The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1910-12-16

| secret Why should l tell you the
truth about it? You have no right to
know"
Orme retained his hold. Il don't
like your looks, my friend" he said.
There may have been reason why
you should lie to me, but you will
have to make things clear" He con-
sidered After all, he must make al
lowance; so he said: Come back to-
morrow with evidence that you are
entitled to the bill, and you shall have
it," He released Senior Poritol
The little man had recovered his
composure. He went back to the ia
BILE and took up his hat and cane, re-
folding the handkerchief and slipping
it into his pocket. Once more he was
the Latin fop. lie approached Orme,
and his manner was deprecatory.
My most abject apologies for at
lacking you. sir. | was beside myself.
But if you will only permit me l will
bring up my friend, who is waiting
below. He will, as you say, vouch for
me-"
who is he?"
"A very, very distinguished man"
Orme pondered The adventure was
opening up, and he felt inclined to see
it through. Bring him." he said
shortly.
When Senior Poritol had disap-
peared Orme telephoned TO the clerk.
Send me up a porter" he ordered
land have him stand just outside my
door, with orders to enter if he hears
any disturbance" He waited at the
door till the porter appeared, then
told him to remain in a certain place
until he was needed, or until the
visitors left.
Senior Poritol remained downstairs
for several minutes. Evidently he
was explaining the situation to his
friend. But after time Orme heard
the clang of the elevator door, and in
response to the knock that quickly
followed, he opened his own door. At
the side of his former visitor stood a
udppCl Oi6HCl. TIC WOlG
frock coat and carried glossy hat,
and his eyes were framed by large
gold spectacles.
This is the Senior Alcatrante,"
explained Senior Poritol.
The newcomer bowed with suave
dignity.
"Senor Alcatrante? The name is
familiar" said Orme, smiling
Poritol assumed an air. HE is the |
minister from my country to these
United States"
Orme understood. This was the |
wary South American diplomat whose |
name had lately been so prominent |
in the Washington dispatches. What |
was he doing in Chicago?
81 am glad to meet you," said Orme.
Alcatrante smiled, displaying a
prominent row of uneven teeth.
MY young friend, Poritol," he be- |
gan, tells me that you have in your
possession the record of a secret be-
longing to me. What that secret is,
is immaterial to you and me, l take
it. He is an honorable young man
excitable, perhaps, but well-meaning.
I would suggest that you give him the
five-dollar bill he desires, accepting
from him another in exchange. Or,
if you still doubt him, permit me to
offer you bill from my own pocket"
He drew out a fat wallet.
The situation appeared to be sim
plified. And yet Orme was dubious.
There was mischief in the bill; so
much he felt sure Of Alcatrantes
reputation was that of a fox, and as
for Poritol he was, to say the least,
person Of uncertain qualities. Orme
could not but admire the subtle man.
ner in which Alcatrante sought deli
cately to limit his doubts to the mere
possibility that Poritol was trying to
pass spurious money. He decided not
10 settle the question at this moment.
This seems to be rather a mixed
up affair, Senior Alcatrante," he said.
There is much more in it than APP
pears. Call on me tomorrow morn
ng and you shall have my decision"