“Was a curious cryptogram.” 

“Do not torture me!” exclaimed Senhor Poritol. “Have you got it?” His fingers worked nervously. 24

24

“Yes,” said Orme slowly, “I still have it.” 

Senhor Poritol hastily took a fresh five-dollar bill from his pocket. “See,” he said, jumping to the floor, “here is another just as good a bill. I give this to you in return for the bill which was paid to you this afternoon.” He thrust the new bill toward Orme, and waved his other hand rhetorically. “That, and that alone, is my business with you, dear sir.” 

Orme’s hand went to his pocket. The visitor watched the motion eagerly, and a grimace of disappointment contracted his features when the hand came forth, holding a cigar-case. 

“Have one,” Orme urged. 

In his anxiety the little man almost danced. “But, sir,” he broke forth, “I am in desperate hurry. I must meet a friend. I must catch a train.” 

“One moment,” interrupted Orme. “I can’t very well give up that bill until I know a little better what it means. You will have to show me that you are entitled to it—and”—he smiled—“meantime you’d better smoke.” 

Senhor Poritol sighed. “I can assure you of my honesty of purpose, sir,” he said. “I cannot 25 tell you about it. I have not the time. Also, it is not my secret. This bill, sir, is just as good as the other one.” 

25

“Very likely,” said Orme dryly. He was wondering whether this was some new counterfeiting dodge. How easily most persons could be induced to make the transfer! 

A counterfeiter, however, would hardly work by so picturesque and noticeable a method, unless he were carefully disguised—hardly even then. Was Senhor Poritol disguised? Orme looked at him more closely. No, he could see where the roots of the coarse black hair joined the scalp. And there was not the least evidence of make-up on the face. Nevertheless, Orme did not feel warranted in giving up the marked bill without a definite explanation. The little man was a comic figure, but his bizarre exterior might conceal a dangerous plot. He might be a thief, an anarchist, anything. 

“Please, my dear sir, please do not add to my already very great anxiety,” pleaded the visitor. 

 Prev. P 14/193 next