Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 189, No. 4 — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

THE DEVIL’S FLOWER. I could not say that I was sorry that I had come, for I hadn’t been given any choice in the matter. This was merely an assignment, and from that viewpoint I must take it, not letting my personal inclinations enter in. After arriving at this philosophic conclusion [ wondered what time we were supposed to retire? Robinson sat at his desk, deeply reflective, and I had no idea of intruding on his thoughts, not pleasant ones, [ imagined, by any means, At that moment there was a sharp knock’ at the door, demanding entrance in no gentle way. I glanced at Robinson, changed his immobile pose. “Let them in,’ he said gently. “I thought it was about time for our neighbors to throw off their clumsy disguises.” As I opened the door two burly indivi- duals tramped into the room, rough looking customers in mackinaws and high laced boots, and boasting several days’ growth of beard, which in itself alone is enough to give any one a dirty, villainous appearance. The taller man, who must be the leader, took a seat without being asked, and his fellow followed suit. Their demeanor was one of calculated truculence. “We called on you before, Mr. Robin- son, in regard to buying this island from you. That didn’t seem to be a go. Maybe our terms were too low,” said the more dominant fellow. “ This time we have a different proposition to present to you— and with our cards on the table.” “ That’s better,” said Robinson. ‘“ You don’t think I was fooled for a minute that you sewer rats came out here in the clean wilderness on pleasure bent. You look and act like the slums where you belong— with all that campers’ get up.” “Tnsults won’t get you anything, Mr. Robinson, and don’t put on any airs in front of us—with a kid like yours in the background. But maybe plain speaking is best,” said the spokesman, “ we haven’t got anywhere with politeness.” “ Act natural if it pleases you,” drawled the scientist. ‘Nothing you may say will have any effect in any case.” “No? Well, this is a show-down. [If who never 605 you can’t be made to see reason we shall order the fireworks. We were given a proposition to put before you, but maybe we thought ourselves a bit more clever. But that was no go, “The offer forwarded to you is this: give up the scientific research on which you have been working, never fear we learned all about it, and we are ready to come through, for our principals, with a certified check for one hundred thousand dollars. Think before you turn it down,” he growled, in conclusion. Robinson, to my astonishment, frankly amused. ““T don’t suppose that I should be sur- prised that men on your low mental plane, frankly materialistic, think of everything in terms of money,” he said, “‘ but I do wish to hammer one fact into your brains. A true scientist cannot be swerved from his purpose by any of the influences that are known to you. “Go back to those who sent you and say that I am going right on—and if I can make opium as much a thing of the past as the black plague of the middle-ages, that alone will make me the happiest man in the world. You are wasting time.” The smaller man turned to his compan- ion. ‘ Didn’t I tell you, Bill,’ he snarled, ‘“‘that money means nothing to an old bird like him. Our ways of doing a job are best.” ‘Yes, Shorty, you’re right. We’ve used enough lip with feather-duster was up methods,” said the other, arising, with an ~ expression of disgust. “I never believed in them, and now we can pull our own stuff. You had your chance, Mr. Robinson, so don’t squeal if the going becomes hard.” He slapped his fellow on the back, and chuckled as if pleased at the failure of dol- lar diplomacy. I suppose he was more ac- customed to the blackjack as a persuader. I hadn’t been noticed as yet, but at their departure the leader gave me a contemptu- ous glance. “Is this your new nurse, grandpa?” he sneered. ‘“ Looks like one of those white- livered college boys—your son for in- stance.” ‘ They both laughed at this cruel banter, Gomichooks (E@)