The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1918-02-06
SECRET SERVICE
BY BOYD RIDGELY MARSH.

Grimm.
He seems 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
10 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 II guest
VI 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 al clyde was sirolls
down the river where the big mills
were located and tramps among the
hills looking for coal groupings that
did not exist.
I'm cultivate this fine young fel-
low!" resolved Abel, after his CON
yersation with Dolly's brother. I'll
worm myself Into his confidence and
find out what he really Is here for"
But his efforts la that direction were
not worth the pains. Radcliffe. In his
blum. direct way. laughed ut Absl
when he one day put the question:
Il say. Radcliffe. people wonder
what business you have down here"
.'Soy" smiled Radcliffe. We'll, you
know rm Interested In mlneralogy."
"Of. that's bunk 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"
well. all the same am under sal
AIRY and orders from II relative" de-
ciared Radcliffe.
Abel was irritated ut 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 ut II safe distance
behind Radcliffe. He wore false
beard. Il SLOUGH hat, II long enveloping
raincoat, carried cane, liinped. and.
to the view of u person II hundred
yards away. suggested the role he had
ndopted-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
be visited. He finally lost track Of
Radcliffe completely and. disappointed
aud bafiied. started back for Clyde.
Abel sat down, two miles of his re-
turn journey covered. to rest, smoke
and think over matters. He was en-
gagged thus when shout aroused him.
and tracing Its source to II spot where
u BLUM 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 a revolver. This he drew and
began to fire The three men ran
away, but not until one of them had
dealt Radcliffe II terrific blow with u
cudgei that sent him Keeling over the
edge of the blum. He rolled to the
road below and lay there iInpassive.
Abel hurried to the spot, and observed
u packet of papers that had fallen
from an inside pocket Of the insenslble
man.
They look suspicious" muttered
Abel, and they did. and this self-con-
stituted enissary 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 rs
fate !-Hey!"
Thus Abel hailed the driver OF u
wagon coming down the road. The
latter drove hurriedly to the spot
where Abel waited.
What's the troublef" he Inquired.
Man hurt. don't you sect l want
10 get him to Clyde"
''Ail 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 u bench. Then Abel ex-
hibited the papers he had discovered
Let US search further" suggested
Abel eagerly.
Hello" suddenly exclaimed the
marshal. for as Abel pushed back the
coat Of the prisoner II badge showed.
Why, Grimm" declared the mar
shal you've put your foot in II This