The Argosy, Vol. 83 No. 1 — page 42: what you’re looking at

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

32 They crossed old Depot Lane, and Jerry mentioned that just below them was the point where the eddies had seized the canoe and inaugurated their adventure. “Tt is Fort Washington Point now,” he explained, ‘‘but it used to be called Jef- frey’s Hook, and it was just off there that Washington sank some ships to block the advance of the British fleet.” “JT suppose that toy whirlpool varies in violence a good deal, doesn’t it?” asked Exmoor. “It’s a trick of the tides, I imag- ine.” Hampton nodded. “Bad as it must have seemed to you,” he answered, “‘it really doesn’t amount to much. You would scarcely notice it in anything heavier than a canoe.” The Arrowhead Inn loomed brightly be- fore them, and Hampton halted and drew the other’s attention to the courtyard, with its orderly rows of waiting limousines, touring cars and runabouts. “Tf you have no fear of observation in such a glare of light,” he said, ‘‘we’ll go in for a while.” “T’ll take the chance,” answered Ex- moor, and presently they were seated at a secluded table in a corner of the main room. Jerry ordered cool drinks and some cigars, and they talked quietly and glanced over the crowd of motorists. Suddenly Exmoor gave a start, and a look of eager interest came into his eyes. “Don’t turn around too abruptly,” he whispered, “but an automobile has just left two people at the door—they’re com- ing in now—and I’m sure that the girl is Miss Delroy.” Jerry was instantly alert and uneasy. At a signal from Exmoor that it was safe to venture a look he turned cautiously and saw a man and a girl sitting down at one of the central tables. He flushed slightly and his lips tight- ened as he resumed his former position. “Ves,” he said crisply; “Miss Delroy and that—-er— Mr. Foxford. Great Heavens! Exmoor, I can’t understand it at all! It isn’t possible that a girl of her THE ARGOSY. spirit and intelligence could be actually forced to accept the attentions of a fellow like that.” Exmoor from his seat had the other pair in full view. “Well, I can’t say that the lady seems to be undergoing an ordeal,” he observed mercilessly. “From the fact that the waiter is taking an order for supper, we may assume that she still has an appetite; and she converses with her escort in a con- ventional, unruffled manner. I think I should describe the affair as perfectly reg- ular. “Forgive me if I seem unsympathetic, Hampton, but I have noticed that a good motor-car and a pocket-book that opens automatically when brought near a res- taurant or place of amusement go a long way toward making a man endurable to a girl. As a proof of my brutal honesty, Ill venture to disagree with your description of the man. He appears to me a fair type of the average idiot-about-town, but I think that the galaxy of compound ad- jectives you hurled at him last night were inspired by sincere but extremely acute prejudice.” Jerry shrugged his shoulders and offered no defense. ‘Do you think they have seen us yet?” he asked nervously. “Apparently not,” answered the other; ‘they are entirely absorbed in each other’s society. I will issue bulletins from time to time and keep you informed.” “Tf wish we could get out of the place without being seen,” muttered the younger man, thoroughly disgruntled. “The gentleman,” announced Exmoor facetiously, “is as prodigal as a Russian grand duke used to be in Paris. The waiter is placing all of the essentially high- priced delicacies of the season on the table, and I see glasses which were fashioned to hold only champagne.” Hampton made a gesture of profound disgust. “Cheer up!” exclaimed the watcher a minute later; “the lady has_ scruples proper to her youth and maidenly dignity; CORNIGLOOKS (©)