The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-06-16
"A Blond
For Bait
BY ROB EDEN

Continued from Page ~
and approved of her voice. He had
weakness for soft throsty tones,
anyway, so probably he was preju-
diced.
An Assignment
IT have an assignment for you,
Miss Anvers. 1t is one which you
are at perfect liberty to refuse,
il you wish. But whether you ac-
cept or not, must have your
pledge of absolute secrecy. This is
very vital matter-much more
vital than you can imagine
81 don't like to make promises
blindly." she said, hesitantly.
Suppose l merely hint that it
has to do with the defenses of our
country, then ?"
In that case, of course, I prom
Use not to say anything to anyone,
whether I accept or not" she an
swered quickly.
Good girl" he approved. She
was cautious, another point in her
favor. He was certain now she
was the girl he wanted if she would
consent.
Quickly he outlined the situa-
ton. The theft of the plans, their
discovery in foreign hands and
the fortunate interception of the
more important ones by American
agents abroad.
In Luck
because we've been lucky this
time" he said, rs no guarantee
We'll always be lucky. When these
spies find out they have failed to
learn the secret of our new bomb
ers, they'll try again, of course.
We've got to checkmate them by
roofing out the traitors in the
Hendon plant. Are you interest,"
ed?"
Very much" She leaned for
ward eagerly. Have you any sus-
picions
DO you know Mr.. Leslie in your
department Richard Leslie Rick,
l think most people call him"
"Of course. But you don't
mean
First let me ask you some
thing-By any chance are you in
terested in Leslie-romantically,
1 mean"
"No-of course not. I've gone
out with him a few times, but
we're just casual friends
Encourage Friendship
Good. Now here's what I want
you to do. Encourage Leslie's
friendship. Flirt a little, if neccs-
sary. 1 want you to know him well
enough to learn all about him.
Where he goes on his mysterious
plane trips-what his connection
with Karl Vorhis means"
Then you definitely suspect
Rick-that is, Mr.. Leslie"
1t came as deep shock to
Ellen-a shock she made no effort
to disguise.
Every Day
After all, l see him every day.
L know him fairly well-it's hard
to believe that anyone like that
would be a traitor-a traitor to
his own country"
When you've been around as
long as I have, Miss Anvers, you
won't be surprised at anything
men will do for money. But how
about it-you haven't said you'll
accept the job?
If Rick is doing things like
that, he deserves to be caught"
Ellen said, firmly. Now tell me
what you have in mind-what you
want me to do
Barringer was elated and quickly
outlined his plan of action for
Ellen.
One thing ! want to empha-
siEci ht tOliNludtu. mat Is, lndL
you are to report to no one but
hle. If you learn anything, get
in touch with me as quickly as
possible. I'll always let you know
where you can reach me. I'd
rather you'd stay away from my
office in the plant here, too.
don't want anyone to suspect that
you're working with me. Do you
understand ?"
Yes, sir"
There's just one thing more"
He regarded her seriously. II
don't want you to fall in love with
Leslie"
No danger of that. sir I've
never even thought of him that
way"
It's a warning we'll worth re-
memberins Barringer said. Rick
Leslie is very attractive young
man."
ITO Be Continued)