Argosy All-Story Weekly, October 6, 1923 — page 51: what you’re looking at

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

f t $0 T THIS IS == ne a victim of hard times and harder cider whom he had grinned at for his tube outfit and small-town philosophy, ~ proved to have spent three years on end _ without touching ground; and he had pros- - pected for gold in Alaska, and been ar- - rested in Whitechapel besides. He knew of places that were not even mentioned in the — geographies. And there were others; three _ children had been born aboard ship. Two had been round the world. The Slapper consoled himself by the reflection that, after all, his home city had everything they “could - find in any cme. But he lost some of his cockiness, none the less. One night Letty seemed to have dressed a little more elaborately than usual. Noth- ing classy, of course, like the skirts back ~ home; but fluffy, sort of, with a nice blue = Hibben threaded in her hair, and a sash to match. Her best shoes, too. Stubby toed, though, and funny low heels. But he liked her in the make-up. When, about half past seven the bell be- | gan to ring, she rose primly.. ___ “Would you like to go to ehurch se me?” she asked. “ Church? What for? *Tain’t ‘Sunday! Le He wondered. _“Jt is the regular Thursday evening meeting,” she had explained... “ But don’t go unless you want to.” __ Sure!” he agreed. “ I don't mind. Try anything once!” Don’t you ever go when you're home?” “Yeah, Easters, "most always. And to- _funerals. : _ The street was mildly populated. Soli- — tary old men and women, couples, small — family parties, all wending toward the old meeting house. As they passed the general store, the usual gang of village youths were = loitering about. They made remarks as the different worshipers passed; rough laughter zz trailed after them. There was a conspicu- - ous silence as the Slapper went by with Letty; but one had scowled at them, his __ large mouth set in a tight line. The Slap- = per wondered what was eating him. __“That’s Micah Shelby,” Letty told him when they were out of earshot. “ He is _ bad — provoking a fight with some : boys are all ae of him.” 7 body. went 1 in with their own particular “ sweetie.” But never at night before.” ~~ « WEDLOCK! = = “Who? That big vany?” =e ‘“He’s terrible strong. He’s Heckete eve er E boy—or man, ihe would stand up to him. He’s sort of a leader.” SS The Slapper glanced back. He hadn’t —— noted him particularly. The bad boy stood — on the edge of the sidewalk, staring after — them. He was big boned, a little round — shouldered, with enormous hands dangling from very long arms. His head seemed — small in comparison with the great —— _“ He stands too close to the ground,” the Slapper decided.- Outside the chars: door another: sroup of young men lounged. — They watched the girls, who were giggling in a subdued man- ner, or with eyes demurely downcast; and one or two edged shamefacedly forward and reupon his fellows jeered. bine in 1 hoarse undertones, and nudged one anoth ie ribs. Later on, after the service iad bean the remaining males entered and took the — rear seat, from which vantage point they — nae in Surin steams, ening. hanes ess. =. hey nee a trial ? to the o d sex ton who was present to keep order. They never did anything so openly that-he could — identify the offender. They were the sons of pious folk, standing between the frank outlaws who never went to church, at all, and those who never missed going. Letty piloted her escort to a modest ae about pe eay down. the aisle. Tbe place chaech Tt didn’t ‘smell amiliar. = T were no candles. Lights were oil lamps with tin reflectors set seainst Es side walls, —— was held i in the vestry. A red-heade oan seated herself at a small organ, whose valves. she worked industriously with her feet, while she pulled fussily ; at the various stops; Vox humana, clarinet, chimes. In a moment the. minister rose from his seat on a Jow plat = opening prayer. Then eS announced ’ hymn. After which Saeeee La prolon ed Presently from. at -T im Ase ee a quav- ering: | voice. An old “man. had started a ram