Argosy, September 1955 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

STAR OVER FRISCO 23 ‘“ I guess a little of both, in a manner of speaking.” “Then how about letting a pal in on it? Or at least giving him a phone number.”” Humphrey laughed weakly. ** She’s a nice girl, Ace. You wouldn’t be interested.” : “‘ Believe me, I’m always interested in nice girls. Especially if they’re prosperous.” Ace was a great kidder, a great student of psychology. You'd never judge by looking at him, but he used to be a professional prize-fighter. In fact, while he never said so in so many words, he could have probably been the world’s champion welterweight today if it hadn’t been for ringside politics. “No, it’s nothing like that.” Humphrey chose his words carefully. “‘ We just found this—er—sort of property that looks like it'll turn out to be worth something.”’ He set his mouth stubbornly, prepared to resist all Ace’s efforts to to learn more. After all, it was a personal thing of his and Pearl’s, practically a sacred bond. But Ace only nodded casually. ‘‘ She got any idea how much this property’s worth? ”’ “Oh no, it'll be a wonderful surprise for her.” “Pll bet. How do you know it’s the genuine goods? ”’ ‘““} did some research,’ Humphrey said evasively. ‘““ Got any idea where she is right now, this girl of yours? ” “You mean right this minute? Home, I guess.”’ “You guess. She wouldn’t be out doing some research on her own—like, say, if this was maybe a piece of jewellery, getting it valued?” “Oh no, Ace—not Pearl! not even if the thought occurred to her.” Ace smiled wearily. ‘‘ You’d be surprised some of the thoughts that occur to dames when there’s a little loose change involved. Well, you don’t need my advice on something so elementary. Lemme get you another beer, kid.- On the house.” Ace strolled down to the tap, whistling between his teeth. Humphrey just sat there, shaken at the possibilities that crowded in on him. Had she suspected all along the star was potentially liable to be valuable? He tried to reconstruct her exact words, those sidelong little smiles of hers, but in the cold light of day memory gave them a mocking quality. She’d suggested that he keep the star and - althat, but maybe it was only to throw off his suspicions. What would have happened if he’d really taken her up on it? It would have been a good test, he should have thought of it. And why, if she was supposed to be so much in love with him, why didn’t she want him to come round until tonight? He comiclbooks. conn