Adventure Magazine, Mid-September 1917 — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

Gaston Olaf and Big Business the orchestra, and Ethel Drake was stand- ing at Thorson’s side. “Oh!’’ she cried. “Why did you do this, Mr. Thorson? Mr. Bradley says you have forced your way in without an invitation— that you insist on remaining, though you've been invited to go. It isn’t true, is it?” “Yes; quite true.” “But, oh! whye” “Because it was my only chance of getting a dance with you.’ “Vou——”’ “And I don’t want to dance it with you. You’re not dancing this time? Then we will sit it out. Won’t you sit down?” “It isn’t right,” she said, but she sat, nevertheless. “I’ve been hoping to see you; to have you tell me more about your beloved snow country.” “T do talk a lot when I get started, don’t I?” he chuckled. ‘‘But you saw the jam up the river, and the men fighting the logs and the rapids. That’s the North in epitome; you don’t need any of my talk to under- stand it after that.” “T see,” she said thoughtfully, after pon- dering over this a moment. “So that is your snow country—man struggling against Nature. And you men:like it, don’t you? But why?” “Some don’t like it. Some just come here and go through the struggle in order to get money to go back to cities and live soft.” “Ves; I can understand that.” She looked at him. ‘‘But that isn’t you, is it? Why do you do it?” “Tt’s my home, the North is,” he said simply. “And you struggle with Nature—for what?” “For the fun of the struggle. ss “Is that so much fun?” She looked up at him playfully. The beauty of her held him as it never had before and he forgot _ everything else that had happened that evening. “To live such a rough life, with- out a comfortable home, or pretty things, or —or anything? Don’t you ever yearn for something else—something better?” “Yes,” he said, “I do—sometimes. Every white man does. But I haven’t found any- thing better—up to now.” “Up to now?” “Ves,”? “And have you found it—now?” She rose before he could reply. “I must go back. They will be looking for me.” 95 “Would you stay, if they wouldn’t be looking for you?” = ‘“‘Ah, but they are,” she said, and left m. He hid himself behind the orchestra and watched Loomis go to Ethel and claim the fifth dance. “Lucky boy!” he muttered. ‘‘But,’’ he added grimly, “‘he never should have let her come North.” He rose and wandered toward the refresh- ment room. A group of men was gathered in the doorway, their backs toward the dance floor, and from within came Bradley’s voice— “T tell you, Smith, old fellow, you’re not in shape to dance.” “‘Am sh-shape to dance.” The puffy- faced broker in the full-dress suit, was lean- ing heavily on Bradley’s arm. ‘“Perf’c’ sh-shape to dance. Bes’ lil’ fox-trott’r on Bro’way, I am. Lem’ go, Bradley. Got sixth dance with the li’l’ peach—Miss Drake, ain’ I? Lem’ go.” “Take him out,” said another man. “Don’t let the ladies see him.” They pressed forward, helping Bradley push his charge toward the exit, as the music stopped, and Gaston turned and hurried to find Ethel. “Give me this dance, please,’ hesaid. “You have it vacant.” She looked at her card. “Why, no; it’s given to a Mr. Smith.” ‘“‘He isn’t coming. But if you don’t want to dance with me, I’ll go. Just one.” “Tf you're sure Mr. Smith isn’t coming?” “He isn’t.” The music struck up again. Ray Drake came hurrying up. “Mr. Smith isn’t coming for his dance, Ethel; been detained by some business.” He scowled at Gaston. ‘‘Come; we’ll find a partner for you, sis.” “T have one,” said Ethel, and placed her hand upon Gaston’s arm. As they moved out on to the floor Brad- ley came hurrying from the refreshment room. ‘A handsome couple, don’t you think, Mr. Bradley?” said Mrs. Davis, innocent- ly, nodding toward Gaston and Ethel. “Very,” said Bradley, his face white with rage as he followed the movements of the young pair. Gaston saw him, saw the cold hate in his eyes, but he did not care. COmicloo (©