Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 104: what you’re looking at

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

730 But J. P., more politic and far-seeing, entered a decisive veto. You never could tell, he said, where a mob would stop; and if the idea of exterminating all Moore’s friends became popular, who knew but that they themselves might be added to the cas- ualty list? His advice was to emulate B’rer Rabbit for the time being, and “ jes’ lay low an’ say nuffin’.” “Well, for the time being,” Van Carpen finally yielded, “and until we see how things are going to work out. But don’t expect me to be in any hurry about pulling my rescue stunt. Let Moore and Northrup sail around until the town gets thoroughly convinced that they are four-flushing, and turns on ’em. Then, with the decks cleared, it ‘ll be my chance to step into the spot- light.” The news that Bob and Northrup were about to take to the air in a search for. some clew to the missing girl aroused only derision on his part. As he pointed out to J. P., what more could they discover now than when they had both been within fifty yards of her that afternoon? Again, the agonizing plight of poor Faith, the natural terrors and apprehensions of her situation, failed to stir either of the con- scienceless pair to any sentiment of pity. Their only consideration in the affair was their own convenience. By the time that they had managed to sift out from the conflicting stories afloat something approximating the truth, and had settled their line of action, it was almost the hour of moonrise, and word came that the aviators were about to take off. Chary of another meeting with Northrup, Van Carpen did not join the crowd which was straggling down toward the railroad station to see the start, but left it to his partner to bring back a report of what might occur. The latter, when he reached the big field on the other side of the tracks, found that Bob and Northrup had their machines out in the open and were just starting to give them a final once-over. Between five hundred and a thousand people were looking on, and their number was being constantly increased by fresh ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. arrivals. Among them J. P. recognized the leaders of the vociferous crew which was urging direct action; but they, like the rest of the throng, were kept at a distance and prevented from any hostile demonstration by the presence of the sheriff and a score of armed deputies. One of these deputies peremptorily halt- ed J. P. as the latter started to cross the field, and ordered him back to the fence; but the colloquy between them attracted the attention of Bob, and seeing who was being held up, he hurried over to interfere. “That’s all right, officer!” he shouted. “Mr. Perkins is one of my closest pals.” Never had a claim of friendship been less welcome to J. P. He had come down there, hoping to gain an unobtrusive word with Bob, not to be advertised to those watching fire eaters as his crony and par- tisan. “The ivory-domed boob!” he muttered wrathfully. Nevertheless, the mischief was done; nothing to do except make the best of it. With such grace as he could muster, J. P. shook hands. “ Anything I can do for you?” Bob asked. “If so, speak quick. You can see I’m pretty busy.” “Oh, no; not a thing,” J. P. assured him, although he was careful to retain his clasp on Bob’s hand. “ Van and I just got back to town and learned of your trouble; so of course we hustled right down to see if there was any way we could help. I can’t imagine where Van has got to.” He looked around. ‘“‘ Probably one of these deputies has held him up. But you know, I hope, that you can count on us both to the limit.” Bob was genuinely touched. “By George, I appreciate that.” His voice choked a little. ‘“ There isn’t any- thing you can do, of course; but—vwell, it makes a fellow feel mighty good to know that his friends are standing by.” J. P. covered up his relief with an ex- pression of regret. “I’m sorry,” he mur- mured. “I was so anxious to be of aid, and so was Van. I mustn’t detain you, though, Bob.” Yet he managed still to keep the other’s CoOmicloooks (C@