The Argosy, September 1915 — page 90: what you’re looking at

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

304 She thrust two red-and-gold badges into his hand so roughly that the pins pricked him. “Tt took you three dances,’ he erumbled as he sucked one of his fingers. “Well, I got them!” she exclaimed fiercely. “ Now let me see you do something.” For answer, he coolly pinned one of the badges against her snow - white gown and stepped back to study the result. “Now we belong,’ he commented as he affixed the second badge to the lapel of his coat. ‘‘Of course, it makes us just like common folks, but we can’t be particular, considering what we’re after. Did your partners happen to notice that they’d been frisked?”’ Rosalind forbore to answer; she was outraged and incensed. “Remember, now!’’ he cautioned. “We're both on the committee. What we say goes. And if you try to run out on me, look out, ma’am,”’ Her figure stiffened perceptibly. “Not afraid?” he asked. “T’m rather inclined to believe that you are,” said Rosalind coldly. * Come on, then,” said the boatman. Together, they walked into the lobby of the hotel. All of the dancers were elsewhere, but the clerks and the bell- boys were in their accustomed places. Across the lobby, their red badges pro- claiming ostentatious sympathy with a war-stricken hemisphere, the boatman and Rosalind Chalmers made their way at a deliberate pace. There was a flush in her cheeks—not of guilt, but of shame. If any one should see! “Loosen up a little,” he cautioned ina whisper. “‘ Act human. Remem- ber you're just common folks now. Smile at me; you're not headed for a funeral. That’s better; that’s more natural.” They paused in front of the glass case. For a second time Rosalind’s glance rested upon her bracelet. The sight filled her with new courage, THE ARGOSY. Sam turned and beckoned authori- tatively toward a uniformed youth who lolled on a bench. “Yes, sir,” said the boy as he ad- vanced and saluted. “Get some of the other boys or some porters. We want this case moved,’ he said briskly. The boy eyed him doubtfully. ‘It’s to be taken into the ballroom, isn’t it?’ inquired the boatman, turn- ing to Rosalind. “Of course,” she answered. “It’s getting no display here at all,” said Sam, turning to the boy. “The committee wants it where the guests can see it. Hurry up, now. Get some boys.” “T'll speak to the manager,” said the bell-hop. “Mr. Saunders? No need; I’ve already spoken to him. And he said to make you boys jump. Incidentally, there’s half a dollar apiece in it for you. Step lively!” The boy was galvanized. He made a swift gesture to a uniformed group on the other side of the lobby, and was joined by four other boys. ‘Now, boys,” explained the boat- man, “‘ this case is to be moved into the ballroom. We want it to get a little advertising. You must be very care- ful with it.” The five boys nodded and ranged themselves about the table. “Youll see why you must be care- ful if you look inside,” continued Sam. “There’s a lot of valuable stuff in there, boys—stuff that can be broken if it’s handled roughly. Stuff that might be lost, too—and couldn’t be re- placed. “See that pair of earrings? They’ll sell for fifty dollars, easy. See those brass candlesticks? They’re worth twenty-five. And if there wasn’t any- thing else in the case, that bracelet is enough to make you careful. It’s worth a hundred at the very least; perhaps five hundred. Now, do you understand?” The five boys were staring in fas- CEOLMICLOOOKS (E@)