The Argosy, September 1915 — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

~ ONE-CYLINDER SAM. “You mean—”’ “T mean if I took it, why, it would seem like cutting loose from a pal. And I don’t—” “You beast!” ‘* Another new one,’ he commented - blandly. “T have a mind—” She paused midway in the sentence. She did not know what she had a mind - to do, to tell the truth. Rosalind was completely dismayed. He meant to hold this: thing over her; to terrorize her; perhaps—she turned cold at the thought—to attempt to employ her in some new lawless raid! ‘Don’t worry, ma’am,” he said as if reading her thoughts. “I won't say a word to anybody. Lord! I wouldn't tell on you; I just can’t, you see. That being the case, what’s the use of my taking your money in that fashion and only creating bad feeling between us? ” The boldness of the fellow’s assump- tion sickened her. “Please allow me to pay,’ coldly. He shook his head.. “We'll let it stand the way it is. I never squealed on a pal yet,” he re- plied. “T cannot remain under an obliga- tion, no matter how unjust it may be,” she declared in a firm voice. “I insist upon paying.” “'There’s no obligation, ma’am— not the least. The account’s all square. I did the job; you made the getaway. It’s a fifty-fifty proposition. I’m not doing you any favor.” Rosalind was in a white fury. Her fingers curled around the stock of the little automatic in her pocket, although she knew quite well she would not em- ploy the weapon. This creature called her his—pal! Called her—a Chalmers —by a vulgar name from his under- world! And she was helpless! ‘You may take me back,” she com- manded suddenly. “ Right!” He started the engine, swung the boat in a wide circle, and laid a course cares J she said 257 for Witherbee’s Island. They had covered half of the return journey be- fore she spoke again. Then: ““T may as well warn you that they are preparing to make a thorough hunt for the thief, and that the residents are about to organize, and probably to employ detectives.” “Thank you, ma’am.” “You may act accordingly or not, as you choose.” ‘It’s very kind of you,” he said humbly. “I’m sure you show the right spirit, ma’am. That’s the way it ought to be between—”’ Rosalind whirled upon him. “Don’t you ever dare to employ that word to me again!” “Oh, all right,” he sighed. meant to be neighborly.” It was some minutes later when she observed : “JT might add that one of the gentle- men staying with Mr. Witherbee is al- ready on the watch for you.” The boatman looked surprised. ‘He uses a pair of glasses to keep track of you.” ““ What’s his name? ” “Mr. Morton.” An exclamation from the steersman. “ Morton—the Englishman? ” ‘Evidently you know him.” “N-no; I don’t exactly know him. But I ktiow who you mean. Tall man, yellow mustache?” Rosalind nodded. “Hum!” said Sam_ reflectively. “How long has he been at Wither- bee’s?” “J haven’t the least idea.” “He’s spoken of me, has he? ” ce Vea” “What did he say? ” “Why, nothing, really; except that he asked.some questions in order to identify you and said he had seen you. I told him you had brought me down.” “ Did you tell him when I brought you?” inquired the boatman. ‘““ Well, I said—or perhaps I let him infer—that you brought me down this morning.” “T just (E) VNOOLKS AMUG (C@)