and mate
their every move"
But surely you have ample excuse
for swearing out warrants for their
arresti"
IF we do that" Donald explained
patiently, 1--WE merely exchange an
enemy we know for one we do not
know. Japanese conspiracy will not
die out in this country if we expose
and punish Baron Huroki; another
will take his place; and warned by
Huroki's fate, will work even more
surreptitiOusly. But as long as Baron
Huroki is suffered to remain head and
forefront of the intrigue, we know
whom to watch and, through our ex-
perience with his methods, how best
to forestall his Vaccinations"