Adventure Magazine Cover, October 10, 1921 — page 70: what you’re looking at

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

60 everything is going good for you. How’s Loomis?” Lee did not know why, but Brayle’s last words were to him like an electric spark. A warning shot into his head to be careful, to use his wits. Dehberately he squared his train sheet on the table before him before answering. “Loomis?” he said. Then casually— “Oh, I guess Sam is so-so.”’ ‘““He’s such an excitable fellow,” explained Brayle. “Somebody was telling me he claimed a man had been peeping in at him.” ‘‘Who was telling you?’’ questioned Lee. His eyes rested easily on Brayle’s face. The latter was a little confused. ‘Why, er—one of the boys,” he’replied. “Benton, maybe?” ‘‘N-no, not Benton. to have forgotten.” “Garwin?” “No.” Brayle displayed a hint of irrita- tion. “I don’t remember.” “Isn’t that odd,” said Lee amiably. wouldn’t be Fuller?” “No,” said Brayle shortly. it matter?” “T’m not saying it does; I’m merely ask- ing.’ Wheeler regarded Brayle evenly. “Since you mention it, I believe Loomis did say somebody had been bothering around. Why do you suppose anybody would want to scare Sam away from his trick?” The division operator’s assistant appar- ently was momentarily disconcerted by the abrupt question. , “How’s that? Scare Loomis away?” he jerked out. “What makes you say that?” “Different things,” replied Lee unbur- riedly. “But you haven’t answered my question.” “Bosh!” said Brayle. to frighten him!” “You're dead sure?” “Of course! You know Loomis.” Brayle made a gesture of absolute assurance. ‘“V_ves,” said Lee slowly, “ina way. But I wasn’t so certain. It’s such a relief to be advised by an authority that Sam’s troubles are mere hallucinations.” He heaved a long sigh to show how relieved he truly was. ‘‘Sam did seem real worried. Talked some of leaving.” “He did?” The quick interest in the other’s tone did not escape Lee. “Ves, a little. But I’ve been telling him to buck up.” Wheeler’s words dwindled Let’s see. JI seem af 5 ‘““What does “No one’s trying Adventure into indifference, as if the matter no longer greatly interested him. He began tohuma little song: Number Nine whistlin ’round the bend— Good-by, my honey, good-by! Haven’t got no money to spend— Good-by, my honey, good-by! As he ceased he observed that Brayle was moving toward the door. ; ‘““You’re not leaving?” said the first trick man. “‘Youare! Well, come in again some day. Always glad to welcome visitors and show ’em how the wheels go ’round.”’ “‘Good-by,” said Brayle. : - WHEELER contemplated the di- vision operator’s man as Brayle moved along the track in the direc- tion of Willowburn depot. ‘“‘Now here’s a pretty howdy-do,” he re- markedaloud. ‘‘Youfunny piece of spoiled cheese! You’re about as complicated as a straight line between two simple points. But that reminds me.” He opened his block wire and called “SD,” the next block office to the east. “Has Brayle been in there today?” he asked, when “SD” acknowledged the call. “No,” said (ST).” “OK,” said Lee. ‘“Thanks.”’ He then called “MD,” the block office be- | yond “SD” and asked the same question. And ‘“MD’S” answer likewise was in the negative. “I’m not surprized,” said Lee to himself, closing the key. ‘Of course he lied. And he lied about Loomis; I knew it. It was none of our boys told him about Sam’s scare. But who did? Some outsider. What outsider? I don’t know; maybe the guy him- self—the one Sam saw. Huh! that be queer!”’ He walked to the rear of the office, then returned to the telegraph table in front, thinking hard, a little frown on his face. “Sam, you’re right; there’s something wrong here. Somebody wants to get vou away. Who? Brayle was awful interested. He wouldn’t have made this special trip out to see how you were taking it if he wasn’t. He couldn’t seem to fool me much. Funny, too.”” He stopped suddenly, cracking his palms together. “By Jove!” he exclaimed. ‘Believe I see something! It’s not Sam they’re after espe- cially; it’s his job they want! See where that COnmiclbookks Cc Wouldn’t © C@