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Updated: May 1, 2025
Arima explained in English: "It belongs to lady upstairs. Comes down fire-escape. Shoo! Shoo!" He clapped his hands and the animal bounded to the window-sill and disappeared up the iron steps. "And now," began the stranger, "shall we examine the documents?" "One moment," said Alcatrante. "I should first like a clear understanding with you some words in private."
"Please let the matter rest till morning," said Orme stubbornly. "I have told you just what I would do." Poritol opened his mouth, to speak, but Alcatrante silenced him with a frown. "Your word is sufficient, Mr. Orme," he said. "We will call to-morrow morning. Is ten o'clock too early?" "Not at all," said Orme. "Doubtless I shall be able to satisfy you. I merely wish to think it over."
Orme had already suspected their identity, for both had high hats and carried canes, and one of them was in a sack suit, while the other wore a frock coat. And now the profiles verified the surmise. There was no mistaking the long, tip-tilted nose of the shorter man and the glinting spectacles of the other. The two were Poritol and Alcatrante. But who was the man trailing them? A friendly guard?
Little Poritol echoed the salute and, turning, shot off down a side street, with ridiculously rapid movements of his short legs. Orme inferred that he was bound for the North Clark Street car line. Alcatrante continued along the drive. When the South Americans separated, the shadow quickly came to life.
"He was not a clever detective," continued Orme. "And as for Poritol, don't you think he had better offer his reward to the Japanese?" "No," replied Alcatrante. "They may have stolen the clue from you, but I have reason to think that the papers were already gone when they went to look for them. Poritol is really very anxious." "Doubtless," said Orme.
When they were outside the office of the Wallingham Company, Orme paused, his hand on the door. "Senhor Alcatrante," he said, "this business must end. I shall simply have to call the police." "At your own risk," said Alcatrante. Then an ugly light flashed in his eyes and his upper lip lifted above his yellow teeth. "You got the better of me there in the elevator," he snarled.
The stranger's reference to "the next contract" strengthened the surmise that the documents in the envelope were connected with a South American trade concession. Alcatrante had plainly concluded that his interests and those of the Japanese were identical. He must have communicated with the strange Japanese the first thing in the morning.
If you do not wish him inside your apartment, he will sit in the hall outside your door. "With all regard for your continued good health, believe me, dear Mr. Orme, "Yours, etc., etc., "Pedro Alcatrante." In view of everything that had happened since the note was penned, Orme smiled a grim smile.
Something was there that did not belong there a smooth, bulging purse. Alcatrante had put it there. Orme fingered the purse. He would have to get rid of it, but he dared not to drop it to the floor, and if he thrust it through the grating and let it fall into the elevator well, someone would be almost certain to detect the action. There was only a moment left before the car would stop.
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. "Oh, Mr. Orme, you are the man I most wished to see." The minister's voice carried a note of unrestrained eagerness. He extended his hand.
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