The Argosy, Vol. 81, No. 4 — page 138: what you’re looking at

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

704 little grove of plants that effectually con- cealed him from those he had suddenly de- cided to watch. Thus ensconced something of the mean nature of his deceit smote him, but he stifled his conscience with the thought that if he were to rescue this girl from the meshes in which she appeared to be in volved he must balk at nething. “Jack, it is our chance to make fifty thousand dollars,” he heard her say. “All you have to do is to hand out the papérs and the whole thing is dene. It is as simple as anything.” “But why me?” asked the officer. “Any person dressed as an officer could do it. I hate to play this part; besides it is dan- gerous, too.” “Don’t be silly, Jack,” Helen retorted. “What danger can there be?” ““My commission.” . “Jack,” she cried, “you are perfectly silly! Suppose there was just a tiny little risk. Look at the money. You wouldn’t be cashiered; you might be _ court- martialed—”’ He was studying her thoughtfully, and at length he nodded. “Well, all right,” he agreed. “You go ahead and when: you are ready with your scheme let me know.” Then, to Lansing’s horror, she went to him, and throwing her arms about the man’s neck, kissed him. Lansing cowered behind the plants as the two brushed past and then followed them out to the dance floor, sick at heart. To his great surprise he saw the officer walk straight up to Nealis’s sister, and seizing her round the waist, whirl off in the dance with her. Lansing avoided Helen, who, in fact, was claimed by Nealis, as soon as she ap- peared. He bent his attention to watch- ing the officer and Dorothy, who soon wearied of the dance and walked toward the conservatory, laughingly conversing. Lansing followed them warily, and as they made toward the seat he and Helen had occupied, he saw the blue arm slip about the white waist of Nealis’s sister. The young man’s rage may perhaps be imagined. This Lothario apparently thought he had the run of this dance and could flit from flower to flower sipping honey like any busy bee. Well, magnetic as he was, Lansing determined to put a crimp in his present activities at least. ‘THE ARGOSY. As soon, therefore as he could catch Nealis’s eye he beckoned to him and drew him into a corner. “Arn,” he asked, “do you know that soldier chap who is here in uniform?” “T suppose you mean the fellow who has been hanging around my sister all even- ing.” Nealis yawned. “I—I believe Doro- thy is going to marry him and that this shindig to-night is for the purpose of an- nouncing it. It has been a secret among father and mother and sis. They didn’t tell me before I imagine because of my _ known inability to keep things to myself.” “T see.” Lansing nodded grimly. “So he’s going to marry Dorothy, eh!” “Sure, why not?” asked Nealis. ‘She > has to marry some one, doesn’t she? And he’s a rather distinguished officer, I hear.” “Is he,” growled Lansing, “what’s his name?” “Capt— Capt.—” Nealis knit his brows. “By Jove, the name has gone clean out of my mind; I'll get it in a minute.” “Yes you will,” retorted Lansing irrit- ably. “In the meantime go and ask some one, will you.” But Nealis’s hand was on his friend’s shoulder. “T have it, Stew,” he cried. “It’s Grang- er, Captain John Halsey Granger.” “Granger!” It was now Lansing’s turn to seize Nealis’s shoulder and he did so with a grip of steel. ‘Look here, you mutt, what relation is this officer, Granger, to Helen Granger—you know the girl I’ve been having all this fuss over?” “Helen Granger—John Granger. Well, I’m hanged if I know. Isn’t it possible that they are not at all related?” ' “Tt 4s possible,” Lansing laughed, turn- ing away, “but I’ll wager you a new hat it isn’t probable. Wait, I'll find out.” He ran off to find Helen, but she, as it happened, saw him first, as she came in from one of the veranda chairs. “Mr, — er — Stewart,” she said, coming up to him, blushing, ‘“I’d forgotten, having so many things on my mind—but I want you to meet my brother, Captain Granger. Mother and—” “Your brother!” with relief. ey our” “My brother,” she repeated. ‘Does it really strike aS you so absurd I should have a brother?” Lansing almost reeled EOPMMICOOOKS (E@)