The Argosy for May — page 170: what you’re looking at

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

Il I$ THE MAN. he contends that the bdat could be han- dled as it was in the book, and I say it can’t. By luncheon to-morrow we will give you the solution.” ‘“T shall await it with intense inter- est,” remarked Hudson, with a tinge of sarcasm. ‘SNow, Mr. Grant,’ cautioned the girl, “be sure you are,awake at six and ready ‘at six-thirty.” ‘Tl believe it when I see him. He won’t be waiting for you. It’s a safe bet,” said Hudson. “You may depend upon me, Miss Wakefield,” put in Grant. “I would sit up all night if necessary.” With these words the young woman said good night and left the two men t themselves. Neither spoke for a few minutes. Then Hudson lit a fresh cigar and re- marked : : | ‘“So you enjoyed yourself? ”’ ‘“ Now, look here, old man. I know how- you feel about it, but if you will think a moment you will see that I am not to blame. I understand, and _per- haps I would be in the same sort of a humor if I were in your place. The plain truth is, the girl likes you, but she doesn’t love you.” > ‘“What!” exclaimed Hudson in a rage. “‘ You have the nerve to tell me this to my face?” ‘Yes, I have, because I am sure you can see things as 1 do. Miss Wakefield knows that you are in love with her; that you want to spend all your time and all your money at her command. De- spite all this, what does she do? Walks off with a man she had only known a few hours.” ‘“T suppose you mean me to draw the conclusion that she is madly in love with you—a case of love at first sight?” sneered Hudson. ; “Nothing of the sort, old chap. Leave me out of it. I don’t count. I have only arrived. You have been here a month. You have been with her every. day of that time. Now, turn back the calendar and see if you have made any progress in her affections. The best proof that you have not is the fact that you sent for me to help matters along.” ‘“And a fine mess you have made of things, too,” savagely remarked Hudson. Sol “You might as well be sensible about it,’ continued Grant. ‘‘ What’s the use of worrying your soul out about some- body who refuses to worry about you? Didn’t I do everything under the sun to follow out your instructions? ”’ “Yes, you did,” answered Hudson. “Then, why» blame me?” asked Grant. ‘“ You can’t make a woman love you if she doesn’t want to. Now, can ou?” “ Yowre right, Grant. I’m _ several kinds of a fool. It isn’t your fault. You’ve played square. She seems to be greatly taken with you, but you said you didn’t admire her particularly. It would serve her right to fall in love with some one who didn’t return the feeling. She would get a.dose of what: I have had. Go as far as you like, old chap, but don’t lose your heart.” ‘I’m not very susceptible,’ answered Grant evasively, “but I will say that she has a charming personality.” “ After a while you will-suddenly dis- cover that she is beautiful,’ said Hudson suspiciously. ‘“ Maybe.” III. THE next morning, bright and early, Grant and Miss Wakefield set out for their sailing trip. They returned, half- starved, in the middle of the afternoon. “ Did you settle the question?” asked Hudson. : “Why, no,” answered Miss Wakefield, with a blush. ‘‘ We became interested in other things, and forgot all about it.” .“ We are going out again,” explained Grant. ‘“ Besides, we couldn’t have settled the matter to-day, for the sea was smooth. It is necessary for it to be rough.” For several days Hudson barely saw Grant except at meals; for Miss Wake- field was always needing his services. “TIT say, Hudson, I don’t feel quite right in leaving you out, as I am your guest,” he remarked more than once. ‘Oh, that’s nothing, Grant. Miss Wakefield invites me; but I know she does it merely from a sense of courtesy. How are you getting along?” “ Famously.” ‘Have you discovered that she is beautiful yet?” DOOLK (C@