Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE “Tm going over to Third Avenue.” Hey, wait. We'd better come along,” cried Ginger excitedly, Sac Eee Ort morale and otherwise, was not unwel- settee hs ie aia for Ginger to hurry into some street Ain eae ene the three of them Zot out of a taxi in way. If he got into Okt Gate ae ee nae ee a een fe fe; Ty Brooks they’d be there “Where’s tl i eB ane hen dce 1€ plano player?” asked Philip of Sam, the bar- vs ’ He don’t come on until night, mister,” ey ? + i Doesn’t he live around here somewhere?” “Sure. Right upstairs.” Sam and told them to S0 right on a Pa ee eee ‘gence later, with Philip still in the lead, the three of ae eee eee Mer Philip’s nose shrank from € place but he marched resolutely on. The paused in front of Larry’s door, Philip gave a sharp knock then pushed the door open. It was a toss-up as to where the i : most surprise was registere ae it was by the two occupants of the room or by ie ee a ee eee ee Larry was stretched out on the a Q mer sat beside him soothingly rubbing his ae They stared at the three intruders. It was on the ti of i a S tongue to apologize and withdraw, when Larry sat up “Pardon my appearance, folks.” he i “but? ji and make yourselves at home.” ns a pret “TI—uh—we didn’t mean to butt in,” ili : 4 in,’ P ; ing uncomfortably at Jane. Pianist sc “Oh never mind,” said tt i 5 ne waitress sarcastically, “it’s cetti to be an everyday occurrence.” Ye eR ne Larry got up and put on his thing. i p a gs. Since there were onl ek ee ee in the room he offered them to the girls The uy n, he suggested, could all sit o i ever, accepted his offer. eee ne oem k “To what do we owe the visit of su isti j Pee aoe eee cha distinguished com- 92 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE “Just what were you doing in Miss Carter’s apartment this orning?” asked Philip, taking the bull by the horns. _ Larry smiled and wagged his head in dismay. “I was just telling Jane about that. Damndest thing I ever had happen. I couldn’t have been more surprised if ’'d awakened on top of the United Nations Building.” _ “You were there all night then,” said Philip. When Larry nodded Philip tossed Ginger a look of disgust. “You couldn’t have been there all night, Larry,” Ginger said hastily. “I brought you to O’Brien’s early this morning.” Jane verified that and added, ‘And the last anybody saw of him was right here in this bed. I asked O’Brien and Sam both about ig this morning. They swear they put him here.” “Then Connie must have gotten you out of here,” eried Ginger in triumph. “Sure she did!” Jane exclaimed. “It’s the only way it could have happened. And if she comes around here any more— believe me!—I’ll fix her clock.” They all looked at Philip who had sagged appreciably. Then it was all true: Connie was bent on having Larry Brooks in his stead. His pursuit of the glamorous dancer was coming to a sordid end. *“T euess that’s all we came to find out.” He glanced at Larry. “You're to be congratulated. I only hope you are better able to understand her than I.” “Huh?” said Larry. “Come again.” “Connie. I hope you'll make her happy,” said Philip dismally. “Took here, fellow,” said Larry grinning, “if you think ’m foing to take over your job, you’re nuts. She’s too much for me, From now on I gotta be content with Jane.” “Why—! You big bum!” Jane protested, but her eyes were smiling, “What?” Philip exclaimed. “You mean, you’re through with Connie?” His hopes soared. “That’s putting it a little backwards. I never went out for her mM COMIGDOOKSAGO