The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1911-04-26
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DIAMETER MFRWN
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RAY'WAITERC

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When Orme still made no move to
leave his seat, che steely fingers on
his wrist ran up his forearm and
pressed down hard upon . nerve
center. The pain was almost unbear.
able. and for the moment his arm was
paralyzed. A quick jerk brought him
to the ground. AS he alighted. STUN
blingly. Maku caught him by the 9TH
er arm. He was held In such a way
that for the moment it seemed futile
to struggle. Arima. meantime, spoke
rapidly in japanese to Maku. Per-
haps he. as commander of the situa-
ton. was giving precise orders as to
what was to be done.
Orme looked over his shoulder at
the girl. She was clutching the door
Of the tonneau and leaning forward.
staring with Mortified eyes.
Keep COOL" he counseled.
Her answer was a moan of anguish,
and he realized that she feared for
him.
Suddenly she began to call for help.
Twice her cries rang out. and then
one of the japanese leaped into the
tonneau and placed his hand over her
mouth. smothering her voice.
The sight Of this action was too
much for Orme. He began . furious
effort to break away from his CAP
tors. One sudden motion freed his
right arm from Arima . clutch, and
he reached for Maku's throat But
after a moment of scu0ing, he was
again held securely.
Girl" he shouted. don't try to
call out Keep quiet"
The japanese in the tonneau AZ
peared to understand the words. for
he took his hand away from the girl's
mouth. though he remained beside her.
ready to put an end to any fresh out.
break.
Now" said Orme. turning his eyes
on Arima. what does this mean?"
You give US papers," replied the
japanese softly.
Il have no papers that mean any,
thing to you"
I'VE see. Give them to me-"
What papers do you want?" do
handed Orme.
You know" Arima's voice sound
ed less patient
But have nothing hat you carv
anything about" repeated Orme.
At that Arima began rapidly Ia
search Orme's pockets. There wa
sufficient light from the lamps Of the
two cars to illuminate the scene.
Arima's left hand still held Ormeia
right forearm. and his right hand was
free to hunt for the papers. Maku.
on the other side. had meantime
strengthened his grip on Orme's lef'
arm. at the same time raising one
knee 80 that Orme could feel IT press
ing against the small of his back.
What this!" asked Arima, takins
a long envelope from the inner peck
ct of Orme's coat and holding 1t up foG
inspection.
"A blank contract" said Orme. do
you want it,"
Arima took the paper from the en-
velope and examined It Then with
an exclamation Of disgust he replaced
1t in Orme's pocket. and continued
his search.
You see." said Orme calmly. there
is nothing here"
The japanese. muttering In his OWL
tongue. ran his hands over Orme'a
body and even looked into his hat
Nothing was found.
You might as well believe me first
as last" exclaimed Orme. The pa.
pers you want are not here"
Arima was clearly puzzled. you
had them." he began.
Possibly. But / haven't them now
How would you feel II should tell
you that the young lady and ] have
made this journey simply to throw
you OF the scent, and that the papers
were being delivered by another per.
SON."
Il not believe" declared Arims
shortly.
Suddenly Maku began to Jabber al
Arima. who. after an instant Of con
sideration, gave . quick order to the
fourth japanese. who stood BY. This
man went to the tonneau and got the
prospectuses which Orme had placed
under the seat cushion.
Arima snatched the papers with his
free hand, then. resignins Orme en-
tirely to Maku's care. and cluckinl
strangely. opened them.
A glance suniced. With . cry Of
disappointment. he tore the paper In
two and threw them to the ground.
He thrust his face close to Orme's
Where the papers?" he said.
Orme did not reply.
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