The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

SIDE-TRACKED AT GREEN GAP. truth. Harvey knows that his departure just now would upset things dreadfully. I expect to go away at the end of the week and there will be no one left. One of the other must remain. Of course, if Harvey insists upon leaving—why—” “ Oh, no, old chap,” interposed. Harvey. “T wouldn’t interfere with your little trip for anything. Such a jolly party going, too. Wish I might be along, but busi- ness—”’ “See here, Mr. Bowyer,” broke in the doctor, earnestly looking from one to the other and speaking in a serious. tone, “vou treat this matter lightly. It is nothing to laugh about. No matter what your plans or your brother’s may be, nothing should interfere with your im- mediate departure for the West. You have no time to lose. This is a question of life or death. EI am sorry you did not send for me sooner. I had no idea you were in so bad shape,” he added gravely. At last his words impressed his patient. “You mean it!” exclaimed Harvey. “ Am—am I really going to die?” “Not if you follow orders,’ answered the physician. ‘“‘ Hot Springs is not such a bad place. You can have a very pleas- ant time there, and will find any number of persons from your own social circle who are taking time by the forelock and fitting themselves for a = more sparring rounds with gaiety.” With a hopeless glance in the direction of James, who preserved an inscrutable - expression, Harvey said slowly: ‘Well, doctor, if you insist, I suppose I must.” “Really, Mr. Bowyer, one would think that you were conferring a great favor on me by consenting to save your own life,” and the doctor’s mouth relaxed in a dry smile. ‘“ By the way, when shall I start?” in- quired Harvey. ‘‘ Next week or the week after?” “You must leave to-morrow,” said Fleming. ‘“ To-morrow—” began the other, but a look from the physician silenced him. commanded Harvey. 263 ' “ All right, then,” he added. “ By the way, can’t you go with me, doctor?” ‘“ Impossible. Lk can’t leave just now.” ‘““ Not for ”°— Harvey mentioned a sum of money which almost teok the plhysi- cian’s breath, accustomed as he was. to large amounts. ‘“ Well, since you insist,” he said with a smile. ‘““T will order my private car to be in readiness,” went on Harvey. “ We can take that early afternoon train.”’ The doetor left to make his: own prep- arations for the umexpected journey. “So you are really going,” began James. ‘ There’s nothing else to do,” rejoined Harvey. “I’m sorry about your trip, old chap. But I really don’t want to die just yet. Come, cheer up. Don’t look so downhearted about it. One would think me about to pass in my checks.” But James’s face did not lose its ex- pression of dejection. The Japanese valet entered the library at this moment im answer to a ring. ‘Now, Suka, get a hustle on you,” “Have all my things ready for my private car. Be sure you don’t forget anything.” The Jap showed no surprise. ‘“We go where?” he asked im even tones. “To Hot Springs, Arkansas,” answered Harvey. be gone a long time.” The next day the evening papers con- tained long accounts of the hasty depar- ture of Mr. Harvey Bowyer and retinue, and all sorts of speculations as to the reason except the correct one were in- dulged ‘in. CHAPTER. II. THE CONSPIRACY. T the termination of the consultation with Dr. Fleming James Bowyer went directly to his office. His manner was decidedly preoccupied, and his employees were unable to extract ~~» COMMICLOOKS “ Tt’s a long trip, and we shall. (C@