The Argosy, Vol. 90 No. 1 — page 144: what you’re looking at

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

138 “Impossible,” said the father decisively. ‘* All the jewelry is at the Provident Loan.” “Henry,” admonished Mrs. Harlingood, nettled at the indiscreet tongue of her spouse. It was too late. ‘“Wouldn’t that skin you,’’ remarked Prince, as it were sotto voce to Una, “ and me putting up a first-class game!”’ Mr. Harlingood was oblivious of his com- ment, so anxious was he now to terminate the disgraceful and exceedingly distressful episode. ‘My dear boy,” he advanced and plaeed a hand intimately on Welling’s arm, “I would very much appreciate it if you will take him outside and turn him leose.” “Yes, Jack,” pleaded Fane, “ you must let him go. You know you said yourself you, have no right to hold him unless father says so, and father won’t prosecute.” Seeing that the scales were all but turned, Mrs. Harlingood decided to enter the bal- ance. She came forward. “You really owe it to us, Mr. Welling,” she insisted. Confronted thus by a united family which he had so long wished to placate, and which had so long opposed him, Jack. may be excused for yielding to the pressure. At that moment the clang of a police am- bulance sounded distinctly from the street. No one but Jack apparently noticed it. Per- haps the ears of the others were not edu- cated as were his to the sound. At last, he concluded, his call was answered. Let him delay only a minute or two more, without seeming to oppose the family he had every desire to keep as friends, and the matter would be placed altogether beyond his juris- diction. Jack searched his pockets for the key to the handcuffs and while doing so amiably glanced from one to another of the Harlin- goods. One and all they registered the friendliest concern. He felt at last that he was one of them, but he proposed to let them know, even while he made his sacri- fice, just what he was doing for their dear sakes, and remarked: “Tt will cost me the best chance I ever had to make good, but if it means anything to Fane or those she loves, I am willing to THE ARGOSY. step aside, especially as I have the legal right to do so.” By this time he had found the key. He stepped up to Prince and unlocked the irons, slipping them from his wrists with a deft motion and throwing them carelessly on the library center table where they jangled with an ominous sound. At the same time he slapped the prisoner heartily on the back. ‘There, my man,” he exclaimed indulg- ently. “ You are free!”’ To the consternation of every one, in- stead of moving the captive stood more firmly, though he did show signs of grati- tude at having his hands freed and moved them about with apparent delight. His im- mediate concern seemed to be Una; he looked over with anxiety to her, where she had remained throughout the scene en- sconced in a huge chair. In Una’s eyes he seemed to read that which pleased him not. She appeared, like the others, eager for him to go, and this caused him to shake his head, as if in dis- approval of himself. Had he sufficiently shown her how a “ craok works the business end of his calling?” He answered his own question by turning to Jack. ‘“Aren’t you going to arrest me?” he asked. “No,” replied Jack, opening the door. ‘“* Get out,” and he stood aside. ‘““ Not when you got the goods on me?” “No. Get out.” Prince moved threateningly on his captor. “Young fellow,” he glowered. “I'll re- port you at headquarters.” “ Quit that bluffing, Cennors,” and Jack motioned toward the door. “ You're free. Go!” | Prince looked over slyly at Una. He noted the consternation she revealed and seemed satisfied. Fane, overeager to termi- nate the dreadful scene, rushed at him, ex- claiming: ‘‘ Don’t you want to be free?” ‘““Me? Now? He smiled at her. “TI guess not.” He continued to Welling: ‘“You’ve got to run me in, young fellow. I'll never get another chance like this,” and oO Comicbooe S CO