Spy stories; Washington (D.C.) -- Fiction; World War, 1914-1918 -- Fiction
"You have every reason to know that I am innocent." Kathleen was
thoroughly roused. "It is not a question of faith on your part,"
significantly. "I see no use in these discussions. It is better that we
do not meet. Again I ask you to go--forever."
Without replying he turned and paced the room rapidly, hands in pocket,
head bent forward. Kathleen watched him with burning eyes and aching
heart. To outward seeming he had the attributes which make for success.
What mad blood-lust had made him throw the world away?
"Suppose I accede to your unreasonable request, Kathleen," he said,
stopping before her. "Will you do something for me?"
"Yes," huskily.
"Then get from your father the specifications and drawings of his latest
invention for me."
As if she had not heard aright, Kathleen stared at him.
"Wh-what is it you ask?" she stammered.
"The plans of your father's _latest_ invention," patiently. "I do not
mean the camera."
"Either you or I are mad," she looked at him dazedly. "Do you realize
that my father would not give me those plans--that I should have to
steal them."
"Expediency knows no law," he muttered, not meeting her eyes. "Call it
borrowing." Kathleen shrank back appalled.
"Good God! That you should be so base!" she cried. "For more than
forty-eight hours I have closed my eyes to reason; deluded myself that
you acted from temporary mental aberration--that Sinclair Spencer's death
was unpremeditated. My impulse was to help--to save. Ah, you wooed me
well this winter." Her voice broke and she drew a long quivering breath.
"It is a pitiful thing to kill a woman's love. Some day, perhaps, I shall
be grateful to you. Go!"
He flinched at the scorn in her voice, but stood his ground
doggedly. "Not until I get the drawings and specifications of the
invention," he answered.
The slamming of the front door caused Kathleen to look in that
direction, and Henry's entrance the next instant stayed the words on her
parted lips.
"A special delivery for you, Miss Kathleen," he said, "from the State
Department."
Kathleen took the proffered envelope mechanically.
"Wait, Henry," steadying her voice. "When Captain Miller calls again, he
is not to be admitted, under any pretense."
"Very good, Miss Kathleen," and concealing his curiosity, the chauffeur
moved swiftly away.
There was a pause which Miller broke. "Read your letter," he said
composedly. "I can wait."
Kathleen was on the point of collapse; desperately she clung to her
remnant of composure. Hardly conscious of her action, she tore open the
outer envelope, and read the brief statement that the letter inclosed had
been sent to her, care of the Department of State. With some stirring of
curiosity not unmixed with dread, she examined the contents of the second
envelope. It read:
"United Service Club,
"London, England.
"MY DEAR MISS WHITNEY:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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