Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 5, 1921 — page 89: what you’re looking at

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

TIGER. $75 came to the confession, he noted sadly. She talked as if she were telling any unfortunate slip. “Tt was like this. Old Yony Marvel has been around for a long time and he’d been setting up the drinks for the crowd every day and paying for it mostly with nice crisp new bills.” He wondered how the Baboon would work into this story. But it was probablv some way through money that he had es- tablished a hold over the girl. So he lis- tened quietly with the same sick heart. ‘‘And he kept it up for about ten days before he left the Tangle. And the day after he left Wagner came to see me and accused me of pushing the queer. Of course I knew that Tony was an old hand at mak- ing the stuff, but I never dreamed that he'd double-cross me. I told that to Wagner, but he laughed and showed me 4a lot of the queer that he’d picked up from the Chuck- a-Luck. It was a pretty article, at that--- all tens and fifties—nothing cheap about Tony! “Wagner laughed at me when ! tried to explain that 1 hadn’t noticed the phoney markings. He thinks that I notice every- thing. But [ sent for Marvel and two of tthe boys picked him up for me in Philie and brought him back. He didn’t want to come; they had a job bringing him, but when he showed I put it up to him straight and he admitted that he’d pushed the coun- terfeit on me and 1 made him make good for it all—” The whole truth rushed in on the Tiger. It was simply a story of counterfeiting. Did she think ‘to pass him off like this—-so cheaply? ‘“T turned over the cask to Wagner, but he still] has a hunch that I was in on the game and trying to work it from the in- side. That’s the straight of it, Tiger. Give you my word.” In the midst of his anger there was a real relief, so great that he pushed his hand across a damp forehead. ‘“Wasn’t that what you wanted to - know?” she cried suddenly. '- He shook his head. ; “YT have never spoken two words with Wagner.” He found her staring at him, bewildered. ‘“ Mary, will you be open with me?” ‘What do you know?” she whispered, shrinking. * Don’t do that. Sit up and look me in the eye, and tell me.” ‘\ What?” * Mary, I have the proof of it ringing in iy head. I only want you to tell me with your own lips. When I learned it I went away and tried to forget you, but I couldn’t. Only tell me the truth, the whole truth, and I’) only remember that I love you!” He left his chair as she rose, but though her eyes were wide with fear the hand she raised to ward him off crumpled weakly against his breast; she was trembling in his arms and the warmth of her body crept subtly out to him. ‘ Tell me—now!”’ he pleaded to that up- turned face. But she shook her head. ‘ Mary, for God’s sake don’t try to hood- wink me. Speak! I tell you, I know al- ready. If you won’t trust me now, how can IT ever trust you, hereafter?” * Wihat do you think? Tell me that. Tiger, | knuw of nothing.” He groaned. “ Mary, you love me!” With all my might.” * For the sake of your love, tell me.” Tiger, there is nothing in the world to tell.” She flung his arms suddenly away. ‘“Did 1 bring you here?” she cried. ‘Have 1 begged you to stay? Have I brought you back? What right have you to ask me about something I’ve forgotten, or that never happened? Let me alene, then. I don’t want you. I'll tear out the thought of you if it kills me.” Her voice broke to a moan. ‘‘ You’ve come to hurt ine, not to tell me you love me. And-—I’m through with you, Tiger—through with you!” He said sadly: “It’s the finest bit of acting l’ve ever seen, and I’m a fool for staying. But I can’t help it. I’m weak, and 1 despise myself for it, but I’m going to stav here in the Tangle until you clear up the whole. thing and tell it to me from the first syllable to the last. .Good-by.”’ When he turned his back she was stand- ing like one stunned, and as he.apened the. nn