OCR Text |
Show Slk SECRET tieSUBTIARIN E.AIexaivderPowie! Author of "The End of the Trad,' The Road to Glory Fighting in Flanders 44 44 T" Vive la France white-haire- etc. NoveZaof from the Motion Picture Pixy of if Stmt Name by the American Film Manufacturing Company, Cwrn. rn. h- - ftt 8YNOP8I8. Geut. Jarvla Hope report finding on (he invention of Ir. Ralph llurke. On the e trtel trip of the Inventor's boat, a helper Is surprised in the art of examining the mechanlsni. Attempt to burglarise Burkes laboratory falls, later bis daughter Cleo find him murdered In hts bedroom. Cleo sella her father's books, she finds a not from which she learns (hey contain secret formula. Olga Ivan-of- f and Gerald Morton, spies In search of formula, attempt to rapture Cleo. Hope rushes to her aid,' Hope and Cleo escape and attend ball at Mr. Itelmars, whoee nephew has two missing books. Mahlln, a spy, attempts to steal book. Hope and Cleo take boat for an Island. violent storm Hope and Cleo arAfiera rive on strange Island and discover man they hunt Is there. Mahlln and Japanese also reach the Island. They escape Hope but return and dynamite the shack Hope and Cleo manage to reach Bands boro, where Doctor Owen has on of the books. ,He arranges to meet Hope at the hotel with books. Morton poses as Hope aad but for an earthquake would have leased the volume. Cleo is captured Morton and taken to cabin In the mountains. Bhe finds there- - book for which they search. Fortunately she gets not to Hope, who, with Hook, starts to fescue. As he crosses chasm In swing-to- g basket Mahlln steals dp and chops at cable with an ax. Hook appears In dm to save Hop. He reaches the other aids and Is greeted by Cleo; she swears her love to rilm. They are followed by Mahlln and Jap who attempt to kidnap Cleo. fih swings herself over the canyon. Olga and Morton are dashed to earth In an aeroplane. Hop and Cleo are pulled from quicksands by Hook and a grapevine. Mahlln and Satsuma are called before the Black Council. On the track of another book, they find the own-- f has lost It. Hope receives a letter hie to a girl who edemanding talma he com marriage lead her. He la forced to comply by prom Cleo. Accidently he lesrn that It la a plot tp rope him tn. He la later summoned to 'Washington. Morton nd Olga are cared for by a rancher who warns them against Carlllo the bandltfl They venture too far from the ranch and are captured by the outlaws. Carlllo offers Morton his freedom for ransom. Olga find on of the books tn the eabln. Bhe alii Carlllo and escapee, but Morton takes the book from bar and flees. Japa-aaa- r -- FOURTEENTH INSTALLMENT nope, reall xlng that the Interna ttonat situation must be grave Indeed to cause the bureau of Intelligence to end him so urgent a summons, within an hour waa on his way to Washing ton. "Admlral Burnside left Instructions that he was to be notified as soon as yon arrived, the secretary who took Hopes card informed him. Til let him know that yon are here." Almost Immediately he returned. The admiral wishes you to appear before the board, air, he reported, adding win a confidential undertone. Theyre looking mighty worried I hope yon have good news for them." The board room into which Ilop&wts ushered was the same In which, ten weeks before (though in those ten yeeks so much had happened that they seemed to him like ten years) he had received the Instructions which started him on his quest of the secret of the submarine. The officers aoated about the long table were the ame who had been present on the previous occasion, but It struck him that they had aged perceptibly, that they were graver, more worried. Tm glad to seejrou back, Lieutenant Hope, said Admiral Barnslde tlndly. "You come at a very oppo- ... rtune time, I trust you can give us some encouragement as to the chances of finding Doctor Burke's Invention." Tm afraid I cant air," replied Hope. T fear that there is only a slight chance of finding the formula." "Be seated, said, the admiral, and K rative, Lieutenant Hope," said the chairman, and I can assure you that your services In this matter will not be forgotten. I only wish that you had met with better success, for If there was ever a time In our history when we stood In need of such a weapon as this Invention of Doctor Burke would place In onr hands. It Is