The Columbus journal., 1911-02-01

secret. Why should I tell you the
truth about It? You have no right to
know"
Orme retained his hold. II 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 Senior 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
1t into his pocket. Once more he was
the Latin fop. Re approached Orme.
and his manner was deprecatory.
MY most abject apologies for at
lacking you. sir. was beside myself.
But II you will only permit me I 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 Senior 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 II he hears
any disturbance" He waited at the
door till the porter appeared, then
told him to remain In q certain place
until he was needed. or until the
visitors left.
Senior Poritol remained downstairs
for several minutes. Evidently he
was explaining the situation to his
friend. But after a time Orme heard
the clang Of the elevator door. and in
response to the knock that quickly
followed, he opened his own door. At
the side Of his former visitor stood
dapper foreigner. He wore q long
frock coat and carried a glossy hat,
and his eyes were framed by large
gold spectacles.
This is the Senior Alcatrante,"
explained Senior Poritol
The newcomer bowed with suave
dignity.
"Senor Alcatrante? The name Is
familiar" said Orme. smiling.
Poritol assumed an air. He is the
minister from my country to these
United States
Orme understood. This was the
wary South American diplomat whose
name had lately been so prominent
In the Washington dispatches. What
was he doing in Chicago?
II am glad to meet you" said Orme.
Alcatrante smiled. displaying q
prominent row Of uneven teeth.
my young friend. Poritol." he be-
gan. tells me that you have in your
possession the record Of a secret be-
longing to me. What that secret IL.
IL immaterial to you and me. take
it. He is an honorable young man
excitable, perhaps. but well-meaning
I would suggest that you give him the
five-dollar bill he desires. accepting
from him another in exchange. Or,
II you still doubt him, permit me to
offer you q bill from my own pocket"
He drew out q fat wallet.
The situation appeared to be sim
plified. And yet Orme was dubious.
There was mischief in the bill: so
much he felt sure of. Alcatrante's
reputation was that Of q fox. and as
for Poritol. he was. to say the least, q
person of uncertain qualities. Orme
could not but admire the subtle man.
ner in which Alcatrante sought dell
cately to limit his doubts to the mere
possibility that Poritol was trying to
rass spurious money. He decided not
to settle the question at this moment.
This seems to be rather mixed
I'D affair, Senior Alcatrante," he said.
There is much more in 1t than ap-
pears. Call on me tomorrow morn
ing and you shall have my decision"