Argosy, Vol. 112, No. 2 — page 183: what you’re looking at

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

FORTUNE’S FAVORITE CHILD. ») “It is a strange meeting,” continued the old man, ‘“‘ and yet—now I think of it— I can account for it easily. As I said be- fore, the most sinister sign I can encounter is stepping on a crack in a flagstone pave- ment. I seldom come down this street for the very reason that the pavement is full of cracks, but to-night I risked it. How- ever, I did what I could to guard myself before I started out. “You see, thirteen is my lucky number. It has proved itself to be so over and over again. I know it is unlucky for some, but it is lucky for me. So this evening, before I left home, I put thirteen new one-dollar bills in a flat pocketbook, which I placed in an inside pocket. This device has proved effective with me before, and I think it may have proved of benefit to-night. For, some- way, I feel as if that thirteen dollars has something to do with your being here with me now, and I count it a piece of good luck to meet a man who has so many of my own ideas as you have, my young friend. Now help me to get on my feet, and per- haps down on Washington Street we may be able to find a carriage.to take me to my home.”’ Assisted by our friend Charley, the old man—whose name, it transpired, was Mr. Abram DuPont, of Adams Street—was able to make his way along until a passing car- riage took them in, Mr. DuPont insisting that his new friend should accompany him home. On the road home, various charms and signs were discussed too numerous to men- tion. Suffice it to say that Mr. DuPont’s liking for our friend steadily increased. The older man had never found any one who shared his own superstitions so fully as our Charley, and the younger man even told him of some rules and charms of which he had never heard. Charley’s unfortunate circumstances were also disclosed, and the numerous signs and omens that preceded his misfortunes were recounted and dis- cussed. Mr. DuPont’s residence on Adams Street was a large house of the brownstone variety. Charley assisted the old man in at the door, which was opened by a neat maid in a cap. “Where is Miss Martha, Adelaide?” ~ B49 asked Mr. DuPont, and then exclaimed, ‘“ Ah, there you are!” as a dream of female loveliness, dressed in something white and fluffy, floated out of the library. “This is my daughter Martha,” said Mr. DuPont. secretary, Mr. Frisbee. Ah—ah—not a word,” holding up a warning hand at our Charley, ‘‘ I am determined it shall be so. We can talk over terms later on—but I am determined it shall be so, A man of your intellect can take many burdens off my shoulders; and besides, the whole circum- stance of our meeting—the fight between good luck and bad luck——-seems to me like an omen that cannot, indeed, be disre- garded.” ‘“Oh, father! Omens! Omens! Always omens! You'll go crazy on them,” said the daughter. ‘‘ But,” extending her hand to Charley, ‘‘ I’m glad to see Mr. Frisbee, just the same; and 1’m glad you’re to have a secretary. You certainly need one.” Two months later, behold our Charley— Mr. Charles Warren Frisbee, if you please —as he takes a few minutes’ rest on the chaise longue in his dressing-room before going down to dinner. His head rests back luxuriously in the cushions.as he thought- fully puffs out little rings from his ciga- rette. His long form is incased in an eve- ning suit from one of the best makers; in fact, his whole appearance is correct and elegant—except that if we look carefully above the patent-leather pump on the left foot, we will see that the silk sock is on wrong side out. It was placed that way accidentally, and Charley—beg pardon! — Mr. Charles Warren Frisbee — wouldn’t change it for the world. It is a sign of good luck. “Well,” he is saying to himself as the rings from his cigarette curl slowly upward, “it’s damned funny about that. thirteen. He does seem to have luck with it. He got me by it! I wonder if it could be lucky for him and unlucky for me at the same time. I never felt so queer in my life as I did when I had that thirteen dollars in my hand. Anyway, I’m going to select some day that ain’t the thirteenth when I tell the old man I’m going to be his son-in-law.” ECOMIEE 200! ‘Martha, this is my new if Pe ey AD WALD Wea a tie ei) (