at before? Tom was
at Arradale with Bessie, but the clerks would let Orme stay in the
reception-room until it was time to start for his train. Indeed, Orme
remembered that Bixby, the head clerk, had been at the wedding of Tom and
Bessie--had in fact taken charge of the arrangements at the church.

Moreover, Tom's office was in this very building--the Rookery. Doubtless
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 a hand seized his elbow and pulled him to one side. He turned
quickly and saw--Alcatrante.

The minister was breathing rapidly. It was plain that he had made a quick
pursuit, but though his chest heaved and his mouth was partly open, his
eyes were curiously steady. "One minute, Mr. Orme," he said, forcing his
lips to a smile. "I had hard work to follow you. There was no other cab,
but a small boy told me that you directed your driver to the Rookery.
Therefore, I got on a street-car and rode till I found a cab." He said
all this in the most casual tone, retaining his hold on Orme's elbow as
though his attitude were familiar and friendly. Perhaps he was thus
detailing his own adventures merely to gain time; or perhaps he was
endeavoring to puzzle Orme.

But Orme was simply annoyed. He knew how dangerous Alcatrante could be.
"I am tired of being followed, Senhor," he said disgustedly, freeing his
elbow.

Alcatrante continued to smile. "That is part of the game," he said.

"Then you will find the game serious." Orme shut his lips together and
glanced about for a 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 American's words
were true.

"If it comes to publicity," continued Alcatrante with an ugly grin, "I
will have you arrested for stealing a certain important--document and
offering 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 a
document which was not in my possession." It was too late; Alcatrante had
been able to verify his strong suspicion that Orme had the papers.

A wave of anger swept over Orme. "Pu