The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1911-03-09

There was his engGgemsnt wTrn ne
WallinghAms. It had absolutely gone
from his mino. Bessie would forgive
him, Of course. She was a sensible
little woman, and she would know that
his failure to appear was due to some
thing unavoidable and important, but
Orme's conscience bothered him a lit
tie because he had not, before setting
out that morning. telephoned to her
that he might be detained.
Bessie Wallingham! She knew the
girl! Why had he not thought of that
before?
He got the Wallinghams' number.
Were they at home? No, they had
gone to Arradale and would probably
remain until the last evening train.
He rang of.
1t remained to try Arradale. After
some delay, he got the club house.
Mrs. Wallingham? Yes, she had just
come in. Would Mr.. Orme hold the
wire?
Mr.. Orme certainly would, and pres
emily he was rewarded for the delay
by hearing Bessie's brisk little voice.
"Hello?"
"Who?"
"Bob?"
well, you ought to be ashamed of
yourself; we waited over and took the
next train"
"Oh, yes, know all about these very
busy people"
Nonsense! was fooling, of course
But We were sorry you didn't come"
"What?"
THAT girl? Why, what's the mat
ter with you, Robert Orme?"
Business Importance? That won't
do, Rob. You'll have to 'fess up
do I know such girl? Are you
serious?"
why, Bob, I can think of several
Shall name them?"
mot give their names! What OF
earth is the matter with you?"
"Oh, part of the business, is It.
Well, let me see. Tall and beautiful
you say. Dark eyes and hair. A blacl
touring car. Hum! know three girls
to whom the description applies L
might be-but you don't wish me tt
mention the name. Well, you'll have
to think of something more distinct
i've"
Orme thought in vain. The imag,
of the girl was ever in his mind, bu
describe her he could not. At last h,
said: "The girl mean lives in on,
of the suburbs. She has father whit
has lately undergone slight opera
tion. He is, think, man who is in
volved in negotiations with other coun
tries"
"Oh! Where did you meet her
Why, Bob, how interesting! neve
thought of her, but she's one OF m,
dearest friends"
Now, listen, Bessie. 1t is absolute
Iy necessary that should reach he
fathers house before midnight. Yo
must help me-"
He heard her laugh. Help you
OF course | will"
where does she live?"
Not far from Arradale Bob, 70
come right out here. will see to tn
rest. 1t certainly is the funniest &C
incidence"
"Tll catch the first train"
There's one at six-for men VIII
come out to dine"
"All right Expect me. Goodby.
Orme looked at his watch. He ha
an hour and half-which meant tina
time must be killed. 1t would be uI
wise to return to the Pere Marquette
for the South Americans and the jar
anese might both be on watch for hiI
there. But he did not care to wande
about the streets, with the chance q
coming face to face with some of hi
enemies. 1t was obvious that swif
and elaborate machinery would b
set in motion to catch him. OF course
there were many places where he coul
conceal himself for an hour, but
Tom Wallingham's office! Why ha
he not thought of that before? Tor
was at Arradale with Bessie, but tn
clerks would let Orme stay in the rt
ception room until it was time to star
for his train. Indeed. Orme remen
bered that Bixby, the head clerk, ha
been at the wedding of Tom and Be-