Argosy, Vol. 111, No. 1 — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

HIS SIDE “ Why,” laughed Neil, ‘“‘ what could that little whippersnapper of a half-breed do to an athletic ‘gym’ product like ‘ yours truly ’? . Besides, side partner,” he rallied her, “ this isn’t bucking up, you know. The good of the firm comes first always.” ‘“T know,” said Amy with an effort, “ and I'll try to be sensible.” A ghost of a smile flickered over her wan face. ‘ But at least you’l! let me be your body-guard, won’t you?” she asked. ‘ Then if anything hap- pens to you, it ‘ll happen to me, too.” “Sure thing! But don’t bother your pretty head, pard, with the thought that anything’s going to happen to either of us.” ‘“This noon I shall start early and go up to meet you,” insisted Amy. “ Don’t Jeave till I get there.” “ Orders will be implicity obeyed, pard,” returned Neil with a lingering kiss. Long after her husband’s swinging strides had covered the distance to the bridge and wel: beyond, Amy stood motionless at the front door. Household duties were forgot- ten. The slightest sound made her jump in nervous alarm. At length, with an invol- untary sigh, she turned her back on the retreating form that had now reached the vicinity of the new office building. It was the longest morning she had ever known. With a positive sob of relief, she heard the noon-day whistles blow. That meant that Neil would be looking for her within the next hour. One o’clock was his usual quitting time. Suddenly she de- cided to start for the plant at once, and with the determination, her burden seemed to hift. What a stupid she had been to get so worked up over nothing! A great member of the firm if, at every turn, she was going to allow feminine fancies to gain control over common sense! Light-heartedly she dressed. Then, her fears still half banished, she tripped along, down the hill, across the bridge, up the opposite incline toward the gulch, and then— Her blood suddenly froze in her veins. Her footsteps lagged, then wavered, and only by a supreme effort of will was she able to fight off unconsciousness. As it was, the radiant sunshine of the summer 5 ARGOSY PARTNER. 65 morning was as if completely blotted out by something black and foul. The scraggly bushes forming a ragged fringe along the further side of the gully moved mysteriously. Voices, low, rough tones, gruff commands and answers, a for- eign Curse or two, came to Amy in snatches. “ Canaille!” “ Canaitlle yourself!” ‘What is it that you have fear for?” ‘Strike then. Strike to kill!” ‘“ But the law—” “ Mille dtables! I snap me my fingers at the law!” With limbs still trembling, Amy at- tempted to tiptoe stealthily past the clump of underbrush. All might have been well, but at that moment the bushes parted and a villainous face was thrust through. See- ing Amy, he leered maliciously, then stepped into the open. With a sick little feeling at heart, she saw that his horny hand grasped a heavy bludgeon. He gave a single subdued whistle—ap- parently a concerted signal—and a second evil-looking confederate jomed him. Amy had no difficulty in recognizing Black Pete. He, too, was armed with a club. Not a syllable was spoken by either man. Her own uncontrollable sharp cry of anguish was summarily checked by a dirty hand laid over her mouth with no verv gentle touch. ‘Cry, if it to you pleases,” hissed Black Pete close to her ear, ‘‘ but madame makes nothing that way.” The next moment Amy found herself al- most lifted from her feet. A strong clutch pinching either arm as in a vise, she was half shoved, half dragged along a narrow foot-path, back into the thicket. Pointed branches, like so many sharp needles, grazed her face as her captors hur- ried her forward. In the first opening they came upon the remainder. of the gang—two crouching, dark-skinned, low-browed. speci- mens like their chief, only plainly lacking his boldness and initiative. With cowed humility they drank in his few curt words of explanation. After which, Black Pete turned to Amy. ‘‘ My lady makes us honor,” he sarcas- tically greeted her with a deep bow. © GOMIIGIOO (C@)