Polk County news-gazette. (Benton, Tenn.) 190?-191?, 1910-12-08

secret. Why should l tell you the
| truth about it? You have no right to
know"
Orme retained his hold. II 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. re approached Orme,
Ais manner was deprecatory.
MY most AFFECT apologies Aol-t at
lacking you. sir. / was beside myselfs
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
1t through. Bring him." he said
shortly.
When Senior Poritol had disap
peared Orme telephoned to the clerk
"Send me up a porter" he ordered,
"and 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 a 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 |
dapper foreigner. He wore a long |
frock coat and carried a 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
said Orme, smiling.
Poritol assumed an air. HE is the
from my country to these
United States"
Orme understood. This was the
vary South American diplomat whose
name had lately been so prominent
n the Washington dispatches. What
vas he doing in Chicago?
81 am glad to meet you," said Orme.
Alcatrante smiled, displaying
prominent row of uneven teeth.
my young friend, Poritol," he be-
IAN, tells me that you have in your
the record of a secret. be-
onging to me. What that secret is,
S immaterial to you and me, l take
t. He is an honorable young man
,xcitable, perhaps, but well-meaning
would suggest that you give him the
ive-dolar bill he desires, accepting
rom him another in exchange. Or,
you still doubt him, permit me to
,ffer you bill from my own pocket" I
lie drew out fat wallet.
The situation appeared to be sim {
lifted. And yet orme was dubious. ]
here was mischief in the bill; so {
much he felt sure Of. Alcatrante's
equation was that of fox, and as
or Poritol. he was, TO say the least, a I
erson of uncertain qualities. Orme (
ould not but admire the subtle man h
er in which Alcatrante sought deli b
atelv TO limit his doubts to the mere I
that Poritol was trying to I
ass spurious money He decided not ?
, settle the question at this moment. t
aThis seems to be rather mixed t
n affair. Senior Alcatrante." he said.
There il much more in It than APP c
ears Call on me tomorrow morn Il
q and you shall have my decision" 9