Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 12, 1927 — page 164: what you’re looking at

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

‘but the younger was terribly hurt. 158 and the new driver lost his head. It was down grade, and he put on gas instead of the brake. Keith tried to crowd to the other side of the road, but, as luck would have it, a trolley was passing. The man had two youngsters in his car. The older lad was badly cut and bruised, After Keith had picked himself up—his car had been pretty badly wrecked—he had held the boy till the ambulance came. The little fellow’s suffering had completely un- nerved him. The father had come off comparatively easy. The children had paid dearly for his lack of experience in driving. “Couldn’t bear to think of the little chap going out at such short notice.” Keith breathed a sigh of relief at the news Peggy brought. “He was such a fine, sturdy little fellow to be snuffed out like that.” “Wm so glad they can save him,” said Peggy fervently. ‘“ At the same time I’m also pleased that you came through safely. You're sure you haven’t overlooked any- thing broken inside or out?” “T’m sore and shaken up, of course,” replied Keith, “and the car is gone, I’m afraid. I don’t know what I will do either, for I must see Morris to-night. Suppose I will have to phone for a taxi.” “Taxi nothing,” laughed Peggy. “ There’s a perfectly good little roadster sitting in front of the house right now waiting to take you over to Morris’s. But, first there is the question of eating. I bet you haven’t given it a thought.” Keith shuddered. “I really couldn’t, Peggy. Besides, it would take an hour or two to get, wouldn’t it?” “ We'll have a little fire, not because we need it, but because it’s cheerful.” Peggy set a match to the fire logs all ready laid. “Now you sit here with your watch in your hand and in ten minutes supper will be served.” Ten minutes! Six times ten was the shortest time she had ever accomplished it. But according to her new theory speed was necessary—speed and simplicity, | THE ~ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. She made for the kitchen, tossing off her hat and coat en route. What could she do in ten minutes? Had it been a silly boast? Five minutes later they were sitting in front of a small table pulled up in front of the open fire. On a grill Keith was happily - toasting bread. On a chafing dish Peggy poached eggs to adorn the toast. Four minutes later two steaming cups of chocolate malted milk and a bowl of sliced pineapple were placed on the table. ‘““Qne whole minute to spare,” grinned Peggy as she slid into her place. To herself she added: “‘ Not having my mind clogged with dough, so to speak, I ought to be at ieast mildly entertaining.” Whereupon she proceeded to give Keith an amusing ac- count of the day’s happenings, carefully omitting her perturbed state of mind. Their early morning disagreement was never referred to except in a silent and casual manner. The next day Peggy found Grandmother Yarnal’s photograph turned with her face to the wall. She accepted it as a silent apology from Keith. Grandmother Yarnal remained in disgrace for three weeks. The supper progressed merrily. In fact it was the most~successful meal Peggy had served in many a weary moon. “Some day you had!” grinned Keith, amusedly when Peggy had finished the tale of her adventures. “ But, I say, did you ever eat better toast than this? Do you see, it isn’t burned a bit—just a nice even brown all over. Nothing like a good slice of toast when it is not too brown or not too pale. “But it takes time and skill to get it just right.” ‘“ Right-o,” assented Peggy vigorously, “and now I want to hear how Morris is carrying out your plans for the old Hayden place.” “Tl tell you all about that as we run out there.” Keith got to his feet, holding high his cup. “ And I say, Peggy, here’s to the best meal we’ve ever had. Here’s to having the same things every night till we get tired of them—and I’ll make the toast.” “Tt’s a wonderful toast,” agreed Peggy, warmly. END ‘comicboo < S.C