The Delta independent., 1910-10-28


velope into his pocket, but it occurred
to him in time that, If 1t did indeed
contain the documents concerning
which Alcatrante and the stranger
were disputing, II would be sought and
missed long before he could escape
from the room. So, taking a pencil
rom his pocket. he inserted 1t under
he corner of the flap and slowly
worked The flap free The strength OF
the linen prevented any tearing.
He removed the contents of the en-
velope-two folded sheets OF parch-
ment paper. held together by an elastic
band-and thrust them into the inside
pocket of his coat All this was done
swiftly and noiselessly.
It now remained to find something to
take the place of the abstracted docu-
ments In his pocket were some print
ed prospectuses of the mine which ne
had come to Chicago to investigate
In shape and thickness they were not
dissimilar to the documents which he
had taken. He slipped tne prospectuses
into the envelope and. wetting his
finger. rubbed 1t along the gummed
surface of the flap. Enough glue re-
manned to make the flap adhere. after
little pressure. The job was by no
means perfect, but 1t was not likely to
be detected.
At that moment Alcatrante raised
his voice ard said, still in French:
you are sure. then. that this will not
delay the game. but end it,"
Quite sure" said the Japanese
UNLESS the documents are signed be-
fore midnight tonight nothing can be
done for some time. We have the
Germans fixed. They will do what
they have thus far agreed TO do. but II
any technical hitch arises. such as
failure to sign within the time limit,
they will decline to renew negotia-
tions. That was all we could get from
them. but 1t is enough-now."
And for other ships" said Alca-
trante. the commission shall be fiye
hundred thousand"
Five hundred thousand. Seven hun
dred and fifty was TOO much
Five hundred thousand in gold
In gold"
orme slipped the envelope back into
the drawer and put his eye 10 the hole
in the cover. His position was now
more critical. for to open the drawer
and get the envelope Arima would
have to lift the table cover.
The stranger turned to Arima- Give
us the envelope" he said.
Arima approached the table. orme
crowded back against the wall as far
as he could. knowing that the chances
of escaping discovery were strongly
against him. But he was saved by the
- sh nj
crowded about Arima. as he lifted the
cover. opened the drawer and took out
the envelope. So close did they stand
that Orme was out of their angle OF
vision. The table cover fell again. and
he was safe. He resumed his position
at the peep-hoie.
The stranger stepped TO the middle
OF the room. the others gathering
around him. With quick Jerk he
'ore the envelope open. and taking or
the papers. ran his eye over them
rapidly. He uttered an exclamation.
What Is it," said Alcatrante. The
South Americans hand was shaking.
and persplration stood out on his fore
head.
The Japanese snarled. "Trickedi
| They've fooled us. that honorable
burglar of yours got the wrong en-
velope.'
Alcatrante snatched the papers
Prospectus he read of the Last
Dare Mining Company But ! do not
understand
The japanese glared nj him angrily-
III you had kept out of this business
he snapped. ''and let Maku attend to It..
everything would have been right
Now your burglars have spoiled IT."
He snatched back the harmless pros
pectuses and tore them In two. throw
ing the fragments to the floor and
grinding them under his heel.
Arima spoke. Pardon. honorable
sir. Maku say the right envelope was
taken from the safe. Maku know"
"Ha! Then It was you who were
tricked-outwitted. That American
reached the tree before you last
evening and substituted these papers.
Go back to Japan. Arima. don't need
you.'
Arima bowed submissively. As for
the stranger. his rage gave way to
despair.
What shall l say to the emperorr-
he muttered. What shall say to tho
emperor"
Then his feelings came again under
control; he looked calmly at Alca-
trante. Well" he said. what would
you suggest?"
Alcatrante's face was n puzzle Every
shade of doubt. disappointment, anger.
suspicion and shrewd deduction passed
over 1t. He was putting into play that
marvellous power OF concentration on
subtle issues that had enabled him to
| hrfl In