Argosy, Vol. 122, No. 1 — page 140: what you’re looking at

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

130 get you out of a hole, and all you do is look down your nose!”’ “Oh, you got me out—this time. How about next time? They’ll bring another trial—” | “Will they?” Barr chuckled. “ Why not?’”’ “Because, Frank, the docket’s too crowded right now. Furthermore, our friend the prosecutor hasn’t a ghost of a show for reelection. And again, if you want to spend some money, make some big campaign contributions, and help elect the right man, what’s to prevent his forgetting all about the case, eh? Any prosecutor has plenty to keep him busy without bother- ing his memory!”’ La Salle straightened up with a jerk. His black eyes began to shine. “Is that straight?’’ he demanded eagerly. “T’m telling you!” “You mean to tell me this case is ended —that there’s no danger they’ll ever bring it again?” | “Tf you do what I say. Keep out of trouble, don’t pull any raw stuff, be care- ful! Spend some money in politics. Get in touch with the right people and show them you’re not averse to loosening up with the coin for the good of the party, see? Tl wise you to all that when the time comes—”’ ‘“* And they’ll lay off me?”’ Barr shrugged, and smiled his wise smile. “T’ve known it to work plenty of times in the past—”’ ‘“* And I’m free, free to go ahead with my plans!” ‘“‘ Always providing you’re careful not to attract any undesirable attention at first. Don’t give anybody cause to accuse you -of anything until this is forgotten.” Then La Salle smiled. Smiling, he ex- pelled a great sigth of relief, and his shoul- ders straightened. ‘“ Barr,’”’ he declared, ‘“‘ you’re a wonder!” ‘“Oh, I’m not so bad,” Barr chuckled. “I told you they could never touch you— and they never will if you stick to.me. I don’t care how many times they might bring a trial, I’ll beat them at their own game. They'll never get you, Frank— never. Not while you listen to my ad- vice—”’ THE ARGOSY. “No fear. I’ll listen! good with me—”’ “Aha! But don’t forget this will cost you something!”’ Barr gave him a sly look and began to laugh to himself. La Salle nodded indifferently. ‘Send me a bill whenever you’re ready—and drop me at the office, will you? Want to go over some plans.” He became preoccupied with pleasing visions. You’ve made The ending of a trial opened a door of La Salle’s mind hitherto sealed. Of what lay behind that door he had occasional peeps, glimpses, visions, nothing more until this hour. His previous confidence had been, a good half of it, pose. His boldness was tempered by a shrewd mixture of fear. Though he had given no indication, save to Barr’s shrewd eye, his first encounter with criminal law had shaken his nerve. There had been legal trouble before, but always trouble within the jurisdiction of the civil courts, and usually he and Barr had settled their cases out of court. In these matters he had learned to place im- plicit confidence in Barr’s shrewdness. But the criminal law carried with it the unpleasant suggestion of the prison cage, a nightmare vision that had spoiled his rest. That day had been, to him, the su- preme test of Thurston Barr—and Barr had proved his boldness and cunning again. And now life opened newer and brighter vistas. Things he had only dreamed of began to draw into the focus of possibilities. His mental pictures took brighter colars, dazzling colors. A strange, new sensation of confidence flooded his veins and made him giddy. Scheme after scheme, picture after picture clamored for his attention as he paced jerkily back and forth among the rooms of his deserted offices. All of the emotions he had suppressed for years by his cautious habit broke their old bonds and had their way with him until he became mad with ideas. His face flushed with a fever; his cold eyes blazed strangely; he began talking aloud to himself. Unable to stand confinement longer, he telephoned hastily to have his roadster sent around from a nearby garage. He met the car at the curb, dismissed the chauffeur, and cComiclbooks.com