The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1911-01-05

lasted only for . moment. orme,
seizing the little man by the collar,
dragged him, 'wriggllng, to the door.
Now get out" said orme. 'If l
find you hanging around I'll have you
locked up"
Senior Poritol whispered: ut is my
secret. Why should l tell you the
truth about it? You have no right to
know"
Orme retained his hold. Il don't
like your looks, my friend" he said.
There may have been reason why
you should lie to me, but you will
have to make things clear" He con-
sidered. After all, he must make al.
lowance; so he said: Come back to-
morrow with evidence that you are
entitled to the bill, and you shall have
it." He released SenOr Poritol.
The little man had recovered his
composure. He went back to the Ia
BILE and took up his hat and cane, re-
folding the handkerchief and slipping
it into his pocket Once more he was
the Latin fop. Ie approached Orme,
and his manner was deprecatory.
MY most abject apologies for at
tacking you, sir l was beside myself.
But if you will only permit me l will
bring up my friend, who is waiting
below. He will, as you say, vouch for
me-"
who Is he?"
"a very, very distinguished man."
Orme pondered. The adventure was
opening up, and he felt inclined to see
it through. Bring him." he said
shortly.
When Senor Poritol had disap.
peared Orme telephoned to the clerk.
"Send me up a porter" he ordered,
land have him stand just outside my
door, with orders to enter If he hears
any disturbance" He waited at the
door till the porter appeared, then
told him to remain in a certain place
until he was needed, or until the
visitors left.
Senor Poritol remained downstairs
for several minutes. Evidently he
was explaining the situation to his
friend. But after time Orme heard
| the clang of the elevator door, and in
response to the knock that quickly
followed, he opened his own door. Al
| the side Of his former visitor stood a
| dapper foreigner. He wore a long
frock coat and carried a glossy hat
and his eyes were framed by large
gold spectacles.
"This is the Senor Alcatrante,
explained Senior Poritol.
The newcomer bowed with suave
dignity.
"SenOr Alcatrante? The name |!
familiar" said Orme, smiling.
Poritol assumed an air. HE is tht
minister from my country to these
United States"
Orme understood. This was the
wary South American diplomat whose
name had lately been so prominen
in the Washington dispatches. Wha
was he doing in Chicago?
"I am glad to meet you," said Orme
Alcatrante smiled, displaying (
prominent row of uneven teeth.
my young friend, Poritol," he be
gan, tells me that you have in you
possession the record of a secret be
longing to me. What that secret is
Is immaterial to you and me, taxi
it. He is an honorable young man
excitable, perhaps, but well-neaning
I would suggest that you give him tn,
five-dollar bill ne desires, acceptin,
from him another in exchange. Or
if you still doubt him, permit me t,
offer you bill from my own pocket.
He drew out fat wallet,
The situation appeared to be sim
plified. And yet Orme was dubious
There was mischief in the bill; 81
much he felt sure Of. Alcatrante'
reputation was that of a fox, and a
for Poritol. he was, to say the least,
person of uncertain qualities. Orm