Air Wonder Stories, August 1929 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

ater" 2 $ E % > BEYOND GRAVITY unlike any other woman—she made a man feel as miserable as she possibly. could; then would bring him back to normalcy with soft words and sympathy. Following its usual sudden: drop, the elevator’s auto- matic doors swung open and -we found ourselves in the broad, spacious hall of our apartment floor. A few seconds walk carried us to my apartment. During the rapid drop in the elevator Joan maintained a stoic attitude toward Bob. He seemed very uneasy because apparently Joan still resented the taunts that he had playfully heaped upon her during their younger days together. I was enjoying it hugely, although I felt that poor Bob should not be made to suffer just to satisfy Joan’s coquettishness. “You've a nice comfy apartment ‘here, Mr. Holdon,” Bob volunteered as he seated himself in the spacious divan in the living room. Without a word Joan made haste toward her own chamber, I did not doubt but that she was chilled coming into the open air out of the warm control cabin of her little plane. “Yes, Bob,” I said, handing him my humidor of favorite cigars, “Joan and I like it here. I’m content to remain here for the rest of my days if I can keep that female upstart out of mischief.” “T don’t. seem a very welcome guest to her, Mr. Holdon,” he said disconsolately. T could not suppress a laugh. “Don't pay any attention to her attitude, my boy! She is just trying to tease you—trying to have some fun in her own way.” “Oh! So that’s it?” Bob said, brightening, “She’s still the same old Joan.” “That’s right, Bob!” I said, grinning, “She was laughing at you up on the landing!” He chuckled softly and his face lightened as he settled himself into a more comfortable- position. “J’m a dud with women, Mr. Holdon,” he said smiling, “But I— ” “But you're one of the best pilots in the United States Air Forces, is that it?’ I interrupted. “Nothing like that,” he smiled modestly. ‘“There’s a Jot of pilot-navigators better than I, and I don’t hold any medals. I meant to say that I have not had much experience with the fair sex. I’ve been too busy trying to get ahead. Yet I always cherished a secret feeling for Joan that killed any desire to mingle-with others.” ‘“That’s heroic, my boy,” I said with admiration. “F've watched you all these years, through my own and your father’s eyes. I’m convinced that there’s not a cleaner or more-upstanding young man in this country than you, Bob.” “It’s nice of you to say that. I appreciate it sin- cerely,” he smiled, “Oh I have reason enough for saying that,” T said, seriously. “I’ve always figured that someday you and Joan would sy “What's that you-say, daddy?” A Warning T the sound of Joan’s musical voice I turned. Bob arose politely, delight. written plainly on his tanned features, Joan had silently entered the living room and was smiling radiantly, “Wh-y-y Joan,” Bob stammered, his eyes sparkling happily. “Don’t stammer like that, Mr. Allison,” she said. “Haven’t you ever seen a woman before?” “Listen, little girl,” I said, seriously, “Let Bob alone! He's leaving with the Annihilator at seven and we just have time for a quiet dinner and an inspection tour of the ship before he departs.” “I’m sorry, Robert,” she said, apologetically. “You don’t know how: glad I am to have you with us. Let’s forget all that childhood silliness, How do you like this evening frock? Isn’t it pretty?” “Tt-is pretty, Joan, but it doesn’t make you any more beautiful than you really are,” complimented Bob, meaningly. “You are beautiful, Joan!” “Do you think so, Robert? Father sometimes says I’m a little helleat with horns on. But I guess I am a little wild at times,” she-laughed, “Your father don’t seem to realize that youth must have an outlet for its bubbling vitality, Joan.” Then he turned to me as I sat regarding them through half closed lids, “You've got to expect youth to be wild at times, Mr. Holdon. I’m sure Joan knows what she’s doing.” “Humph!” I grunted. “You might be right but I’m not going to admit it! I had a young colt once out in California that was as wild as Joan and———” “Oh daddy dear, I’ve heard about that colt for fifteen years,” Joan laughed, dashing over to my side and placing a sweet-scented hand over my lips. “Haven't you-ever thought of burying it?” “Alright, youngsters, have your fun while I. order dinner sent up. Just make yourselves happy and for- get about everything but bubbling and silly youth. I'll call you: when dinner is ready.” “Filet nugnon: et table d@’hote. for Bob and daddy,” Joan called. after me as I walked toward the Automa- ton Service Control hidden behind a beautifully-carved closet door in the dining salon. The Automaton service had become a boon to hotel and apartment dwellers in 1941, lowering the cost of living considerably and do- ing away with whatever maid and valet relief that was required. in the earlier days by fashion and leisure. I glanced. over the ment: board, controlled auto- matically from far below in the chefs’ kitchens, pressed a series of buttons on the panel and a few minutes later a low buzzing sound issuing from an announcing cowl, told me that our dinners had arrived. I busied myself setting the table. Usually Joan’s nimble hands decorated the dining table, but on this occasion I under- took to perform those details myself, allowing Joan and Bob to enjoy a few quiet moments in the living room before his departure in the An»ihilator. Frequently, as I busied myself in the dining salon, I could-hear their laughter. I conjectured that they were discussing their younger days together and I listened intently, for it is the gay spirit of vigorous youth that makes life worth living for the elder generation. “Don't be silly, Robert,” Joan was laughing, “Ralph Jordan never did mean anything to me.” “Well, all the kids:in our set considered him your beau,” Bob said, seriously. “Ralph was a nice boy, and he was the only. one who did not take great delight in teasing me, But Ralph isn’t the kind of a man that appeals to me. He simply cannot keep up my pace. He’s too old- fashioned and still clings to a slow old plane that has been in his family for years.” Joan said, meaningly. “That's comforting, Joan,” Bob whispered, “Maybe I’m not too late.” “I-never dreamed you felt that way toward me, Reet Joan replied. a o?” ee CoMmicbooks con) fa