Argosy All-Story Weekly — "Sea Marauders" — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

SEA MARAUDERS. would have outdistanced him if he had not exerted himself. “ Turn in,” he called. ting into deep water.” “ 1’m not afraid of silly sharks,” she retorted. “ Not since you told me they are harmless.” “TI can’t vouch for it. And there might be such a thing as an octopus.” With a shriek she turned and headed for the shore. “I never thought of those awful things,” she flung back at him. _ She stood up in shallow water. “ I’m shivering at the thought of them.” “ T believe they lurk under rocks, and as there are no rocks here it’s not likely they would be around. However, I think you had. better keep in shallow water.” “ Good morning and thanks for your ccompanionship,’’she said. “‘ How about to-morrow at seven?” “T’ll be here,” he assured her, and then he watched her as she ran lightly up the slope to the residence. Fully aware that this light-hearted companionship meant nothing to her and spelled wretchedness for him, he returned slowly to his quarters. The charm of her, the witchery of her, her beauty, her sweet friendliness! “You're get- For the first time in his life he en-- vied those who had wealth. What did this fellow Forbes possess more than himself, except money? Well, he was better-looking, too. Steve hated him. He met Mildred next morning at seven and spent a delicious hour. The following day she did not come and he sorrowed, but the third day she ap- peared again. “] just overslept,” she told him. “ But last night I set an alarm clock. I wouldn’t give up these mornings for anything.” HORTLY after lunch — Steve lunched alone in the breakfast room of the big house—he was sit- ting before his key when Franklin Forbes came through the open door. 441 “ Hello!” he said curtly. Forbes did not return the salutation, but helped himself to a chair. “Tl want to talk to you,” he said. “T happened to get up early this morn- ing, and looking out my window saw you on the beach with Miss Lovering.” ** Indeed.” “You apparently misunderstand your position here,” continued Forbes in his most arrogant tone. “ You have no business making use of the beach except when none of the household are using it.” 6é Yes raed “Yes. You are a paid employee, a menial if you want it straight from the shoulder, and you ought to know enough to keep your place.” Reardon rose. His eyes glittered dangerously behind his glasses, and he was very pale. ““Now understand your place,” he said. “ This is my office. While I am employed here, I am in charge. You get to hell out.” Forbes was up and facing him. ““T shall leave when I get good and ready. I came here to give you a tip rather than going to Mr. Lovering. You choose to be insolent. You leave me no-choice.”’ “Tn a couple of seconds I’m going to take a wallop at the place where you are standing,’ warned Reardon. “ You tell Mr. Lovering anything you please, but you’ve said your say to me. or fight.” Forbes looked him over. ‘I hap- pen to be a good boxer, and I think I could cut you to pieces,” he replied scornfully. “ However, I wouldn’t | soil my hands on a servant.” He stepped backward out upon the porch, then strode swiftly away. EARDON followed him to the door and watched him depart. Two angry red spots replaced the white in his cheeks. Then he shrugged his shoulders and went back to his key. Of course this had to happen. It was i} chook ‘S: ‘com :