Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 23, 1924 — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

EIGHT MONKEYS face was rather pale, considering the out- door life he had been leading, and he seemed nervous, but his celebrated jaw was firmer than ever. He said something incoherent in reply to our hearty greetings and started up the stairs; but Harlowe hailed him and asked him to come in for a minute. Tom came in and sat down. His ex- pression was not very encouraging to any- one who had a remonstrance to make. * Jervis, old man,” Dick began, ‘“‘ I just want to ask you if you think it’s quite ac- cording to house rules for you to be show- ing yourself in New York. You know our agreement was—” ‘You needn’t worry any further about me,” Tom interrupted. “I’m _ through! This rotten scheme of yours has ruined me.” And he walked out of the room curtly re- fusing the high ball I was mixing for him. “Don’t worry, Jervis. Everything will be all right. We'll talk it over in the morn- ing.” Dick called this from the doorway as Tom was going upstairs, but he didn’t condescend to answer. “Tl bet he’s had a quarrel with the girl,” said Ben. “Sure thing,” Dick agreed, and I was of the same opinion, though I didn’t express it, for I could imagine what the quarrel was about and thought it likely that Tom Jervis AND A CATSPAW. 265 was right when he said that he was “ through.” The next morning the three of.us assem- bled at breakfast, and we had all started on our second cups of coffee before Ben sent the Jap to call Jervis who, apparently, had passed a sleepless night and was making up for it in the morning hours. Tutank- hamen, or whatever his name was, came back in a few minutes and reported that, having knocked in vain, he had gone into the room and found that Jervis was not there. Ben thought he must be around the grounds somewhere, perhaps taking a walk with the dogs, but the Jap opined that he had gone away, as his old satchel was miss- ing. We all went up to the bedroom and, sure enough, all signs indicated that the bird had flown for good. The suits, hats, and other equipment bought out of the communistic purse to make Seumas presentable were all laid out on the bed. Jervis had evidently gone away in the clothes that he had worn when he arrived at Mrs. Clow’s and had taken the rest of his belongings in his an- tique satchel. On the dressing table was a sheet of paper on which he had written: “Much obliged to all you fellows. No doubt you meant well; but for reasons that I can’t explain, I’m through.” TO BE CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK U Le} uw CAMARADERIE USED to wish I had a friend From whom to borrow and to lend. Some one who’d let me have his shirt And if I soiled it, laugh at dirt! Some one with lots of pep, who liked good fun, To tramp with me, or swim, or ride, or run; Some one to share my woes; Some one to laugh with me, or cry—if need arose; Some one to tell my wild ambitions ‘to, With whom to dream beneath the stars of conquests new; Some one, well, not too lavish with his praise, But wouldn’t tear his hair if I should get a raise; Some one to say: “ Why, he’s my friend!” And prove the words by action, years on end. I used to wish that stuff—in days gone by; I’ve quit it now, old thing, vow are that guy! Stobart LaMotte. CORNICLOOOL< econ