now. I will be frank with you, Mr. nope. The nation finds Itself today In a grave, not to aay perilous, situation. A foreign power, whose name there is no need to mention, taking advantage of the Mexican Imbroglio, has presented to this government certain demreds which are, to all Intents and purposes, an ultimatum. Our national honor will not permit us to agree to these demands, which are humiliating In the extreme, yet to enter Into a war with s a power at the present time, with our navy sadly deficient lu ships and men and our army engaged in Mexico, would only invite disaster. The only thing that would save the situation for us would be the discovery of Doctor Burkes Invention. With such a weapon In onr hands, the safety of our coasts and harbors would be virtually assured, for under such circumstances, I doubt If any power would expose Its navy to the risk 'ot destruction by attacking ns. Tou see. therefore, how much depends on finding this formula. Now that you are acquainted with the situation that confronts ns, are yon still of the opinion that It is useless to continue the search?" "The formula has not been destroyed," said Hope. "At least we have no reason to believe that it baa And as long as It Is In existence there is always a chance, even though a very allm one, of its being found." "Are yon willing to resume the search asked the chairman. "I am not giving yon an order, Lieutenant Hope I am asking yon a question." ITope rose and saluted. "With yonr permission, sir" he said briefly, I will start for the coast tonight" first-clas- Though Hope had received no answer to the wire which he had sent Cleo from New York, Informing her that he had broken his engagement to Iney Machln and that he waa returning to GrTornia to marry her, he conjectured that the message might have been delayed in reaching her. Within an hour after h!s arrival In San Francisco hewas crossing the bay by ferry to Valdavla. Never had the California sky teemed to blue; never had the flowers seemed so. fragrant; never had the little town seemed so Yet as he drew nearer attractive. to the little house there was In Its appearance something which brought a sudden chill to his heart The shutters were closed; the walk waa overgrown with weeds ; the lawn. In whose appearance Hook had taken such pride, had not been cat for weeks. open the creaking gate, over which he and Cleo had leaned so often, he hastened up the graveled path and rapped loudly at the door. There was no answer, ne rapped again ; then tried the door, but It .was .locked. The house was deserted. His eye was caught by a slip of yellow paper which had evidently been pushed under the door. He drew It out It was a notice from the telegraph Ampany that a message was being held at the office for Miss Burke, as there was no one to accept delivery. That explained, at least why he had received no answer to his wire. Swinging have been very brief and we have had none of the details." Whereupon Hope briefly sketched the extraordinary story of the search for the lost formula. ' Throughout this amazing narrative Hie hard-heade- d old sea-fighte- about the table sat spellbound. "By George !" one of them burst out as Hope concluded. "Its the most Interesting story I ever listened to. It Lenta a novel by Oppenheim." "It la Indeed a most Interesting nar 1 ." sun-tanne- ever-prese- nt d nt 1 w - ' occasions. v "I win be back In time to take yon ont to dinner, dear. he said, as they stood waiting for the elevator. "I must let Mr. Johnstone know that I have found yon, and," he added happily, "I must hunt up a minister." "Dont be gone long, dearest," she replied, clinging to his hand. "I shall count the minutes until yon are back with me." Til be back within a couple of hours at the most," he called, as the elevator shot her upward. The last words were spoken loudly enough to. reach the ears of a man who was seated In the lobby, apparently Immersed In a newspaper. A close observer might have been struck by the fact that he was careful to keep the newspaper In front of his face, as though he did not wish to he seen. And he had good reasons for not courting recognition. It was Mah- ; lln 1 At 3hit Instant Hopes Arms Closed About Her. was the father of the young woman either. -- Thats all off. Tm going to known as Geo Burke and that she in- marry