Argosy All-Story Weekly, October 7, 1922 — page 151: what you’re looking at

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

SAMARITAN STUFF FOR ’CILLA. “Towa. All the strangers come from there.”’ “No, she didn’t. Naylor, Nebraska, is her home town.” “ That’s mear enough. So you’re doing the good Samaritan stuff again, Jackie?” teased he. ‘“ What does your friend look like?” ‘“‘ She’s a nice looking girl. Maybe a bit quiet and serious, but a pretty good kid.”’ Vic frowned. “Don’t know who-I might get to go, unless—’”* My memory was working O. K. “What about Sam Cooley? You been telling me Sam hasn’t any girl, and that he’s the sorta fellow who should meet some- one who’s nice.” “T was just thinking of’Sam. But Sam —well, he ain’t any speed boy himself, yet he seems to crave a girl that’s lively and full of pep. I suppose your friend is a little slow?” “That oughta be a, recommendation!” I snapped. “‘ You quit stalling, and go to - work and line up Sam. It'll be doing the big boob a real favor. If he don’t like Cilla he’s a chump!”’ “Tf he don’t like her I’ll get mine, you mean,” Vic grumbled. “He'll like her if he has any-sense at all. I can size up my own sex pretty fast and I know ’Cilla is a swell kid.” ‘“‘ Have it your own way, sweet creature. But I don’t think we can frame anything before Saturday night. Sam is piling a lotta lumber this week. However, Ill do my darnedest. We strive to please, Jackie.” “ Attaboy, Vic!” I cried. This was pretty kippy. I felt I was do- ing the girl from Nebraska a good turn. Sam Cooley was a big, honest guy employed by the same lumber concern as Vic Jordan. In some ways he was a sorta dumb trick, but always a square shooter. You figure a fellow like him meant for the shy ’Cillas. How was I to know—well, ain’t it funny you never can tell when a fly is gonna come along and fall into your chowder? ’Cilla Parish came to work in such a suspiciously cheerful frame of mind next morning I wondered muchly. Atelunch I sleuthed—or started to sleuth. I didn’t 297 have fo dig hard. My new friend was will- ing to let me in. ““T believe I’ve arranged that little danc- ing debauch at Cinderella for Saturday night,” I hinted first. ‘Mr. Jordan, my friend, is going to bring along Sam Cooley, a nice boy who works at the same place he does.” ‘““T see.” The Nebraska kid nodded. “‘ Perhaps I—Oh, Jackie! I’ve had an adventure! On my way home last night.” ‘““H-m! And who is he?” I smiled. “I went into a drug store to buy some powder, and I forgot my bag.” The eyes of ’Cilla just sparkled.- ‘“‘ I must have been a block away when I remembered. All my money was in the bag, and I was so fright- ened I wouldn’t recover it—and then I saw a. young man following me. He had the bag in his hand, and explained he’d picked it up and had hurried after me to return it. I thanked him—” “What kinda young man was he?” I asked. “Oh, very gentlemanly and courteous! And quite good-looking. I—youtcould hard- ly help liking him. He seemed so agree- able!” “* Uh-huh!” I fooled with my combina- tion salad. ‘‘ Continue, ’Cilla, my dear.” “Well, he walked a little ways with me, and we ‘talked a bit and he—he said he hoped he might see me again some time. He was so nice I told him maybe he could. Finally he wanted to know if I'd go to a ‘show with him this evening, and I partly promised. He’s coming in this afternoon to make sure, he said.” ‘Worked fast,” I thought. ‘“‘ Most of these birds do.” Aloud, I inquired: “ You going with him to-night?” “J—I think so. I rather like him, Jackie.”’ | “Then I suppose Saturday night you won’t—”’ ““Oh, I don’t want to disappoint you, Jackie! Ill goif I can Saturday. To-night may be the only time I’ll ever go out with Mr. Glendon. Once might be enough for him.” ‘““Not unless—well, kinda watch your step, ’Cilla. This ain’t Naylor, Nebraska. Some nice guys ain’t as nice as they look. comicboooks C©