Argosy All-Story Weekly, December 4, 1926 — page 42: what you’re looking at

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

4 Woy) ‘ a AM) VON : yest WAM : rh “ : ma * i - b J 4 hint? 1] My 5 PAWN thee iN: SAIN ¥ AM te agai y 352 ways boasted himself to be case hardened with respect to the fair sex, even the most attractive specimens. ‘I can take ’em or leave ’em alone,” he had often declared. But this girl, in whose veins flowed the blood of Castile, was totally different from the many others who had entered Rusty’s life in the past—and left it with never a ripple. “ Rusty Towers,” he addressed himself in silent soliloquy, ‘‘ you’re sure falling in love, old horse. And I’ll say you’ve picked a winner. She’s a queen, this girl—a true thoroughbred.” A devastating thought flashed across his brain—a fear that she might yet be snatched from him. “How long you going to stay here- abouts?” he inquired. “For why you weesh to know that, Senor Rus-tee?” she replied naively. “It’s plain enough,” he countered bold- ly. ‘‘ When a chap meets a girl as wonder- ful as you—one he likes mighty well—he naturally wants to know how much time he’s got.” “Oh, I see.” In her sparkling eyes danced the elfin gleam of mischief. ‘‘ Ket depends on my father. I theenk he plans to remain here a week.” “That’s better’n nothing,” Rusty cogi- tated aloud. “ But I'll have to work fast.” “You are one of these—fast workers, eh, Senor Rus-tee?” she challenged. “You said it,” Rusty chuckled. “ I’m considered one of the fastest little workers between here and Las Vegas. You just watch my smoke, senorita.” “But I cannot watch eet longer, to- night, Senor Rus-tee. Now must I go.” Rusty did not try to keep her. “ When will I see you again?” he asked anxiously. “ To-morrow evening once more weel my father. and Don Enrique go forth to enjoy the fiesta,” she replied. “At ten o’clock weel I meet you here. How weel that do, senior?” “ Fine!” he grinned at her. “ But about your aunt or whatever she is?” “Oh, I weel take care of Tia Maria. At dinner weel I keep full the wine glass, and * - ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. that ees something she can never resist. She ees to have another of her seek head- aches, ees thees poor Tia Maria.” Rosita’s eyes danced with their char- acteristic scintillation. She rose from her chair. ‘‘ You weel come part way weeth me, senor?” ‘Why not all the way?” he insisted. ‘But surely you would not weesh to make trouble for me! I am not suppose’ to meet friends outside—thees way.” “That’s right,” Rusty conceded gloom- ily. “Only I was afraid another pole-cat might bother you—like the first one did.” ‘“T weel go queekly, Sefor Rus-tee, after leaving you. Eet weel be quite safe.” “Why not cut out that sefior part?” Rusty suggested. “ We’re friends, aren’t wer” She nodded soberly. “Then let’s get rid of the formality. Sounds a lot more homelike.” ‘Ver’ well, amigo mio,” she agreed soft- ly. “Ket shall be as you weesh. Now, please, I must make haste.’’ Her arm rested lightly in the hollow of Rusty’s, arm as they left the friendly little alcove which had sheltered them so well. Rosita seemed suddenly quiet, and Rusty wondered what thoughts might be stirring in her mind. After a few minutes she stopped. “ Here must I leave you, amigo mio,” she whispered. “ Eet ees not much farther.” “Where are you staying?” Rusty de- manded. “That I cannot tell you—yet. perhaps. Adios, amigo mio. Au revoir, Rus-tee. See. I say not good-by, for we shall meet again. Eet ees bad luck when friends say good-by, Rus-tee.” ‘‘ Adios, Rosita,” Rusty muttered husk- Later, ily. “ You won’t forget to come—to-mor- row night?” His eyes rested hungrily on her. “IT weel not forget. Farewell, Rus-tee,” and she was gone like a shadow. Rusty longed to follow, in order to make certain of her safety, but forced himself to respect the girl’s wishes. He remained for a time in the place where Rosita left him, listening, ready to act should her voice cry out for help. - 2A COMME <S,