The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

SIDE-TRACKED ‘“* Well, I guess there isn’t much more to say,” he remarked. ‘ No need of instruct- ing you about anything, James. But there is one thing, old chap, I do want to say. Take a bit of advice from me about Ches- ter Barton. I heard at the club last night that he is in bad financially and has done several things lately that weren’t as square as they might be. I know you have al- ways thought a whole lot of him; but I would be on the lookout, if I were you.” James’s face turned red. ‘““T don’t think he is quite up to your standard, Jimmy,’ continued Harvey, “and if you are seen much with him, it— it might reflect on you. I heard a number of things which I haven’t time to tell you just now.” “Thanks, old chap.” But James’s tones were more or less muffled. “ Oh, that’s all right and don’t think me a meddler, will you?”’ “Of course not.” ‘All aboard!” called the conductor. ‘“ By-by, Jimmy.” But for the moment James did not seem to hear him. His attention was fastened on some one or something farther down the platform. Harvey, who was standing at the top step of his car, wondered what it was that could absorb his brother’s interest so com- pletely. “Some girl,” he decided, as he caught James’s eye at last. The brothers waved their hands to each other, or at least Harvey did. James ap- peared to do so, but in reality he was ex- changing signals with Chester Barton, who had remained discreetly within the Pull- man adjoining the private car until he thought it safe to look out. He did so, just in time to see James, who had been anxiously watching for him. With a sigh of relief, the younger brother left the station, and returned to his office. Harvey entered the car. Suka came forward. 7 ‘“ Everything alle right?” he asked. “Very good, Suka. Tell my chef I want him.” AT. GREEN GAP, 267 “Well, well, sir I go,” and the Jap noiselessly stole away. At this moment Harvey caught sight of Dr. Fleming. ‘Good afternoon, doctor,” he said. “It’s awfully good of you to drop all your other patients in order to look after me.” “Not at all, not at all,” was the gruff response. “I am not sure you will be glad you persuaded me to come with you, for I am not going to permit you to do as you like, by any means.” Harvey looked at him in surprise. the first time he began to realize that his trip to Hot Springs would not be a pleas- ure jaunt. Just then Suka entered, accompanied by a portly Frenchman. “Good morning, Duchene,” said Har- vey carelessly. ‘“‘ And what am I going to have for dinner to-night? Have you got everything I like on board?”’ ‘Oh, oui, monsieur, everyzink. And for to-night I haf prepair one dinner such as you haf nevair had before.”’ ‘“ Ah, that sounds good, doesn’t it, doc- torr”: 3 But Fleming made no reply. Harvey did not notice his silence, however, and continued in a bantering voice to the chef: ‘“ T’ll wager it’s sweetbreads and mush- rooms and—” The Frenchman smiled with satisfac- tion. “* Monsieur is so clever,” he said; ‘‘ but monsieur hai found dat I know exactly wat he like bes’.” Here Dr. Fleming took a hand. ‘None of that, Bowyer,” he cut in. ‘| beg pardon?” said Harvey in sur- prise. ‘“[ mean that you can’t have sweet- breads and mushrooms and all the rest of it,” said the doctor. ‘‘ You’ve got to live the simple life from now on. This is not Sherry’s nor the club, nor your own home. You’re completely at my mercy,” he added with a laugh. “ After a simple meal, you will retire early.” Harvey looked at him in astonishment. “Mr. Bowyer will have two chops, CORMICLOOOKS For | (C@