Argosy All-Story Weekly, March 15, 1924 — page 103: what you’re looking at

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

| 732 He sped toward ‘the elevated, his ob- jective being thé shelter of his room. Heed- less of those blatant electrical’ invitations and the music and laughter, and walking as close to the curb as possible, for he could make better speed’ there, his thoughts ‘were in such. a whirl that he was partially blinded. lided with a young woman who was getting out of a cab’ in front ‘of oné of the most brilliant drinking establishments. “Hello, old sport,” sdid a familiar voice;. and John Forsythe, his flight arrested, rec- rs ognized Marie Riggers, Marie Riggers with the same yellow hair, the same blue eyes, the same mocking smile, yet a new Marie Riggers.in diamonds. and furs.. _ “IT knew you as soon as IJ laid eyes on you,” she exclaimed, extending one of those gem burdened hands. in a light tan suit with cap and socks to match, stood well in the ,background and kept his face turned away. “ How’d you happen to hit the big town? Don’t be so darned bashful. Come on in, have a little drink with an old friend from Hickville, and. tell me all about yourself.” © Forsythe stood speechless. recognized the lack of something which, despite her forwardness, she had possessed in Unionville. He was afraid, frankly afraid of. her. . In spite of himself, still silent, he backed away, and when some of those restless, im- patient night pedestrians crowded between he turned and almost ran. Twice in one night he had had narrow escapes. In the future he would remain in his room safe with his studies. .He wondered who the ‘man was. In away he had seemed familiar in the fleeting moment his eyes had strayed from those of Marie Riggers. “T guess the sight of me will hold-that . tube. for a while,” she laughed as For-— sythe fled. “ Ramble along, Ralph; it’s getting late.” | “What the hell did you stop him for?” demanded Walters... “ He certainly would have recognized me, and God knows I don’t - want to meet up with him again.” “What do you care? You really don’t owe him anything. On the level, he’s in For that reason he almost col- . Her escort, a youth: . He sensed, the change that had come over the girl, served by the hurrying, “ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, your debt, and iwe might have found 4 chance to get back at him.” ‘ “ Fat chance I'd have with John Fors sythe.” The tone was agerieved. “ Don’t go straight up, Ralph. We might get a chance to put him on the hummer yet. And don’t mope like: that. ~You’ve got a face on you like a hearse, and here we were going to spend the rest of the night painting this-man’s town red.” . The swinging doors closed behind them, and they took seats at a small table. The waiter spoke to them familiarly. : a Whisky,” said Walters shortly. ‘Make mine a beer, Fritz,” Marie, or- dered. “I’m buying to-night, so. there won’t be any need of checks. We’re cele- brating.. We certainly turned a good trick.” : Walters, filling his glass: level full each time, swallowed several drinks of- potent. red liquid in quick succession. “What are you trying to,do—get a snoot full right away?’ demanded the ob- serving Marie. a while and let’s dance.” ~ “ Don’t feel like it. Another little nip, Fritz.” , Marie gave a discreet signal; and the usually alert waiter was unheeding of the ‘“Otder. “ You are a live one, Ralph,” she scold-- ed. “ What’s the matter with you, any- “way?” The floor was crowded: with whirling fig- ures, and the orchestra was earning its pay if noise was any. criterion. That which was perspiring waiters was beginning to take effect on thé con- sumers. flushed. Walters, ‘seemingly studying that mass about him, did not answer Marie’s ques- tion. Suddenly he abopree his head on his arms, - / ‘* Damn him!” he sobbed, “Damn him, damn him, damn him!” — “ Brace up quick—you’ve got a crying jag,” advised: -Marie sharply. you got to be sniffling about, anyway? If it hadn’t been for him you’d prebably be clerking in a grocery store in a yap town “Cut. out the booze for The faces of the dancers were: “ What have - CGOMIIGIOO cS . il CO