OCR Text |
Show k I drawn strains of the song following him and dying away as he neared the street entrance. In the lower hall he removed the felt slippers and tossed them Into a corner. He was amazed at the loudness of the street noises, and the glare of the sunlight as he stepped to the sidewalk, He stood there blinking for a moment, until his eyes became accustomed to of the the light. The city streamed by him. Suddenly a man turned in toward the doorway, and, with a startled exclamation, stopped short Orme found himself looking into the gleaming eyes of Alcatrante. were already gone when .hey went to look for them. Poritol Is really very anxious. "Doubtless, added Orme. "Perhaps," added Alcatrante, after a "he might even go as high short as two thousand. Indeed? Then there will surely be many answers to his advertisement. Oh, he will not advertise." Alcatrante laughed. Already ne knows where the papers are. While waiting for the clue of the bill, be discovered what others had already availed them- Parker street, and Orme, so far as he anese might both be on watch for him there. But he did not care to wander could tell, was not followed. When his cab drew up at the busy about the streets, with the chance of entrance on La Salle street, he found coming face to face with some of his It was obvious that swift his way to the nearest public tele- enemies. and elaborate to was close five, machinery would be hour The phone. and he must discover quickly where set in motion to catch him. Of course, he could find the girl. He called up there were many places where he could This is Mr. conceal himself for an hour, but the Fere Marquette. Tom Wallinghams office! Why had Orme, he explained to the clerk. Have there been any calls or mes- he not thought ef that before? Tom was .at Arradale with Bessie, but the sages for me?" Yes, sir, Mr. and Mrs. Wallingham clerks would let Orme stay in the recalled up at 12:30 to know If you were ception room until it was time to 6tart for his train. Indeed, Orme rememgoing to Arradale with them. selves of It The golfing engagement! Orme had bered that BIxby, the head clerk, had That is curious. Orme smiled not even thought of It since the eve- been at the wedding of Tom and BessieIlow d.d he discover that? -had in act taken charge of the In a roundabout way. I won't take ning before. at the church. arrangements else? Anything for the time story. CHAPTER XIII. Moreover, Tom's office was in this A Japanese came about 6ir. Yes, a for In walked silence They along building the Rookery. Doubtlittle distance. Orme tuas figuring on one oclock. IIa left no name." eve- very An Old Man of the Sea. less it was for this reason that the who came last man same The on 1 clutch an for the minister's escape, Oh, Mr. Orme, you are the man Rookery had popped Into his head most wished to see. The ministers his arm was like that of a drowning ning?" nhen he gave directions to the man. an older No, sir, voice carried a note of unrestrained mans. Finally he sought the simplest on North Parker street. minister had doubtless The enJapanese an of "I means have getting away. eagerness. He extended his hand. to the elevators, Orme was Hurrying Arima's from apartment gone straight to Orme accepted the salutation, mus- gagement, he said. "I shall have to about enter the nearest one, when to the Pere Anything Marquette. walktering the appearance of a casual meet- leave you, here. Thank you for a hand seized his elbow and suddenly asked Orme. else? He me with thus far. disengaged ing; he must keep Alcatrante out of ing He turned "There was a phone call for you pulled him to one side. his arm. DODD, M3 AD 3 OorlFAHsr- -' the building. COfrwOHT 1909 11 o'clock. The party left no quickly and saw Alcatrante. about My dear Mr. Orme," said AlcaI was sorry that I could not be at The minister was breathing rapidname. 11 your apartment this morning," contin- trante, why should we beat around And and you wont forget me?" It was plain that he had made ly. A womans voice? SYNOPSIS, With a sudden yearning that seemed ued Alcatrante, and I hope you did the bush? Mr. a quick pursuit, but though his chest Tell said: She sir. "Yes, Why, Indeed? said Orme. heaved and his mouth was partly open, At the expense of a soiled hat Robert to be beyond her control, she leaned not wait too long. Poritol knows that his papers are Orme that I shall not be able to call his Orme saves from arrest a girl In a black her waited I Orme. no, Oh, replied warm him. Her so body do to eyes were curiously steady. will One against but him at noon, up who car traffic a Jain cuuaeii try has touring In your possession. Speaking for him on State street. He buys a new hat and breath was on his face; her arm found for a little while, but concluded that minute, Mr. Orme," he said, forcing bis as near two o'clock as possible. I offer thousand." five is given In change a five dollar bill with: its Has you I had hard work to way around him and held him con- something had called you away. anxl--' lips to a smile. Did she call up again at two? Remember the person you pay tills to. Why do you drag Poritol Into