Mrs. Grundy. (Tracy City, Tenn.) 1903-1930, 1911-04-13

When Orme still made no move 10
leave his seat. the steely fingers on
his wrist ran up his forearm and
pressed down hard upon nerve
center. The pain was almost unbear.
able. and for the moment his arm was
paralyzed. A quick jerk brought him
to the ground. AS he alighted. STUN.
blingly. Maku caught him by the 9th.
er arm. He was held in such d way
that for the moment II seemed futile
to struggle. Arima, meantime spoke
rapidly In Japanese to Maku. Per
haps he. as commander of the situa
ton, was giving precise orders as to
what was to be done.
Orme looked over his shoulder at
the girl She was clutching the door
of the tonneau and leaning forward,
staring with Mortified eyes.
Keep cool" he counseled.
Her answer was a moan of anguish
and he realized that she feared for
him.
| Suddenly she began to call for help
Twice her cries rang out, and then
one OF the Japanese leaped into the
tonneau and placed his hand over her
mouth, smothering her voice.
The sight of this action was too
much for Orme. He began furious
effort to break away from his cap.
tors, One sudden motion freed his
right arm from Arimas clutch, and
he reached for Maku's throat. But
after a moment of scutfling, he was
again held securely
Girl" he shouted. don't try to
call out Keep quiet"
The japanese In the tonneau ap
| peared to understand tho words, for
he took his hand away from the girls
mouth, though he remained beside her
ready to put an end to any fresh out
break.
Now" said Orme, turning his eyei
on Arima, what does this mean"
You give us papers," replied the
japanese softly.
Il have no papers that mean any
thing to you"
we see Give them to me-"
What papers do you wanty- de-
manded Orme.
You know" Arima's voice sound
ed less patient.
But have nothing that you care
anything about" repeated Orme.
At that Arima began rapidly to
search Orme's pockets. There waa
sufficient light from the lamps OF the
two cars to illuminate the scene.
Arima's left hand still held Orme'i
right forearm, and his right hand was
free to hunt for the papers. Maku
on the other side, had meantime
strengthened his grip on Orme's left
arm, at the same time raising one
knee so that Orme could feel 1t press
ing against the small of his back.
What this!" asked Arima, takins
a long envelope from the inner peck
ct Of Orme's coat and holding 1t up for
inspection.
"A blank contract said Orme. "Ds
you want it,"
Arima took the paper from the en-
velope and examined It. Then with
an exclamation of disgust he replaced
1t In Orme's pocket, and continued
his search.
you see." said Orme calmly, "ther,
is nothing here"
The Japanese muttering in his owl
tongue, ran his hands over 0rme'i
body and even looked into HE hat
Nothing was found.
you might as well believe me first
as last" exclaimed Orme. The pa
pers you want are not here"
Arima was clearly puzzled. "Yos
had Them" he began.
Possibly. But | haven't them now,
How would you feel II | should tell
you that the young lady and have
made this journey simply to throw
you off the scent, and that the paper
were being delivered by another per
SOM"
II not believe" declared Arlms
shortly.
Suddenly Maku began to jabber al
Arima, who, after an instant OF con
sideration, gave quick order to the
fourth Japanese, who stood by. Thii
man went to the tonneau and get the
prospectuses which Orme had placed
under the seat cushion.
Arima snatched the papers with hii
free hand, then. resigning Orme en-
|
strangely, opened them.
A glance sufficed With a cry Of
disappointment, he tore the paper In
two and threw them to the ground.
He thrust his face close to Orme'a
Where the papers?" he said.
Orme did not reply.
(TO BE CoNTINUED)