Argosy, Vol. 122, No. 1 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

88 Vale had never had to venture into any of the tenements along here, although he knew many of their inmates by sight. The well-schooled rookie is a trained observer already, when he is put on tour. He has learned to classify and strain through the sieve of his mind the wash of humanity that ebb and flow by him in the street. ‘“ Things seem to be shutting down rather early,” was Vale's thought as he turned back from Chirotti’s corner, after rapping to his side partner, Spannard. There were no fixed posts in this part of town. “I wonder what has come of all the boys?” He started through the side street to- ward the better thoroughfare. Half-way along the block he felt rather than heard somebody on his trail. He flashed a glance back over his shoulder. It was a dark block at best, for the only lights between _the corners were certain gas-lamps on low posts. Several of them had been extin- guished since he had passed along. Behind him he could see plenty of shad- ows, but no moving ones. He well knew the quality of the gangsters’ courage. Like THE ARGOSY. rats, they never would attack save when strong in numbers. Yet he felt that ‘he had no reason to fear the Frog Holler boys. They had ab- solutely nothing against him, save that he was a bull in harness. But the thought of Smooth Dick Pran- die’s_ threatening words pricked Harry Vale’s mind. He took another turn of the strap about his wrist and gripped his stick hard. He always carried his automatic in his left hip pocket and was well practised shooting with his left hand. He was as ready now to meet ‘trouble as ever he was. In glancing over his shoulder he had not broken step. He marched on steadily, his ears stretched to distinguish any sound from the rear. He was keenly alive for anything—no matter what—that might be- fall. Then he distinguished a light, quick step upon the flagstones. A man was coming, almost on his toes—with a weapon poised,- it was likely, to strike Vale down. The latter appeared unconscious of the threat He did not turn to look behind him. (To be continued NEXT WEEK.) iil hy-> Roy Y marriage has been a failure. I am one of those unfortunate men with whom fate deals unjustly. I tried my best. I started with plenty of oppor- tunity, with what I thought was every chance of* success. I worked the whole urrant> Cummings thing out carefully—I knew what was necessary for our happiness and I went after it, sanely and unswervingly. I lacked neither ambition nor purpose; I did not shirk hard work. I did my best always—the best both for cComiclbooks.com