The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1928-08-31
The Double Cross


spection, as always between two WON
en- who meet for the first time-and II
Is probable that In that fraction of
second each one of them had come to
some definite conclusion about the
other. Each one Of them had probably
said to herself: 81 like her," or 81
don't like her." But aloud Miss Colby
said:
"What can | do for you, Miss Nor
gan ?-that was the name, was II not?"
"Yes. Nina Morgan"
81 don't think know you, do II
said the daughter of the house.
"No." said Nina, I'VE have never
met, but | have seen you several
times"
"Ah?"
Eyes. You see, am a secretary In
the office of Stanley and Waterman"
"Indeed?' said Doris. perhaps you
bring me message from one of
them?"
"Not exactly" replied Nina. "and
yet In way, perhaps"
"You interest me-" murmured Doris,
won't you sit DOWN."
Nina summoned all her resolution.
and began: "Ive come to tell you
something. Miss Colby. which II Is
most important you should know. for
your own sake, before II Is too late
But before tell you what II Is !
want you tC promise on your word
"a "a
to a living SOUL
Really" said Miss Colby. 81 cannot
imagine what you can have to say
that could concern me so deeply"
"You will In a moment. but | can
not speak without your promise"
81 can give you no such promise
lightly"
81 don't ask II lightly. When have
told you what | have to say you will
realize that only after long and anx-
Gus thought have | persuaded myself
that 1t is my duty to come and tell
you. II is a matter that concerns my
happiness deeply, and your own also.
perhaps even more deeply than mine
But If you cannot give me your word
of honor never to repeat to anyone
what am going to tell you, there is
nothing for me to do but shut my
mouth and go away"
Miss Colby smiled: "Ah-h," she
said. this sounds like melodrama"
"Call 1t what you please. It's
thing that strikes at the heart of the
happiness of two women, you and me-
And now you must decide-yes. or nor"
Miss Colby's smile still fingered
playfully. She was by no means moved
to any sort of anxiety. but her curl
osity was engaged. So after mo
ment's hesitation, she said: very
we'll, | give>San my word of honor"
"Very good" said Nina.
YES" continued Doris, while the
smile still fingered in the corners of
her mouth, lit shall be our little Sc
cret And now what Is it?'
Nina lifted her black eyes from the
rug and fixed them upon the eyes of
the other. 81 suppose" she began
You will perhaps call 1t revenge, and
ii is partly that don't deny 1t. But
ii is more than that am determined
that my happiness and yours shall not
be ruined by the same man. If can
prevent it."
The violet eyes widened in surprise
Really" breathed Doris.
~ do hope" went on the other,
you won't think me impertinent or
impudent or curious, and ] am sure
| you won't when you have heard me
out But the fact is that have rea
son to suppose that you are cOnsid
ering the possibility of marrying a
certain man."
upon my word" cried Doris, with
a touch of sarcasm, ''how things do
get about And how, may | ask, have
you arrived at this conclusion?"
From various sources" answered
Nina. IL have seen you occasionally
in public in company with the man !
mean. have seen frequent references
to the possibility of your engagement
to one or two of those gOSsipy society
papers, and what's more, have had
| some talk with the man himself upon
this very subject"
II suppose" said Doris Colby. THAI
ought to ask you to go away at
once"
please. please DON'T" said Nina
| quickly, and something in her sudden
earnestness caught and held the other
IF you do you will regret 1t as long
as you live. believe me-"
"Very WE'LL" said Doris, after a mo-
ment's reflection, 'but | warn you if
what you have to say is merely silly
gossip, actuated by spirit of petty
malice, it will have no effect whatever
| upon me-"
"Pll take that chance" said Nina,
for ] know full well that when you
have heard ME, you will recognize
that what ! tell you must be the
| truth"
The golden head bowed slightly. 81
am waiting" said Doris
very WE'LL them" said Nina. "and
again ] remind you that what am
going TO say is said upon the assur
ance of your solemn word of honor
never to repeat it. If you will say
to me, right here and now, that you
have no intention whatever of mar
rying Jim Stanley. why. I'll say good
night and good-by, without further
| ado"
.So-thats IT," said Doris quietly
| "Well," inquired Nina, ''shall ! 60
on, or shall | say goOd-night?"
go on" said Doris briefly.
"After what | have already told
| you," continued Nina, "the mention of