The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1911-02-17


about the streets, with the chance Of
coming face to face with some of his
enemies. 1t was obvious that swift
and elaborate machinery would be
set in motion to catch him. OF course,
there were many places where he could
conceal himself for an hour, but
Tom Wallingham's office! Why had
he not thought of that before? Tom
was at Arradale with Bessie, but the
clerks would let Orme stay in the re-
ception room until it was time to start
for his train. Indeed Orme remem-
bered that Bixby, the head clerk, had
been at the wedding of Tom and Bes-
sie-had in fact taken charge of the
arrangements at the church.
Moreover, Toms Office was in this
very building-the Rookery. Doubt
less it was for this reason that the
Rookery had popped into his head
when he gave directions to the cab
driver on North Parker street.
Hurrying to the elevators, Orme was
about to enter the nearest one, when
suddenly hand seized his elbow and
pulled him to one side. He turned
quickly and saw-Alcatrante.
The minister was breathing rapid
ly. 1t was plain that he had made
quick pursuit, but though his chest
heaved and his mouth was partly open,
his eyes were curiously steady. "Oney
minute, Mr.. Orme," he said forcing his
lips to smile. 81 had hard work to
follow you. There was no other cab.
but small boy told me that you di-
rected your driver to the Rookery.
Therefore l got on a street car and
rode till found a cab" He said all
this in the most casual tone, retaining
his hold on Orme's elbow as though
his attitude was familiar and friendly.
Perhaps he was thus detailing his
own adventures merely to gain time;
or perhaps he was endeavoring to puz-
zle Orme.
But Orme was simply annoyed. He
knew how dangerous Alcatrante could
be. 81 am tired of being followed.
Senor," he said, disgustedly,. freeing
his elbow.
Alcatrante continued to smile. THAT
Is part Of the game" he said.
Then you will find the game seri-
ous." Orme shut his lips together
and glanced about for policeman.
Alcatrante again grasped his elbow.
do you want PUBLICITY" he asked.
Your principals do not. Publicity will
injure us ALL"
Orme had been given enough light
to know that the South Americans
words were true.
'If it comes to publicity" continued
, Alcatrante with an ugly grin, Il will
, have you arrested for stealing a GER
, tain mportant-document and offer
, ing to sell it to me-"
Rubbish" laughed Orme That
would never work at all. Too many
persons understand my part in this
matter. And then" as he noticed
, the flash of triumph in Alcatrante's
eyes-"I could not be arrested for
stealing document which was not
: in my possession" 1t was too late;
t Alcatrante had been able to verify his
strong suspicion that Orme had the
. papers.
| A wave of anger swept over Orme.
Y publicity or no publicity" he said,I
unless this annoyance stops, will
have you arrested"
r Alcatrante smiled. THAT would not
B. pay, Mr.. Orme. There would be coun4
t ter-charges and you would be much
> delayed-perhaps even till after mid
night tonight. You Americans do not
= know how to play at diplomacy, Mr.
Y Orme." !
!. Controlling himself, Orme hurried
quickly to the nearest elevator. He
timed his action; the starter was just
about to close the door as he hurried
in. But quick though he was, Alca1
9 trante was close behind him. The agile
South American squeezed into the ele-
= vator by so close a margin that the
door caught his coat.
. Here, what are you tryin to do?"
shouted the starter.
Alcatrante, pressing in against
: Orme, did not reply.
The starter jerked the door open.
and glared at Alcatrante. The steady
and undisturbed eye of the minister
l had its effect, and after moment Of
hesitation the starter banged the door
!. shut and gave the signal and the car
leaped upward.
1 Tom Wallingham's Office was on thu
eighth floor Though he knew that Al
? catrante would cling to him, Orme
, could think of nothing better to do
Z than to go straight to the office and
S count on the assistance of Bixby, who
t would certainly remember him. Ac-
D cordingly he called out Eight" and,
e ignoring Alcatrante, left the elevator
: and walked down the hall, the South
American at his elbow.
q ITO RE CONTINIIEDO