Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1918-04-23
SECRET SERVICE
BY BOYD RIDeELY MARSH.

'"Neither do T." supplemented Abel
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
to be looking out for coal possibilities
up In the hills, we know nothing about
him."
Nothing whatever" chimed ia
Abel. "But I'm going to-"
Vance Radcliffe had been a guest
of the local hotel for over two weeks.
He lived well, got acquainted with
members of the leading social set and
was attracted to Dolly Merton from
the first hour he met her.
The only pretense Radcliffe made to
having business at Clyde was strolls
down the river where the big mills
were located and tramps among the
hills looking for coal groupings that
did not exist.
'Tll cultivate this fine young fell
low!" resolved Abel, after his con-
versation with Dolly's brother. "Tll
worm myself into his confidence and
find out what he really is here for"
But his efforts in that direction were
not worth the pains. Radcliffe, In his
bluff, direct way, laughed at Abal
when he one day put the question:
II say, Radcliffe, people wonder
what business you have down here"
"So?" smiled Radcliffe. swell, you
know I'm interested in mineralogy."
"Oh, that's bunkl ~ retorted Abel in
LIS rude way. Everybody knows
lose old hills haven't an ounce of
iron or coal, or anything else but lime
stone and slate"
''Well, all the same I am under sal
airy and orders from a relative" de-
clared Radcliffe.
Abel was irritated at 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 at safe distance
behind Radcliffe. He wore a false
beard, SLOUGH hat, long enveloping
raincoat, carried a cane, limped, and,
to the view of a person hundred
yards away, suggested the role he had
adopted-that of an old man. When
Radcliffe reached the settlement where
the workers at the mills had their
Anal 6id do fn fo11nxu
him into the houses and restaurants
he visited. He finally lost track of
Radcliffe completely and, disappointed
and baffied, 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 a shout aroused him,
and tracing it's source to a spot where
bluff 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 terrific blow with a
cudgel that sent him Keeling over the
edge of the bluff. He rolled to the
road below and lay there impassive.
Abel hurried to the spot, and observed
packet of papers that had fallen
from an inside pocket of the insensible
man.
"They look suspicious" muttered
Abel, and they did, and this self-con-
stituted emissary of the secret serv-
ice looked over them with amazement,
and then the most vivid satisfaction
and triumph showed in his face.
1--WE got the goods on him, sure as
fate l-HeyW
Thus Abel hailed the driver of
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 see? I want
to get him to Clyde"
"All right, I'm going that way"
Radcliffe had not reused by the time
once to the Office of the town marshal,
whittier his captive was carried and
placed upon a bench. Then Abel ex-
hibited the papers de had discovered.
Let US search further" suggested
Abel eagerly.
Hello" suddenly exclaimed the
marshal, for as Abel pushed back the
coat of the prisoner badge showed.
"Why, Grimm" declared the mar
shall, you've put your foot In it This
man is an officer of the secret serv-
lce."
II sayl What am doing here?"
cried Radcliffe, rousing up at that mo-
ment. "Oh, / seeI" he added, with a
quizzical smile as he noted the docu-
ments on the table. II had some trou-
BILE getting those and fight to retain
them"
you said you was working for q
relative" said Grimm.
"Yes, / did," nodded Radcliffe
promptly-"Uncle Sam"
Hes my uncle, tool" declared Dol
ly Merton to Radcliffe, when the story
Of his adventures was recited to her,
and patriotic fervor and her admira-
ton made her fair face lovelier than
ever.
'Then, being so closely related" sug-
gested Radcliffe, 'let us cherish one
another at all times, and Just at this
time would like to tell you how much
I love you"
And Dolly fingered to listen to loves
sweet story-never old.
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