All-Story Weekly, Vol. 112, No. 1 — page 133: what you’re looking at

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

.GOOD REFERENCES. stole across to the side of the porch with catlike steps, fumbled there for a moment, and returned, trundling a vehicle. It was a motorcycle, and attached to it was one of those: peregrinating bath-tubs known as a side car. “Sh! Last car in Larchmont, viscount. Belongs to gardener. ’Sall yours.” In the dim light Pete examined it hastily. He mounted the saddle and threw the switch. He pumped the starting pedal. At the third thrust there was a sharp ex- plosion, and then a rapid fire that cut the night. He let the engine race for half a minute, then throttled down and leaned over toward his benefactor. “ Sir,” he said, “‘ you are the noblest of men. You do not know just what you have done, but it is a service far beyond price.” ‘“‘ Viscount,” answered his host, with a deep bow, “pleasure’s all mine. Any gentleman beats me cowboy pool—any gentleman honors me cowboy pool— any gentleman from Arabian Nights—” A thought occurred to him. “ Want you to meet family. Stay and meet family. Stay and meet society. Stay—’’ - Pete interrupted him hastily. “At any other time, sir, I should be charmed. But, as I told you, there is a lady awaiting me.” ‘Forgot lady. My apologies. Forgot all about lady. My apologies to lady.” “‘ And so I bid you good night, sir. And may Heaven reward you,” said Pete fer- vently. The stout gentleman clung to his hand. ‘““ Want to see princess,” he observed. ‘“‘ Want to salute princess. Want to extend hospitality—” “Tf you will go up on your porch,” said Pete, “I will drive the princess by. She will be charmed to see you, sir, and in her behalf I now thank you for all your good- ness.”’ ; He threw in the clutch and the motorcyle started forward with a leap. Straight across the lawn Pete headed it, bringing it to a halt at the edge of the grove. Leaving the engine running, he leaped from the sad- dle and ran in among the trees, in the direc- tion of the summer-house. 123 Mary Wayne was standing in the door- way as he approached. ‘“¢ Where—where have you been?” she demanded. “ T’ll explain later,’’ he answered briefly. “Hurry. I’ve got a car.” “You stole—”’ ““ It was presented to me. Come on.” He seized her hand and urged her for- ward at a run. As they reached the panting machine, Mary uttered an exclamation of dismay. “ That thing!” “What do you want for nothing? It’s all right.” “‘ But it’s so conspic—” He lifted her 4nd dumped her into the bathtub. “That thing down at your feet is a hat,” he said. “ Put it on. Now, there’s a gen- tleman waiting to wave good-by at us. He’s the most important man in the world. He thinks you're a princess. As we go past, I want you to kiss your hand to him. It’s highly necessary. He expects it.” The motorcyle was under way again. Pete guided it in a wide curve until he was headed toward the house. Then he dashed with full speed, straight for the illuminated veranda. Standing at the edge of the porch was the Stout gentleman, his body gently swaying. His arms seemed to be engaged in an in- cantation, for they waved rhythmically. In one hand was the bottle. Pete swerved the machine within a few feet of the porch and waved elaborately. The gentleman was saying something, but they could not hear him. Mary waved her hand as they swept by. “Throw him a kiss!”’ ordered Pete sharply. ‘‘ Confound it, you’re a princess! Wait, now; I'll make a circle and go by again.”’ The machine curved out across the lawn and Pete laid a course that would once more enable them to pass in review. The gentle- man on the porch continued his incanta- tion. He was chanting, too. As they slowed down opposite him, Mary half rose from her seat and threw him a kiss. The waving arms halted abruptly. The stout gentleman’s eyes became round Get in. cCoOmiclbooks C©