The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-05-02


K X
movement he released his hold and
caught Bromlitz' knife hand, twisted
it suddenly, and tripped the fellow
to the floor.
There was a howl of pain from
Bromlitz' throat as the sharp blade
crept through his shirt into the flesh
of his breast. Benning cast the
weight of his body into the lunge.
There followed the rasping cry of a
mortal wound. Bromlitz' strength
relaxed.
Benning stood up. The French
operatives face was chalky white,
but her blue eyes were cold and
unmoved as she observed Bromlitz
in the commissions of his last breath.
I'm sorry this had to happen
here. mademoiselle," Benning told
her.
She said with calm indifference:
You've only done me a service,
monsieur. Bromlitz has been very
difficult of late and I did not dare
let him show himself at the palace.
OF course. you'll dispose of his body
as soon as he is dead"
us Bravot now in Mexico City,"
Benning interrupted.
That needn't matter to you. You
are leaving Mexico City immediate
ly."
"Of course, as soon as get the in
formation came here to get"
Impossible! can't play the dan
ger of having you here now. In
few days hope to be ready to leave
for France. Nothing must interfere
with my success now"
"FH make a bargain with you,
mademoiselle. I'll leave at once if
you can find out when Van Hassek
attacks from Guaymas. Also any
thing you can learn about what is
going to happen in the Orient"
Her face lighted up and she gave
a gasp of relief IF that is what
you want to know, I can tell you,
monsieur. Van Hassek's Guaymas
force will move up the Gulf within
the present week to attack north
with his mechanical and motorized
regiments through California. Their
objective is to freeze your fleet out
OF its great bases on the Pacific
coast"
Benning's brows knotted But
such an attack doesn't make sense
unless Van Hassek is have prompt
reinforcements."
ITO be sure, monsieur. But Van
Hassek's whole plan is working out
right close to pattern. Denied its
bases, a heavy part of your Navy
Will have to sail at once around the
Horn to protect your Atlantic coast
from the Mediterranean fleet. At the
same time with Van Hassek's at
tack will come the invasion from
the Orient. which is already moving
east"
"Benning gasped, do you know
those things for fact?"
Il know that Van Hassek expects
me in San Francisco within the next
few weeks when he is to take SUI
preme command over your Pacific
coast. But by then l will be in
France-if only / can learn when
the attack upon my own country is
to launch itself. In a few days l
am to meet Van Hassek at San An
tonio-in the meantime, gather
what straws / can from his man
Boggio."
"Boggio, you say!"
The words drove fiercely from
Benning's throat. He felt the bris-
ting of his hair under the surge Of
feeling aroused by that name, for
the instant lost the thread of por-
tentous disclosure that Mile. Ducos
made. Promptly he recovered his
composure and attempted to cover
his show with a smile.
He said, in an easier voice. $50
Boggio is here in Mexico City,"
you should learn, in this bust
ness, to conceal your feelings, q"
Mile. Ducos said with a thin smile.
and added: But | can very we'll
understand just how you feel on the
subject of Boggio. Boggio has done
nothing but boast of the bombing of
the White House, ever since"
"Mademoiselle, can't leave Mex
leo until I've seen Boggio. A min
ute alone with him will be enough
and I'll promise to be very discreet
as far as your interests are con-
cerned."
If your Government doesn't know
already what I've just told you"
she countered, you should waste no
time on Boggio now"
Il have no possible means of leav-
ing Mexico until tomorrow night -
Benning confessed. My Govern
ment and ! will be eternally CRATE
full to you if you will add this last
little service. promise the great
est discretion in handling Boggio. "
The French girl pondered his pro
posal, testing its play against the
risks TO her own obligations. Pres
emily a smile played at the corners
Of her mouth and a cold glitter
shone in her eyes.
AT four O'Clock tomorrow after.
noon, monsieur" she decided, bog.
gio and l will drive together south
from Chapultepec on the highway