plied Orme.

He glanced at the clock. It was a quarter after seven. Going back into
the chamber which, had been the scene of both their danger and their
happiness, he got his coat and the girl's hat. The parchment papers
crackled in his pocket as he put the coat on. The girl, meantime,
adjusted her hat.

"Say," said the clerk, holding the outer door open for them to pass
through, "was that fellow's story about your holding notes of ours--was
there anything in it?"

"Absolutely untrue," replied Orme.

"He must have had you confused with somebody else."

"He must have." Orme held out his hand. "Many thanks to you for saving
our lives."

Then Orme and the girl made their way to the elevator.

CHAPTER XV

FROM THE DEVIL TO THE DEEP SEA

"How shall we go?" asked Orme, as they descended to the street level.

"By train. There is no other convenient way, since my car is at home."
She looked at him doubtfully, and added, "but they will be watching the
railroad stations."

He nodded. "A motor would be safer--if we can get one." He gave her hand
a secret pressure while the elevator-boy was opening the door for them,
and as she passed before him she flashed upon him a look so filled with
love and trust that the sudden thrill of his happiness almost stifled
him.

At the La Salle Street entrance Orme had a fleeting glimpse of the
watching Alcatrante. The South American, after one astonished stare,
darted away in the dusk. He would follow them, of course, but Orme
decided to say nothing about him to the girl.

"I must telephone," she said suddenly, stopping as if to turn back into
the building. "Father will be very anxious."

"The booths in the building must be closed," he said. "We'd better try a
drug store."

Accordingly they made their way to the nearest, and the girl went to the
booth. The door was shut for a long time.

While he was waiting, Orme glanced through the brilliant window. In the
light of an electric lamp across the street he discerned faintly a
motionless figure; without hesitation he crossed the pavement,
recognizing Alcatrante more clearly as he left the dazzle of the store.

The minister did not budge. His face, as Orme approached, was cold and
expressionless.

"Senhor," exclaimed Orme, "does your trade include murder?"

"Not at all. Why do you ask, Mr. Orme?"

"Because only a lucky intervention has saved you from the murder of a
young lady and myself."

"You are exaggerating, m