The Glenwood post., 1919-06-28

on the man ODowd. traced him
to this place. I was on the point Of
reporting to my superiors that he was
in no way associated with the much
sought-after crown-cousin, and that
Green Fancy was as free from taint
as the village chapel, when out Of
clear sky and almost under my very
nose two men were mysteriously done
away with at the very gates Of the
place. The killing Of those two men
changed the aspect completely. You
will certainly agree with me after I
have explained to you that the one
known as Andrew Room was no other
than the equerry who had undertaken
to find the-young woman"
Barnes drew long breath. His
mind was made up. He had decided
to pool issues with the secret agent,
but not until he was convinced that
the result of their cooperation would
in no way inflict hardship upon the
young woman who had appealed to
him for help. He was certain that she
was the fair propagandist described
by Sprouse.
"And the young woman, what Of
her? She would, in any case, be held
for examination and"
my dear sir, may as well tell you
now that she is loyal subject, and,
far from being in bad grace at court,
is an object of extreme solicltude to
the ambassador. From what 1 can
gather she has disappeared complete
ly. Room was sent over here for the
sole purpose of finding her and induc-
ing her to return with him to Paris"
sand to take the treasure with her,
I suppose" said Barnes dryly.
Naturally"
"Well," began Barnes, introducing
harsh note into his voice, II should
say that If she is guilty Of receiving
this stolen property she ought to be
punished. Jail is the place for her,
Mr.. Sprouse."
Sprouse put down his coffee cup
rather suddenly. A queer pallor came
into his face.
"You do not understand the situa-
ton. Haven't I made it plain to you
that she is innocent Of any intent to
do wrong?'
"You have said SO, Mr.. Sprouse, but
your idea of wrong and mine may not
jibe."
"There cannot be two ways of look
ing at it, sir" said Sprouse, after a
moment. "She could do no wrong"
Whereupon Barnes reached his hand
fhn f,ntl lat
Sprouse's. His eyes were dancing.
"That's Just what want to be sure
about" he said. "It was my way of
finding out your intentions concerning
her"
"What do you meanW
"Come with me to my room," said
Barnes, suppressing his excitement.
II think I can tell you where she is
and great deal more that you ought
to Know"
In the little room upstairs he told
the whole story. The little man lis
tened without so much as single
word of interruption or Interrogation.
Somewhat breathlessly Barnes came
to the end.
"And now, Mr.. Sprouse, what do
you make of 1t alp he inquired.
Sprouse leaned back in his chair,
suddenly relaxing. 81 am completely
at sea-" he said, and Barnes looked
at him in surprise.
"By Jove, I thought 1t would all be
as clear as day to you. Here is your
man and also your woman, and the
travelling bag full Of"
Fright you are interrupted Sprouse.
'"That is all simple enough. But, my
dear Barnes, can you tell me what Mr..
Secretary Loeb's real name is? Why
has he established himself SO close to
the canadian line, and why the mo.
bilization? l refer to his army OF
huskies."
Heirs apparent usually have some
sort Of a bOdyguard, don't they?"
Sprouse was staring thoughtfully at
the ceiling. When he finally lowered
his eyes 1t was to favor Barnes with
deep, inscrutable smile.
81 dare say the first thing for me
to do is to advise the Canadian au-
thorities to keep a sharp lookout along
the border"