The Argosy, Vol. 90 No. 1 — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

90 Instead of D. Cuecy and his friends com- ing, however, Mr. Vroon arrived. ‘‘ Good evening, boys!” he greeted them at the supper table. ‘I thought I’d thank you for entertaining D. Cuecy so—so well. He wrote and told how you drove deer and bear to him in flocks. There’s a wagon load of stuff coming in, special, for your Thanksgiving dinner. But he couldn't come up himself with his friends, not this year.” THE S I had feared, Amos Camper shook his head and refused my invitation. “Some. other time, Henry,” he said with a weary smile. ‘‘ I must go to Washington to-night. Take Batak here in my place.” Batak was his general superintendent and well liked by both of us. “You could get back in time for your train,” I persisted, drumming out my dis- appointment on the window. ‘‘ Of course, Batak was included in the invitation. But, hang it, Amos; you’re done up. You need a breath of fresh air. We'll reach Storville in time for lunch, and-you two can wait for me to interview Dr. Manning, or you can return without me.” “Why don’t you go, urged. Camper shook his head stubbornly, but his smile was more boyish as he repeated: ‘‘ Perhaps in a few days. I’ve just fin- chief?” Batak - 2 wee a ARGOSY. “Well now, that’s too danged bad!”’ Red exploded. ‘““ Yes—yes,”’ Mr. Vroon shook his head. ‘He specially said I should thank Mr. Hamblin. I thought at first I’d just send word—but, say, boys, what did you do to him? I couldn’t make out from what he said.” “* Nothin’! ” sheepishly. Red exclaimed, grinning ‘“‘ It’s what he done to us what bothers me!” ished my work. Once it’s delivered in ‘Washington—no, no story, Henry. The Washington end must give it out.” ‘““ No one but the chief has all the strings in his hand,” explained Batak.- “I know what my committee has done and that’s all. He knows what every committee has done.” I was glad at least to learn that Cam- per’s gigantic labors in mobilizing the na- tion’s industrial resources were ended. He looked worn to the bone, but his eyes, I was pleased to see, shone as brightly as ever. War stuff had the call, and being assigned to run up the river and interview Dr. Man- ning for a Sunday special, I had been in- spired to drop in on Camper, thinking to take him along for a few hours’ relaxation, including lunch at the historic Belton Arms. ‘““T suppose you must have your own way,” I grumbled, making for the door and beckoning Batak to follow me. comicbool< CO