New-York tribune., 1919-03-02

UelHS, ycI Hc became very sad
III
Without many words, in his silent wav.
he worked his way up to a leading posi-
ton IN the organization, and one night he
was arrested. Nothing was found on his
person, however, and he could not help
wondering how they had come to arrest
him, Of all people. He was so careful.
He had never noticed any spies following
HIM, and he came to the firm conclusion
that he had been betrayed Who was the
informer?
Just before he was released after two
days in jail, he was summoned before the
police captain. Michael was prepared for
a searching cross-examination, but instead
he was received very genally by the cap
tain, who asked him to take seat, mean
while eying him steadily with his piercing
inqustorial look. Only after having been
asked second time to take seat did
Michael sit down upon the edge of the
chair to which the officer pointed.
The captain was in no hurry to open the
conversation He busted himself with some
writing, spoke few words to some of the
surrounding officers, and from time to time
threw a glance at Michael with his in
QulSlIOIlAl eyes, whose expression ne sought
to soften with a good-natured, encouraging
emile.
Michael waited patiently. He summoned
to mind the various answers that he had
rehearsed with himself during the last two
days, and studied the faces of those present.
1t might prove Of value. Suddenly he be-
held the hand of the officer with cigarette
case extended toward him, and he heard
himself being asked whether he smoked.
He could not understand what the officer
wanted Of him. He looked at the open case
and the cigarettes in it as if he were be-
holding for the first time in his life some
wonderful sight.
The officer repeated his question.
Wouldn't Michael have smoke? He
needn't be bashful Let him help himself
Michael stared at the cigarette case and
blushed deep red. He raised his hand
and dropped it Immediately. He was too
confused even to offer thanks. He surveyed
the captain more closely than ever and
thought: "That fool thinks he can bribe
me-"
The officer kept repeating: "Have Gig
arctic! Help yoursclf!" He placed one on
the table for Michael, put one between his
lips, lighted it, blew out the match, scru-
tinizing Michael all the while with the in
wrinkled forehead He was plainly dis
satisfied
Finally he began to speak, and at his
words goosef1esh began to creep over
Michael
The officer told him that he had been
recommended to the police department as
one who could be Of great service The
person who had recommended him knew
him very we'll, and thought that silent
person like him would make an excellent
spy. He was really born for work of such
nature. The officer laughed and gave
Michael knowing squeeze just above the
knee.
Michael listened his teeth tightly
cenched, and his eyes became hard He
looked at the officer, and for the first time
in his life thoughts of murder entered his
head. He felt that he could seize the man
by the neck and choke him then and there
Several times his gaze wandered from the
officers face to his throat if seeking
the place where he would bury his fingers,
and then he felt as if he were actually
strangling the life out Of him.
The officer spoke further A promising
future awaited Michael, he said He would
roll in money. Indeed, he could get sub
stantal advance at once.
But Michael scarcely heard him. From
thoughts of murder, he proceeded to an
inner question-one that concerned the or
ganization vitality: Who? He who had
pointed him out to the police certainly had
betrayed his address, and it must have been
Il member of the organization. Who could
it be? lie called TO mind Il host of names,
but could decide on none. The person who
was now talking to him could clear that
matter easily. SO that when the officer
asked, "Wcl what do you say to the prop
osition?' Michael, quite foolshy, driven
By his intense desire to know, came back
with the counter question, "Who recom-
mcndcd mc?'
The officer looked Mt him sharply, cxhal-
ing mouthfu of cigarette smoke, and
anid' "Youro II wisc fcllowl' Then added,
grnvcly, "Wcll, what do you say ?"
Michael seemed to grow rigid and again
felt IA strong impulse to throw himself at
the captains throat. "Ill think it over" he
managed to stammcr. 'Ill let you know
shortly"
Immediately, however, he turned red,
arose and snapped firmly, mo"
49, replied the officer scornfully "you
arc determined to come TO IL bad end? Very
we'll, you will. Wen keep an eye on you.
And at the first serious offence, you'll be
the scapegoat. You're fool. You're not
alive to your own chances. You'd live like
lord. Do you prefer stirring up rcvolu-
tons? All folly, my dear boy! You can't
do that here. We've got you all IN the hol-
low Of our hands. We know every ono Of
you. We've got enough spies Of both sexes
planted in your midst. And if you don't
accept my offer, wiser fellow will. Thererl
be ten to take your place. Not everybody
is so foolish as you. Just see what
jackass you arc"--