Argosy (UK), January 1955 — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

—— ~~; ‘ ve a . = : ; bag * one — ™ ” & et = “ LOVE OF SEVEN DOLLS j 95 IT only had to pretend because I’m the manager . . . Welcome to | -__ Poil de Carotte and the family of Capitaine Coq.” — From below there sounded the sardonic yapping of the Fox, and . the shrill voice of Gigi, ‘‘ Why does she have to come with us? There isn’t enough for everybody now.” - Madame Muscat whisked across the stage once, croaking, -_ -** Remember, I warned you.” -. Ali rose and rumbled: ‘“‘ Gee, I’m glad. I need looking after because I’m so stupid. Scratch my head.” Carrot Top suddenly became efficient. ‘‘ Not now, Ali. We've ~ got to get cracking. Golo! Golo, where are you? ” “* Right here, little boss.”” The Senegalese appeared from behind | the booth. “* Mouche is coming with us. Find her a place in the car... The negro shouted, ‘‘ Bravo. That’s mighty good luck for us. ____I find her a place in the car.” eB *“’Then come back and strike the set, Golo.” : “Yes, sir, little boss. Strike the set. I'll do that. You come . along with me, Miss, and I fix you right up.” He picked up Mouche’s valise and went with her to the Citroén where he stowed it in the boot. Then he looked into the back seat ___ of the car which was buried beneath pieces of old clothing, news- e3 papers, maps, bits of costumes for the puppets, and props, packages, “2 4 pe a bottle of beer, a half-eaten loaf of bread, tools, and a spare tin of petrol, along with other masculine litter. Golo began a futile rummaging. ‘ Don’t look like they’s much + room, but...” os Mouche took over. ‘‘ Never mind, Golo. I promised Carrot Top I’d look after things. I’ll have it tidied up in no time.” __.. So bemused and enchanted was she that not once did she give a = thought to that other who would also be there, the unseen puppe- - teer who animated the seven dolls. When she had finished, it was only the spare tin of petrol which had defeated her and she emerged 2 irom the car, searching for Golo to ask his advice. or, Yet when Mouche discovered him nearby, she found herself ES unable to call, or even speak, so strange and ominous was the sight . that met her eyes. For the booth with all its endearing occupants had vanished from the spot it had occupied and now lay flat, a compact pile of board, canvas, oilcloth, and painted papier maché, tarpaulined and roped by Golo, who was finishing the job with the sure movements of Z long practice. None of the puppets was in sight: they reposed presumably in the trunk that stood nearby. But the pole with the flaming gasolene torch was still there and against it leaned a man Mouche had not seen before. , He was clad in corduroy trousers, rough shoes, and was wearing a roll-neck sweater under some kind of old army fatigue-jacket. A stocking-cap was pulled down on one side of his head and a cigarette hung from his lips. comicloooks.comn