Argosy All-Story Weekly, January 21, 1922 — page 148: what you’re looking at

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

138 that parlor robbery in Chicago, the time Flora Reece got sent over, I haven’t done much of anything in that line.” “Laying low, eh? Well, that little trick made you about as popular as an Irish re- bellion. I don’t blame you for takin’ a prolonged vacation. Chicago never slept for six nights after that, and they post- poned the mayor’s reception for darned hear two months.” Chauncey laughed. ‘“ I’ve kinda pulled out of the old game permanent like, Spud. I like amusement, but not so much excite- ment. Gettin’ old and mossy.” “You on the straight and narrow? Ho, ho; that zs a good one.” “Fact, though. I came West on a freight, same night of the hold-up, and hit for the hills. Been mining and spent a year in the forest service—makin’ a good livin’ and no worry.” After Chauncey’s warning to soft pedal they had been talking in subdued tones, and Bill considered it not in the least il- mannered under the circumstances to open his door quietly and slip out in the hall by Chauncey’s door. “Well, Dll be damned!” ejaculated Chauncey’s companion. ‘ You never heard then that Flora broke jail and made a clean getaway about a month before her trial come off?” “ No "—with a touch of interest. “ You don’t say so. Where’d she go to?” ‘“Darned if I know. Beat it off some- where. Never heard from her since. You and Flora were pretty thick for a while, weren’t you?” ‘“Oh, so-so. Flora was about the best little teammate I ever worked with. I’m sure glad to know she flew the coop before they gave her the T. B.” “ Let’s go take in that scrap to-night,” suggested Chauncey. There was a scuffle in the room, and Bill slipped back and closed his door softly. He flopped down on the edge of the bed, with a head -full of information and jumbled ideas that would have done credit to old Mrs. Wil- lowbrook, Pine’s most formidable and tal- ented medium of publicity. “And all that cuss is got to do ig ask her, and Maggie ’ll be tied up to a thievin’ ARGOSY-ALLSTORY. WEEKLY, criminal for life. Not by a damned sight! T’ll see him in hell first.” The next morning Bill started back to Pine. That was Wednesday. It was Thurs- day before he arrived. At firstehe intended spilling his information broadcast when he got home. But he didn’t like the idea, and by and by thought better of it. Then it occurred to him to call the sheriff at Boise and have Wilkes arrested and turned over to the authorities at Chicago. Finally he decided to keep mum until Chauncey came back to Pine, and then notify the sheriff ‘at Mountain Home, and have -him arrest- ed right there at home where Maggie and the rest of the folks could get the whole benefit of it. Bill didn’t like this plan either, but he let it rest for several days. Then he got to thinking about Chauncey trying to go straight, and what a dirty trick it would be to catch him up and send him to the penitentiary anyhow. That would only make a bad matter worse. If the fellow wanted to go straight, give him a chance. Bill had always preached that. Here was a chance to practise it. But that was no reason why Maggie should suffer the shame and disgrace of having a criminal for a husband. Bill decided to handle the matter himself and see that Chauncey va- moosed without further devilment. Then Mr. Wilkes arrived from Mountain Home. With him came six two-wagon freight-outfits, all loaded with boxes. The following two weeks Chauncey was as busy as a family of ants after somebody has kicked a hole in their hill. He worked early and late, hammering, sawing, plan- ning, painting, and what not. At last he abated the curiosity of the public by hang- ing out a large sign before a building that had long been empty. The sign read: WILKES & COMPANY General Merchandise Groceries Having set himself up in_ business, Chauncey turned his attention to other matters. He met Bill in the post-office. comicloool C©