Argosy All-Story Weekly — "Sea Marauders" — page 48: what you’re looking at

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

470 “The other guy takes a lot of risk,” was Black’s rather grim response. “If old Dud Millbrook got wise to the fact that he had a traitor in camp he’d start fanning the warpath pronto. Mill- brook’s a hell raiser when he gets going.” Hollis Black glanced meaningly at Spofford as he uttered this. “ And as far as that goes, you don’t take any risk either—holding the cards you have. It’s everything to gain and prac- tically nothing to lose.” Spofford did not venture to deny this assertion, “Tl strain a point,” he said. “ You can each have your ten per cent—after the deal’s finished and I’ve turned the information into cold cash.”’ “That’s fair enough. I guess he ain’t expecting any cash in advance.” “Naturally you'll take care of his end—pay him off when the time comes for settlement.” “ Sure; it ain’t likely he’ll want any- body else in the know. That hombre’s crawling along on mighty thin ice, and and I’ve a hunch he’s wise to the fact. Lucky you*hold that Three Star Dot paper, eh, chief? You've got foresight enough to sink a battleship.” Spofford accepted the compliment with becoming modesty. © : “T generally manage to look after my own interest,” he replied. “ The principal, too, eh, Hollis? Ha, ha!’ Black echoed his superior’s laugh. “Tl say you do! Think you'll have any trouble freezing Peggy Winsome out?” “Tut, tut, Hollis!’ Spofford pro- tested, though there was more of a hint of amusement underneath the words. “ That’s a coarse way to phrase it. “Fverything I do will be open and aboveboard—as always. Though of course if people persist in playing into my hand I can’t do less than take ad- vantage of the opportunity.” He dis- carded his cigar, selecting a fresh one from the box. 3 ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “In other words, chief,” Hollis Black laughed, “ you’re like any sensi- ble man—not in business for your health. I shouldn’t call you a philan- thropist.” “Ha, ha,” Spofford chuckled, while his cold eyes twinkled at Hollis Black. ‘““T don’t suppose the fact that you and Millbrook are on opposite sides of the fence makes you any less keen to tackle this game,” Black hazarded. spofford swore under his breath, the amused twinkle gone from his eyes aiid his-face suddenly savage. Black shrewdly watched him. “There’s nobody on earth I’d rather sink the hooks in than that damned rancher,” he growled thickly. “ He did me once—on that deal over toward French Creek, and just when T thought I had him. This ought to even things up. IJ’ll start acting on your information right away, but probably do a little investigating on my Own account in the meanwhile.” “Investigate all you want to,” Black said carelessly. “I’m telling you facts that come straight from headquar- ters.” “See Carl Davis this morning?” Spofford put in, abruptly changing the subject. “Yeah. I ran into Carl a little while ago over at Varney’s place, putting down his first drink. “Send him around here, will you?” “Sure thing. Likely he ain’t left Varney’s yet.” And Mr. Black de- parted as he entered—by the rear door. POFFORD went to a substantial safe in one corner of the office, capable fingers turning the dial to the correct numbers. Certain of his private documents Spofford preferred to keep here, rather than in the main vault, where curious, prying clerks might have access to them. He swung open the heavy door, and from a drawer he extracted a bundle of papers, picking out one and return- ing the others. Swinging shut the safe = ea oe “- Pngpe =) = ~ on * a a a a