The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-10-19

with = laugh. $50 can't make that
as an excuse" But the laugh was q
little forced. And then they took their
leave. refreshed. and walked in silence
to the cliffs.
IT don't think the time ripe yet"
said Gale.
Gale was sitting in the garden on
Sunday morning with Danvers. They
heard gate click and Madame en-
tered-very much dressed for church.
She carried in her hand her knitting
bas-a slightly incongruous object. but
she never went without 1t and all her
spare moments were devoted to knitting
socks.
She disappeared into the house for
moment and then came out again.
She's got rid of the knitting bag"
she was going to knit during the ser
mon"
She walked toward them-she was
carrying q beautifully bound Russian
leather case-it looked as If it con-
tanned prayer book. hymn book and
bible-it was rather big.
Gale got another chair and she sat
down between them.
1t was too early to start for church
and Mamie was going. She kept the
Russian leather case in her lap. Gale
looked at his watch ana said that 1t
" Cd a. lcdbI uVS minutes DS1oT6 SHc
would start. He let Danvers do the
talking and tried to think quicker than
he had ever done before. Presently
he took out cigarette and tapped it
three times on his case-it is a thing
most men debut Gale never. save as
Have you a match. Danvers?" he
said presently.
Danvers had given him one. Gale
saw his two knuckles strike the Rus
sian leather case on Madame's lap.
Gale was profuse in his apologies for
his clumsiness: Madame. across whose
face had Uttered a momentary shiver
of alarm. was all smiles, and the in
cident ended happily. The advent of
Mamie suggested q move and then Gale
remarked. IF you will let US get our
hats. Mr.. Danvers and I are coming to
church" Danvers, who greatly pre-
ferred Mamie out of doors, was sur
prised. but said nothing.
Let me carry your prayer-book for
you." said Gale as they started.
THANK you. no." came the answer with
q radiant smile. II never let q man
know I have burdens"
Gale flung back some easy compliment
and the walk passed quickly. He left
before the sermon. He had seen what
he wanted. The case OF books was never
opened.
Once more when lunch was over the
Admiral and Madame more or less melted
away to his study: she was carrying her
knitting bag as usual and the case of
books was nowhere to be seen. Gale felt
sure it was lying hidden in the bag.
1t must have been four o'clock before
they appeared on the scenes again and
all the party met for tea in the hall.
DO let me look at your wonderful
work bag" said Gale, strolling over to
Madame Dubois. He took 1t before she
could say a work in both hands and look
81 cnr afr lIHy NJ ho 40 he Icia -
and the British crossed. It's all right
he said in a relieved voice: Mr.. Danvers
has been slandering you. He said your
Union Jack was upside down, but its
absolutely correct. Thank you so much
But his right hand had felt the little
case of books and his left hand come
against something short and round which
certainly was not wool
To his delight he saw that the sky was
becoming overcast and rain was begin
ming to fall. That rendered knitting
party in the garden impossible. Bridge
was . passion with Madame and Gale
suggested a game. Madame acquiesceo
with Joy and hoped for Gale as a part
ner. She placed her precious knitting
bag on a little table close by her side
Gale started the first rubber as her op-
ponent and moved back the bag slightly
to make room for a whiskey and soda.
As soon as he was dummy he stood by
her side. between her and the little table
watching her cards. There was no one
else in the room but the bridge players
He took out his handkerchief as IL fol-
use and put 1t inside his right hand
Then with his back to the knitting bag
he felt for the something short and
round" and soon withdrew it from the
bag carefully covered by his handker.
chief and placed 1t in his pocket The
rubber did not last long and he called
Danvers to take his place and wen,
straight to the study. There he found
the Admiral. Gale locked the door and
handed him q roll of films. fastened up
,, admiral" he said, and his voice wal
very serious. my impression is that
those are used films. and I want you to
develop them now. think your very
honor is at stake"
Sir Algernon was on his feet in q mo-
ment.
my honor. CALEB he cried. my hon.
orr
"Hush.' said Gale. "hushI Let's gel