The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

SIDE-TRACKED you have been complaining of his wretched management of affairs. And now you speak of his continuing to do just that as if it were your greatest wish.” “Tt is,” answered James. “But you must have changed your mind very suddenly.” “T have,” said James. “See here, Chester, you and I have been friends too long to have any secrets at this late day. You know that I have always loved my brother.” ‘““T knew that you did love him until he took that freaky notion to run things,” observed Barton. ‘‘ He’s about as fit to manage big affairs as a cat. Every one is laughing at him. He believes he is mak- ing a great success of it, too.” “ And no one can tell him to the con- trary,” said James. ‘‘ Now, I am the one to run this estate.” “ There is no doubt on that score,” re- plied Barton. ‘‘ You had demonstrated that before Harvey got active.” “‘ Chester,” said James, stopping in his pacings and looking his friend straight in the eye, ‘‘ my brother has been ordered by Dr. Fleming to leave the city to-morrow afternoon for a long stay.” ‘You don’t say!” cried Barton. “ Flem- ing is playing right into your hands.” “How do you figure that out?” asked James quickly. “ Because, of course, Harvey will be unable to run things while he is away, and you can get back your old job again.”’ “ You’re all wrong. MHarvey’s absence is the very worst thing that could happen to me. Fleming gave us to understand very plainly that he is on the verge of galloping consumption!” “Then he won’t live long,” Barton easily. “Not if he remains in town,” James with significance. “Ah!” exclaimed the other with a deep breath of understanding. ‘‘ So in order to live—” *‘ And also to manage the estate—”’ in- terrupted James. —“‘he is going away to—”’ observed said AT GREEN GAP, 265 “To Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he will stay until he gets well and strong; then he will return and take up the man- agement once more.” ‘“* T see,” said Barton. ‘‘ The doctor says there is absolutely no hope for him unless he leaves at once. Business and social duties will kill him ir. six months or less.”’ ‘“ He does look wretched, come to think of it,’ was Barton’s comment. “ And he is going to follow the doctor’s orders?” “Yes. At first he didn’t want to, but that old Fleming has a way of convincing people. Harvey is busy getting his car ready now. They leave at one to-mor- row afternoon. The doctor goes with him. It’s an absolutely sure cure under such | circumstances.” ‘What are you going to do?” asked Barton. “That’s just it. I have thought and thought until I’m dizzy, but I have not been able to hatch out a scheme that will prevent him from going. By the way, did you have anything particular on hand when you called?” ‘ Nothing, except that I am on the look- out for money. I’ve got to get some, somehow. I lost a fortune last night at cards. I thought you could help me out by suggesting a plan.” “Ha, ha! That’s good,” laughed James. ‘‘ The idea of my helping you to plan. I tell you what I’ll do. You find a way to keep Harvey from—”’ “ From getting well and strong again?” struck in Barton suggestively. “You do put things so bluntly,” jected James. leaving town ’?” ‘“What’s the use of beating around the bush?” “Well, keep him at home and I will give you enough money to enable you to lose a few more fortunes at cards,” said James. ‘“ But take care that he is not hurt in any way. Just get him to stay at home.”’ ‘““When does the train leave?” ‘At one o’clock to-morrow afternoon.” ob- “Why not say, ‘ From COMMICLOOOKS (C@