this? Senor Poritol recovered from his follow you. There was no other cab. written on It. A second time he helps the vulsively. It. no of record sir. Theres No, said Orme. You know that he has in lady In the black car, and learns that Oh, she whispered, I cant bear to ety? In the Interval but a small boy told me that you diOrme understood. Tom and Bessie Wallingham they have no, said Alcatrante. "But the merely been your agent from the start. after her have you go. Dont forget me please Why, mutual friends, but gains no further hint to reach him she rected your driver to the Rookery. attempt inI You tell think he has bungled, but He of her Identity. He discovers another a dont forget me. course of events has changed. of his seem- Therefore I got on a street car and learned at in Arimas had on which, the marked bill, scription I shall never forget you, and what linked his arm In Ormes and walked you, you are the one who bungled, for futile attempt to decipher it. he copies He said all Very well, he said rode till I found a cab. of you picked him to do the work. He ing treachery. in his you have done Tor and places the copy In a drawer Amerire- this In the most casual tone, retaining me, be answered along with him toward the center the to the and clerk, up hung apartment. Senor Poritol, South the eity. You see," he went on, my had bad luck hiring a burglar for you ceiver. bill, gravely. his hold on Ormes elbow as though can, calls, and claims the marked in ntie refuses, and a fight ensues tn "You will me come young friend Poritol overestimated the He lost his head when he ran away back see and do now? The girl his attitude was familiar and friendly. What he shall He calls Which Poritol is overcome. car and motor with another persons sometime? he was thus detailing his Importance of that marked bill. It did minister from his flenor Alcatrante. coun- had given him up. He did not know Perhaps vouch for him. Orme still refuses I will come back. And I should like give the clue to the hiding place of had to hand the marked bill to a own adventures merely to gain time; find or to and name her where yet her, to give up the bill. Orme goes for a walk and sees two Japs attack Alcatrante. He to bring a friend, who will have even certain papers which were of great try justice. He showed bad judgment find her he must and that within the or perhaps he was endeavoring to puzfescues him. Returning to his rooms to him. What he failed to realize when he tried to fool me with a fancy next few hours. The zle Orme. Orme Is attacked by two Japs who ef- more cause to thank you than I have. value was marked that the papers could be of little lie. But you are the real bungler, great importance of theunquestionably A friend? A tinge of apprehension of the But Orme was simply annoyed. He fect' a forcible exchange finds his in papers the girl of Alcatrante. Any capable dip c for another. Orme knew how dangerous Alcatrante could Importance to others. And yet, so per Senor could on him to had weigh begun pocket the black car waiting for him. She also colored the question: A a woman? tell you that. turbed is he that he has asked me to lomat be. Yes." I am tired of being followed, the bill. Orme tells his story. She Alcatrantes yellow face grew white heavily. Hein was tempted to take them recognizes one of the Japs as her fatherons offer a considerable reward for the reThe of were curves soft her he said, disgustedly, treeing and Senor," body there the booth, second out, telephone Inscription butler, Maku. The about the lips. His eyes flashed covery of these papers. hiding place of quickly withdrawn from him. cir- his elbow. the bill is the key to thefrom a The examine clue. for them father. her Important papers stolen "Indeed? Oh, she whispered, I dont believe Alcatrante continued to smile. "That Roth Japs and South Americans want the "You cumstances justified him. Curse you! he exclaimed. Yes. Alcatrante sent a slanting and the Girl start out in I want to see her. papers. Orme But he had promised the girl! is part of the game, he said. In for is Take more In the car of know than papers. you. black ridicugood the quest For a moment she stood motionless. glance at Orme. "The sum is Then you will find the game seriEvanston the Stronger than his curiosity, stronger the unlversdy grounds In Maku an Then she said: ous. lously large, but he Insists on offering care! Orme shut his lips together biding placeareis located.Orme fellsandMaku to the wish pahis almost deliver than Orme laughed In disgust. "Oh, drop there. other Jap one thousand dollars. Are you sorry you kissed me? In was his desire to keep that prom- and glanceda about for a policeman. pers, and the other Jap escapes. Orme finds He not am I afraid melodrama. Quite a sum, said Orme calmly, this Maku'a pocket a folded slip of ispaper. Alcatrante again grasped his elbow. No, he answered, I am not. still unIn this country ise. It may have been foolish, quixotic; name takes the girl, whosehome He was Interested in the ministers in- cheap Machiaevallis. Do Her and his brushed In had he you want publicity?" he asked. lips to forehead, as