"And therefore," remarked Orme coolly, "he got access to my apartment and, after rummaging through my things, went sound asleep in my bedroom, where I found him snoring when I returned." The minister swung his cane viciously at a bit of paper that lay on the sidewalk. "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. "Perhaps," added Alcatrante, after a short wait, "he might even go as high as two thousand." "Indeed? Then there will surely be many answers to his advertisement." "Oh, he will not advertise." Alcatrante laughed. "Already he knows where the papers are. While waiting for the clue of the bill, he discovered what others had already availed themselves of it." "That is curious." Orme smiled. "How did he discover that?" "In a roundabout way. I won't take time for the story." They walked along in silence for a little distance. Orme was figuring on an escape, for the minister's clutch on his arm was like that of a drowning man's. Finally he sought the simplest means of getting away. "I have an engagement," he said. "I shall have to leave you here. Thank you for walking with me thus far." He disengaged his arm. "My dear Mr. Orme," said Alcatrante, "why should we beat around the bush?" "Why, indeed?" said Orme. "Poritol knows that his papers are in your possession. Speaking for him, I offer you five thousand." "Why do you drag Poritol into this?" said Orme. "You know that he has merely been your agent from the start. You think he has bungled, but I tell you, you are the one who bungled, for you picked him to do the work. He had bad luck hiring a burglar for you. He lost his head when he ran away with another person's motor-car and had to hand the marked bill to a country justice. He showed bad judgment when he tried to fool me with a fancy lie. But you are the real bungler, Senhor Alcatrante. Any capable diplomat could tell you that." Alcatrante's yellow face grew white about the lips. His eyes flashed balefully. "Curse you!" he exclaimed. "You know more than is good for you. Take care!" Orme laughed in disgust. "Oh, drop this melodrama. I am not afraid of cheap Machiavellis. In this country there are some crimes that are not excused by high office." The minister's teeth showed. "You shall see, my young friend." "Doubtless. But let me tell you one thing; if anything happens to me, my friends will know where to look for the criminal." Alcatrante snarled. "Don't be too sure----" "If necessary," continued Orme, "a word to certain persons as to the commission for building warships--Five hundred thousand, is it not? by the new arrangement--in gold----"