Miss Geo if she will have me. herited his entire fortune. As I was And Ive great news for her, Hook. Mr. Montgomerys legal adviser and She has been left a fortune. She is am one of the executors of his will, I a rich woman." came to California to satisfy myself as "Seeln ez youv come to marry her," to Miss Burkes Identity and to apprise said Hook, "I reckon shell forgive me her of her good fortune, for It Is If T tell yon where she is. Shes got a scarcely necessary to aay that she Is Job as a nurse with a fambly in Saca very rich young woman. And, from ramento Fletcher, the name Is. - She all I have been able to learn about seen an advertisement in the paper for her, a very beautiful and charming a gai what could take care o children one. Though I have utilized every an she possible means to locate her, and have - But Hope, without waiting to hear even put a private detective agency more, had hustled him into a terienfr. on the case. I have thus far been wholly unsuccessful. I only trust, Mtv Geos anxious perusal of the nope, that you will meet with better Wanted" columns had finally beenHelp re; lack." v warded by ap advertisement for a I shall give up everything else In yonng woman of refinement and good order to find her," aald nope. You family" as a childrens governess with can be sure of that By the way, Mr. a prominent family of Sacramento. Johnstone, who would Inherit Mr. Here, at last, was an opening which Montgomerys fortune If If, and his she felt that she was confident to fill. voice trembled, "If anything should A telephone conversation with her have happened to his daughter?" prospective employer and she was ten"The estate would go to his nephew, tatively engaged. But when she InGerald Morton,", said the lawyer, and formed Hook of her determination heHo'pe fanded that In his tone there protested violently? ' "Now, looky here. Miss Geo." he was a tone of dislike. Gerald Morton I" Hope exclaimed. had said persuasively, there aint no -- "That explains a good many things call ter yon to do anything foolish. that have puzzled me," and he related Til get a Job In a day or, two an to the deeply interested lawyer how then everything'll be all right Dont .... JOHN-STON- garden In the rear, he strode through a long pergola, fragrant with roses, pushed his way through a screen of shrubbery, and emerged upon a stretch of lawn, so smooth and beautifully tended that It looked like a piece of green velvet, which swept unbrokenly to the low stone wall which bordered the river. Standing beside the wall, her back toward him, staring Intently Into the swirling water was Gee a slender and pathetic figure In her black gown. His footfalls deadened by the turf, Hope stole forward softly. - Just before he reached her she apparently came to a decision, for she stepped onto the low parapet and her figure stiffened, as does that of a swimmer who Is about to dive. And at that instant Hopes arms closed abont her. Taken completely by surprise, she gave a startled scream; then, glancing over her shoulder, she found herself looking Into the face of the man she loved. With a- great sob of relief and happiness she snuggled, like a lost child. Into his protecting arms. nook, remembering that there are occasions when two are company but three are a crowd, whiled away an hotir before he Joined them. As his smiling face appeared above the bushels, Geo, transfigured by love and Joy, rushed forward and threw her arms about his neck. I reckon yon aint goln to waste much time in gettin spliced, then," said Hook. "We are not," said Hope emphaticalWe have wasted quite enough ly. time already. We are going to be mar- Geo to the quiet residential hotel where she had stayed on previous hls-attem- w age, which sharpened nooks curiosity. Gee wllliklns I" exclaimed the tailor.. "So Miss Geo aint Doctor Burke's yot daughter at all ? Waal, nowt come to speak of It Ive often said to myself that she didnt resemble her paw The Fletcher residence, where Geo was employed as governess, proved to be a handsome place In the colonial street style, set well back from the . which grounds, In beautifully kept swept down to the banks of the river. "Is Miss Burke at homer Inquired was Hope fef a kindly faced lady who verandah sewing. on the seated "I .think Miss Burke Is In the garsaid the woman den somewhere, Is