Adventure, December 1914 — page 164: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

162 the door opened and Mr. Carter strode in, fresh and rosy from his ride home. And he was grinning! The others regarded him as if a grimacing specter had popped up through the floor. ‘Hello, folks!’ Charley greeted them. “Fine up the river today.”’ Mr. Drew gazed around at the company. ‘“‘He doesn’t know!’ he muttered. He tried to say more, but couldn’t. Teeters could, however, and did. *“Come-On!”’ he squealed. ‘‘You’ve ruin- ed us! I got to work “Shut up— you!” barked Mr. Link. “Charley, me boy, don’t mind him. We’ve got a jitney or two left among us yet.” “Yes, it’s all right, Charley,’ supplement- ed Mr. Drew with an effort. “But I hope this will teach you id “Hold on!”’ interposed Mr. Ball, who was studying the grin which still showed broadly on Mr. Carter’s face. “I believe—by Jove! —Say!—We took it for granted Charley was going long on Collars, but—”’ ‘Went short,” said Charley. “Thought I’d keep you guessing. Fun.” ‘“‘Gracious heavens!’’ shouted Mr. Drew. He lunged over to the ticker, but Mr. Ball was already there; so was Mr. Link. “e174,” called out the reporter. “14—34 “Brace up, Skeeters!’’ Charley adjured Mr. the dazed secretary. “‘You win. Twelve hundred anyway. Maybe more. Got to figure some.” A knock was given at the door. Charley opened it—and looked into Miss King’s half- anxious, half-defiant eyes. The housekeep- er was with her, playing chaperon. “By George!” cried Charley gleefully. “T saw your ‘personal’—by chance—just an hour ago,”’ faltered Miss King. ‘“‘T tried to telephone, but “Come in!” interrupted Charley. ‘Got something for you. Gee! Afraid I’d lost He caught her hands and drew her in. The housekeeper followed. “Closed at 4814!” whooped Mr. Ball. ‘“Bow-wow!”’ He struck hands with Mr. Drew and the ex-champion, and they girdled Mr. Teeters and performed a dance around that agitated gentleman, in which the portly advocate threw dignity to the dogs. He was a win- ner, roughly reckoned, to the tune of twelve thousand dollars. Adventure “You’ve won—again!”’ exclaimed Miss King. ‘‘Oh, I’m so glad!” “Owe it to you,’ Charley told her. “Wait!” He sat down at the table and wrote a check. The dance ceased suddenly. Some- thing new was happening. “Got my line in Collars from 71 to 66,” explained Charley to the lady. ‘Cleaned up over half a million. Owe it to you. Started me. Want to make you a present. Only fair.” He handed her the check. She looked at it and burst into tears. ‘Five thousand dollars! Oh, I can’t take it—I can’t!” she sobbed. ‘‘You don’t know. It wasn’t a tip; they guessed at it. And it was Gott’s money. He paid me to——’”’ “Shoot Gott!” cut in Charley fiercely, to hide his embarrassment. ‘‘Forget him. I’m through with him. Last deal. All done. ‘Take the five and—er—and—er——”’ He halted lamely. “Yes, I will! I will!’ whimpered the young woman. “I’m through, too. I— | ee She broke off, and throwing her arms about Charley’s neck kissed him squarely in the mouth. She was gone—followed by the speechless housekeeper—before he could catch his breath. There was a moment’s awkward silence in the room. To relieve it Mr. Ball cleared his throat and remarked: “Did I get you right, old sport? Nothing more doing in tape—no more for never?”’ “Right,” Charley answered. “Scared stiff.” “Then,” exploded Mr. Ball, “you tell me what your system was, or Vl have your heart for breakfast!” “Sure thing,” said Charley. “He wised me.’ He pointed a finger at Mr. Drew and grinned. “Eh? Te” echoed the astounded man. “Sure,” said Charley. ‘That day in the car. I’m pushing that million you spoke about. Wait, Teddy.” He went into his bedroom. When he came out he set down on the table two paper boxes. They were of the kind they sell you linen collars in at the stores. Charley took the lid off one box. “Have a peek,” he invited. The gentlemen looked in. They saw a dozen or so‘slips of cardboard. On each MICLOOOK (C©@