The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1911-03-29

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Orme had had revolver. he would
now have drawn it. Yet he knew tha'
this was not a case for firearms. Oh
viousiy, il he used dangerous weapon
in these mems rooms and was after
ward caught. it would fare hard will
him, for the real facts would be sup
pressed and ne would be sentenced as
an ordinary housebreaker. perhaps
with some clemency due to his person
al standing.
A quick intuition told him that he
would not escape lightly if they fairly
got their hands on him. The two
Japanese had hitherto shown much pa
! thence with him. Their desire seemed
to have been to avoid hurting him any
more than was necessary. But there
| is limit to Japanese patience. The
scathing words of the japanese minis.
ter must still be burning in Arima's
brain And Maku, who had controlled
himself while Orme was following him
through the streets of the North side,
no longer had a diplomatic reason for
restraining his rage against the man
who had struck him down. In any
event, the eyes of Arima and Maku
glittered angrily. and Orme realized
that he could expect no mercy.
He caught up chair and raised 1t
over his head. prepared to bring it
down on Arima, who was only a few
feet from him and coming fast.
The Japanese raised his arms to
fend the expected blow. With sudden
inspiration, Orme hurled the chair at
bis opponents feet There was a crash.
Arima sprawled headlong. Maku, who
was close behind. tried to leap over
Arima. but his feet went through the
runss OF the chair. and he, too, crashed
to the floor.
As he threw the chair. Orme leaped
back. Before the Japanese could get
out OF their tangle. he had jumped
over the window sill and was running
up the fire escape. Madam Ala was at
her window, look of startled inquiry
on her face. She stepped back as he
crowded into the room
Quick" he said. They'll be after
me. Hide me somewhere"
Come" She took his sleeve and
pulled him to corner. There she
pushed aside the dingy hanging and
Orme saw that the wall was covered
with wainscoting that ran from floor
to ceiling
The medium looked at him with
bright eyes. You're the real sort"
she whispered. and a wave of color
in her cheeks brought back the sug-
sestiOn of girlish beauty. Il saw that
scrap there through a hole in the
floor. You're the goods" She pressed
his arm almost affectionately. then.
with her free hand. she pushed against
the paneling. Noiselessly a section of
it turned inward, disclosing a dark cav
ity. Get in"
Orme quickly slipped into the dark
ness, the panel closed. and he heard
the swish of the hanging as it dropped
against the board
Ii was not too soon. Two soft thuds
told him that the japanese had dropped
over the sill into the room.
He heard the woman give q WELL
feigned scream of surprise.
'Scuse us. miss"-it was Arima's
looking for sneak thief. He
come in here"
BE off with you. I've just come
from the front room there. and there |
wasn't soul came in"
We saw him
He must have gene out to the hall.
hen" The woman's voice had a note
IF mollification-as though she had
recognized the right of the
NO Japanese to enter the apartment.
1 didn't hear him"
A few words of Japanese colloquy:
hen Arima: Il look around. NV
riend so to hall" A door closed: evil
Iently Maku had gone out: and then
BRINE heard steps. After this there
vas long wait, while the Japanese
the other rooms. the woman
Offering him her aid. At last
hey returned.
We'll. l go back" said Arima. 81
aw him come in the window. My
riend will know. See you later"
Presently the woman raised the
angling and whispered through the
cards: He went back down the fire
scape. His friends in the hall. He'll
nd out you haven't went down, and
hen he'll come back"
I'll try the roof" whispered Orme.
Perhaps can get on to another house
hat way" {
Wait till l see" She walked away. (
ut soon returned. 4:
No use" he heard her say. THAT
APPS sitting on the fire escape watch
lg. He grirned when looked down" /;
Orme pondered. Help me out of I
his" he whispered. land there'll be {
in it for you" S
She moved impatiently. Cut it out. ;
don't want nothing. You're a good {
port. that's all" She paused. Not {
nat Id mind having present. But
ont want no money" G
Orme caught the distinction. I'll S
he said. And what shall {
do now"
You'll have to stay in there a while. /
guess Ir
Il simply must get away-and with a
an hour or two" 7
I'll manage that" Sue answered con- c
IDENTIFY. r
But how" 4