her afternoon to "It pleasantly. leaves the she but rarely out, go I will seated be grounds. If you will her." for send a servant Please dont trouble, said Hope. "Twill find her." Passing around the house to the ried tomorrow." When the three reached San Fran--' cisco late that afternoon, Hope took Morton had kidnaped , Geo and Im- yon worry no more bout the money well get along some way. prisoned her in the cabin on thejedge .HjXfoU.rii, , AIBerfeot'old dVftr; H ook',"' xrt: 'to tatimMabTher and she "He was a lawyer, I think," said Into had but we cant go answered, marrying him. lies a dangerous on this the woman. "He said tbdt he had way any longer. My money Is he 'concluded. come all the way from New York to fellow," almost gone. Besides, I want to do "Yes," agreed Johnstone. "He had see Miss Burke and that he had very I simply must have .. a bad reputation when he lived In this. to occupy my mind. If I don'something ITfclnfc T I shall go mad. And I want yon to affairs. Do you think give me to let him know at once. He left his eral unsavory your word Of honor. Hook, la responsible for Miss Monhe that that wont let anyone know where card with me, so I would know where you tgomerys disappearance ? I have gone. If yon wont give me to reach him. I'll get It for you." "It he has harmed her," said Ilope your word I wont give Bhe disappeared to return In a moyou my adhe will never live to enjoy dress. Do yon savagely, ment with a card on which was enpromisor his uncles millions." "I reckon I got to," the old sailor graved: e i , grumbled. H. Chalmers Johnaten During the next three days Hope E searched the city as with a JOHNSTONE, ROWLINQ A In the train, on the way to Sacracomb. On the morning of the fourth mento. Hope briefly outlined to the Attomeya-at-Laday, glancing from the window of his astonished Hook the story which the 121 Bread Street, New York. hotel, he noticed that the streets were lawyer had told him of Geoa parent- 7 let us hear the story.; Your reports yea-sons- r hbor. "Can yon tell me where Mias Burke has goner he asked the woman who answered the bell-"I havent the least Idea," the answered. "I saw her leaving the house early one morning. She was dressed for traveling and that old sailor. Hook, who was with her, was carrying her bag." "When waa that?", "Let me see," said the woman. "I think. Jt, must, have been a. couple. of weeks ago . .1 . yes, It was two weeks ago yesterday. I remember, because that same afternoon another gentleman was here asking for Miss Burke." Another gentleman?" echoed Hope. Who was he? .What did he look ' 8avage Wrench Morton Gained Possession ef tho Weapon. d n lie hurried to the nearest neig- With Underneath was scrawled in pend!, packed with people, whom to police were energetically pushing beck so s Talace hotel. Ban Francisco. "He asked me to be sure and tele- to form a broad lane of asphalt. "Whats going on today? he listlessphone him at the Palace If I was able to learn where Miss Burke bad gone, ly inquired of the waiter, who was Circus In the woman explained. serving his breakfast. "I will go back to the city and see town?" this Mr. Johnstone," said Hope, and, "Preparedness parade, air," the man answered. a few words he with of thanks harried When, ap hour later! the blare of away. Consumed with anxiety, he hurried music signaled the approach of the back to San Francisco and, going marchers, nope. Interested In anything straight to the Palace hotel, sent up that concerned national defense, took his card to Mr. Johnstone. The law- up a position on the sidewalk, his ruddy-faceold height enabling him to see over the yer, a Preceded by heads of the crowd. received him. gentleman, immediately To this deeply Interested auditor the a banner bearing the legend, "Naval young officer told briefly of the mis- Reservists The Men Who Would Man sion on which he had originally come Our Ships In Time of War, Hope saw to California, of his acquaintance with approaching a colamn of sun tanned, men, marching with the Doctor Burke, of his friendship with weather-beateand love for Cleo, of their long search trained precision of veterans but with for the lost formula, and of her mys- the unmistakable roll of the sea In terious disappearance. their gait These were the old sailors, men. "It Is quite evident, Mr. Hope, the said the