Argosy, Vol. 119, No. 2 — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

lously. SEVEN MINUTES AFTER, 183 was on her voice—‘‘ how I hope we put them off, back there, that Araminta thinks I am in the hotel.’ “You don’t mean—” said Tony incredu- Robin shivered. ‘“ But I do; that and a great deal more. David doesn’t dream, he hasn’t an idea except her beauty. I saw that to-night. And when I got to the house I knew no more than you do, except that I had made up my mind to be at the Golden Trust at eleven. But before dinner, some- thing happened—I knew then that there was a plot to prevent the poor fellow from getting away. I don’t pretend to know what it is—but anything that Araminta Letherby has her hand in is always—inter- esting.” She gave a faint smile. “ David ought to be here,” said Tony uncomfortably, “he will blame me, if you get into danger.” “ He’s off on a still hunt, himself, some- thing to do with that letter, I’m sure. We may fimd him there before us. You see, he’s half in love with Miss Letherby, and he wouldn’t have left her. house early, other- wise. But as for blaming you—that was what you meant, wasn’t it?—I am perfect- ly responsible for myself, and he certainly.- knows it. ‘Tony, let’s draw up over nets) close to that hotel. Then if I find that any one is watching us, and I’m pretty sure they will be watching the clock at the Golden Trust, I can help that poor fellow ae into the hotel, perhaps.”’ Silently, Tony did as she asked. He gave one look at the slender, beautiful little fig- ure standing on the sidewalk, and inwardly he was consumed by fear. Miss Cortland,” he begged, “let me go instead of you? I have the right; that poor chap wrote to me, [—” - Robin smiled into his ames with her Steady gray ones. “But you see,’ she aeipitict “he knows me; that makes a difference.” And swiftly, she turned the corner in the direction of the Golden Trust. Her destination was only a few doors away, but on the other side of the street. An automobile going at top speed dashed them. I’ve kept in touch more. ever the crossing, delaying her for a sec- ond. Robin, with her heart beating loudly, saw @ tall figure with a queer, loping gait pass toward the Golden Trust on the other side of the stréet, and take up his stand beneath the clack. In the distance she heard chimes; somewhere a church clock was striking the hour. She walked quietly up to the man who waited, and spoke softly: $ Scarlett, I am Robinetta Cortland, from | Shepherd. We had your letter, my brother and I; please come home with me.” Something much like a sob answered her, The man whom she addressed caught her hand and wrung it until she could have screamed with the pain, She looked up into the long, lean, handsome face she remem- bered, laughing. Scarlett, aren't you ashamed of your- self,’’ she said, “hiding away from your old friends like this? Why, we were all so anxious to help you, and you had to sign a name like that! What did you mean by using the name of Scarlet Rider, instead of Scarlett T. Rider, I should like to know?” They were walking, as she talked, toward the corner where Tony waited out of sight. No one seemd to be watching, but she was taking no chances. Scarlett replied to her eagerly: _ Why, Miss Cortland, I eee’ it ’ud take in nobody that knowed me; not you folkses, nor Mr. Fane; while if the police got a hand on/it, see She looked at her, secure of understanding. , ‘ But you were wren Scarlett; I was the only one who got ‘ onto ’ it. Mr. Fane and my brother knew nothing of whom it could be. Perhaps that’s cease they haven’t been back home for a long time, either of Both the boys looked for you this morning, you know.” “ Gee! Is that the truth now?” Scarlett stood still and looked back at the clock. “T never gave a thought to that. Didn’t I say eleven o’clock at night in my letter, Miss Cortland? I would no more ’a’ dared to come out in the daytime, not on a thing like that, thon nothin’, And, believe me, I was some frustrated when I ‘sawed that i4 (E(0) RE PTI ah A Rema) TAL VDT eh sts "comicbooks