The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1911-02-24

followed, after as much delay as AL
catrante could secure, by a refusal to
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 Quit"
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 car
down. Some of them had trains to
catch.
mo! MOI" screamed Alcatrante.
Orme had kept out of the discussion,
but now he spoke quietly. 81 think,
Senior Alcatrante'-he uttered the
name distinctly, knowing that the
South American probably did not wish
himself ideutified-"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 it possible that?
He put his hand into the left side
pocket of his coat. Something was
there that did not belong there-a
smooth, bullying purse. Alcatrante had
put 1t there.
Orme fingered the purse. He would
have to get rid Of it, 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
Alcatrante, 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 solution.
Promptly he acted upon it.
The car halted just below the ceiling
of the first floor whats the matter
with your" called voice-the voice
of the starter.
Man robbed" said the elevator boy,
Bring the car down"
mol" shouted Alcatrante. "The
thief is in the car. He must not es-
cape"
81 won't let him out Bring the car
down"
The boy let the car descend to the
floor level The starter placed himself
against the gate. Now then, who was
robbed?" he demanded,
Alcatrante crowded forward. 1T was
l. My purse is gone. had it just
before got in"
ooh, it was you, was it?" The start
err remembered the trouble Alcatrante
had made few minutes before. Sure
you didn't drop it?"
Il am certain that did not"
The passengers were shutting their
feet about, in vain effort to touch the
lost property. A young girl was gig
Cling Historically
Perhaps you put it in the wrong
pocket, and didn't look careful
enough"
81 looked, l looked" exclaimed AL
catrante. do you think l would not
know. See 1 put it in this pocket,
which is now empty"
He thrust his hand into the pocket
which he had indicated. Suddenly his
expression changed to establishment.
Find it," grinned the starter.
! With the blankest of looks Alca-
trante pulled the purse from his peck
ct. TT was not there two minutes
ago." he muttered
you've been dreamin'," remarked
the starter, opening the gate with, a
bang. All Quit"
Orme chuckled to himself. In mo-
ment Alcatrante would realize how the
purse had been replaced in his pocket,
and he would be furious. Meantime
Orme entered another elevator, to go
back to the eighth floor, and, as he had
expected, the minister followed him.
When they were outside the office of
the Wallingham company Orme paused,
his hand on the door. "Senor Alca-
trante." he said, this business must
end. l shall simply have to call the
police"
cat your own risk" said Alcatrante.
Then an ugly light flashed in his eyes
and his upper lip lifted above his yell
low teeth. You got. the better of me
there in the elevator" he snarled.
You won't get the better again"
Orme opened the Office door. He
glanced about the reception room, to
see whether the girl had hidden her
self. She was not in view; indeed,
there was even no one at the inquiry