Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1918-08-01
cWollie' S
German Spy
~<D

By AGNES G. BRooAN

The light in Billy Mays eyes deep
ened as he looked at his sister, hover
Ing over her flowers. In Biily's YER
nacular, Mollie was "his only excuse
for living"
Long years before when the little
orphaned sister had plteously held out
her arms to him, Billy had pledged
her his life's devotion, and she had re-
paid. It had been no easy task TO lay
aside the coveted career and to take
up as a necessity to her advancement
the first opportunity offered in a coun-
try village Being rural mail carrier
had made II possible for "Ange" to
have her education and the usual ac-
cOmplishments befitting modern
young woman. That is what Billy had
named the girl when her starry eyes
spoke their gratitude from beneath a
aure0le OF golden hair. and "Angel'
she had remained.
College life had not spoiled Mollie
for the village; she but returned with
new enthusiasms and plans for his
home making He came to her now
across the garden, his hand held
YEARLY against his throbbIng temples
Angel" he said, unsteadily, "some-
things wrong. The heat, ! guess, yes
terday. II was hard riding so long In
the sun. The whole place seems to be
swimming around and. Angel"
"Why, Billy" she cried in quick
concern, you must lie down this min
ute and rot stir again today"
There was nothing for 1t hut to
obey; passlyely he allowed himself to
be led back across the lawn, crate
fully his eyelids closed as Mollie drew
the blinds Of his room. Then sudden
ly his eyes again opened.
'The mail route" he fretted. DE
livery at nine O'Clock has to be made,
MOllle; no one else to do It,"
Painfully Billy endeayored to rise,
but Mollle forestalled him.
well" she answered. cheerfully, "lf
the trip has to be made, It viii be.
III 90 myself"
"The road" he grumbled, as new
to you, Angel just cut through in
some places, lonely as"
"Bllyi" she cried exaspernted, "as
If I'm not riding alone around the
country all the time Well, see here
If you are bound to be afraid, let me
take your revolver Surely, If | don't
slow down | can hold your spy at bay
in the ofllng' and speed away"
Billy was laughing with her now. but
nevertheless he inspected his weapon
of protection and handed It over with
glance of admiration TO the little
sister.
In the outer room Mollle lifted the
gun glngerly, and removed its load
ings
"There," she sighed In relief, SIT is
safe now II could still brighten hands
Off and I'd never pass another peace
ful night II | were to shoot even a
German spy"
Up and down the broad, winding
road sped the small red car. The new
mail deliyerer was prompt and eff
cient. not a moment did she lose and
the task was most exhilaratlng. In
the wind-blown checks the color deep
ened. about tile blue bandeau the fair
curls twisted merrily, then all at once
Mollie bent desperately 10 her levers.
A figure appeared before the car in
the center of the road. and to avoid
running the figure down seemed inn
-
Mollle closed her eyes In sick appre-
henSion even rs she sought the brakes.
When she opened them again the car
was painting and throbblng from its
sudden check, and the man saved from
danger stood near enough 10 touch her
with his hands He was leaning heav-
lily upon IA stout stick, evidently some
fallen branch. and his steely eyes look
Ing straight into hers. awakening her
10 n quick remembrance Of past fear.
Might this not be a hlgh-handed way
of holding up a cara car and Uncle
Sans mail? The man was certainly
foreign In appearance.
The face seemed all at once stamped
upon Mollte'S memory and while she
sat stupidity regarding him. the man
spoke hrusquely. with a decided Ger
man accent
If YOU please" he said 81 must
ask to be carried In your chr. I have
injured my ankle and passing convey
unees are rare"
Without awaiting her reply, ais hand
reached boldly for the knob Of the car
door; then Mollie came back 70 rea-
son.
"One moment" she said, swcetly.
'the opening Is difficult" ana bent
over as IL to assist him HUT in that
moment her hnud found the revolver
In her skirt pocket and lts shining
barrel was on a level with the mans
astontshed face.
III you move, or try to enter the
car said Mollie. shH In that slow,
sweet tone, Il VIII shoot
An instant more and the car flew
down the road, leaving the intruder
staring Mt something shining AT his
feet.
"Jovet" he muttercd. dazcdly. and
stopped TO pick up the revolver Evi-
A. ~ 4