The Columbus journal., 1911-04-05

Parker street. ana Orme. 50 far a n
could tell, was not followed.
When his cab drew up at the bus,
entrance on La Sale street, he founG
his way to the nearest public tele
phone. The hour was close to five
and he must discover quickly where
he could find the girl He called W
the Pere Marquette. This il Mr.
Orme." he explained to the clerk
Have there been any calls or mes
sages for me?'
Yes. sir. Mr.. and Mrs. Wallingham
called up at 1880 to know II you were
going to Arradale with them"
The golfing engagement! Orme had
not even thought Of 1t since the eve.
ming before.
Anything else!"
"ies. sir. A japanese came about
one o'clock. He left no name"
The same man who came last eve
ning?"
NO, Slr, an older man..
The Japanese minister had doubtless
gone straight from Arima's apartment
to the Pere Marquette. Anything
else?" asked Orme.
There was q phone call for you
about II O'Clock. The party left no
name"
"A woman's voice."
Yes. sir. She said: Tell Mr..
Orme that shall not be able to call
him up at noon. but will try to do SO
as near two o'clock as possible
Did she call up again at two"
NO. sir. There's no record of It."
Orme understood. In the interval
after her attempt to reach him she
had learned at Arima's of his SEEM
ing treachery. Very WE'LL" he said
to the clerk. and hung up the re-
ceiver.
What shall he do now? The girl
had given him up. He did not know
her name or where to flnd her, and vet
find her he must and that within the
next few hours. The unquestionably
great importance of the papers in his
pocket had begun to weigh on him
heavily. He was tempted to take them
out. there in the telephone booth. and
examine them for a clue. The cir
justified him.
But-he had promised the girl!
Stronger than his curiosity. stronger
almost than his wish to deliver the pa
pers. was his desire to keep that prom
Use. 1t may have been foolish, quixotic:
but he resolved to continue as he had |
begun. AT ten o'clock" he said to |
If I have not found her, |
will look at the papers or go to the
police-do whatever is necessary" He |
lid not like to break promises or miss
There was his engagement with the
1t had absolutely gone
rom his mind. Bessie would forgive
Inn. OF course. She was a sensible
little woman. and she would know that
lis failure to appear was due to some
hing unavoidable and important, but
)rmes conscience bothered him a lit
le because he had not. before setting
tut that morning. telephoned to her
hat he might be detained.
Bessie Wallingham! She knew the
irl! Why had he not thought of that
,efore?
He got the Wallinghams' number.
We're they at home? No. they had
one TO Arradale and would probably
emain until the last evening train.
lie rang of
1t remained to try Arradale. After
ONE delay. he got the club house.
lrs. Wallingham? Yes. she had Just ,
ONE In. Would Mr.. Orme hold the I
ire! ,
Mr.. Orme certainly would. and pres !
ntly he was rewarded for the delay {
y hearing Bessie's brisk little voice.
"Hello?"
Who"
Bob" q
We'll. you ought to be ashamed of i
ourself: We waited over and took the I
ext train" s
'Oh. yes. l know all about these very v
usy people" d
Nonsense! I was fooling. OF course.
ut We were sorry you didn't come" $
WHAT"
That girl. Why. what's the mat. G
r with you. Robert Orme?"
Business Importance? That won't a
}. Rob. You'll have to Tess up" a
DO know such a girl? Are you h
rious?" b
Why. Bob. can think of several 81
TALL ! name them" IL
Not give their names! What on
nth is the matter with you:" eli
"Oh. part of the business. Is It? c;
ell. let ME see. Tail and beautiful. c.
u say. Dark eyes and hair. A black Il
uring car. Hum! know three girls c.
whom the description applies. II "
ght be-but you don't wish me to c.
antion the name. Well. you'll have ig
think of something more distinct al
." A,
Orme thought in vain. The image
the girl was ever in his mind. but
scribe her he could not. At last he
i'd: THE girl 7 mean lives in one
the suburbs. She has father who
S lately undergone a slight opera J..
N. He Is. think. man who Is in ~
lved in negotiations with other coun- =;
es" "