The spectator., 1919-01-07

stances" went on Mrs. Henson. "l l suppose you know that the world has changed a good deal during your fif- teen years of exile? Well, this war, for example. It's shocking rever- sion to barbarism, the nations flying at each others throats, when their diff fculties could have been adjusted by little frank diplomacy. It was a great blow to the financial interests that are working to reconcile the nations and to develop the worlds resources. They would do all possible to end it. am working for them here. I am not tell ing you any secret, Captain Wallace, because everybody in Washington knows 1t. I represent the interna- tional peace committee, and I have quite a good deal of influence among the senators and representatives principally the Western ones. Cap l tain"
 The frankness and audacity of the disclosure astounded Mark. So this was one center of they" as Colonel Howard had called the nucleus of Teu- tonic spies and agents in America.
 "We are trying our hardest to pre- vent America from being dragged into this maelstrom." continued Mrs. Ken son. You, Captain Wallace, were un- fortunate enough to be working on the other side. And-rm sorry, but little trap was laid for you and Kelerman. You walked right into it. Major Kel- lerman, who is very good friend of mine, acted in complete good faith. Don't blame him. Don't blame your self. Don't blame that wretched fel- low who came here the other night to blackmail me. It was inevitable. You see, when you adopted Hampton's daughter you unconsciously put n sort of moose about your neck. There was the possibility of your coming into con- tact with Hampton's friends. The sys- tenn is widespread, you know, and quite twenty years old. So-you had to go west.
 "Now, Captain Wallace, I'm frank woman, and I'll put my proposition to you. You don't want to see Major Kellerman walk off with that pretty ward of yours, do you? And you can't marry her without a little money. | We'll, you could be very useful to us in many ways. Would you, without sacrificing your patriotism or revealing any secrets, become salaried worker of our organization"
 Mark stood up, trembling. 'I-don't | quite understand" he said husliilv {; and the picture of Eleanor in Keller mans arms at the dance swan before his eyes. "What is it you want me to do2"
 ''Use your influence and army knowl- | edge in our behalf. That little affair of today will soon be forgotten. And we'll help you to put Kellerman out of business"
 You ask me to become a German spyT'
 Don't be absurd. my dear captain. Who ever suggested such a thing?' ] That's what 1t amounts to-"
 "A little influence on behalf of hu- mahity."
 "E Eo!" shouted Mark. quite beside himself. You're infamous. You ought to be put out of the country"
 He strode indignantly toward the dooF.
 n he electric light in the passage had gone out. The room grew dark behind him. He groped his way toward tho door.
 Suddenly vivid light flashed before his eyes. He heard. though he felt no pain, the impact of a hard weapon upon the back of his head. He flung out his hands and grappled with q man. In the uplifted hand he felt a heavy stick with knobbed handle.
 He believed his assailant to be Kel- lerman, and, half unconscious as he was, he fought madly. But the man, Kellerman or not. was more than a match for him. For few moments they wrestled furiously; then the other got his arm free and brought down the stick upon Marks head again. And
 .. " AN~ N0ht fafed Into hl0c}-