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.

KAIN. ‘Not at all. I left him ready to believe anything about me.”’ “ But you don’t think I’d blow on you?” “No, for two reasons.” ‘Go ahead. I got all night to listen.” “You need only five minutes. The first reason is that it won’t harm me if you tell him. He would be only all the more in- terested in a man who would arrange such a unique way of reaching an introduc- tion.”’ The face of Gainer grew blank. He shook his head and then concentrated a scowl upon his host. “All right,” he growled. ‘“ We'll call that reason number one. What’s the second reason?” ‘ “Tt’s still simpler. You’re afraid to double-cross me, my friend.” While the word “ afraid ” left his guest agape, Kain rose from his seat, deliberately turned his back on Gainer, and flipped the ashes from his cigarette into a bronze bowl. He resumed his place, putting the bowl be- side him. “¢ Afraid’?”’ quoted Gainer, stupefied. Then he exploded: “‘ Afraid ’!” “Gainer,” said Kain. “I’m _ probably the most patient man you’ve ever had deal- ings with, but just now I’m too weary to listen to you. Leave the house.” The thief smiled with contained malice. “Tt’s your own hangout,” he said, “‘ and you’re the main kick in it, all right. Sure, Vl leave, but you’ll hear from me again. * Afraid ’!” He started for the door with the last word prolonged to a snarl! on his lips. “Come back,” said Kain without raising his voice. The other turned with obvious relief. ‘“T knew you wouldn’t play the bluff clear out,” he said. “ But it’s a treat to hear you work, old boy. I’m saying that free.” ; “Do you suppose I would have used you,” said Kain, “ if I didn’t know enough to tie your hands when I’m through with you? Gainer, there are certain things in your life which even your crooked friends don’t know about you. There are things which even your pal Louie hasn’t dreamed of. But if they should be known—if they 489 should be even whispered abroad—ah, Gainer, that would be too bad, indeed!” “What do you know?” said the thief with bulging eyes. “ Everything,” said Kain. Gainer started to speak, but no words came. He moistened his white lips, and with his eyes fastened upon Kain like a child watching a venomous snake, he backed toward the door, snatched it open, and leaped sidewise out into the night. CHAPTER IV. HE SHOWS A PICTURE. N that mood of absolute quiescence which was often his, Kain sat on the veranda the next afternoon and watched the sun gild the distant trees of Albemarle Park or splash the windows of the mansions on the Heights with blinding gold. For it was the hour of the afternoon when the rays, grow- ing slant, take on a tint of yellow, but lose almost all meaning of warmth. Little by little shadows lengthened across the street and now blurred the brilliant geraniums of the hedge with a film of blue. A time half lazy, half mysterious, hushed. The children have already returned to their homes from school; the world waits for the cool of the evening. Kain listened to the hum of the lawn mower slowing to a loud clatter as the machine slackened at the corners. It was pushed by an old gardener, his black hat almost gray with the mingled dust and sweat of years, and his shoulders so bowed that even when he stood most nearly straight he seemed about to stoop to the earth. He smoked a pipe with so short a stem that there seemed a perpetual danger that his whiskers would ignite in the bowl. At this moment he stopped his mower in the midst of a swath, knocked the ashes from his pipe against his heel, and fumbled through his hip pockets. His hands came forth again, empty, and in a deep bewilder- ment he pushed the hat aside and drew the back of his fist across his forehead. Even this stimulus failed to help his wandering ~ thoughts, and he looked up like a child seeking help. Gomichbooks.;com