Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-10-26

i have never FELT very serious
doubt. Does that sound oddf Let
me close the door. and then we win
sit down and talk. / am never dis
turbed when the door is shut Here
is the best place. Yes, Mr.. Severn.
was certain curiosity would cause
you TO seek me. even IL there was
no other motive. did not phone,
so you came here"
II had but two choIces-to seek In
formation either through Adolph
Krantz or Sarah waldron. ] chose
TO try Krantz first"
"And you really had no suspicion
! was to be found here?"
"None whatever. Why should II
Not even yet do know whom / am
speaking with"
"0h. yes, you do-Marie Gessler,
revolutionist, messenger TO the Chilean
junta." She laughed, her eyes spark
ling. Does not that satisfyT
Far from il; l believe / am en-
titled to even more"
Indeed you are I have the honor
of being also private secretary TO Mr..
Adolph Krantz. Now, what nextT'
We'll, when he writes you a check.
what name does he make it payable
TOT"
Let me see; did you ever know any
one called Tom Longdale?"
Did /, Why, great Scott you can
not mean that you are actually Helenf
1t is not possible"
'0h. yes. it is; little girls grow up.
you know. And now If you will be
very good and quiet l am going to
tell you just how it all happened.
What led me TO become desperate
conspirator and-well. yes-a famous
detective Are you all ready for my
confessionY
She rested her hand on mine, and
permitted my fingers to close over ii,
in spirit of frank good fellowship.
'Then listen; it may make you
shudder in some of its blood-curdling
details. and possibly you may con-
slider my actions very unwomanly.
Now Just be quiet until I finish"
Her eyes met mine earnestly. hut
/ felt could perceive a certain plead
ing in her depths.
81 am Tom Longdale's sister Helen.
As you doubtless know. financially
there is no necessity for my seeking
employment. Indeed did not seek
il, but was induced to accept this DO
cffio,a ~ tho roo,,Cct 81 NJ, ty.n,@,
who has been a lifelong friend of my
fathers. l enjoy the work, however,
and have been here now nearly three
years. Adolph Krantz is most low
able man, and am devoted to his
service. He Is an Austrian by birth,
and has found il more or less difficult
to get away from that influence. Much
money from Europe passes through
his hands in financing various schemes,
and among others this revolutionary
fund was intrusted TO him. At first
he accepted this in the ordinary course
of business, without suspieioning its
purpose. but later learned how the
money was being expended. The mo-
ment he became doubtful, Mr.. Krantz
absolutely severed all connections
with these plotters and their schemes.
While this was thoroughly understood
officially, in Washington, where he re-
ported his suspicion, certain circles,
engaged in underhand work, still be-
lieved he could be used for their pug-
poses"
Yet he accepted the trust?"
In way, yes; but with perfectly
loyal intent. AS soon as word se-
eretly reached him that he was to
be thus used. he laid the full facts
before the officials of this bank. /
was present as his secretary, and
learned then for the first time what
have already told you. They adj
vised that he make the plot known
Immediately to the authorities at
Washington. He was directed to ac-
cept the order, and thus, through
seeming cooperation, learn the details
connected with ii. There was delay for
somt reason Alva was not quite ready
TO 90 ahead. and refused to draw the
money. Proof of conspiracy was lack
ing until this was consummated. Mr..
KrantZ, being afraid that he would
be followed If he went again to Wash
ington, delegated me to 90. as l was
entirely unknown. The Secret Serv-
ice there outlined a plan designed to
hurry matters. | was to be sent di-
rect TO these men--Alva, in particular
with positive instructions from the
higher powers in Washington to draw
the money and get busy. AS | speak
Spanish easily, and took the name
Of IA weil-known female revolution
list now in this country, but unknown
even TO Alva, the task did not seem
specially dangerous one"
She passed for moment, her mind
gathering up the odds and ends Of
narrative.
ut is not necessary that ! 90 fur
Their into detail. met Captain Alva
as planned, and was taken to the
place where his gang gathered Krantz
was there with the money, and my
message compelled the Chilean 10 ae-
cept. and receipt for it. Government
agents were stationed in Jersey City
to intercept him on his way back to
New York. He never got far enough
to fall into their hands; before he
had driven four blocks he was muir
dered and robbed. The rest Of the
story you already know"
1.-THE money was actually in that