The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-10-01
ONE
THRILL OF
WAR
By MARY LYLE WARNER
(copyright BY ". @. chapman.)

I'm THE most critical situation of
her young life, Alma Waite gazed
longingly at the engagement ring
upon her finger and wondered If
she would ever see its giver again.
where is he, and what is to become
of me?' was the constant burden of
her thoughts.
A knight errant brave and true,
Adrian Bond would have been speedily
coming to the rescue of his lady love
in distress, but that grim-visaged war
had presented its ugly menace and
rude clamors shook the common
wealth.
Her father and mother were at
Paris. There, too, were the Bonds,
making the European trip with their
closest friends. 1t was strange ci--
cumstance that had taken Alma away
from them. 1t appeared that half
brother of Mrs. Waite lived in little
town in Belgium, near the German
border. He had invited the family to
pay him a visit, but their plans would
not admit it. Then he expressed
wish to see Alma, who had been
named after his dead wife. He was
fervent in his appeal and half-minded
to give up his business and return to
America, he said. The result was that
Alma took quick trip from Paris and
found herself an honored guest in the
splendid but lonely home of her half
uncle.
Zephern Dacre was diamond mer-
chant, conducting his business by trav-
cling from country to country. Alma
was enchanted with the kindly way in
which he treated her. She was to
have remained with her relative only
three days, but Mr.. Dacre made up
his mind to close up his business, ac-
company her to Paris and return with
the family to America and take up
permanent residence there.
Directly upon the heels of this came
declaration Of war. Mr.. Dacre
FASTENED his preparations to get out
of the country. He urged Alma to re-
main indoors, for the community sur
rounding them was in. wild state of
excitement.
The evening before the day set for
their departure Mr.. Dacre discharged
all the servants. Just about dusk he
came hurrying into the house in
great state of excitement.
why, what is the matter?" ques-
toned Alma anxiously, as she noted
his colorless face and trembling frame.
Listen, my DEAR" said Mr.. Dacre
hurriedly. you must leave here at
roHce if certain thing happens, and it
may happen quickly. The war spirit
y is abroad. They are suspicious of me
because of my business connections
with other countries. was just Sc
cretly advised that am listed as one
of the prescribed"
"Oh, uncle, they will do you no
harm, surelyY
'They will hamper, perhaps arrest
me. was all ready to leave here in
the morning, l fear they will not al
low me to do So"
"But why not?"
"Officious, and in some cases cor
rupt persons will try to prevent me
from taking my fortune out of the
country. See, Alma" and Dacre drew
a little chamois bag from secret
pocket, 'the diamonds in this repre-
sent the bulk Of my fortune. Take it,
secrete it. If am arrested fly at once
not into Germany, as we proposed,
for that course is blocked, but straight
for Paris"
but, uncle"
Quick they are here already, as
feared cried Mr. Dacre.
His worst apprehensions were con-
firmed. There was loud summons
from the end of musket at the street
door,
DO not lose your nerve, dear ,child,"t
spoke Dacre. "They dare not harm me
and | will soon join you in Paris.
Hurry away through the rear garden,
take the first train for the border. AT
all hazards protect the fortune with
which have entrusted you"
Then he was gone to answer the i'm /
Qerious summons at the street door. |
Alma fingered only long enough to
learn that he was really taken in
Shoi sc as u SuSP linen she filled /
her handbag, secured the jewels in /
safe pocket and hurried away through
the garden apparently unobserved.
Alma reached the train. She tried
not to think that she was cowardly in
DESERVING relative in trouble. She
felt relieved when the train started.
Then she stared in wonder and even
suspicion at the other occupant of the
carriage. There sat person who un-
I'll the day previous had been a SER
want, sort of major domo in the
service of her uncle. He lifted his
cap with servile smirk on his face
Alma did not at all like.
"The master is in trouble" he re-
marked. II have heard of 1t. /, too,
may be prescribed and l am bound for