The Argosy, Vol. 76, No. 3 — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

‘526 The other looked up blankly. “Tt’s a rolling stone I am, and ut- terly irresponsible,” said he. “ What’s a contract to such a man? But you have me curious, Lee. What agree- ment is in your mind?” ~~ “The one you made with Mariquita -Mallory. You were to show me how wrong I am in my estimate of her and her father. Weeks have gone and you have not made a move? ” O’Hara trilled a few notes, then laid the flute on his knee. “Sure, it was an easy job, and I saw it from the start." You’re makin’ no wrong estimates. What you say, Brem- erton, is one thing, and what you be- lieve, in that case, is another entirely.” “You're not giving me credit for be- ing honest.” ‘““T’m giving you credit for trying hard to be loyal to Deane.” ‘We might as well thrash this out, Mike. Your attitude toward Mari- quita Mallory is so different from mine that it bothers me.” “Tis not different at all,” and the flute went to his lips while he ran the scale. “There’s no use arguing with an Trishman.”’ ‘Then why are you bothered? ” Quizzing wrinkles showed around the twinkling, crossed eyes. Bremer- ton frowned and reached for a pigeon- hole of his desk. Removing a folded paper, he handed it to O’Hara and asked him to read it. . “H-m,” said O’Hara. “Id give something handsome if such an invite could come tome. Did Lacey accept?” “That’s the note from Mariquita Mallory,” explained Bremerton sharp- ly, “that lured Lacey into a trap. On the way to make his call he was shot from cover. Only yesterday he left the Phoenix hospital, almost a wreck of a man, to go East and get back his strength.” “ Now, wasn’t that the divil’s own luck? He couldn’t be shot comin’ back, could he? Not at all. He had to get it going, and that robbed him of a few THE ARGOSY. blessed moments with the only woman I’ve ever seen who's distinctly worth a man’s time. For me, now, I’d count it a pleasure to run the gantlet of a dozen ambushes just for a smile from the girl.” ‘At that moment Bremerton was nearer to being out of patience with his friend than at any time since he had known him. Jumping to his feet, he strode up and down the office. Calmly the Irishman blew into the flute, and out of it came softly the air of “ Mollie O.” It was always a favorite in his more serious moments. Bremerton sat down again and wait- ed until he had finished. O’Hara took his time, and a smile came to his lips as he again favored his friend with his attention. “Your fur was standing, Lee,” he remarked, “and I thought it would calm you.. You can’t stay mad at me, and you know it. Let matters drift. Before long you'll be coming around in this Mallory business.” “ Here’s something else for you to read,” said Bremerton, handing him another note. O’Hara took the paper and read: Mr. BREMERTON: You must listen to me now. You are in danger, and I can help you. Come to our house in the morning at eight. You will not be sorry if you do, for this time, trust MariguitTa MALLORY. “Och, the luck you have when you don’t deserve it!’’ commented O’ Hara, his faded eyes glowing. ‘“ The poor taste she has, sending for you when she might have sent for me.” He sighed heavily. “ But a red- headed freak who can’t look at a girl with both eyes at once mustn’t expect too much in this world! Bremerton, I congratulate you.” The superintendent leaned forward and stayed the hand that was reaching for the flute. “Cut that out for now,” said he sharply. “Do you understand this?” CO NOOLK 5) c CO@