lawyer, when the recital was As theytramped by amid a hurrifinished, "that yen are as anxious to cane "of cheers. Hope, peering above find Miss Burke as I am though, and the heads of the spectators in front of he smiled, "for somewhat different him, caught a glimpse of a familiar face In the first rank of the passing "I speak of her as Miss Borke," he seamen, ne looked again. Yes. There addeD, "but her real name is Miss was no mistaking that seamed and face with its Montgomery." "Miss exclaimed smily. It was nook I Diving through Montgomery I" What on earth the crowd, regardless of the indignant nope Incredulously. do yon mean?" protests of those whom he unceremoni"The young woman for whom we ously pushed aside, nope seized Hook are both looking," said the lawyer by the arm and, before the astonished quietly, "ts not the daughter of Dr. seaman realized what had happened, Ralph Burke, as she and, indeed, ev- he had dragged him out of the ranks, eryone else, supposed. Her father was through the wall of spectators, and Into the lobby of the hotel. t the, late Calvin Montgomery." "Not the New York financier?" Well, HI be hornswoggled, looten-aevito credit the gasped nope, unable gasped nook, staring at the ofdence of hla ears. ficer with bulging eyes and open "The same," aald Johnstone. If month. I thought you wuz married seems," he continued, that Mrs. Mont- an lnNoo Xrk. Where Is Miss Geo? demanded gomery died when Cleo was born, whereupon Doctor and Mrs. Burke, Hope. "Where has she gone?" who were old friends of the MontI cant tell yon, lootenant," said nonest to God, I gomerys, offered to adopt the child Hook nervously, and bring It up as their own. Mr. cant Miss Geo made me promise ., Montgomery was a poor man In those that I wouldnt" "Youve got to tell me, man, cried days, and, as his business kept him rauch of the time In (lie tropics, he nope, seizing the seaman by the shoulaccepted the offer. Mfs. Burkedied a der and shaking him until his teeth few years after Cleos adoption, but rattled. "Ive come three thousand Doctor Burke kept his promise to his miles to find her and marry her." old friend and brought up the child, "To marry her?" cried nook. InBut I thought as how giving her his own name. Mr. Mont- credulously. gomery was a man who was extremely you wuz already married to that reticent concerning his private affairs, Machln gal." so It was only upon his will being "Well, Im not Hope answered Imopened that It became known that he patiently, "and Im not going to be, t fine-toot- h - When Morton, after his spectacular escape from the bandits, reached San Francisco, he did not return to the hotel where he' had formerly stayed, but Instead rented a room in an obscure boarding house In an unfashionable part of the city. It waa here that Olga, after a weeks search, found him. , Wen, what is It that you want?" "Charming quarters yon have here" she sneered, "so qnlet and exclusive. I had Indeed some difficulty in locating you. One might almost suppose that yon did not wish to be found. I want that book that yon stole from moistening her parched Bps- :- r 1ZT saw him." "Theres no use lying to me, oia. he aald stetnly. You're clever bn youre not nearly as clever as tm think you are. Listen. The m2ht that Doctor Burke was killed w L staying at the; hotel lnJVaWaTi-hea- rd you leave your room about mid. night I suspected something was ud so I followed you. You didnt knee that did you? I followed you to the Burke house. I saw you raive the "I Saw You Draw a Dagger and Stab Him!" c laboratory window and climb In. I crept up to the Window and watched you. I saw you turn on the light and start to search the desk for the lormula. I saw Burke surprise you while you were at work. And," Morton's voice rose triumphantly, I saw you draw a dagger and stab him I" a damnable lie," "Its a lie whlspered-Olgbut the truth of Morton's accusation was written unmistakably In her blanched and haggard face. "And so," continued Morton, his face distorted by a sneer, youre not going to give me away to the police. And youre not going to bother me any more about the book. And you are going to' give up toe search for the formula. In fact, you are going to clear out of California altogether, unless you prefer to be hung If I dont get It, yon wont either," screamed Olga, and, drawing a