The Delta independent., 1910-11-18
.Mhere does she lixe2"

Where does she live?"
Not far from Arrada'e. Bob, you
come right out here. will see to the
rest. 1t certainly is the funniest CO.
incidence"
"I'n catch the first train"
There's one at six-for men who
come out to dine"
"All right. Expect me. Goodby."
Orme looked at his watch. He had
an hour and half-which meant that
time must be killed. It would be un-
wise to return to the Pere Marquette.
for the South Americans and the jap
anese might both be on watch for him
there. But he did not care to wander
about the streets. with the chance Of
coming face to face with some of his
enemies. It was obvious that swift
and elaborate machinery would be
set in motion to catch him. OF course.
there were many places where he could
conceal himself for an hour, but
Tom Wallingham's office! Why had
he not thought of that before? Tom
was at Arradale with Bessie. but the
clerks would let Orme stay in the re.
ception room until It was time to start
for his train. Indeed. Orme remem-
bered that Bixby, the head clerk. had
been at the wedding of Tom and Bes.
sie-had in fact taken charge of the
arrangements at the church.
Moreover. Toms office was in this
very building-the Rookery. Doubt.
less 1t was for this reason that the
Rookery had popped into his head
when he gave directions to the cab
driver on North Parker street
Hurrying to the elevators. Orme was
about to enter the nearest one, when
suddenly a hand seized his elbow and
pulled him to one side. He turned
quickly and dsaw-Alcatrante.
The minister was breathing rapid
ly. It wac plain that he had made
quick pursuit. but though his chest
heaved and his mouth was partly open.
his eyes were curiously steady "One
minute. Mr.. Orme." he said, forcing his
lips to a smile. Il had hard work to
follow you. There was no other cab
but small boy told me that you d.
rected your driver to the Rookery.
Therefore I got on a street car and
rode till found a cab" He said all
this in the most casual tone, retaining
his hold on Orme's elbow as though
his attitude was familiar and friendly
Perhaps he was thus detailing his
own adventures merely to gain time;
or perhaps he was endeavoring TO puz-
zle Orme.
But Orme was simply annoyed. He
knew how dangerous Alcatrante could
be. II am tired of being followed.
Senor." he said. disgustedly. freeing
his elbow.
Alcatrante continued to smile. That
Is part Of the game" he said.
Then you will find the game seri-
ous." Orme shut his lips together
and glanced about for a policeman.
Alcatrante again .grasped his elbow
DO you want publicity?" he asked.
your principals do not. Publicity will
injure US ALL"
orme had been given enough light
to know that the South Americans
words were true.
IF It comes to publicity" continued
Alcatrante with an ugly grin. II will
have you arrested for stealing Q GER
tain important-document and ofIer-
Ing to sell 1t to me"
Rubbish" laughed Orme. THAT
would never work at all. Too many
persons understand my part in this
matter. And then as he noticed
the fash Of triumph in Alcatrante's
eyes-"I could not be arrested for
stealing q document which was not
in my possession" It was too late;
strong suspicion that Orme had the
papers.
A wave Of anger swept over Orme.
Publicity Or no publicity" he said.
unless tits annoyance stops. I will
have you arrested"
AlcatIante smiled. THAT would not
pay. Mr.. Orme. There would be coun-
ter-charges and you would be much
delayed-perhaps even till after mid
night tonight. You Americans do not
know how to play at diplomacy, Mr..
Orme."
Controlling himself, Orme hurried
quickly to the nearest elevator. He
timed his action; the starter was Just
about to close the door as he hurried
in. But quick though he was, Alca-
trante was close behind him. The agile
South American squeezed into the ele-
vator by SO close a margin that the
door caught his coat.
Here. what are you tryin' to do?"
shouted the starter.
Alcatrante, pressing in against
Orme. did not reply.
The starter jerked the door open.
and glared at Alcatrante. The steady
and undisturbed eye Of the minister
had its effect. and after a momen, OF
hesitation the starter banged the door
shut and gave the signal and the car
leaped upward.