he continue resolved but friend a of to to the him, known there are some crimes that are not lEvanston. Returning to the university he was alone. Groping with one hand, directions. he said to Your principals do not. Publicity will ten At begun. o'clock, a office. with conversation excused in by high gets As for the events of last night' groundsatOrme I Injure us all. station. They he assured himself that the panel rethe guard motor You himself, if I have not found her, The ministers teeth showed. boat In trouble in the dark-mes- s mained open. All In black, he awaited continued Alcatrante, stopping short, bear a Orme had been given enough light the to or will look at the go papers on the lake. They find the crippled the shall see, my young friend." with a significant glance. signal. police do whatever is necessary. He to know that the South Americans In it are the Jap with the papers boat Girl. one me tell let But Doubtless. you "Well? said Orme Indifferently. She lumas into Ormes boot, end And now strange manifestations bedid not like to break promises or miss words were true. finds but the Jap eludes pursuit Orme were room in "If It comes to publicity, continued without. the There gan the Maku from took engagements. on the paper he He rappings, some faint, come loud Alcatrante with an ugly grin, I will address, "341 N. Parker street. teachthe was with There his engagement and finds that Arima, goes there It had absolutely gone have you arrested for stealing a ceris on the third floor. He coming apparently from all quarters. Wallinghams. er of u Invisible fingers swept gently across calls on Alia, clairvoyant, on the fourth from his mind. Bessie would forgive tain Important document and offerand the floor, descends by She was a sensible ing to sell it to me. him, of course. conceals himself under a table In Al- the strings of a guitar. Then came the and the soft clangor of a gong once, twice, Rubbish! That ima's room. Alcatrante. Poritol she would know that little and laughed Orme. woman, enter. Orme finds the paJap minister his failure to appear was due to some- would never work at all. Too many In a drawer under the table and three times. pers for Orme slipped through the panel, Into Substitutes mining, prospectuses are thing unavoidable and Important, but persons understand my part In this papers them. He learns that the with to close the as he noticed the cabinet. wall, Ormes conscience bothered him a lit- matter. And then Keeping a time of international importance he moved to the left and worked out B'ght midtle because he had not, before setting the flash of triumph In Alcatrante'e limit for signatures of that is Acovered, I could not be arrested flight. The Substitution for out that morning, telephoned to her eyes leaves A.aln aft- Into the room. The rappings were The girl appears and Amfti a document which was not has the louder than before loud and continuthat he might be detained. er being told that thA stealing it;i away, ous papers. Orme attempts to get It was too late; She knew the In my possession. Bessie Wallingham! enough to cover any slight sound is discovered and sit upon by isArima hid he might made. A little gasp came tnd them and Maku. He eludes girl! Why had he not thought of that Alcatrante had been able to verify his den in a closet by the clairvoyant. from the circle as he went out Into the before? strong suspicion that Orme had the room. At first he thought that he had number. papers. He got the Wallinghams CHAPTER XII- - Continued. A wave of anger swept over Orme. been seen. To his eyes, fresh from Were they at home? No, they had The silence that followed these prep- complete darkness, the room seemed Publicity or no publicity, he said, gone to Arradale and would probably arations grew oppressive. The clients moderately light; but the gas was litunless this annoyance stops, I will remain until the last evening train. Were waiting for the right current, have you arrested. tle more than a tiny blue dot. He rang off. and Madam Alla, Orme had no doubt, As he took a step forward he saw Alcatrante smiled. That would not After It remained to try Arradale. was using the interval to free herself why the circle had gasped. Through some delay, he got the club house. pay, Mr. Orme. There would be counter-cfrom her bonds. and you would be much the curtains of the cabinet came the Mrs. Wallingham? Yes, she had Just harges In a little while some one started semblance of a tenuous wraith In long, come In. Would Mr. Orme hold the delayed perhaps even till after midthe hymn, "Over the River They Beck- trailing robes of white. It was almost wire? night tonight. You Americans do not on to Me, and the others took it up Mr. Orme certainly would, and pres- know how to play at diplomacy, Mr. formless, its outlines seeming to melt Women's voices, chiefly, struggling into the gloom. ently he was rewarded for the delay Orme. a little way Into the cirthrough the melody In their trebles, Advancing Controlling himself, Orme hurried by hearing Bessie's brisk little voice. ,with the mumbled undertones of one cle, it shrank back as though timorous, "Hello? quickly