The Argosy for May — page 151: what you’re looking at

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338 ‘Why, his case is even worse than mine,” the dramatist reflected, settling back in the cushions. “I can get back to New York, while he—well, Heaven only knows what he’ll do.” Then he added quickly: ‘“ Pshaw! He'll get his remittance any moment, and then he’ll undoubtedly be a great deal better off than I am. From the side glance I caught, he looked pretty pros- perous, anyway.” Certain now that he was not followed, he interested himself in the crowds through which he was being driven, and ‘the incident was forgotten. But some moments later it returned forcibly. ‘“Good Heavens!” he _ exclaimed aloud. ‘ The last time I was at the ex- press office I left my address there, with orders to forward to my hotel any mail that might arrive. Suppose the stranger should ask the cashier who I was, and if he knew where I was stopping, and he should tell him? My running ‘away as I did would only make matters look worse, and he would not believe me when I showed him how much I have left in my check-book.” . Instinctively, his hand sought the pocket in which he had placed it. It was not there! Thinking he might have absently re- moved it to a different pocket, he rapid- ly felt from one to the other. But his eager fingers did not close upon the book, and in utter dismay he realized it was gone. He sprang to his feet and searched the cab, but without success. ‘““T may have dropped it in the express company’s Office,” he muttered. “If I did, I am safe, because the checks are not negotiable by any one but me. [’ll order the driver to return, anyway.” Signaling the man, he directed him to go back to their starting-place. ‘What a fool thing to do,” he mut- ° tered. “ Unless I find it, I’m as badly off—no, I’m worse off—than that stran- ger. Because he undoubtedly has some one to cable to for money, while I have nobody.” As they neared the express office, the thought occurred to him that there was a possibility the American might not have left there, but be waiting around, hoping for the réply to his cable. THE ARGOSY. “Well, I don’t care if he is,’ Walker declared. “I'll face him this time with- out compunction. It’s really his fault if I dropped the check-book, because, in my haste to get away, I may not have put it in my pocket securely.” Nevertheless, he had a strong fear of meeting the man, a dread that increased to such an extent that as he' neared the office he kept a careful lookout for a tall fellow in a gray suit. And it was with a feeling of relief that he sprang to the sidewalk when the cab drew up to the curb, because a quick survey of the interior of the office assured him the dreaded person had left. Walker hurried to the cashier’s win- dow. . “IT have lost my check-book,” he in- formed that individual, ‘‘and wish to prevent payment of the checks.” The cashier looked him over carefully for a moment, then queried: ‘ Your name, sir?” “ Walker—Stanley Walker,” the dra- matist answered impatiently. ‘You know me—TI was here only a few mo- ments ago.”’ ‘Yes, sir, I do,’ was the response ; “but it is a form I am forced to follow. How much was there in the book?” ‘Eight ten-dollar checks and one five-dollar one. I evidently dropped it right after I left here.’’ Then he added in an appealing tone: “ Please try to find it. I must have that amount to get me back to New York.” The cashier’s face did not relax a particle as he slowly opened a drawer of his desk. ““T have it here, Mr. Walker. The man who was behind you saw you drop it as you ran out, and handed it to me.” Walker reached for the extended check-book, but his eyes were riveted upon the cashier’s face. “That man—that American—the one in the gray suit—found it?” he stam- mered. Yes sine “What shall I do?” the playwright queried blankly. ‘Should I reward him? He needs money—I heard his conversation with you.” Walker now felt his position to be more complex than ever. Surely this friendless stranger was entitled to some- (EO) 0)(0)(6) ANG S (©)