Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 181: what you’re looking at

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

174 THE ARGOSY. I suppose the busmess mstinct of the man came before his frrendshrp for Jackson, and he saw in the desire of two persons for the one horse a lively bit of betting and a consequent large percent of commission for himself. At that moment Jackson emerged from the office. He had heard my name called out and annoyance was vistbly portrayed on his face. But he shook hands with me with forced cordbality, exclaiming :« “ By Jove, I’ve been ‘phoning for you alt over. The horse iskere. What say you to that? We've got him, and—say, be won't be sold untr four. Come and have some lunch with me.” The nran was an enigma to me. One moment I was sare he was a villain and the next I was almost convmeed that he was 2 friend to Harrison Davis and myself. However, I couldn’t do anything to affend im now. I would accept his invitation to luncheon, and that would give me time to think out the plan of campaign. “ Why, yes, thanks. I will take lunch with you. How fortunate to find the animal, wasn’t it? Oh, by the way, I want to speak to my cabby.” I turned to the honest Jehu. “ Be here at four, wilk you?” I wished to take the news of my success to Alice as soon as I had bought the horse. Then we went across the street to a hotel, and Jackson asked me to [unch ir his private room. He always had a suite of apartments there, he explained, because he was coming down to town to sell or buy horses continual y- I only feared one thing: that fe might try to get me under the influence of hquor. I promised myself not to touch a drop, and to keep my eyes on Jackson. | The lunch was great. Every delicacy of the season was set before us, and my host was most attentive. It was really hard for me ta beheve that that genial looking chap across the table might be trying to alk my chum by mdr rect methods. — Jackson never forced me to drimk. He only said: “ Pardon me,” when | told him | didn’t care for any. About half past three we had almost finished our cigars and coffee, and I was about to suggest that we go over fo the anc- tion, when the room telephone rang, and jackson got up and answered rt. He turned to me in a moment and sand: | “ Will you excuse me, Mr. Knowlton, fora moment. [Pll be nght back.” Suspicion came into my heart, and I looked at my watch. | “Why, I think Flt be going over to the stable. It’s almost time for the sale to start now,” I rephed. “hat’s just what I wanted to see about. The proprietor has just tele- phoned me that the auctioneer can’t come until five, and the sale will be de- layed until then. Excuse me if I step to the wire and find out the particulars.” “No, sir,” I answered boldly. “ Tom Jackson, you can’t foot me. I know you want that horse, and you won't get him without a fight with me.” I would have said more if I hadn’t suddenly recerved a fierce push, and found myself flat on the floor, with the door closed and the lock sprung. For a moment I was stunned. Then the truth came to me im 2 torrent. Jackson had enticed me over here. He had locked me in his raoms. He was now on his way to the sale of Santy, where he would bry the beast with- GONG OOO UN ceo