Argosy All-Story Weekly, December 2, 1922 — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

“We have grown as violently serious as Puritans,” said Kain. “But you see the talk has helped us up the hill,” said Mr. X, “‘ and here we are at the top already. I should like to hear more of your conclusions on life and man. I have not talked like this—” ““ Since your boyhood?” suggested Kain. “‘ Ah,” chuckled Mr. X, “ you are m- imitable! Yes, not since my college days. But, come—what is your next topic?” “Tf you insist on making a false prophet of me,” said Kain good-naturedly, “at least supply me with a topic.” ° ““ Certainly. Let me see. Well, why not take the nearest at hand—myself. What have you made of me during our walk in the night?” “JT shall venture on them for your amusement alone. I would say in the first place that you are a thoughtful raiper than @ practical nature.” chuckling in his familiar way. do you attain to that point?” muttered Me X, “ And hew “Very simply. My aphorisms would have ~ reduced any hardheaded business man to disgust amd silence. They amuse you, which proves that you get at whatever crumbs of truth are scattered among my words.” ‘“ A hard mental diet, but since I thrive on it I prove myself an intellectual Spar- tam. Eh, Mr. Z?” ‘7 knew you would have your laugh out of that,” said Kain. ‘“ As to your position in life, I presume you are a teacher of some sort.” “ And why is that?” “ Because teachers in their profession have to talk so much that they welcome any opportunity to hear others chatter in even a foolish manner. And you are an ex- cellent and most patient listener, sir.” “Good again! Very good again. A teacher?” ‘Perhaps Pm flying wide of the mark. At least, you see I have the courage to voice my convictions.” “Well, then, ’m a teacher?” “Of moderate means—probably a tutor in one of the great houses on the Heights.” ‘““ Well, well! And how is that?” 487 “Only the well-to-do have houses up there, of course, and if you were in that class you would be in a taxi at this hour of the night. However, you are bound for the Heights at such an hour that I must con- clude that you live there. It is clear, there- fore, that you live in one of those houses and serve there in some dignified capacity— say as a tutor.” Mr. X rubbed his hands together in pleasure, “Tt’s a-treat,” he declared, “to hear such close reasoning. Shall I tell you ex- actly what I am?” “You're so willing to speak,” said Kain, ““that I see my guess has flown awry. Per- haps you’re a butler rather than a tutor. Let it go. You retain the mystery of your own identity; I leave you with an interest- ing hypothesis. And so, Mr. X, good night to you and very happy dreams.” They were now directly in front of that most imposing residence which towered high above even the lofty buildings along Albe- marle Heights. “ A moment—wait half a moment!” pro- tested Mr. X. “ At least my influence with the butler gives me access to the larder of this house, and if you’ll come in Ill promise you a bite of cold meat and an excellent bottle of wine before you go back to the city. We’ve had a stiff walk up the hill.” “Thank you,” said Kain, “but I’ve falked myself into such good humor that I “Teed no wine, and I'll save my appetite until I get home. Good night again, Mr. DBs “The devil take it!” cried the tall man. “T will not. lose you in this way. How- ever ’—as if he changed his mind—“ per- haps you're right. I don’t like te part in such a summary manner, yet if you insist on continuing the part of the Spartan, fare- well, Mr. Z.” CHAPTER If. HE PAYS THE THEEF. UT Kain was already so far down the slope that he hardly heard the last words of Mr. X, and he maintained a brisk pace until he turned a corner of Comicbooks.com