The Huttig news., 1910-09-17

up position like that of the shadow. He saw Poritol, with outstretched, questioning hands. his eyes fixed on the face of Alcatrante. who seemed to be delivering his orders. The flashing spectacles indicated his authoritative mods of the head.
 After time Alcatrante evidently completed his instructions. He re- moved his hat and bowed formally Little Poritol echoed the salute and, turning, shot of down a side street with ridiculously rapid movements of his short legs. Orme inferred that he was bound for the North Clark street car line. Alcatrante continued along 1 the drive.
 When the South Americans separa- ted. the shadow quickly came to life i He hesitated for an instant. as If in doubt which of the two to follow, then 1 decided in favor of Alcatrante. who was moving in leisurely fashion toward the park entrance, his head bowed in thought. Orme found himself wonder ing what snaky plots were winding through that dark mind
 The procession of three silently en- tered the park. The shadow was about hundred feet behind Alcatrante Orme kept the same distance between 1 himself and the shadow.
 The minister was in no hurry In- different to his surroundings he made bis way, with no apparent interest in the paths he took. At last he turned into a dark stretch and for the mo- ment was lost to sight in the night. Suddenly the shadow darted for ward. Orme hurried his own pace, and in moment he heard the sounds of short. sharp struggles scuffling of feet in the gravel. heavy fall 1 There was no outcry.
 Orme broke into a run At point where the path was darkest he checked himself for an instant. A lit tie distance ahead man lay fiat on the ground, and bending over him was short, stocky figure. Orme leaped forward and swung his cane. The stick was tough and the blow was hard enough to send man to earth, but the robber had heard Ormes approach. and looked up from his victim just in time With a mo. ton indescribahly swift. he caught with one hand the descending cane and wrenched it from Ormes grasp. Then he crouched to spring.
 At this instant Orme h. rd footsteps behind him. A turn of the head showed a threatening figure at his back. There had been four men in that procession through the park
 By quick leap to one side, Orme placed himself for the moment out of danger. His two assailants, moving too fast to stop. bumped together. They faced about for another spring at him. And then there was a short scratching sound. and in the hand of the man on the ground fared match
 Hal" exclaimed the prostrate AL catrante. "I thought sol"
 Orme found himself looking into the contorted faces of two Japanese
 Discovery was evidently the last thing the hold-up men desired. for they disappeared like flash. diving through the shrubbery behind them. Orme. dazed and breathing hard, at tempted no immediate pursuit He stepped quickly to Alcatrante and helped him to his feet. T am not hurt" said the South American. When the man threw me to the ground, feigned that I was stunned It Is wiser not to resist a thug, Is it not so?" He brushed the dust from his clothing with his hand kerchief. Orme handed him his hat. which had rolled to one side. The minister rubbed 1t carefully with his coat sleeve. See" he laughed, nod ding at the ground. my cane is broken. must have fallen on it."
 Since you're not hurt" said Orme, wed better get after the thieves"
 "Bahi" renlied Alcatrante. What is the use? They are already far away and they got nothing" He laughed. "Is it not always better to avoid no toriety. MT Orme7"
 As rule. no doubt-but in this in- stance"
 No" said Alcstrante. firmly, "I really must insist that we let the mat. ter drop As for me, shall return to my hotel Perhaps you will walk along with me-
 Orme hesitated. 'I don't like those thieves to get of without chase. senor"
 "But, my dear MT. orme. they did me no harm"
 Orme shrugged his shoulders. "You forget that there was one after me as well as one after you"
 No. don't forget that But don't you see. Mir Orme? These two men were not after our valuables."
 "Indeed?"
 Not at all What they would like Is my little friend Poritols secret"
 But why Japanese?" Orme was puzzled
 Why. indeed? A cunning Japanese might as easily have got wind of 1t as anyone else"
 But why did you say. thought so?" persisted Orme.