Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 51: what you’re looking at

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

$0 THIS IS z Cetera a victim of hard times and harder cider whom he had grinned at for his rube outfit and small-town philosophy, proved to have spent three years on end - without touching ground; and he had pros- pected for gold in Alaska, and been ar- _ rested in Whitechapel besides. He knew of places that were not even mentioned in the - geographies. And there were others; three _ children had been born aboard ship. Two had been round the world. The Slapper consoled himself by the reflection that, after all, his home city had everything they could - find in any clime. But he lost some of his cockiness, none the less. One night Letty seemed to have dressed a little more elaborately than usual. Noth- ing classy, of course, like the skirts back home; but fluffy, sort of, with a nice blue ribbon threaded in her fair and a sash to though, and funny low heels. But he liked her in the make-up. When, about half past seven the bell be- gan to ring, she rose primly.. “Would you like to go to church dee me?” she asked. “Church? What for? ’Tain’t “Sunday!” He wondered. “Tt is the regular Thursday evening meeting,” she had explained.. “ But don’t go unless you want to.” ‘“Sure!” he agreed. “I don’t mind. Try anything once!” “Don’t you ever go when you’re home?” “Yeah. Easters, ‘most always. bud to. funerals. But never at night before.” The street was mildly populated. Soli- tary old men and women, couples, small family parties, all wending toward the old meeting house. As they passed the general store, the usual gang of village youths were loitering about. They made remarks as the different worshipers passed; rough laughter —— = trailed after them. There was a conspicu- ous silence as the Slapper went by with Letty; but one had scowled at them, his large mouth set in a tight line. - The Slap- “per wondered what was eating him. — -“ That’s Micah Shelby,” Letty told him : when they were out of earshot. ‘ He is a bad. _ Always: provoking a fight with some : The boys are > all ces of him.” body. went in with their own particular “ sweetie. qe match, Her best shoes, too. Stubby toed, W did not seem to him in. the | Teast 1 WEDLOCK! “Who? That big Zany? See “ He’s terrible strong. He’s licked every boy—or man, too—who would stand up. to him. He’s sort of a leader.” = The Slapper glanced back. He hadn't ae noted him particularly. The bad boy stood — on the edge of the sidewalk, staring after — them. He was big boned, a little round — shouldered, with enormous ‘hands dangling from very long arms. His head seemed — small in comparison with the great hulking “He stands too close to the ground,” , eS Slapper decided, - = = Outside the church door another group of young men lounged. - They watched the SS girls, who were giggling in a subdued man-— ner, or with eyes demurely downcast: — one or two edged shamefacedly forward and upon his fellows jeered him i in ‘hoarse : undertones, and nudged one anoth = ribs. Later on, after the service had begun, the remaining males entered and took the — rear seat, from which vantage point cheg = ee in furtive peapks, a, hands: ton ie was present to = aeder: never did anything so openly that he could — “They identify the offender. They were the sons a of pious folk, standing between the frank = = outlaws who never went to church. at. all, ee and those who never missed going. = SS Letty piloted her escort to a modest seat = = about halfway down the-aisle, church. It didn’t smell familiar. — were no candles. Lights were oil See with = tin reflectors set against the side walls, ~ = Zs Long settees served for seats; ihe meeting seated herself at a small organ, v whose val << z Ee she worked industriously with her feet, while = she pulled fussily at the various stops; vox — humane clarinet, chimes. In a moment the _ form at the end of the hall, and attered: ‘the opening prayer. Then he announced = SS ee icboo!