Argosy, September 1955 — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

STAR OVER FRISCO 25 “Don’t worry about what J’m up to,” he said significantly. She was beginning to get nervous. He kept watching her, playing it cool the way Ace said, waiting for her to reveal where she’d hidden it. Ace still hadn’t learnt exactly what it was, but he knew a pawnbroker who could get them the best price for anything in the precious-minerals line, regardless. ‘““T don’t like you like this,’ Pearl said sullenly. “If you can’t act right, go away till you can come back sober.”’ “Sorry, baby, it won’t work.’ Now Humphrey turned to look directly in the jewel box. It wasn’t there, of course, she wouldn’t leave it lying in the open. He lifted the diamond necklace free, dangling it from a negligent finger. “Is that how you got this? Throwing over some poor sucker once you got it from him?” “Take your hands off my things and get out!’ Pearl’s face was so hard and old he wondered how he ever could have seen it differently. Humphrey dropped the necklace in his pocket. ‘“‘ Want to trade? Your necklace for my star? ”’ “The star? You can have your dirty old star back any time, you Indian giver!”’ She started for the cupboard, then turned with a malicious smile. “‘ On second thoughts,”’ she said, ‘‘ you can keep the necklace. It’s as phony as you are. I think I’ll just hang onto the star. I’m kind of sentimental about presents I don’t know the price of.”’ It was dusk now, but there was a dull red, sourceless light in the room. ‘Through it he could see her face, twisted and sweaty. He was beginning to sweat, too, the hot dry air drawing it out of him. He moved towards her, backing her against the cupboard. She spread her arms in a barrier. ‘It’s mine,” Humphrey said thickly. ‘“‘ Who was it found ne’ Pearl laughed in contempt. ‘“‘ Who’s got it?” ** Ask me that in just about ten seconds— ”’ He wrenched her aside and she raked at him with her nails, but that wasn’t why he cried out. When he yanked at the cupboard door the knob came away, burning his hand. It was red-hot. Even as he dropped it the door began caving in. And now through the swirling ashes they could see the star, glowing like a furnace as it’ filled the room with a furious white rush. * * * Exercise is bunk. If you are healthy you don’t need it; if you are sick you shouldn't take tt. HENRY Forp comiclbooks.conn