hese papers were to us. There was not time to provide
new copies, for the lost drafts carried certain seals and necessary
signatures which could not be duplicated on short notice."

"Did the German Ambassador know of the loss?" Orme was encouraged to ask
questions by the Secretary's obvious desire to explain as fully as he
could.

"No one knew of it, Mr. Orme, excepting my daughter and myself--that is,
no one besides the South Americans and the Japanese. It seemed wise to
say nothing. There were no secret service men at hand, and even if there
had been, I doubt if they would have acted as efficiently as you have
acted. The police, I know, would have bungled, and, above all else,
publicity had to be avoided.

"As things have turned out, I am glad that Poritol set his burglar on us
when he did; otherwise Maku would have got the treaty at the last moment.
Alcatrante's desire to secure a diplomatic advantage over the Japanese
was really the saving of us."

The Secretary paused. His face lighted up with a rare smile. "Above
everything else, Mr. Orme, I thank you."

He arose and rang for a servant.

"And now," he continued, "I know you will excuse me if I return to my
guests. My daughter will bring you in presently, so that we may have the
pleasure of making you acquainted with them. And, of course, you will
remain with us till to-morrow." He smiled again and went slowly from the
room on the arm of the servant.

Orme turned to the girl. Her face was rosy and her eyes were fixed on the
arm of her chair.

"Girl, dear," he said, "I can hardly believe that it is all true."

She did not answer, and while he gazed at her, surprised at her silence,
failing to understand her sudden embarrassment, Bessie Wallingham
appeared in the doorway and stood hesitant.

"Am I still not wanted?" said Bessie, roguery in her voice. "Sure, ye'll
find me a faithful servant. I minds me own business and asks no
questions."

The girl rushed over to her friend.

"Oh, Bessie," she cried, with a little laugh--"Oh, Bessie, won't you
please come in and--and----"

Orme began to understand. "And wait for us a little longer," he broke in.

Masterfully he led the girl out through the doorway to the hall.

Bessie Wallingham looked after their retreating figures. "Well? I never!"
she exclaimed.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL AND THE BILL***

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