The Argosy, March 1907 — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

‘THE BEAUTIFUL MADNESS. about and you looked tp and promised to help "The young Greek god— Apollo Belvedere and all that—eh?” He smiled again. ‘Well, sis, that’s funny, but I forgot to tell you. I’ve found a place for your man. Sisson’s got an appointment as civil engineer in charge of building the new railways down in Brazil. He wants an assistant, one who is first of all the right kind of man—a decent sort, the kind who can associate with his wife (she’s going along with him). This assistant would have to be a practical man who knew the shop-work and was also a civil engineer -: The girl clasped her hands. ‘Douglas, you’re the best brother a girl ever had. It’s perfectly lovely of you — perfectly lovely! I’m sure Mr. Bond will be just the man. He studied civil engineering at night, and he knows all about the shops and “But is he—first?’’ Her brother hesitated. ‘I’m not a snob, Beth, but Edith Sisson is going alone—and—well —you know, sis iS The girl and the man moved to the door of the box they were to occupy; and she put a hand on her brother’s shoulder. “He’s here to-night,” she went on. “And that’s the favor—Douglas, you know there’s a vacant place—Tommy Murray hasn’t come—and Mr. Bond is standing out in the foyer. I saw him there. Douglas, I want you to go out and make his acquaintance somehow and bring him.in. But don’t let him know that I remember him. Hurry; maybe he’s got his seat and is coming in. After- ward he can join our supper crowd at Aunt Helen’s. Please, Douglas Douglas Ridgely smiled in a puzzled way and then tried to scowl. “But look here, sis,” he demurred, “the man mightn’t know—the little things—and ‘Please go!” she-urged. “ He does; really, truly, I know he does.” Ridgely heaved a sigh. His sister had an all-conquering way. ‘““'What’s he look like?” he asked. ‘You can’t miss him. He has a scar —a little scar on his left cheek—and he’s sunburnt and very good-looking—go, please go, Douglas.” Her brother grinned ica: “All right, Beth,” he said and retraced his steps, obtained a return check and passed out into the foyer, which was’ emptying rapidly. The line at the ticket-office had dwin- dled down to four people. But the broad-shouldered young man still stood near the potted palm and gazed vaguely at nothing in particular. He could not have told any one just . what his thoughts were, nor how long he had been standing there. He was startled out of his reflections by a tap on the shoulder, and turning, faced Douglas Ridgely, whose small, eyes had already noted the scar. Ridgely was holding out a white- gloved hand. “Hello, Sheridan—just the man I want.”’ Then, as they looked each into the eyes of the other, Beth’s brother added in tones of apparent disappoint- ment: “ Why, it’s not Sheridan. I beg your pardon.” The broad-shouldered youth bowed gravely, and met Ridgely’s stare with composure. ‘ There’s something about the set of your ears makes me think of Sheridan,” added Ridgely, hesitating a trifle in his speech. “I’m sure I beg your pardon.” “I’m sure it’s granted,” smiled the other. “Sorry I’m not the man you want.” ‘Well ””—Ridgely cleared his throat —‘‘as a matter of fact, any friend would be just the man I want. Look here, I don’t know you, do I?” . “No. My name’s Bond—Richard Bond. I haven't a card.” “ Well, mine’s Ridgely. See here He plunged into the thing abruptly. “My aunt’s giving a box-party—Mrs. Stewart a The youth took a step backward. “ You’re Douglas G. Ridgely, then? ”’ he half gasped. The other nodded. ‘‘ Why?” ‘“T’ve heard of you,” said Bond, re- gaining his composure. Heard of him, indeed! D. G. Ridgely, Chief. of. the Engineering Corps of the B. and Q. system and—what was far more—brother of the girl! ‘ We’re one man shy,” pursued Ridge- ly quickly. ‘Sounds unusual, but I’d Gomichboo 8 keen . — teF bs 3 - a tas aan “9 = » § . &) : ny | i ‘ 1 nA ehh t . Oe VA ae - de 3 74 “SIs com. es Ml fe - ee. 5 sv