The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1921-06-30

lett ne more puzzled than ever as to
my own duty. So far I knew of no
act of crime with which these men
could be connected; they were mere
" proposing a future attack on neu-
tral government. If. however. l con
Sented to play my part with Harms, L
would not only be in ample time to
circumvent any danger Alva and MS
gang might contemplate, but also gam
ample evidence for their conviction
and expulsion from this country. IN
addition to this l would be in position
to block the daring plans of this inter-
national thief. Altogether it seemed
to me that the wiser course for me to
pursue was to wait, and watch, ready
to act at any moment. but keeping my
own council until certain that the
specific moment had arrived.
Nor was I obliviouS to the strange
impression left upon me by my. en-
counter with Marie Gessler. She had
interested me oddly, and 1 could not
drive her memory from my thoughts.
Our moment of conversation had been
peculiar, and her words and actions
remained as a cOnStraint. why had
she stood there, her hand on the door,
and talked to me in that mocking
way? Had she a purpose, an aim?
Did she believe my explanation? or
was her suspicion aroused into de-
termination to verify it in some way!
Although 1 could not decide, yet doubt
less the latter theory was the most
probable. That was why 1 had been
pledged to call at '247 LIE Compte
street." and ask for MISS Conrad"
This was the same place where Harris
had secretly met Krantz. Evidently
it was another headquarters for these
precious, villains. Once there, and
safely in their power, the truth Of my
identity could easily be established.
Was that her idea?
If so, who then was Miss Conrad?"
Not Marie Gessler, certainly, under
another name, for she would have re-
turned to Washington. There was no
doubt as to that, for Alva had agreed
to take her direct to the depot in his
own car, and would scarcely leave un-
til she was safely on the train. Prob
ably the other woman was confed-
crate with whom she would communi-
cate by telephone. My clearer judg-
ment told me all this, made me fully
conscious of the danger of keeping
this appointment, yet never sWerVed
me from an intention to do so. Marie
Gessler's eyes we're frank and honest;
they had looked directly into my own,
pleadingly 1 imagined, and l retained
a blind faith in her no ordinary cir
cumstances would overcome, She was
involved in this criminal conspiracy
there could be no doubt as to that
but why? under what conditions?
What could ever have driven so wom-
anly woman to such an association?
Was her appeal to me an effort at as
sistance? Was she blindly endeavor-
ing to learn in this way if l was
worthy of trust, and confidence? This
hope would not down; it remained in
sistent, persistent. would keep my
word; I would go to the place desig-
mated. at the hour set; would go
armed, prepared for whatever might
occur of treachery-but 1 would go.
Perhaps here was the key to the whole
mystery; and once l solved her con-
nection with the plot, particularly if
# absolved her from blame and the
necessity of exposure. I could go for
ward with clear conscience. and land
these others where they justly be-
1onged.
(To be continued next week.
aB p0RTARIE AND STATIONARY