Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 1 — page 31: what you’re looking at

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

COMRADE EASY-MARK. Zenia kept safe and she owned two apart- ment-houses in the Bronx and put her money in three banks. Veeder, with whom she was on intimate terms, was. a shrewd lawyer who had an excellent practise defending Reds who came afoul of the law. Leon Minsch was gone from her life; nothing had been heard of Waldo Harrison for sixteen years. ¢ Veeder was shaking his head ominously. “It’s a dangerous game—and it’s going to be more risky all the time. I’ve got a straight tip—”’ “Harry, I know it. But what could | do?” Zenia spread out her hands, palms up, conveying the notion of her surrender to conditions. ‘‘ Comrades had to keep up its leadership. I had to fight the draft—” ‘Oh, that part! There’s no great harm in that. Of course they'll suppress an issue every time you open your mouth now. They’re watching you, close. That’s no great loss—really good advertising—”’ “Yes, and the circulation gains. Dis- tributing without using the mails is more trouble, but we’re getting contributions— still, I wish I hadn’t been forced into the fight. War has changed a lot of things. It adds to my risk—”’ ~ “Tt’s the other thing, 11 mean,” said Vee- der with a significant look. ‘‘ This Draft Aid Bureau business—”’ “J know, I know! Didn’t I try to keep out of that? Didn’t I try? But once we started this fight against military service— you see how it goes? But I’m going to get from under, Harry, the first chance—”’ The office door opened. Veeder cautioned silence with a flashing eye and they turned toward the*visitor bland faces. He was a hulking nondescript in work- ingman’s __ clothes. “From Comrade Minsch,”’ he said, thrusting a card at Zenia. “He gives me this and says to see you, about—you know.” “Sit down, comrade. Your number was drawn, eh—”’ ‘“‘ Excuse me,” cried Veeder hurriedly. ‘“ Excuse me, comrades. I—TI have other business.” He left the room. Zenia listened to her visitor’s story—a story already wearisomely familiar to her. She cut it as short as possible. _ marked bills in her hand, 21 “Here,” scribbling an address, ‘ go there. Dr. Nicholas Jones, you won’t for- get that name, eh? Jones. This paper will identify you. Dr..Jones will tell you what to do. Follow his advice absolutely, you understand? Absolutely—” ‘What for?” ‘You will see. Do what he tells. you. When your examination comes—” Zenia smiled. “You look very strong, comrade, a physical giant, eh?” ‘“ Ho, I'll do—” ‘Well, don’t let that worry you. Dr. Jones will fix that and ”—she whispered— “they will not want you for the army if you, do as he says.” When Veeder. returned the stranger had departed and there was a little pile of green- backs on Zenia’s desk. She indicated it with a smile. ‘“ Another contribution to the cause, Harry.” Veeder shook his head, frowning. gerous—dangerous business!” Zenia sighed and swept the bills toward her open purse. , Veeder held out his hand: “ Let me see.” With skilled fingers he ruffled over the paper money. His jaw dropped and Zenia’s eye, meeting his, was fascinated by the dismayed stare. Veeder silently indicated the hills with a shaking finger. | ‘What is it, Harry? What—” His lips formed the ghost of a word: “* Marked!”’ 4 God! ”? Zenia was on her feet. ‘“ Give them to me, quick!” She turned toward the win- dow, raised her hand to throw the evidence against her, hesitated and turned back. _ ‘“ Burn them,” she whispered. “ That’s safer yet—” ) ‘No time, I tell you. The drain-pipe—” Zenia was half-way across the room, the . when the door opened again to admit secret service opera- tives led by her recent visitor, who had so easily exposed the conspiracy to evade mili- tary service. | V. ZENIA did not greatly mind prison life. She had spent other terms in prison, earlier cCoOmiclboooks “Dan- C@