Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

“T ought to get about two dollars for that —huh?” said Joie from the audience. “Leave it to me, Joie; leave it to me. Then, if no one objects, we'll have Emile come walking down to the platform, unty- ing his apron. He’s goin’ to walk right up and say: ‘ I’m through wit’ rum.’ That ll be a good one. And now, kind frien’s, I thanks you. Shoot a little harmony there, Eddie, will yuh?” To the credit of the nondescript assembly of Cracker Pot patrons but one applauded Connors’s announcement, and that was Joie the Jug, whose monetary interest prompted the outburst. Even Eddie Carbon’s masterpiece, where- in the correct staccato touch was secured by shooting a bullet at the big brass gong on the wall, failed to dispel the near-gloom that seemed about to settle. Of the forty odd men and women six walked out. Much sooner than Connors had believed it possible the street door opened, and Cap- tain Wallers’s official representative ushered a small group of mission workers into the Cracker Pot. The party consisted of four men and two women. The former carried a small portable melodeon, which they placed upon the dance hall platform. The clergyman, whom Connors had desig- nated as the Bible-banger, was a young man, not over twenty-six. He was about five foot ten in height, and as clean as the proverbial whistle in limb and carriage. As he walked to the rear of the hall Connors noted the free swing and springy step of a man in perfect health. There was no patronizing condescension in the greeting he exchanged with Connors. It was an honest grasp of the hand, accom- panied by a wholesome smile. Without confusion this little group seated themselves on the platform, and the clergy- man assumed leadership. “Miss Darwin will sing for us,” he an- nounced. A young woman took her place at the in- strument. She was dressed in white, and every line of her face reflected idealism and refinement. As her mellow contralto notes voiced the words of a simple hymn silence reigned. It was a voice carried the gracious pel er to every sin-tarmished S¢ Pot audience. Even Connors 1 folly of attempting to stage his cr of “ repentant sinners.” aa Emile had tiptoed his way int room. Joie the Jug had followed Connors found himself staring, stv at the young clergyman. He seemed fascinated. Where had he seen him bet As the singer concluded there was a mo- ment of silence, and in that brief space something occurred which startled every one in the hall. It was a low growl that appar- ently came from beneath the floor and might have emanated from a human throat, except for its peculiar volume. This alone was sufficient to alarm, but, accompanied as it was by the distinct clank of a chain, it caused a thrill of apprehension to sweep over the audience. Eddie Carbon arose from his seat, but sank back as Connors signaled him to re- main quiet. It was the training of the clergyman that bridged the situation. He was accustomed to interruptions. Quick to divert the minds of a distracted audience, ignoring the strange occurrence, he stepped to the front of the platform and began to speak. There was no text; no reduction of sacred multiples by a common denominator of slang; no priestly monotones; no eloquent flights. It was a simple talk as one who would speak—man to man. ‘“‘{ have no patience with the man who tells me that life is easy, for I know that there is a tragedy in every human heart. If I but knew some of you better, I am sure that I would find men of heroic mold. I believe that there are men here who would go the limit to help a pal. Friends, this is the best within you, coming to the surface; the bit of good within mankind—floating, because it was made to ride the troubled waters. Listen, men, it is more. It is God’s life preserver for humanity. The life belt that will hold you up until the Great Skip- per sends out the long boat to rescue vou from the tempestuous seas.” , In this simple fashion he ended his talk, and no one was more surprised than Connors _ eEomicbooks.con