Adventure Magazine, December 10, 1924 — page 32: what you’re looking at

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

10 blow which would finish him. Seeing a face like a white flower against the moon, he hurled his weight and failing strength - into one punch. To his utter surprize the great bulk sank. Then he found himself, panting, standing over his opponent and heard Plessons saying— “T do ’ope yer haven’t hurt the pore fella, gov’nor!”’ “Say, Tony, ol’ man,” butted in Bodiker feverishly, “I’m awfully sorry! But he was drunk, you know, and “Oh, go to !? gasped: Tony, and wheeling, walked unsteadily across to his tent. Ill TONY had gone to his tent boiling ‘i with anger; more furious now that the safety valve in the shape of his sense of obligation to Bodiker had blown off. Although he didn’t know it he was as mad as any carnivore long deprived of its prey; the lust for murder which dwells in all of us had been quickened; and he had tasted of power, power to give this loud bully the lesson he deserved. Immediately, mouthing excuses, had come Bodiker whom he consigned to the cus- tomary place. Ardently he desired to tell Bodiker that he refused to continue the agreements, but short of walking out of camp—and not even his clothes nor rifle belonged to him—he could not say a word. At last, exasperated by Bodiker’s abject excuses, he turned his head and said sharply: “Oh, for ’s sake, shut up, Bodiker! It’s your own fault. You’ve been egging on fhe man the whole time. Now what have you got against me?” “Nothing, old man,” whined Bodiker. “Why, that’s just ridiculous! Wish I’d never brought that yegg, but he’s been —been with me a long time. Tried him out, and know I can depend on him.” “You surely can!” “Yes, I know; but he’s never been like that before. He was mad drunk. It was my fault to let him have so much liquor, but it was your birthday and——”’ “Oh, shut up! You make me tired. There’s something else behind this, Alick. What is it? You’ve been picking on me ever since we left the railhead.”’ “TI haven’t, old man, I swear. Maybe I Adventure was a bit liverish with this —— climate and——”’ “Oh, quit it! But one thing. Get this: If he starts anything again [’ll finish what I began. Good night!” Naturally Tony couldn’t sleep. He lay quietly, trying to calm his mind and sum up the situation rationally. His suspicions of some ulterior motive faded; after all perhaps Bodiker was right; Sawyer’s was a case of fighting drunk, and Sawyer had picked on him merely because the bruiser had never liked him—and Tony reciprocated thor- oughly. Just as he was dropping off he heard Bodiker call him; but, not desiring any more futile discussion, he did not reply. Bodiker rose quietly and slipped out of the tent. Tony heard him softly calling Plessons, who did not answer, and then ina lower whisper— “Phil! Say, Phil!” In the twittering silence he heard the creak of the cot under Sawyer’s clumsy movements; and, gliding out of bed, he peeped through the tent flap. In the bright moonlight he saw the two men walk off into the bush. An impulse urged him to follow. 2 if Ill spy!’ he muttered char- acteristically and went back to bed. Next morning as soon as he emerged Sawyer came shambling across. Tony ig- nored him, walking up to the camp-fire for coffee. But the man followed and came up with a grin. “Say, Mr. Westlake,” said he, “I wants to ax yer pardon. I was soused last night. Bugs. That’s straight. And yer give me what I was asking for. Ye’re a man, you are. Put it there, will yer?” Tony looked at him. He wasn’t fooled in the least. Yet as the fellow apologized what could he do? Perfunctorily he shook hands. “That’s all right, Sawyer. But see here, I should advise you to leave the booze alone.” “T ain’t going to touch another drop 0’ hooch on the —— trip! I tol’ Al—Mr. Bodiker. Didn’t I, boss?” Z “Yes, he’s all right,’’ concurred Bodiker. “Phil’s a bit of a rough diamond, but his heart’s in the right place.” “Diamond!” mused Tony as he squatted down. ‘‘Wonder if that’s what he blew up over? Probably.” “Say, Tony,” said Bodiker in a casual way a little later, ““we’ve—I’ve decided that CoOMmicbook Wh) CO 5}