Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 124, No. 2 — page 138: what you’re looking at

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

al a “a 320 ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, on. From head to foot he appeared to be a prosperous gentleman. I could bave © ‘‘ And now for the little toan, doctor.” I gave him the money and he flecked a scented handkerchief at me as he opened the door. ‘I shall not forget your gener- osity, doctor. My discarded wardrobe is probably offensive to your fastidious eye. I will remove it as soon as I complete ar- rangements with the purser. Ta-ta!”’ I was too angry to make any return; I was too angry even to think clearly, but I still possessed sense enough to determine not to tell Durand of my hold-up. The ab- solute loss in money and clothing was really as nothing to me, but there was no telling what Dick Durand would do, if ke knew He was quick tempered and would be apt to make a mess of the whole business by going hammer and tongs for Mr. Dare, thereby ruining himself and Billy Savidge, to say nothmg of Mr. Henry Kent. For a time I sat like one stunned; then my eye fell on the old duds which my late visitor had methodically piled on the locker. | I wished no one to see them, and was about to throw a newspaper oVer the rags when I caught sight of the butt of a pistol pro- truding from the pocket of the shabby trousers. I woke up then. : Drawing out the weapon, I found it to be a small automatic and it was evidence that Mr. Dare was no common stow-away, though as for the pistol, he would hardly dare use it while aboard the Orion, unless driven into a corner. And I was sure that I would not be the one to drive him. My impulse was to hide the thing, but the idea was foolish, and I did better. I simply emptied the magazine and threw the cartridges from my port and into the sea. Then I carefully replaced the weapon. That done, I felt a trifle more comforta- ble, but my nerves were on edge and the room seemed to suffocate me. I went on deck. The steamer was going along at a great rate, but the weather was not im- proving; the horizon had disappeared, and the face of the ocean was a series of swells which I fancied would: soon test the stom- achs of most of the passengers. One of the officers met me as.I went aft. ‘‘ We're in for a fog off the capes, doctor,” he said, as he went by. *““{ shouldn’t wonder,” I returned. I felt for a cigar, and then remembered I had left my cigar-case in my own coat. I went down for it and as I opened my room door there stood Mr. Percy Dare. He had gathered his old clothes on his arm, and by the way the troysers dangled I knew the pistol had been transfered to his person. ‘ Ab, doctor,” he said, with insulting good - humor, “ I find we are to be close neighbors. I have been assigned to the room next to yours. Sorry the voyage isto be so short— barely three days. I really would like to cultivate your acquaintance. By the bye, have you a cigar to spare?” “Damn your impudence—” ‘“ Not quite so loud, doctor,” he returned;* helping himself from the case I thrust to- ward him, “ you must not forget these t Fd rooms have lattaced transomes. Thanks! _ You are curious, no doubt, to know how the purser received me.. Very natural! Well, everything ended beautifully. T apolo- gized for my irregularity in coming aboard. Was going South. At the last moment de- cided to take a steamer—cars too hot, you know. Arranged to meet my valet aboard : with tickets, and luggage. Detamed* on urgent business. Arrived late. No valet. . Much upset at-very awkward situation, but must see it through. Cursed valet and handed out your money.”’ ‘And the fool passed you?” “Well, doctor, to be frank, he was in- clined to be a trifle suspicious regarding my veracity, but when I mentiened you as a friend who would vouch -for me things went on grease.” — He laughed i in my face. I ground my teeth, but could say nothing. When he left me 1 found but one comfort in the situa- tion: the voyage would be short; in a little over two days I would be rid of him. . At supper that evening Mr. Dare showed up smiling. He certainly cut a fine figure and bore himself like a gentleman, but as he was not seated near me I breathed free- 7 ly. The ship’s motion, which was increas- °. ing, had already thinned the table, but there were still a dozen of both sexes and Dare chatted familiarly , With his - anti COME ktoolxs Com ak