The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1934-01-26
"You have killed
himl" The chill blue
eyes went hot with
rage.

For a moment the two stood para
lyzed, then spun to see Donellan stand
ing beside them with a revolver in his
hand, showing no sign of any deadly
wound. The Countess Marka, mouth
working spasmodically, eyes mad with
terror, uttered no sound, but her COM
panion fell back with a startled curse.
Sorry to disappoint you" continued
'Donellan, his tone family jeering, "but
I made a rotten shot. Missed myself
completely" Backing to the window,
automatic still leveled, he threw up the
sash and called out, "All right, Bob.
Come on in. That" he explained po-
litely, "is Capt. Harley of intelligence.
He has a key I gave him."
Harley, entering the room, whistled
softly at the tableau that met his gaze.
$50 that's the way you worked it. The
secretary Of a neutral legation" he said
to Donellan, flicking a thumb at the
tall, fair haired man. Slipped his
stuff into a diplomatic pouch, and a
: confederate at the other end slipped it
out. That right?" he inquired affably,
but a savage snarl was his only re-
; Spouse. Unaffected, Harley picked up
the telephone and examined it interest
eddy. Her own private installation, too.
No wonder tapping didn't get any
where"
There's the cache for the secret doc
uments," interrupted Donellan, pointing
to the open panel. Maybe you can find
something that will be helpful"
It'll say So" Harley, after absorb
ed inspection Of a sheaf of papers, look
ed up triumphantly. "A code book, as
far as 1914. They must have planted
her here the minute the war broke out
there. Well" and his manner turned
brisk, IT reckon that concludes the
evenings entertainment. You are now
at liberty to go, my dear baron, but
be sure you head directly for the lega-
ton. A couple of men are waiting out
side, and they're apt to get peeved II
you start off at a tangent. Well be
calling or your minister tomorrow
And you" he said, addressing the Coun-
tess Marka, eff I may advise, will dc
well to stay right here until a decision
has been reached in your case"
"Give her back the envelope, Har-
ley" Donellan's laugh was as bitter as
his face. "It's nothing but stuff I cop
led from a chemistry book. As it hap
pens," and now he whipped the broker
woman with mockery, I'm working or
a high explosive. Not poison gas, al
all"
For a moment the Countess Marks
implored him with her eyes, bloodles!
lips moving soundlessly, piteously, but
without another glance. Donelar
swung on his heel and was gone.
O O o
"Gaod work, Harley. Some coup!'
The head Of the intelligence leapee
. from his chair at the end Of the stor!
and gave his aide a rousing clap on tn
back. "You were right, and I wa!
wrong. As usual, I'm afraid" he NUT
tered ruefully. But how the devil di'
/ you happen to hit on Donellan?"
I'VE went to college together" ex
planned Harley, land I happened to re
member he was U best actor in anna
teur theatricals."
, I'll say he's an actor" Unreserve'
admiration colored the tone. IT can
give him a medal, unfortunately, bu
he certainly rates a load Of thanks
: Call him on the telephone and get hir
over"
, mo use. He won't come"
! won't Gomez"
a mo, SIR" Harley's usual blithenes
= had been missing throughout the inter
view, and now q definite shadow dark
ened the merry face. HE said for q
: Of US to go to he'll, and he hoped
God he never sees any OF us again"