Argosy, Vol. 111, No. 1 — page 179: what you’re looking at

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

NOT SO GOOD. fused to give any explanation as to where he got the money found on him. Every one knew that he had done no work for some time, and there was no doubt in the minds of the larger per cent of Tela’s popu- lation that Big Gun was surely the guilty party. Big Gun did not have a pleasant time in jail. He felt very much mistreated. He went out to see a friend of his the night that Mason was robbed; had been seen and was strictly up against it. He knew that he did not rob Mason. He did not know, nor did he care, who had robbed him, but he did know that the money found on him, with the exception of thirty- five cents, belonged to the lodge. Finally _ he fell to reasoning with himself. ‘‘ Mistah Mason done specify dat if ’n he could git his money back he mout let me off. If ’n I gives him dis money whut b’longs to de lodge, Pete ’ll be de one to git de devil fum de lodge members, ’cause dey don’ know dat I’s got it, an’ hol’s him ’sponsible. If ’n I ’fess’s dat it’s de lodge money, I’ll be lucky to git in jail, ’cause dem niggahs ’ll kill me sho. I gwine ’fess to robbin’ Mistah Mason, give him de money, den I’ll git out o’ jail, an’ Pete ‘ll be de one to have all de trouble. I don’ stan’ to lose nothin’ nohow. Pete ’ll have to answer to de lodge.” Mason came to the jail at Big Gun’s re- quest. He was inclined to be very lenient, and upon Big Gun’s confession that he was the robber, and having the money turned over to him by the authorities, Mason re- quested that Big Gun be released. Pete heard of all this, but said nothing. He seemed strangely jubilant for one who had recently had so much trouble. That afternoon he was passing Rosina’s house on his way home. “?Ow har you, Mistah Pete? You was quite right habout that Big Gun. Hi ’ave told ’im that hi shall not marry ha man who ’as confessed to being ha _ robber. Hi’m very thankful to you for warning me habout ’im.” “ Dat’s all right, dat’s all right, gal. Trus’ ol’ Pete foh all de time doin’ de right thing. When he entered the gate at home, Pete 169 stopped and searched around on the ground, picking over leaves and pieces of paper until he discovered the rabbit’s foot that he had thrown there a few nights be- fore. This he picked up and put in his pocket. Then he called to Bones, but Bones, remembering the kicking he had re- ceived from one whom he had every rea- son to believe was his friend, was slow about coming. Finally Pete succeeded in getting the dog to come near him as he unwrapped a package that he carried in his hand and tossed Bones a pork chop. Then Pete picked up from the ground the horseshoe that had fallen the night of his and Bones’s disagreement and nailed it securely over the door. ' Half an hour later Pete presented him- self at the office of Ed Mason. Pete’s lips were expanded into a broad red grin, and at sight of the old negro, Mr. Mason chuckled. “Well, Pete, it worked!” ** Sho’ did, boss-man.”’ “Big Gun got himself in hopelessly when he confessed to the robbery.” “Huh! Trouble wid Big Gun is he ain’ got no brains ”—then, by way of after- thought—“ lak whut I’s got.” “You've got them,” laughed the white man approvingly. I never believed the plan had a chance. Even after I identified Big Gun as the negro who held me up and had him arrested, I never thought he’d ad- mit something he didn’t do.” ‘“‘'No,” grinned Pete, ‘‘ nor sumpin’ that never happened. Wonder whut Big Gun ’d say if ’n he knowed dey nevah wuz no robb’ry uhtall?” “‘T daren’t think such language. By the way, Pete—I’ve got all that lodge money of yours that Big Gun paid me. Do you want it now?” “No, suh, boss! I'll be pow’ful *bleeged if ’n you'll keep dat foh me. If ’n I gits mah han’s on dat money ag’in, Mistah Ed, de chances is it "11 go to mah haid an’ I'll tawk in mah sleep. An’ maybe Big Gun ’d heah me. S’ long’s you is got it, it’s safe. By de way, Mistah Ed—I’s all fret up. Ycu ain’ got uh drink handy, is you?” GOMIIGIOO S CO