Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 23, 1924 — page 92: what you’re looking at

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

Tubes 4 With ‘ 250 ‘“How do you know she’s never seen him? And who told you she was in love with him?” “Why, you did, didn’t you?” “T did not.” “ Well, you gave me that impression any- way.” I could see that Nell was growing more suspicious every minute, and I didn’t blame her.. I realized that under her questioning I was showing myself the intellectual peer of a starfish. She gave me a few seconds to think things over hurriedly and then remarked: “Of course if there is a portrait of Seumas Shayne on exhibition, he can’t be a syndicate; but, on the other hand, three different handwritings seem to prove that he is at least a triumvirate.” ‘““T’ve explained about his handwriting,” I said, “ and as I used to go to school with him, I can assure you that he is just an individual whose talents happen to be un- usually versatile.” ; “Well, I’m going to find out all about him. If he lives in Europe, he must have an agent or a representative. I shall go to the managers and publishers who have deal- _ ings with him and find out to whom they make their payments.” I imagined an interview between Nell Teller and Spinoza Malcolm. If she ever started to cross-examine him, that would be the finish of Seumas. It seemed a shame to deceive this innocent trusting girl; it also seemed extremely difficult; but I saw that, as a friend and confidant of the boys, I would have to try my best to do so. “T believe you have the right idea,” I said. “ Of course he must have some kind of an agent in New York, and, if you can find out who he is, that would be a starter any way. If you like, I can find out that much for you. I’m going uptown now in the neighborhood of the Temple Theatre. Tl drop in and see Skipworth and ask him where he sends Seumas Shayne’s royalties for ‘ The Lilac Lady.’ ” “ Awfully good of you. Sure it isn’t too much trouble?” “Not a bit. It’s a pleasure. In fact, I shall be glad to help you with the article in any way that I can; and, if there’s any - ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, mystery about Seumas—which I doubt— you have been good enough to say that mysteries are my long suit; so probably I can be of real assistance to you.” “That would be fine. Thanks,” She didn’t exactly offer her hand, but I. took it anyway, and a nice hand it was, not too small, but shapely and competent looking. It was a genuine pleasure to hold it for a moment, though I didn’t consider it shaking hands on a bargain, because, no matter how much I liked Nell, I felt that my first duty was to prevent a discovery that would ruin the prospects of eight more or less deserving young men. It was not difficult to prevail on Nell to wait a couple of days while I did some preliminary in- vestigations, which I assured her would make it easier for her to get on the trail. After I had helped her into a taxi, she gave me her hand again, and her eyes expressed so much confidence and gratitude that I regained my self-respect only by reflecting on the undoubted excellence of my motives. Incidentally, I hoped that the recording angel wastnot a stenographer. CHAPTER XII. ENTER SEUMAS. FTER parting from Nell Teller, I hur- ried to the nearest subway station, caught an uptown train and, getting off at Fourteenth Street, walked as fast as I could to Mrs. Clow’s. house was now quite inviting. For me, with my inside information and previous know- ledge of the premises, there might just as well have been a sign over the door: ‘‘ The boys have paid up.” That was the only way to account for the transformation scene. The entire front of the house had been painted a pale may- Onnaise color with green trimmings. There were flower boxes in some of the windows and, though the geraniums and pansies needed a thorough dusting, the intention was all right, and doubtless the artistic effect enabled Mrs. Clow to boost the prices of the smaller rooms at least a dollar a week. Alfred, Uncle Tom’s younger brother, in- Gomichbooks The front of the ‘ (E@)