The Argosy, March 1907 — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

a IN THE MOUTH OF THE GIFT-HORSE. for the benefit of Ted and McNamara (getting a mechanic to put the machine together), for Mrs. Knipes had explained in no uncertain fashion that she wanted her property without delay. Nor could he tell her that the thing was all in pieces, since what possible excuse could he offer for his apparent vandalism? He must say something, though. She was waiting at the other end of the wire for his answer. As he stood there tongue-tied, vainly searching his brain for some plausible fiction which might serve to turn her purpose, a sudden suggestion shot like a ray of light into his cranium. It was a desperate hazard—a cutting of the Gordian knot, as it were, instead of trying to untie it—for should Mrs. Knipes fail to acquiesce, it left him with no other recourse than to “’fess up.” Still, there was a chance of success, and Dave determined to take it. “ Why—er—Mrs. Knipes,” he stam- mered, ‘‘ the fact is—or, rather, I should say—well, to tell the truth,” finally ta- king the plunge, “I don’t wonder that you want the player back. Even in the short time I have had it I have fallen so in love with the instrument that | hate to let it go. So I am going to summon up my courage and ask you as a great favor if you won't allow me to keep it.. You may wonder, I know, why I don’t get a new machine; but somehow I feel as though no other could take this one’s place. I will pay full price for it,” eagerly, ‘‘and promise to treat it kindly—or,” stopping with a jerk as he realized that he was running off the track, “rather, I should say, hold it as one of my chiefest possessions, and never forget your kindness in the matter.” “What?” cried Mrs. Knipes. ‘ Sell my cherished piano-player?” . Dave’s heart sank to. his boots at her tone. “Why, Mr. Martin, I am afraid that would be simpl 2 She broke off suddenly, and Dave in- distinctly heard Ellen’s sweet voice call- ing “Mother!” Then all sound was shut off, and he realized that a hand must have been laid over the mouthpiece at the other end of the wire. He waited for a resumption of the con- versation, and for the refusal of his plea which he felt sure would be forthcoming. >" >" Se A Pw ~~’ eS ote ae eo ye &, * Oe gree SN te ee oo Pt ere, ol pa = OR rg we ee ’ — - Pe ae len ae ae a t® —— ge AP ee - . 7 ~ _ aS . Si se <— . => et oe -—— mets t= 663 He tried to frame up an explanation for the liberties he had taken with the piano-player. But it is the unexpected which always happens, and when the lady’s voice again sounded in his ears he noted with surprise that it was at a much less uncompromising pitch. “T hardly know what to say, Mr. Martin,” debated Mrs. Knipes. “I have never considered selling the machine be- fore ’’—she hesitated a trifle—‘* yet cir- cumstances may so shape themselves that I shall be glad to sell it, and I certainly should never get a better opportunity. “On the whole,” she went on, and Dave’s knees nearly gave way under him in his relief, “I guess I will let you have it. But,” she insisted, “I could never think of accepting the price of a new machine, as you so generously offer. Mine is in first-class condition, of course’’—Dave cast a deprecating glance at the ruin over in the corner— “still, at the best it is second-hand, and you must not think of paying more than it is worth.” He was so afraid she might reconsider that he did not, stop to argue the point, so a bargain was speedily patched up whereby he acquired all right and title to the instrument for forty dollars. Then with an almost hysterical ex- pression of thanks he hastily rang off and turned to the contemplation of his next move in the gamé; for it was get- ting well along toward twelve o’clock, and he still had Ted and the detective to reckon with. The only place in town he could,think of where he might be likely to find a workman capable of handling the «job was at the salesrooms of the company manufacturing this make of piano-player, and that, as he discovered, was in the lower part of the city. Nor would he trust to the telephone for communication with them, with the specious promise sure to be returned that a man would be sent up at once and the appearance of the said man upon the scene possibly by the day after to-mor- row. In his present predicament, Dave could afford no chance of a slip-up, and he therefore determined to visit the place in person, accompany his mechanic back, and keep him under constant surveillance until the work was completed. Gomichbooks.c¢o