Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 18, 1925 — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

SOFT ‘The strangest sort of people go to Eu- rope nowadays,” said Mrs. Thomas. “ Do you see that man there, that big, ugly, burly person who is passing?” ¢¢ Yes.”’ “Well, he had the effrontery to annoy my daughter. Not content with trying to engage her in conversation against her will just after sailing time, he arranged to have his deck chair placed beside hers. And he refused to move when she arrived with me and protested against the arrangements. We were compelled to have our chairs placed elsewhere.” Captain Brown grew purple with indig- nation. “That sort of thing cannot go on upon my ship,” he declaimed. ‘I will not have lady passengers annoyed by such people. You leave it to me to see that you are freed from further objectionable attentions from that quarter.” ‘“* What are you going to do?” demanded Mrs. Thomas, rather frightened at the re- sult of her chatter. “Oh, I won’t have him hanged, though IT ought to. But I am in supreme command both of passengers and crew. I'll put a stop to mashers. Excuse me for a few moments.” With ponderous steps he followed the un- conscious McGarry. Rod had turned at the forward rail and was retracing his steps. Captain Brown stepped in front of him. “Young man, I want a few words with you,” he declared in his best dictatorial manner. Rod snapped out of his reverie. He saw a stout man in uniform in front of him, but being unfamiliar with the insignia of the sea he did not know whether he was being addressed by the cabin boy or the captain. And he did not like the tone. ““Who in hell are you?” he demanded. The captain almost exploded with of- fended dignity. “I am the captain of this ship.” “Ts that so? Well, what do you want with me?” “What in the devil do you mean by an- noying ladies on board this ship?” The first thing that flashed into Rod’s mind was that Miss Thomas had construed MONEY. 257 his rescue of her into a third attempt to force his acquaintance with her and was insane enough to report him to the cap- tain. And the idea infuriated him to such an extent that he lost his head. “What I do on this ship is none of your damn business,” he retorted. ‘“ And don’t you call me a masher or [’ll—” “Well, what will you do?” * T’ll do something. I’ve been pestered enough by an idiot of a girl who thinks every man who passes her is trying to flirt with her.” “What’s your name?” “Go to the devil and find out.” The captain signaled to the deck steward who was hovering about. He came running. “This man is under arrest,” he said. “ Confine him to his cabin for the rest of the voyage. If he resists, call the sergeant at arms and put handcuffs on him.” It dawned on Rod that he had got him- self into a frightful muddle. “You can’t arrest me,” he protested. “Tm a first cabin passenger on this ship and I paid for my passage.” “As captain of this vessel I am in su- preme command. You have insulted a woman passenger and you have defied my authority. I could have you shot if I wished and any court would clear me. Now will you go quietly to your cabin and re- main there or shall I have you carried by force and put a guard over you?”’ ‘If you have such authority, of coyrse, I shall submit. If there is any law that will reach you for this outrage, be sure I'l] take advantage of it.” “Go as far as you like,” said the cap- tain. ‘‘ Now get off the deck. Your meals will be sent to you. If after a few days’ confinement you change your attitude and guarantee to behave yourself, I may decide to release you.” Rod turned on his heel and went below. The condition of his mind can be imagined. The deck steward followed him at a few paces. And as he passed through the corridor leading to the main staircase he encoun- tered Gertrude Thomas. Gertrude had put on new shoes and new resolutions. She had made up her mind Gomichbooks (E@)