to the nearest elevator. He or two men. timed his action; the starter was just then wavered. FTom the circle came a Who? A draught of cooler air struck womans voice anxious, eager, strainabout to close the door as he hurried Bob? Ormes cheek; a hand found his shoul- ing with fceart-brea- k Gh, my sister!" "Well, you ought to be ashamed of In. But quick though he was, Alcader; a voice whispered. Under cover The figure turned toward her, slowly we waited over and took the trante was close behind him. The agile yourself; of the singing Madam Alia had opened extended its arms, and glided back to South American squeezed into the elenext train. the panel. Her lips were close to his the curtains, where it stood as though Oh, yes, I know all about these very vator by so close a margin that the oar. In the creepy tension of the waiting. door caught his coat. busy people. waiting Orme had almost forgotten The sobbing woman arose from her I was fooling, of course. Nonsense! Here, what are you tryln to do?" that Madam Allas ghosts were a chair and hastened toward the wraith. shouted the starter. But we were sorry you didnt come. cheat, and the touch of her hand made What? Agnes! she whispered Imploringly, Alcatrante, pressing in against him start, but her first word3 brought Wont you speak to me, Agnes? That girl? Why, whats the mat- Orme, did not reply. film to himself. The ghostly figure shook its head. The starter Jerked the door open, ter with you, Robert Orme? Youll get Hush! she whispered. Are you happy, Agnes? Tell me. wont and glared at Alcatrante. The steady That Business importance? your chance in a minute. Put on a Oh, dont go until you have told me." Youll have to fess up." and undisturbed eye of the minister do, Rob. she pair of black felt slippers. Here The figure nodded mutely, and with Do I know such a girl? Are you had its effect, and after a moment of him groped along the floor, and gave a final slow gesture, waved the woman hesitation the starter banged the door serious? the slippers. They were large, and back to her seat. Why, Bob, I can think of several shut and gave the signal and the car went easily over his shoes. Meantime Orme cast his eyes over Shall I name them? leaped upward. ;3!SL " , Now the black robe, Just behind the circle. Dimly he saw faces, some I Tom Wallinghams office was on thi What on Not give their names! J you. earth is the matter with you? stolid, some agitated; and there, at the eighth floor. Though he knew that AHe took It from Its peg, and slipped farther end were the two Japanese, inOh, part of the business, is it? lcatrante would cling to him, Orme They May Have Stolen the Clue From You. Into It. tent as children on these wonders. Well, let me see. Tall and beautiful, could think of nothing better to do Cover your head and face with the Their' sparkling eyes were directed to I trust that you did not think me thing; if anything happens to me, my you say. Dark eyes and hair. A black than to go straight to the office and hood. the cabinet for sending that detective to friends will know where to look for touring car. Hum! I know three girls count on the assistance of Bixby, who absurd He did as directed, finding the eyeThe apparition had disappeared be- you. That I did so was a result of the criminal." It would certainly remember him. Acto whom the description applies. holes with his fingers. tween the curtains. But now there was poor Porltols frantic Insistence." be too might be but you dont wish me to cordingly he called ouV Eight! and. "Dont Alcatrante snarled. Hide your hands in the sleeves. a fresh gasp of wonder, as tha.flgure mention the name. Well, youll have Ignoring Alcatrante, left the elevator sure Indeed? Now, listen. Im going to keep them of a little child stepped out into the and walked down the hall, the South to think of something more distinctso was "a afraid that "If friend continued Orme, My young necessary, When room. It did not go Rr from the cabbusy looking at the curtains. American at his elbow. comive. to be robbed." would word to certain persons as the you hear a gong ring tnree times, come inet, and It alternately advanced and youI was robbed, laughed Orme, try- mission for (TO BE CONTINUED.) Orme thought in vain. The image five warships building through the panel, and go between the retreated, turning this way and that, ever his in was but of the mind, situation. of the the not? is girl make hundred to A Queer One. it light by thousand, ing on the as curtain and the describe her he could not At last he looking for some one. AlcatranU'e though how was that? new in gold man Sparrowgrass air Ole "Why, arrangement Hayrtx The is side toward the window. gas The gh-- I mean lives In one a It wants Its mother!" exclaimed surprise was well assumed. sort uv critter, aint he? In ungovernable rage, said: Alcatrante, queer Those folks think one of the women in the circle. ilown to a Is to you. raised his light cane and struck. Orme of the suburbs. She has a father who Oatcake I dunno. Whats queer "Oh, after I said good-nigh- t they can see a lot more than they do. your mother here, little