The diamond drill., 1921-05-07


ownf Did she believe my expIana-
tion1 and. II not. why did she fail 10
throw open that door, and denounce
me at once as spy7 There IN that
soft light. she appeared more attrac-
tive than ever, and 30 peculiarly won.
anly as to seem utterly out OF place In
this scene OF plot and crime. II was q
young face, bright, animated, which
fronted me. the dark eyes smiling and
unafraId, gazing straight into mine
with a challenge in their depths. Her
very attitude piqued me. aroused me
TO defense. I desired 10 hold her re-
spect, her interest; nothing she might
say. or do. served to lower her in my
estimation TO the hideous level OF q
political conspirator. Yet what else
could she be7 How could I account
for her presence in this place on any
other theory except that she came as
AS the trusted messenger OF that Sc.
cret conspiracy at Santiago, under or
ders of the revolutionary junta al
Washington? / had heard her words
spoken boldly to this band OF plot
ters. words OF authority-demands
they dare not ignore. No, there was
no doubt as TO who she was, or what
she was. In spite OF her face, her
pleasing manner. her attractIveness of
person. she was n dangerous enemy 10
this government which protected her.
n despicable snake crawling through
the dark 20 strike down a vlctim-a
thing 10 be crushed without mercy.
The very softness. womanllness. only
made her the more TO be feared. she
should cast no spell over me. would
harden my heart, and forget all ex-
cept the duty ! owed my country, and
that neutral nation 10 the south with
whom we were at peace.
'.rrankly. | do not know what TO
think" | answered at last "Your mis-
sion here tonight, as I understand II,
ural conception Of you as woman"
She laughed. but so low as 10 be In
audible 10 those beyond the closed
door.
"You amuse me. Cannot n woman
even a womanly woman, IL you
please--love her country and he will
Ing TO sacrifice In Its behalf?"
"Not 90 the extent Of treachery and
deceit; not to the end that innocent
men and women suffer-" / returned
hotly forgetting cnution
"And Is that my purpose here, you
thlnk?"
'Is II not7 This is a neutral land,
yet what else can this conspiracy COM
template but cowardly destructlon?"
IL refuse TO answer-here and now,
at least. Nor do know why you
should ask. Why are you here, and
how? Do you realize the ease with
which could open this door. and give
you over to the mercy OF those men
in there? After what you have just
said why do you suppose | fail TO do
sof Because I am such a womanly
woman. perhaps"
Rather because you have no rea-
son to so act. / may denounce your
connection with this affair, believing
II no NJ work for any true woman 10
be engaged in, and yet myself be no
traitor TO the cause"
"You stu hold me a true woman
thenf"
'Yes; l may be blind, but retain
faith"
"That is good-yet do not trust too
much in any woman. What is your
name7"
"D-Daly, Harry Daly.-
"You seem 10 have some difficulty
tonight IN remembering names. Does
this mean you also possess
varIetyT
She stopped. listening intently, her
head tilted back 80 as to better hear
what was occurring behind the closed
door.
BE quiet" she whispered. one hand
held forth I'm swift warning. 'They
are through In there. think. and Alva
will be out In n moment. Now listen
Don't ask any questions, but listen.
VIII you pledge yourself 20 do what
ever I sayf"
"within any reasonable limits
yes" #e
Limits Don't talk limits" impa-
tiently. You say you are blind, but
retain faith. Act on that faith blind
iy. cannot speak here: there Is no
time. no opportunity. Tomorrow at
two O'Clock. come to PAT lie Compte
street. VIII your
"Yes."
"Do not mistake the number. Ask
for Miss Conrad. Now 90 hack there
and wait for Horner. Quick--they are
coming" @ @A
plunged hastily into the passage.
and CROPPED NY way back between the