The Argosy, Vol. 61, No. 4 — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

JUST FOR SPITE. and Pete had been placed under a bond to insure his appearance as witness at the trial, if anybody was arrested. Hicks dragged througli the afternoon’s work and took a train half an hour later than his usual one, in order to avoid meeting his enemy. The surprise and chagrin were, therefore, mutual when the two men accidentally bumped into each other in the smoker. - Neither admitted the other’s presence, and they both slumped into seats as dis- tant from each other as possible. They walked home fifteen feet apart, and disappeared into their separate dwellings. ‘“ Anything new, asked his wife. ‘“No, only I went to a card-party this afternoon, and I overheard several choice bits of sarcasm.” “Vou have to expect that in being the wife of a public character,’ Hicks re- joined, swelling up. “Oh, John, I wish you had never got into this affair. It’s awful. People look at me as though I were the wife of a criminal, and their air is so sympa- thetic.” “Was Mrs. Pierce there?” 66 Yes.”’ “ Did you speak to her?” the head of the house demanded with a frown. “Why, of course not. How could I, after all that has happened? It was very noticeable, but we both had to cut each other in order to keep up appear- ances.”’ “That’s good. I’m glad you think enough of me to keep up appearances for _ my sake.” “But, John, it was so hard. You know, Mrs. Pierce and I have been friends for so long, and it seems to be such a small thing for you two to fight over.” ‘ Bertha, Hicks. Dinner was announced at that mo- ment, before Mrs. Hicks had further chance to surprise her husband. The little Hickses crowded into the dining-room, and their stern parent be- gan serving the meal. He had almost finished the task, when the maid, Sarah, placed a note in front of him. Hicks tore it open and swiftly ab- Bertha?” you surprise me,” cried Hicks - 639 sorbed the contents. His face reddened, and the veins in his neck swelled omi- nously. “What's this?” he cried in a startled voice. : ‘Shure, an’ I don’t know, sor. The little Pierce gurl just fetched it to the back doore.” “That scoundrel, Pierce! Oh, if I had him here!”’ Hicks forgot himself and pounded the table with a nervous fist. His wife jumped up quickly and rushed around to his place, leaned over his shoulder, and eagerly read the fol- lowing inflammatory epistle: Mr. JoHN Hicks, ADDRESSED: EsTEEMED Sir—Thanks for the ax- handle. I hardly expected it of you, but I am greatly pleased to find that you have enough sense of right and manliness enough to offer some reparation for your strenuous services in making me lose a good tenant for the summer. Very sincerely, RICHARD P. PIERCE. ‘Reparation — reparation!’ snorted Hicks. Gee! I’m glad he lost out on the deal, though, and didn’t rent his house for the summer. I’m glad I did tear up his old sidewalk, and I’m glad we didn’t have time to put it down. I’m glad all the way through.” , He caught himself suddenly and looked around at the staring children, a bit shamefacedly. Then he burst out excitedly: ‘But the ax-handle! What ax-handle can he mean? I’ve sent him no ax-han- dle.”’ He turned on his wife with suspicion in his eye. “ Bertha,’ demanded Mr. Hicks, ‘Bertha, did you try to patch up a friendship between us by sending him a new handle?” “Why, no, John. all that has happened. affair, not mine.” ‘Bertha, you surprise me,” He cried. “T am your husband, and my quarrel should be your quarrel.” He looked around at the gaping children again, and cooled down somewhat. ‘“ Who could How foolish, after Besides, it’s your ‘“As though I owed fim any! EO VOO (©