Picture Stories Magazine (Sept 1914-Feb 1915)

94 ON THE VERGE OF WAR out to a ship lying off shore. No sooner had he boarded than sail was set, and the vessel was quickly swallowed up in the dark. That was the end of Pedro Villard as far as Lieut. Freeman was concerned. The ultimate end of the spy leaked out sometime later. Arriving at his destination he was hilariously welcomed as he waved the papers which were supposed would reveal the enemy's naval base, and all particulars about it. But when those supposed plans were opened, and only blank paper revealed (the decoy papers Lieut. Freeman had placed in his mother's cloak) the demeanour of the assembly changed. The chief of the bureau charged Villard with treachery. The smashing of his hopes enraged him. He ordered the spy's arrest, and the beaten fellow was hurried away, God knows where. This only is known : twelve hours later Pedro Villard ceased to breathe. The ball was left to itself as far as Lieut. Freeman was concerned when the spy escaped. He joined in the chase, and even endeavoured to intercept the strange vessel which disappeared into the night. But he failed, and chagrined, he was forced to return home. There he found his mother shaken with anxiety and mourning her ruined cloak. He tried to sooth her. In this, so far as himself was concerned, his appearance was sufficient, but that did not repair the spoilt cloak. " Never mind, mother; I'll buy you a new cloak as a present. Do you know that old cloak has saved my reputation ? The lost plans were hidden in it, and that is what the thief was after when he slashed the lining so." " But you got the plans back, boy," cried old Mrs. Freeman eagerly. She was proud of her son, and prouder of his position and progress. "They're all right, mother. They were not in the cloak, I had removed them previously." "Then why did you let me wear the cloak, knowing it would be cut to pieces'?" Strategy, mother, strategy. I wanted to catch that spy. But now I want to see that poor little girl who was made the dupe of those infernal scamps. I'd like to know her story." "She is in there, boy." Mrs. Freeman pointed to another room. " Quietly, she is not thoroughly recovered yet," she admonished. Lieut. Freeman entered the room where Myra sat wearily trying to piece together the events of the past few days. Don't move, remain where you are," he cried out, as she turned. I have not come to bully you this time." A wan smile spread over her rather pretty but sad features. Mrs. Freeman followed her son to enquire how the patient was progressing, and the pair drew from Myra, bit by bit, the whole sad tale of her life : how she had come under Polari's influence when young; how he had treated her as a daughter, though he was not her father; and how she had been compelled to do his will, though she had ofttiraes rebelled against it. Before the recital was concluded, Freeman entertained a different feeling for Myra. That feeling in the days to come developed into something stronger, more defined. But that is part of another story, not to be written here. The reader, however, will scarcely have difficulty in reading the end. "O UTH ROLAND is the owner of a brand new -^^ motor car. The irrepressible Kalem comedienne was on her way to the studio one morning, where she was to take part in " The Bingville Fire Department," a Kalem comedy, when the auto suddenly came to a halt. Nor could any amount of tinkering induce it to work. The usual crowd promptly gathered. " Trouble?" asked a bystander. " Yes," curtly replied Miss Roland. " What power car is it ? " "Forty-horse," came the answer. " Well, what seems to be the matter with it? " Miss Roland glanced at the inquisitive one in disgust. " Well," she replied, " from the way it acts I should say that thirty-nine of the horses were dead." SALLY CRUTE, one of the Edison "stars," has made an impression upon an entire family of moving picture enthusiasts. She has received at the studio a dozen America beauty roses with a note stating that her acting in the Edison film, " The Powers of the Air" has wonderfully touched the hearts of every member of the family. It will be of interest to many to know that Miss Crute is an artiste of no mean ability with pen and brush, aside from her capabilities before the camera.