stiletto from the folds of her dress, she sprang at Morton with toe ferocity of a panther. So utterly unexpected was her that he was action, so llghtnlng-qulctaken off his gnard and, before he could defend himself, toe long, keen blade, descending In a glittering arc, laid open his shoulder. Seizing her upraised arm before she could strike again, Morton, with a savnge wrench, gained possession of toe weapon. Then, grasping her by to throat with his free hand, he drove 'the knife deep Into her bosom. As, with a moan, she crumpled to toe floor, a man who, unobserved by either, had cautiously opened toe door, bolted down the stairs and Into the street. At the street comer, Idly swinging his stick, a policeman was standing. a, k, -- "Quick, officer r the man gasped; "theres been a murder. A mns Just stabbed a woman In that house over there I" and he led toe way bark to the ' the toe rnm-stit- h boarding house-o- n at his heels. So quickly was the warning given that Morton had scarcely come to a realization that Olgas wound was fatal and t$t he must make his escape, when tp P llceman burst Into the room. An Instant later and hfi had his prisoner securely handcuffed. The man who had given the a!ann had followed the policeman Into toe room, and, while toe officer was engaged In handcuffing Morton, he lad, unobserved by anyone, slipped Into lie volume pocket a small, leather-boun-d on which was lying the dresser. Here, you," called the policeman, "Just run down to the drug store, will yon, and telephone for an ambulance? This woman Is dylng. ' "AD right," 'said the man with alacrity, and disappeared down the stairs. It was the Japanese, Satsuma 1 policeman To obtain a marriage license, to en-And that you stole from Carrillo," gage toe services of a clergyman for he taunted. the following morning, and. to find "Are you going to give It to me?" she Johnstone and notify him that Geo demanded menacingly. had been found took Hook somewhat "I am not, he snarled.. longer than he had anticipated, s "I think that yon had better change that It was nearly eight o'clock when, :: yonr mind," she said, and her tone accompanied by the lawyer, he rewas deadly. "Yon will regret it If turned to toe hotel. yon dont" "Please tell Miss Burke that Mr. "What do yon mean?" he asked Johnstone and I are here," he said to sullenly, but there was a hint of un- toe clerk. easiness In his voice., The man looked at him in surprise-Bu- t mean, she answered steadily, Miss Bnrke has already gone , "I looking Morton Straight In the , eye, out tn meet beif. "that If yon do not give up that book swered. I shall go straight to the police and Hope stared at him Incredulously, tell them yon are the man that kid- his heart chilled by a nameless fear. naped the Burke girt. The penalty What on earth are you talking for kidnaping In California, If I re- about?" he demanded. member rightly, is fifty years. You Why," replied the mystified clerk, would be quite an old man when yon not half an hour after you went out got out,- - wouldnt you ? 'Cropped halt So" say:?6' . . and a atriped suit . . and yon had been detained and that yo fifty years In San Quentin . . ' . I wanted Miss Burke to meet you at wonder Sow yon would like It, Mr. toe Cliff house for dinner and that yon Gerald Morton?" were sending a jc&r for her. I toon man "I wonder how yon would like being toe. message myself. It was a In hung?" he demanded meaningly, speaking. There Is no telephone thrusting his face forward until It was Miss Burkes room, so I sent the meswithin a few lffbhes of her. sage up by a bellboy, and a few min Hungr she stammered, recoiling. utes later she came down and got into "What would I be hung for, pray?" a closed car that was waiting "For the murder of Doctor Ralph' I hope there isnt anything wrong, Burke I" said Morton. lieutenant?" It was as though he had struck her I" groaned Hope, white to between the eyes. Her face turned the"Wrong Wrong I J should say there to the color of ashes;' she reeled, and, was.lips. Miss Bnrke has been kidnaped had she not caught chair to steady again under ourwry eyes. She herself, would have Tallen. In toe hands of the most unscrapulcai "Dr. Burke murder gang of scoundrels In America I absurd. she managed to articulate. (TO EB CONTINUED me." yonr-Bentena- a S0TU0;-teIcphPbelher- i ... 1 ... ' |