Argosy All-Story Weekly, August 9, 1924 — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

POOR LITTLE PIGEON. think I understand you, Mr. Newton—it is a symbol of innocence. And yet inno- cence itself may be perverted to wrongful ends. And should that happen—then woe to the one who so perverts it; woe to him who perverts, besmirches, befouls any good thing—since in that hour he becomes in the eye of the All-Seeing One, foredoomed to that time when His vengeance shall be done. ‘Wherefore I say to ye: no man needs fear or travail himself greatly if his heart be clean. Love of the higher sort is a cleansing thing. And this dove—this wom- an to whom your fancy turns—have you thought, in the hours you have sat here troubled, that it may even chance that she, though held in durance, lies yet in the hands of friends?” ‘You mean?” Newton looked up into the gray eyes of the man above him. His own were wide, startled. Dual’s tone was as deep as that of a priest in benediction. ‘‘ Peace be with you, and think of these things.” He turned to Knoll. His manner changed. And now, colonel, I think we are finished.” Then, as the lieutenant staggered again to his feet, and the rest of us rose, he passed out of Newton’s quarters, outside which the guard at sight of the colonel, once more came to a present. ‘““By God, sir,” the latter began when 179 we had gone some little distance, “I can’t believe that boy guilty and be damned to the evidence.” Semi eyed him. ‘“ Faith, Colonel Knoll,” he said, “is a wonderful thing and may accomplish much. It is a wonderful thing to have faith in one’s fellow man. May I thank you for your courtesy this morning?” ‘You may.” ‘The colonel’s lips twitched. “And may I say that I’m half inclined to believe some of what I read this morning in the papers.” Dual smiled. “ As a matter of fact, Mr. Judson’s story was true—to some extent. I am a Persian on my father’s side. I have been a student of esoteric philosophy for many years. It may even transpire that you shall hear me pass on certain phases of the present matter from an esoteric standpoint before I leave Nogales. Mr. Bryce, will you get Danny to part com- pany with that dog?” Jim signaled to Dan, who came running toward us with Felipe at his heels. “Gee, Mr. Jim!”’ he panted. “ Stanley says that when they’re out patroling the border, Felipe knows if there’s anything wrong before any of the men.” “So does a sheep dog, m’son,” Jim told him. We regained our waiting machine, shook hands with Knoll and Cleland and climbed in. Thirty seconds later, we were speeding back to town. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK U U U GENEALOGY OF all the animals that roam the earth, To think that man alone, whom God made last, Should bray about nobility of birth, And make obeisance in accord with caste! What care the beasts for such tomfoolery? Where is the brute that would another slur? The dog one holds of highest pedigree Will wag a welcome to the meanest cur! Ralph M. Thomson. ECoOMmicloo S (©