The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1911-02-23

10 dko HO laSo VI ShO NSSh 0SASS
nentS.
to him in time that, If 1t did indeed
contain the documents concerning
which Alcatrante and the stranger
were dlsputing, 1t would be sought and
from the room. So, taking a pencil
from his pocket, he inserted 1t under
the corner of the flap and slowly
worked the flap free. The strength of
the linen prevented any tearing.
He removed the contents of the en-
velope-two folded sheets of parch-
ment paper, held together by an elastic
band-and thrust them into the inside
pocket of his coat. All this was done
swiftly and noiselessly.
1t now remained to find something to
take the place of the distracted docu-
ments. In his pocket were some print
ed prospectuses of the mine which he
had come to Chicago to investigate.
In shape and thickness they were not
dissimilar to the documents which he
had taken. He slipped tne prospectuses
into the envelope and, wetting his
finger, rubbed it along the gummed
surface of the flap. Enough glue re-
mained to make the flap adhere, after
a little pressure. The job was by no
means perfect, but it was not likely to
be detected.
At that moment Alcatrante raised
his voice and said, still in French:
You are sure, then, that this will not
delay the game, but end it?"
Quite sure" said the Japanese.
Unless the documents are signed be-
fore midnight tonight nothing can be
done for some time. We have the
Germans fixed They will do what
they have thus far agreed to do, but if
any technical hitch arises, such as a
failure to sign within the time limit,
they will decline to renew negotia-
tions. That was all we could get from
them, but 1t is enough-now."
And for other Ships" said Alca-
trante, "the commission shall be five
hundred thousand"
Five hundred thousand. Seven hun.
dred and fifty was too much"
Five hundred thousand in gold"
IN gold"
Orme slipped the envelope back into
the drawer and put his eye to the hole
in the cover. His position was now
more critical, for to open the drawer
and get the envelope Arima would
have to lift the table cover.
y The stranger turned to Arima. Give
US the envelope" he said.
Arima approached the table. Orme
crowded back against the wall as faI
as he could, knowing that the chances
Of escaping discovery were strongly
against him. But he was saved by the
very eagerness of the others. They all
crowded about Arima, as he lifted the
cover, opened the drawer and took out
the envelope. So close did they stand
that Orme was out of their angle OF
vision. The table cover fell again, and
he was safe. He resumed his position
at the peep-hole.
The stranger stepped to the middle
of the room, the others gathering
around him. With a quick jerk he
4ore the envelope open, and taking oUj
the papers, ran his eye over them
rapidly. He uttered an exclamation
What is it?" said Alcatrante. The
South Americans hand was shaking
and perspiration stood out on his fore.
head.
The japanese snarled. "Tricked!
They've fooled US. That honorable
burglar Of yours got the wrong en-.
velope"
Alcatrante snatched the papers
Prospectus he read, of the Last
Dare Mining Company But do not
understand"
The Japanese glared at him angrily
IF you had kept out of this business,
he snapped, "and let Malu attend to it
everything would have been right
Now your burglars have spoiled it.
He snatched back the harmless pros
pectuses and tore them in two, throw
ing the fragments to the floor and
grinding them under his heel.
Arima spoke. Pardon. honorable
sir, Maku say the right envelope was
taken from the safe. Maku know"
"Ha. Then it was you who were
tricked-outwitted. That American
reached the tree before you last
evening and substituted these papers
Go back to Japan, Arima. don't need
you"
Arima bowed submissively. AS fol
the stranger. his rage gave way tc
despair
What shall say to the emperor
he muttered. What shall say to the
emperor"
Then his feelings came again under
control; he looked calmly at Alca
trante. "WeN," he said. what would
you suggestT
Alcatrantss face was puzzle. Every
shade of doubt, disappointment. anger
suspicion and shrewd deduction passed
over it. He was putting into play that
marvellous power of concentration or
! subtle issues that had enabled him H