The Argosy, August 1914 — page 95: what you’re looking at

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

NOBODY LOVES. A LOSER. tion, Jack, as you know perfectly well —fit only for the dregs—”’ “Wait a minute—wait,” interrupt- ed Sam Levine. “ Prob’ly you don’t know that I got feelings same as any- body else.” “T beg your pardon, my dear sir— I really do,” cried Jack’s uncle pro- fusely. “I forgot. myself again. We'll not mention prize - fighting again.” ““Mebbe that’s all right, and mebbe it ain’t.””. Sam was by now thor- oughly aroused. ‘‘ And mebbe I got something to say, too.” The two men turned toward him, wondering what. was coming, His manner was portentous. “Jack,” said the manager, “ what would you say to squaring your record by going against the champ August 15?” CHAPTER: XXII, UNCLE LAWRIE S ULTIMATUM. BrroreE Jack had recovered from his first wonderment as to the signifi- cance of the question, his uncle, Law- rence Follansby, was on, his feet. His face was flushed with anger, and his well-nourished neck swelled like a turkey gobbler’s. “What do you mean, sir?” he de- manded. ‘“ Are you insinuating that my nephew, John Garrett Follansby, could be induced to enter an arena and fight some low-browed ruffian with his fists? After your kindness, Mr. Le- vine, [ am loath to believe you are intentionally insulting, but—” “Wait a minute, uncle,” urged Jack, rising also and slipping an arm around his shoulders. “Sit down again and give Mr. Levine a chance. It's going to rain, and wed better go inside. After all, you know, it wouldn’t be a virgin experience of the ring,” The older man allowed himself to be guided into the house, but after he was established continued to glare lic for money? 86 truculently at Sam. The latter, no whit abashed, repeated his inquiry. “Should I not ask a question if I have one?” he inquired. “ Let me tell you something that mebbe you didn’t think of already. “Suppose I wanted Jack here to fight.” He directed his declaration at the senior Follansby. “Suppose I told it you that when I found again where he was, I would let you know. “ But I didn’t need to let you know right off, did I? I could have waited a month or two. Then, after I had got out of him what I wanted, it would ‘have been time to keep my promise, wouldn’t it? Say, when did you get a letter from me?” “Yesterday,” the elder Follansby replied, wondering what the manager was driving at. “That’s it. I just heard it Sunday that Jack was here. You see?” Uncle Lawrie was still some dis- tance from seeing. Jack did, however, and nodded. <A little spark of desire was lighting in his bosom. Was it possible he could have a chance to re- trieve? “IT knew, Sam,” he said. “ You think you might have held back, but - you couldn’t. Your conscience wouldn’t let you.” “My conscience [ don’t know. However, I did as I said. Nobody can tell me [ didn’t. Now I ask you, Jack, would you fight?” “For the championship? Next month?” cried Jack, with sparkling eyes. Sure., For the belt. You can pull it down,“too, Jack, barring accidents, Of course, a man might always. run his jaw against a stiff arm jolt, but we don’t figure to. What do you say?” “ He says—” Uncle Lawrie began ponderously. Jack stopped him. “Forgive me, uncle. This is my business. Let me handle it.” “ But, for Heaven’s sake, Jack,’ the other said, “ you can’t be seriously en- tertaining any idea of fighting in pub- Why, the thing’s un- COMMICLOOOKS (C@