The Columbus journal., 1911-04-05

anese might both be On watch for hin
there. But he did not care to wande,
about the streets. with the chance O,
coming face to face with some Of his
enemies. 1t was obvious that svif,
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. bu. the
clerks would let Orme STAY in the 70.
eeption room until 1t was time to start
Tor his train. Indeed. Orme remem-
oered that Bixby. the head clerk. had
been at the wedding of Tom and Res.
sie-had IN fact taken charge Of the
arrangements at the church.
Moreover. Toms Office was IN thi,
very building-the Rookery. Doubt.
less 1t was for this reason TINT the
hookery had popped into his head
wnen ne gave directions to the cab
drlver on North Parker street.
Hurrying to the elevators. Orme va.
ABOUT 70 enter the nearest one, when
suddenly a hand seized his elbow and
puiied MIN to one side. He turned
quickly and saw-Alcatrante.
Inc minister was BREATHING ranid.
~. 1t was plain that he had made
a quick pursuit. but though his chest
neaved and his mouth was partly omen.
MS eyes were curiously steady. Zone
minute. Mr.. Orme." he said, forcing hi,
ups to a smile. Il had hard work "a
follow you. There was no other cab
but a small boy told me that You di.
rected your driver to the Rookerv
therefore got on a street car and
rode till found cab" He said all
this IN the most casual tone. retaining
mis- hold IN Orme's elbow as though
mis- attitude was familiar and friendly
fernaps he was thus detailing his
own adventures merely to gain time:
or perhaps he was endeavorinR to DUE
zle Orme.
nut Urine was simply annoyed. He
knew how dangerous Alcatrante could
be. Il am tired of being followed.
Senior" he said. disgustedly. freeing
his elbow.
Aicatrante continued to smile. That
Is part Of the game" he said.
lnen you will find the game seri.
GUS Orme shut his lips together
ana glanced about for q policeman.
Aicatrante again srasped his elbow.
DO you want publicity" he asked.
Your principals do not. Publicity viii
injure us ALL"
Orme bad been given enough light
10 know that the South Americana
words were true.
III 1t comes to publicity" continued !
with an ugly grin, Il will
have you arrested for stealing a Ger.
lain 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
natter. And then" as he noticed
ne Hash of triumph in Alcatrante's
'yes-l could not be arrested for
stealing a document which was not
n my possession" It was too late;
Alcatrante had been able to verify his
trong suspicion that Orme had the
,apers.
A wave Of anger swept over Orme.
Publicity or no publicity" he said.
unless this annoyance stops. will
ave you arrested"
Alcatrante smiled. That would not
ay. Mr.. Orme. There would be coun-
exchanges and you would be much
elayed-perhaps even till after mid
light tonight. You Americans do not
now how to play At diplomacy, Mr.
|rme."
Controlling himself. Orme hurried
uickly to the nearest elevator. He
lined his action: the starter was Just
bout to close the door as he hurried
l. But quick though he was, Alcac
ante was close behind him. The agile
outh American squeezed into the eleJ
atOr by SO close a margin that the
cor caught his coat.
Here. what are you tryin' to do?"
louted the starter.
Alcatrante. pressing In against
rme. did not reply
The starter jerked the door open.
I'd glared at Alcatrante The steady
ID undisturbed eye of the Minister
Id its effect. and after a moment Of I
'sitatiOn the starter banged the door
tut and gave the signal and the car
aped upward.
Tom Wallingham's Office was on tbs
ghth floor. Though he knew that Al Z
trante would cling to him. Orme
uld think of nothing better to do
an to go straight to the Office and
unit On the assistance of Bixby. who I
,uld certainly remember him. Ac-
rdingly he called out Eight" and.
lOring Alcatrante. left the elevator
d walked down the hall, the South