The Argosy, Vol. 76, No. 3 — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

508 Whirling the chair to face the door, he watched while she dropped the reins, dismounted lightly and stepped across his threshold. “Good morning,’ Mr. Bremerton,” she said, still smiling. He noted the clear, soft, brown face, the comely roundness of the cheek, the. arch of the throat, the Castilian lan- guor of the big, dark eyes. Moonlight has a magic of its own, but it could not add to the charms of Mariquita Mallory. There, in broad day, she was infinitely more attractive than when Bremerton had seen her among the cottonwoods. “Why don’t you say. something? ” queried the silvery voice. “Am I welcome, or am I not?” Like dagger thrusts the words of Lacey pierced Bremerton’s _ brain. When she smiled I found my danger greatest! And Mariquita Mallory was smiling. “T told you,” said Bremerton, “ to keep away from me.” “You couldn’t have meant it though,” she laughed, “not really.” She dropped her. head on one side and looked at him critically. “You’re in much better shape than when I say you last. Weren't you glad I made you take Silverheels and ride to the hotel? And you’ve never said gracias. Perhaps I’ve come to give you the chance to say that.” “Then I thank you for something which I do not look upon as an obliga- tion,” he returned. “That is gratitude with a string tied to it.” She laughed. “ But no matter. When we're better ac- quainted, Mr. Bremerton, I think you're going to like me. I don’t mind saying that I’m rather predisposed ir your favor already. I know what you have done here—how you clipped the spurs of Big Steve and winged Chombo. You’ve made a very good beginning, Mr. Bremerton. Are you willing to listen to me?” “Tf you’re going to say anything against Deane—”’ THE ARGOSY. The black eyes kindled, the smile faded and left the lips stern. “ I am—yjust that,” she cut in. “Then I am not going to listen to you.” : He got slowly out of his chair, and approached her. ‘Miss Mallory,” he went on, “ you are a woman, a very beautiful woman, and you are not-going to make me for- get that I am a man and fighting a man’s fight. It is a fight that I shall win. “You and your father are Deane’s enemies. I have reason to believe that you fight Deane’s friends from cover, with a reckless disregard of life and consequences. “But you and your father are not going to stand in my way. Take my advice and leave this part of the country before I bring home to you something which will call for a penalty. Save yourselves while there is time.” There was interest in her eyes and she did not seem displeased. “You are taking the wrong trail,” she returned earnestly. “I can ex- plain that to you, 1f you will let me. You cannot afford to make a mistake, Mr. Bremerton—a mistake so hideous and far-reaching as this of yours is bound to be. Let me tell you—” “Not a word. Miss Mallory, you must know I could not believe you.” “You have been talking with Mr. Lacey?” “ Naturally I saw him as’ soon as I could after reaching Phoenix. ‘That is no secret to you or your father. I was spied upon from the moment I left the train. Otherwise, that gang of hoodlums would not have been ready for me.” His voice was tinged with bitter- ness. She stepped back and her eyes began to glow again. “‘T have told you we had nothing to do with that villainous attack upon you!” she cried. He waved his hand.® “T have a fair amount of reason and judgment,” he replied, “and you COMicdoo S CO@