The Huttig news., 1910-12-10


 direction, crossing the street and jump ing into an empty cab. which had drawn up in anticipation of a fight. TO the Rookery," he ordered, naming the first office building that came into his head
 Sure" said the driver, and away they rattled
 A glance back showed Orme that the crowd was dispersing.
 At distance was Alcatrante. He had seen Ormes escape, and was look ing about vainly for another cab. But cabs are not numerous on North Parker street, and Orme, so far as he could tell, was not followed
 When his cab drew up at the busy entrance on La Sale street, he found his way to the nearest public tele- phone. The hour was close to five, and he must discover quickly where he could find the girl. He called up the Pere Marquette This Is Mir. Orme." he explained 10 the clerk. Have there been any calls or mes sages for me?''
 Yes, sir, MT. and Mrs. Wallingham called up at 12; 30 to know if you were going to Arradale with them
 The golfing engagement! Orme had not even thought of 1t since the eve ming before.
 Anything else?'
 Yes. sir. Japanese came about one o'clock. He left no name"
 The same man who came last eye. ning?'
 No. sir. an older naH"
 The Japanese minister had doubtless gone straight from Arima's apartment to the Pere Marquette. Anything else?" asked Orme
 There was phone call for yoa about Il o'clock The party left no name"
 "A womans voice ?"
 Yes, sir. She said: Tell MT. Orme that I shall not be able to call him up at noon, but will try to do so as near two o'clock as possible
 Did she call up again at two?"
 No, sir There's no record of It." Orme understood. In the interval after her attempt to reach him she had learned at Arima's of his seem ing treachery. Very we'll" he said to the clerk. and hung up the re. ceiver.
 What shall he do now? The girl had given him up. He did not know her name or where to find her, and yet find her he must and that within the next few hours. The unquestionably great importance of the papers in his pocket had begun to weigh on him heavily. He was tempted to take them out, there in the telephone booth, and examine them for clue. The cir cumstances justified him.
 But-he had promised the girl, Stronger than his curiosity, stronger almost than his wish to deliver the pa pers, was his desire to keep that prom ise. It may have been foolish quixotics but he resolved to continue as he had begun. At ten o'clock" he said to himself, If I have not found her. I will look at the papers or go to the police-do whatever is necessary" He did not like to break promises or miss engagements.
 There was his engagement with the Wallinghams. It had absolutely gone from his miLd. Bessie would forgive him, of course She was a sensible little woman, and she would know that his failure to appear was due to some thing unavoidable and important, but Orme's conscience bothered him a lit- tie because he had not, before setting out that morning. telephoned to her that he might be detained.
 Bessie Wallinsham. She knew the grill Why had he not thought of that before?
 He got the wallinghams' number. Were they at home? No. they had gone to Arradale and would probably remain until the last evening train. He rang of.
 It remained to try Arradale. After some delay, he got the club house. Mrs. Wallingham' Yes. she had just wire?
 Mir Orme certainly would. and pres ently he was rewarded for the delay by hearing Bessie's brisk little voice.
 "Ifello?"
 "Who?"
 "Bob?"
 Well. you ough. 10 be ashamed of yourself; we waited over and took the next train"
 Oh yes. I know all about these very busy people,
 Nonsense! was fooling, of course. But we were sorry you didn't come" "What?"
 ''fhat girl? Why. what's the mat ter with you. Rober, Orme?"
 Business importance? That won't do. Rob. Youll have to 'fess up."
 Do know such girl? Are you serious?"
 Why, Bob, I can think of several. Shall I name them9'
 Not give their names, What on earth Is the matter with you?'
 "Oh. part Of the business, is 1t, Well. let me see. Tall and beautiful. you say. Dark eyes and hair. A black touring car. Hum. know three girls to whom the description applies If