The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 1 — page 146: what you’re looking at

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

136 “Tam a business associate,” Preston replied slowly. ‘‘ I wish you would mark the distinction—a business associate. As to my friends,” he added slowly, “ 1 am rather inclined to be a bit particular.” She eyed him curiously, and then, as though satisfied, her face lighted up. “And yet,” she said, “ you. would not be his business partner if you did not trust him absolutely?” This was put in the form of a ques- tion. She paused, as though waiting for an answer. Preston did not give it immediately. He frowned and seemed to be considering her words. At length he looked up. “T don’t know what to say. It is not my habit to attack any one. Much less is it easy for me to speak my mind con- cerning a person when that person hap- pens to be the friend of a girl with whom I am friendly.” As she started to speak he raised his hand. “Just one moment; I hope you will believe what I have said. But on the other hand there are occasions when—” He paused. ‘When not to speak is merely false loyalty,” she prompted him. “Well, you might say that. For ex- ample, I might say something about Finch, and you would have every right tu attribute my words to a desire to hurt him in your eyes—advancing my inter- ests by pulling him down.” “No, I would not.” She shook her head emphatically. “I know exactly how you feel. But you must remember, I have asked you to speak.” “No you haven’t,” Preston denied, * not in so many words at least, but just the same I am going to tell you this: Icok out that you do not get too deeply involved with Harold Finch. There’s something loose about him, something wrong somewhere. He wasn’t always so, but he has a perfect passion for making money, and I’m beginning to believe that he has got to a stage where he does not care how he makes it.”’ THE ARGOSY. Preston settled back in his chair. ‘ [ wouldn’t tell you this unless I were interested in you,” he resumed. ‘* But Iam and above all things I wish to see you happy. I don’t think Hal could ever make you so; in fact, quite the contrary.” She studied his good-natured face with its stanch gray eyes. Then she leaned forward, speaking in a low voice. “T am going to tell you something, Mr. Preston, and ask your advice. I have been a little bit worried all morning.” She then proceeded to relate the in- cidents of the previous evening, the fire, the ride to the city in the train and all that went with it. When she had con- cluded she sat back. ‘Now what do you think of it all, Mr. Preston, and what shall I do? What is he trying to do, and why is he so inter- ested in my affairs?” ‘He wants to marry you, because you have money,” replied Preston bluntly. “And if you don’t look out he will.” Her eyes flashed. “Oh, no, he won’t,” she cried. not quite so weak as all that. way there are reasons—”’ She bit her lips and ceased speaking abruptly. ‘You have never asked me for the privilege, Mr. Preston,’ she went on after a second, “ but any time you care to I should love to have you call.” Preston showed that he appreciated her invitation, and after some desultory con- versation they arose from the table, the girl going .to a woman’s club to which she belonged and Preston making his way to the office. : He found Finch seated. like a statue at his desk, waiting for word from Squires’s lawyers. He got up eagerly as Preston entered. “Tam And any- * Well, what did old Renault say? Is it all right?” “No, it isn’t,’ Preston returned. “ Renault won’t give us a minute over- time. He says we need a lesson in COMIC OOOKS (C@)