The Delta independent., 1911-01-06

have broken two engagements in one
day-and one of them tor dinner. But
never mind. l have q weakness that
acquired from Toni mean the
weakness of believing in you. Go
ahead and explain yourself"
1T would take TOO long, Bessie
Please let me put 1t or"
Until you can manage good ex-
cuse? You want all the trumps."
MY explanation is all tangled up
with other peoples affairs. Where's
Tom?" e}-
He went back to the city early
awfully sorry that he couldn't stay to
have dinner with you. There is com
mittee or something this evening"
Bessie, you know what ! asked you
over the telephone1 Can you--can
you help me?"
"Wh.t-Now?"
Yes"
why. Bob. what's the matter with
you? This is no time of day to make
a call"
Its very important. Bessie. 1t
doesn't concern the young lady alone.
I simply must be at her house within
the next two hours"
She eyed him earnestly. TT you
say that, Bob. must believe you.
And. of course. I'll help all can"
Orme sighed his relief. Thanks"
he said. y
She flashed q speculative glance at
him.
I'm sorry" he said. that l can't
tell you what it's all about. You'll just
have to take my word for it,"
Have l asked you to tell me?"
mo, you marvel of womanhood.
You are dying of curiosity, l don't
doubt, but your restraint is super
human"
Bob. you are dying of curiosity your
self. Don't you suppose l can see?"
Its something harder than curl
osity." said Orme simply.
How eager are you!" She laughed.
Now, there is plenty of time. The
| trip won't take us more than half an
hour; so come along and meet some
| friends of mine"
"Bessie-if you could hurry"
I'VE can't start until the car comes
I'm expecting it any moment. So be
good, and come along. There's such
an interesting man-and very distin-
guished. We don't try to pronounce
his name Just think, he was en-
gaa ed for dinner here, also. and came
too late. And ever since he arrived
he's been called to the telephone at
fve-minute intervals. So exciting!
Nobody can guess what he's SO busy
| about"
cSL- h0
lively groups on the veranda, and re-
luctantly he followed. The voice
which he had SO nearly recognized
sounded closer, then stopped with a
curious little laugh that was loudly
echoed by others.
| Bessie broke In upon the lull that
followed. "Excellency. may ] present
another man who missed his dinner?"
she said sauciiy. "Mr. Orme."
| The man addressed was sitting COM
fortably in a wicker chair that was
several sizes too large for him. At
the mention Of Orme's name he got to
his feet with startling alacrity.
|. "Mr.-Orme?" His surprise was un-
mistakable.
"Mr. Robert Orme," said Bessie.
Some one struck a match to light
a cigar, and in the sudden light Orme
found himself looking into the face
of the Japanese minister.
II think have never met you be-
FORE" said the minister slowly.
81 think not" replied Orme.
He was much disquieted by the en-
counter. Now he understood that Ari-
ma had been bound for this very
place.
If only he had refused to let Bessie
drag him into her circle! The min
lister would not have known his face,
but the mention of his name gave full
enlightment.
The minister resumed his seat. and
chair was brought for Orme. There
were other introductions.
A woman's voice renewed the con
versation. "Excellency, won't you tell
us another Of your very interesting
stories?"
The minister turned to her. II will
tell you one" he said, that you will
not find in the literature of my coun
try. 1t is a story of the secret
service. and It came to me through my
personal acquaintance with some oi
the participants"
"oh. that will be splendid" eI
claimed the woman.
The minister waited for a moment
He turned his face toward Orme. ant
asked politely: You will not MIND
listening to what ! have to say. Mr.
Orme?"
why. to be sure not" replied Orme
wondering.
my stories are not always short,
continued the minister. 'as the otheri
already know. But they sometimei