one? me while ! fended the blow with his arm, then has lately undergone a slight opera two caught him? the Japanese But they wont see you, unless you The child stared at the speaker, then was going through the tunnel to the wrenched the cane away and threw tlon. He is, I think, a man who is in Why, es often ez Ive heerd Hayrlx show some white. Anyhow theyll be withdrew to the curtains. volved in negotiation with other coun- him discussln polerticks deown t th A swarm of pass into it street. the ' outside courtyard." . watching the cabinet Keep They will begin to talk after a ers-bMy dear Mr. Orme! grocery, I aint never ylt heerd him gathered about them so quickly tries. the circle of chairs, and work your while, explained the woman "when her? say what he'd do erbout straigtenln Oh! Where did you meet those are clever, in a moment they were the cen Japanese. that "They room. next of the door the to way the control gets stronger. I always out ter of a circle. Why, Bob, how interesting! I never things out ef he wuz president fer a And afterward you went There are hangings there; go through feel so tender for these little lost of her, but shes one of my couple uv hours, by grass! again? "Do said "You dunce, Orme. you thought them. Youll find light enough in the spirits that come back to hunt for their friends. dearest think that? makes you "What want the police? next room to get to the door In the loved ones. One of the Qualifications. Now, listen, Bessie. It Is absoluteAlcatrante bit his lip. Why, he No, muttered Alcatrante, controlhall. First stuff the robe under the cirthat I should reach her 1 believe I have the only perfect the moved around Orme necessary detective swiftly the ly reported stammered, sofa. Youll find your hat under there. cle. He passed so close to the Japaling himself with a great effort. You fathers house before midnight. You husband. arwhen he were absent are right-- " He darted into the crowd must help me. You left it here when you came, and I nese that he could have touched them. that you Does he hook? at one side, and Orme, quick to take tucked it away. Youd better wear the The felt slippers made his steps noise- rived." He heard her laugh. Help you You didnt catch my remark; I was Orme remarked And therefore," slippers down to the street. Never less; the thick rug absorbed the shock coolly, "he got access to my apartment the hint, disappeared in the opposite Of course I will. of my husband, not of our speaking direction, crossing the street and Jumpmind about returning them unless you of his weight. she live? does Where cow. and. after rummaging through my into an empty cab, which had care to come. Now, be careful. Bob, you Not far from Arradale. It was your husband 1 had In He passed through the hangings of things, went sound asleep in my bed- ing drawn up in anticipation of a fight. I will see to the mind. If he refuses to hook you up The Japanese where are they? here. out come room. There next the to right him I when found the snoring doorway room, where he ordered, rest. It certainly Is the funniest co- the back he Is not perfect "To the Rookery, At the other side of the circle. he had no gaslight; the window the first office building that incidence. naming Dont worry about them. They're only shades, however, were not drawn so I returned. The minister swung his cane vicious- came into his head. kids when It comes to my game. Now Til catch the first train. n little daylight enthat but closely at a bit of paper that lav on uie sideI Went Too Far. She need. 1 ly wait till get the things Sure, said the driver, and away "Theres one at six for men who robe and removed the He tered. walk. Do Yeast you think there is a penrattled. heard faint rustlings as she gathered stuffed it under the old sofa at one dine. to out come was not a clever detective," con they He back was she Soon for me. lying? alty her paraphernalia. A glance back showed Orme that Goodby. "All right. Expect as Madam Alia had said, tinued Orme. "And as for Poritol, side. His Crimsonbeak Sure! I knew a fek at the panel. The last stanza of the was there,hat, the crowd was dispersing. Orme looked at his watch. He had on went and he and it offer his put he had better think you don't Be a close. to who dislocated his shoulder while low was which meant half a that and drawing hymn At a distance was Alcatrante. He an hour to the hall door. The circle had begun reward to the Japanese? whis she directions," follow un would be killed. It etretchlng out his hands to show ths sure you must be to sing another hymn. Grins got Into They had seen Ormes escape, and was look time replied Alcatrante. "No, size of the fish he claimed he had to the Pere return Marquette, to wise pered. But for cab. another the hall, shut the door silently, and may have stolen the clue from you, but ing about vainly 1 wfil Ha pressed her hand and Americans the caught! Yonkers Statesman. South Jap hurried down tho stairs, the long- I have reason to think that the papers cabs are not numerous on North for the cab-driv- bale-fully- life-savi- Jiu-jits- fire-esca- nv l: wall-hangin- pin-poin- t. er-bo- y t |