Argosy (UK), January 1955 — page 121: what you’re looking at

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

CAPTAIN LIGHTFOOT - 119 You ride in the coach, Captain. You are a lawyer, going to Water- ford. Dress plainly. I doubt anybody will bother such an equipage. Travel the Dublin road openly. If there’s trouble, it is no problem to unharness the thoroughbreds, and that will leave an innocent four-horse coach with two accredited liverymen.” “Done,” cried Michael curtly, and both Big Tom and Trim heaved sighs of relief. ‘“* 1 should be back in a week,” said Michael, feeling more than a little awkward with Ara, who, very much upset, was overdoing her attitude of indifference. “Oh?” said Ara. ‘ It’s not much of a trip, then.” * No, nothing at all. A mere jaunt.” But Ara was remembering ‘“‘ mere jaunts ”’ of Doherty’s that had extended to months and almost a year. ** Just a week, you say? ”’ she inquired as if making conversation to fill in a gap of silence. Actually, she wanted to weep and fling herself into his arms and beg him not to go, or, if he must, to take her with him. “Two at most,” said Michael, who was finding it much more difficult to leave Ara than he had thought. But on the other hand, the girl seemed to make nothing of the parting at all. It was as if he were setting out for the Mansion of an evening, as he’d done for so many months. “Well...” he said vaguely; then he bent down and patted Princey on the head. At least the little white fellow seemed dis- tressed. “Well,” said Ara, wishing he would go at once so she wouldn’t break down and cry and make a bothersome fool of herself. “‘ We . .. we’ve never been apart before, Mick,’’ she couldn’t help saying. ** Not even for one night. It will seem strange.” *€ Yes,’ said Michael, glancing at her hopefully. “‘ Very strange.” “* But then,”’ said Ara hurriedly, “ it will probably be good for us. I... 1 sometimes think perhaps we were seeing too much of each Senet... ~ “Yes,” said Michael, freezing. “‘ You are probably right. Now I should go.” They stood looking at each other for a moment, and during the silence Princey got up on his hind legs and did his only trick, walking about with awkward little hops, trying to get them to pay some attention to him. “Well,” said Michael, and he leaned forward and kissed Ara on the cheek, then the mouth. Her lips were cool and unresponsive. * Well,” said Michael again, drawing back; then he turned quickly and went out, slamming the door. Ara stared at the door for a long time, struggling for ‘control, then she picked up Princey and ran. with him to her room, where she locked the door, burst out into wild sobs, and flung herself across the bed. comicloooks.comn