Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-05-24

ter Of the gentleman In whose house
the senior Mr.. Curtis was frequent
guest had been In the United States
since some time prior to the beginning
of the war. She was visiting friends
in the States and has been unable to
return to her own land. for reasons
that must be obvious. may as well
confess that her father was. by mar
rlage an uncle Of the late ruler.
"Slnce the invasion and overthrow
Of her country by the Teutonic allies
she has been endeavofing to raise
money here for the purpose of equip
ping and supporting the remnants Of
the small army that fought so valiant
ly in defense OF the crown. These
men, few thousand only, are at pres
ent interned In a neutral country. l
leave you to guess what win happen II
she succeeds In supplying them with
arms and ammunition. Her work Is
being carried on with the greatest Sc
crecy. To bring the story to a close,
! was instructed to keep close watch
on the man O'Dowd. I traced him
to this place. l was on the point of
reporting to my superlors that he was
In no way associated with the much
sought-after crown-cousln. and that
Green Fancy was as free from taint
as the villhge chapel. when out OF a
clear sky and almost under my very
nose two men were mysterlously done
away with at the very gates OF the
place. The killing Of those two men
changed the aspect completely. You
viii 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 worGan."
Barnes drew a 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 infllct a 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
herf She would, In any case, be held
for examination and"
my dear sir, may as well tellyou
now that she Is loyal subject, and.
fur from being In bad grace at court,
is an object OF extreme solicltude to
the ambassador. From what l 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"
"And to take the treasure with her,
l suppose" said Barnes dryly.
Naturally"
SWELL began Barnes. introducing a
harsh note into his voice, 81 should
say that II 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-
tion. Haven't / made 1t plain to you
that she is innocent of any intent TO
do wrongi'
"You have said so, Mr.. Sprouse. but
your idea of wrong and mine may not
jlbe"
There cannot be two ways OF look
ing at it, sir" said sprouse. after
moment ".She could do no wrong"
Whereupon Barnes reached his hand
across the table and laid 1t ON
Sprouses. His eyes were dancing.
That's just what l want 20 be sure
about he said. "It was my way OF
finding out your Intentions concerning
her"
"What do you meanT'
"Come with me to my room." said
Barnes, suppresslng his excitement
II think I can tell you where she is
aud great deal more that you ought
10 know"
In the little room upstairs he told
the whole story. The little man Ms.
tened without so much as a single
word Of interruption or interrogation.
Somewhat breathessly Barnes came
TO the end.
"And now. Mr.. Sprouse. what do
you make Of It alll" he inquired.
Sprouse leaned back IN his chair,
suddenly relaxing. Il am completely
at sea" he said, and Barnes looked
at him in surprise.
by Jove. I thought It would all be
as clear as day 10 you. Here Is your
man aud also your woman. and the
travelling bag full Of"
"lllght you are" interrupted sprouse
''Thai Is all simple enough. But my
dear Barnes. can You tell me what Mr..
Secretary Loeb's real name Isl Why
has he established himself 50 close to
the canadian line. and why the mo-
! refer to his army OF
husales.s
'GIeirs apparent usually have some
.ort Of 4 bodyguard. don't theyf
Spr0uae was staring lhouehsfully az
he ceiling, When he finally lowered |
lls eyes II was 70 fgvor Barnes with
. den. Ineerutahla emua.