The Columbus journal., 1911-04-12

actually thrown into a cell. 1t was
more likely that an arrest would be
followed, after as much delay as Al
catrante could secure. by a refusal tc
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 cal
down. Some of them had trains tc
catch.
NO! No." screamed Alcatrante.
Orme had kept out of the discussion
but now he spoke quietly. Il think
Senor Alcatrante"-he uttered the
name distinctly. knowing that the
South American probably did not wish
himself identified-i think that, if 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.
A cold wave Of horror swept over
him. Was 1t possible that?
He put his hand into the left side
pocket of his coat. Something was
there that did not belong there-a
bulging purse. Alcatrante had
put 1t there.
Orme fingered the purse. He would
have to get rid Of 1t. but he dared not
to drop it to the floor, and If he thrust
it through the grating and let it fall
into the elevator we'll. some one would
be almost certain to detect the action
There was only moment left before
the car would stop. He looked down at
who was close in front of
him. Then his face relaxed and In
spite of the gravity of his situation he
smiled: for he had found a solution
Promptly he acted upon it.
The car halted just below the ceiling
of the first floor What's the matter
with you?" called a voice-the voice
Of the starter.
Man robbed" said the elevator boy.
"Bring the car down"
mo-" shouted Alcatrante. "The
thief is in the car. He must not es-
cape"
Il won't let him out. Bring the car
DOWN"
The boy let the car descend to the
fioor level. The starter placed himself
against the gate. Now then, who was
robbed" he demanded.
Alcatrante crowded forward. 1T was
|. My purse is gone. I had it just
before got in"
.'Oh. it was you, was it," The start
,r remembered the trouble Alcatrante
had made few minutes before. Sure
'ou didn't drop it,"
II am certain that I did not"
The passengers were shutting their
eet about. in a vain effort to touch the
ost property. 4 young girl was gig
Cling Historically.
perhaps you put it in the wrong
'ocket. and didn't look careful
enough"
Il looked. I looked" exclaimed Al
.atrante. DO you think I would not
lnow. See! put it in this pocket.
which is now empty"
He thrust his hand into the pocket
which he had indicated. Suddenly his
changed to astonishment.
Find it," grinned the starter.
With the blankest of looks Alca-
rante pulled the purse from his pock-
t. 1T was not there two minutes
Igo." he muttered.
You've been dreamin'." remarked
he starter. opening the gate with
,ang. All OUT"
Orme chuckled to himself. In a mo-
nent Alcatrante would realize how the
,urse had been replaced in his pocket.
md he would be furious. Meantime
)rme entered another elevator, to go
Jack to the eighth floor, and. as he had
expected. the minister followed him.
When they were outside the Office of
he Wallingham company Orme paused.
lis hand on the door. "Senor Alca-
rante." he said. this business must
nd. I shall simply have to call the
,olice."
AT your own risk" said Alcatrante
then an ugly light flashed in his eyes
md his upper lip lifted above his yel
ow teeth. You got the better OF me
here in the elevator" he snarled.
You won't get the better again."
Orme opened the Office door. He
danced about the reception room. to
ee whether the girl had hidden her
elf. She was not in view: indeed. |
here was even no one at the inquiry
window.
The door of the great sample re-
rigerator was ajar only two or three !
eet. When Orme was there a few
minutes before it had been wide open.
lie wondered whether the girl had |
hosen it as her hiding place. II she j
ad. his plan of action would be SIM
lifted. for he would slip the papers in