The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-12-27

stood there a few seconds. looking at him. then. to make doubly sure, she bent down. so near that he shut his eyes to keep her from seeing that he was awake. He had the strength of will to sit motionless. feigning that he was oblivious of her when every nerve in him was trembling at her nearness.
 She strengthened up at last and went back down the landwash. When she was gone Curt took off his jacket and moccasins. lad his rifle, automatic and flash on top of them and crept to the waters edge. Taking care to make no moon rip ples for the sharp eyes Of LeNoir to catch. he struck out for the other island. and landed at it's upper tip.
 As he turned to look back. long mottle left the opposite shore and came dancing across the fifty-yard channel. 1t merged with the shad- ows Of the willows and was swal- lowed up.
 In a kind of daze. as though he were an actor in some ugly dream. Curt worked his way down through the shoulder-high brush. When he heard cautious voices ahead he dropped to hands and knees and crept on, foot by foot. till he came up behind a thick clump within twelve feet Of Sonya and LeNoir and could hear their words distinctly.
 q have never heard of this man you speak about" LeNoir was ar guing. There is no such man in these mountains. For the fifth time. R0n!"
 Sonya stamped her small foot i'm. patiently. for the tenth time. oui!" She dropped her imperious tones, became persuasive. coaxing. q un- derstand how carefully you must guard the secret of his hiding place from all strangers. Will you not be- lieve that he and are fellow-coun. trymen and intimate friends? Has he not mentioned me a dozen times to you?"
 He has not mentioned you once," LeNoir came back too quickly.
 Sonya caught him up. You have made the admission of knowing him. Now perhaps we can talk!" THE detective in Curt admired the
 delft way she had led LeNoir into her trap It was clear that Karakhan did not know she was coming to him. It meant that Karakhan lad not sent for her at all. That there was something here which Paul hadn't found out.
 LeNoir growled at being trapped into admitting that he knew Kara khan.
 What is it you want?" he de manded.
 "For you to take him this letter. Only that. When he reads my note he will give you more money for bringing it than for all the help that you've been to him since last fall"
 At the mention of moLey LeNoir pricked up his ears. But still he hung back warily.
 What more do you want of me?'
 Nothing more. You see, am not a5king you where he is. or endanger- ing his security in any way. He will relieve you of all responsibility. Take your directions from him. He will send you back here, undoubt. ediy. to get me-"
 LeNoir jumped as the situation dawned oA him. Is it that you are going to join him there?"
 You are not entirely without un- derstanding, Sonya answered. "Yes. am joining him there-and remaining"
 Behind the screen of willows Curt rose on his elbow. and cry choked in his throat. And remain ing"-those two shameless words of hers stabbed him like knife. She was joining Karakhan in his wilder ness refuge,
 "I'll be waiting for your return" Sonya continued, to LeNoir. Each night when the red star sets I'll lis ten for your signal. Now. one other thing. These Indians are planning to attack my party You have infiu- ence with them. You must keep them from doing that. Ralph is my friend MT. Ralston and his partner nave been good to me, too. I'd be sorry if they met any harm"
 "I have little influence" the breed evaded. But perhaps can do some -hing."
 You must" she insisted. And now I'll go back to camp. Those two gender may discover I am gone"
 LeNoir detained her. twill you say nothing" he stammered, about -at Russian Lake. when 1 came over 10 the island? Yru will say noth- ing to M'sieu Karakhan about that title indiscretion
 Nothing at all." said Sonya. Copyright I9ss Wnfdn MoioeryI
 Tomorrow, Curt reads Sonya's