The Delta independent., 1910-11-18

erto ne had assumed that. once Tree
of Alcatrante and safe on the train to
Arradale, he would have plain going:
but now he realized that the dangers
would pile up higher as he advanced.
In any event, he must get rid of AL
catrante, and as they approached the
elevator grills. he spoke.
"Senor," he said. unless you stop
following me. shall be obliged to hurt
you. l give you fair warning"
Alcatrante laughed. IF you hurt
me, as you threaten. you will md your
self Z, dificulties. You will be arrest
ed. and you will have NO opportunity
% deliver the documents on time My
position as minister-my extra-terri-
toriality-will make 1t very dimcult for
YOU to extricate yourself"
Orme looked grimly down into the
sallow face. my nst against your
chin" he said. might do It."
Alcatrante did not lose his smile.
You will hardly try that. think.
There would be no time for you to get
away. People in these passing eleva-
tors would see you"
Orme turned away and pressed the
down" button. and few seconds
later a descending car stopped. He
pushed his way in. Alcatrante after
him.
The elevator was crowded. Clerks
and stenographers were beginning tc
leave their offices. for the hour was
nearly FIVE. Orme wedged his way in
at one side. and. in order to gain
-
his hack upon the persons who wert
Aicatrante was still exclaiming vol
utly. His purse had disappeared. It
had been in his pocket just before he
entered the car. Therefore someone
in the car must have taken 1t. He did
not accuse any sing'e person, though
he flashed suspicious glances at Orme.
who recognized. of course. that the
move was directed against himself.
To embarrass Orme with arrest and
detention would we'll suit the purpose
of Alcatrante. At this late hour such
an event would prevent the delivery Of
the papers. Orme wondered whether
the minister had realized that the pa
pers migh: be found by the police and
disposed of properly. The explana-
ton of this apparent oversight on the
part OF Alcatrante was not difficult.
however. for perhaps It was not
part OF the plan that Orme should be
actually thrown into a cell II was
more likely that an arrest would be
followed, after as much delay as AL
catrante could secure. by a refusal to
prosecute. One advantage to Alca-
trante would be the opportunity OF
getting assistance while Orme was in
the hands Of the police so that after
the prisoner was released he would
have more than one person to contend
with. Alcatrante would give up acting
alone.
Somebody has my purse!" Alca-
trante was shouting. Somebody here!
You must not let anybody out!"
The elevator boy had been gaping in
seeming paralysis. but now several OF
the passengers-men who doubtless
were sure Of their positions-were an
grily ordering him to take the car
down. Some Of them had trains TO
catch
mo! MOI" screamed Alcatrante.
Orme had kept out of the discussion.
but now he spoke quietly. Il think.
Senior Alcatrante"-he uttered the
name distinctly. knowing that tho
South American probably did not wish
himself identined-'T think that. II the
boy will take the car almost to the
bottom, the starter will help you
There was . chorus of seconds to
this suggestion. The boy pulled the
lever and let the car descend slowly.
while Alcatrante continued to exclaim.
How would the South American try
to throw suspicion where he wished
It? Orme puzzled over this question.
for certainly the police would not ar
rest all the passengers. And then he
suddenly remembered how Alcatrante
had crowded against him when they
entered the car.