Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-13

1e1SI1luO1ND lM Z
Scarley. coming forward eagerly, for.
gctful Of Abner.
Verda. who had drawn back a little
watched tho two. then, snakclike
turned to Abncr.
Come; have something to say tc
YOU" she whispered, taking him into
the next room, to leave Scarlcy and
Doris alone.
Let's sit out on tho porch mo-
ment." suggested Scarlcy. This is a
glorious day after the storm"
Ilc took her hands in his with that
assurance which Doris was now COM
Ing to loathe. leading her to the porch
please. don't" sho complained. in
differently withdrawing her hands
from his.
Doris Relents.
WHY asked Scarley. with an as
sumed pain.
For the moment Doris relented. IT
was enough for Scarley. He saw a
good graccs. and his good nature now
became expansive.
They walked out on the porch. but
no sooner had she stepped her foot
out of the house than she paused, and
her expression showed that she saw
some ono else and had forgotten him.
She smiled. and quickly Scarlcy. who
| had been looking at her face. turned.
| That COMPOUNDED Secret Service man.
he muttcred to himself. though he did
| not let his face betray 1t for moment.
On his part Ramsay, who had taken
| advantage OF the chance to change his
riding costume. saw the two together.
He bit his lip and turned to control
| his anger. but not before Doris saw IL
- m 1;-h
| for tho moment.
"so-he's here. too. is he?" sncercd
| Scarley turning to Doris.
She paid no attention, but continued
| smiling at Ramsay. who came forward
with a questioning look on his face.
He did not even notice Scarlcy. but
! the doctor never took his eyes off the
| Secret Service man.
i've been thinking about this
packet" began Ramsay, just bit
formally. drawing the case from his
pocket.
AS Scarlcy saw it. he realized what
let him have it, yet she had trusted It
to Ramsay.
| You'll excuse us, DR.. Scarlcy?" she
smiled.
Scarley WINGED at the formality. 1t
used to be "Charlcs.' But before he
could say a word. she had left the
porch with Ramsay. Scarlcy watched
! them as they strollcd down through
tho Italian gardens and clcnchcd his
! fists.
II hate that fellow" no muttcrcd.
IF ever l."
He felt light touch on his arm.
| Verda having sown tho seeds Of trouble
with Abncr, had returned to watch
Scarlcy just in time to sec Ramsay
| appear again. Tie started. and Verda
| looked deeply into his face.
Il understand" she whispered cum
ninGly.
For moment tho two stood watch
! ing Doris and Ramsay.
| Perhaps" hesitated Ramsay, you'd
better take it after ALL"
| Why
Verda Shows Her Hand.
| oh. don't know"
But Doris knew. Ramsay was
Jealous. You foolish boy she
laughed mcrrily. Don't you know he's
nothing to me any more?'
Sho smiled and Ramsay smiled.
| Keep it-wont you:'
As he reached out his fingers touched
hers. 1t sent an electric thrill through
| him as he pressed her hand tenderiy
| She hesltated. 1t was so different from
Scarley's touch. They looked deeply
into each others eyes. and Doris's eyes
softcncd dreamily at his ardent gaze.
Then. catching herself. she withdrew
her hand. smiling coquettishly to cover
| her confusion. For moment they
stood together embarrassed. Ramsey
| holding the case.
1t would have been difficult to tell
which OF the spectators on tho porch
was the more jealousy angry-Vcrda,
| OF Doris, or Scarley OF Ramsey. Quick
~ Ferda recovered her serpcntine COM
! posture.
Your interests as we'll as mine"
she Kissed
| Swiftly Scarlcy turned to her and
caught her hand. Yes" hc snarlcd
| bitterly, as the two moved away with
common hatred.
Resourceful. if nothing else. was the
Hidden Hand. Though one attack had
taiied. he was never at loss for
something ne wand devilish.
He was seated IN his subtcrrancsn
| den which he had established on Whit
ney Island. the following day, when
/ there came a signal that some one
was outside.
See who il is." he ordered the false
| Ramsay. who opened the door 10 the
| passaGewaH and admitted an over
dressed. hardened looking woman. She
stood for a moment looking about tho
oen and al the terrible Hidden Hand
| himself. but she did not betray fear
wen! Correspondent Carrie" he
greeted suavely. so. you got my mes
sage and the directions how to get
here. Good" Then TO the false Ram
say he directed. Keep guard outside
/ until I call you"
| The false Ramsay took his torch and
went out the door through the pa ssaee-
way to the mouth Of the cavern. No
sooner had he gone than the Hidden
Hand prIuced a letter which he had
written and from his pocket not one
/ but two lockets.
Here Is a letter | wish YOU would
/ denver to Doris whitney" he com
manhed, taking one of the Iockets and
! holding II up. land here have pre-
/ pared false lockct"
| He smiled sinistcrly to himself as
| ne thought OF the havoc that might
! DC wrought by this false locket explod
ing the explosive packet in the hands
| OF Doris Then he leaned over and
( Whispered his further instructions.
/ Outside the mouth Of the cavern
some distance away, Romsay himsclf
having long ago arrived at the con
clus!on that the Hidden Hand, whoevcr
he was. must have a new den on Whit
! ney Island. was searching II by chance
/ he might locate It,
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