The diamond drill., 1921-05-21

we are going. unless they have al
ready quarreled over that bunch or
easy money you spoke about"
"But has that been paid over by
Krantz? Who has itf''
"The fellow who put a knife into
Alva--whoever he may be-"
"And you don't know who the as
sassln wasf"
"No. Only II must have been one
OF certain mon; perhaps two were In
the affair. At first l finred II out
10 be Waldron alone; now / am not
so sure that Harris didn't have some
hand In II. They may have had the
affair all planned--the money was;
passed over to Alva early In the eve
ming. didn't know II then: learned
this later. Krantz told me when we
were alone on the way back to New
York. Let's move along; there "a q
policeman coming yonder."
The officer passed us slowly. swing
Ing his club, and eyed us curiously as
he went by; did not turn my head.
yet felt certain he stopped and looked
back as though wondering what our
business could be In that neighbor-
hood. We turned down a still darker
side street before exchanging further
speech.
II believe l know what you are"
said at last In low tones close to her
ear, ian agent Of the Secret Service"
"Oh, no; the honor you offer me Ia
far too great. have not attained
to any such official dignity"
II rather expected you to deny:
but you offer me no other explana-
ton"
"And so you decide to believe that1
Very well, Mr.. Severn, shall let you
have II your own way. You deserve
reward; only, pray, never suggest this
theory to any one else. Let 1t remain
our secret, will your"
"Your mockery does not change my
mind"
II had no expectation that II would;
neither does II bring me salary. But,
seriously, forget all this raillery to-
night, and remember only that you
are with Marie Gessler. Whatever
her purpose may be. you are to be-
loyal only TO her"
IL am, absolutely replied with a
conviction my voice was unable to
disguise. She turned her face quick
ly, and In the dim light our eyes met.
"You said that very earnestly. You
make me believe judged you right.
Philip Severn. Here Is my hand"
clasped II tightly, the firm pres
sure OF the warm fingers sending an
instant thrill through every nerve OF
my body. II was not withdrawn, and
we walked so closely together could
feel the slight pressure OF her form,
almost resting against mine.
"Where are you taking me7r
ITO Perond's French cafe--have
you ever heard Of itr q
mo. think not"
Il have been there with stunning
parties once or twice, with plain
clothes man along, OF course, 20 show
us the sights. II rs not very respects
able. believe. although really new
er saw anything particularly dan
gerous. Interesting and unconven-
tlonal. Of course. but / anticipate no
trouble, unless we care TO make II
ourselves. You see the cluster OF
lights at the next corner. That's
Peronds"
As 4 gazed forward, she drew her
hand from my grasp. and her form
Strengthened.
"What am 10 do when we arriver'
Merely be the attentive escort
but not too attentive. please. Have
you dinedf"
mo. was going to ask you"
"You need not ask mel am FAM
ished. and this place Is really famous
for It's meals"
Peronds was really underground; az
least you descended a broad pair Of
steps 20 attain It's entrance, and the
glass In windows and doors fronting
the street was heavily draped pre-