Argosy All-Story Weekly, October 7, 1922 — page 93: what you’re looking at

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

A NEW GIRL IN TOWN. out. In that event wickedness would tri- umphantly justify itself by reason of an ounce or two more muscle. Guyon bitterly | repented his rash blow in the Casino. His only hope was that Sutliffe, upon awaken- ing, would feel foolish, too, and would not come. But even as he wished it, he heard his man come thudding down the slope on his heels. Sutliffe’s tall form pushed through the veils of fog. They regarded each other warily without speaking. Sutliffe had had some sleep, a bath and an alcohol rub, and he looked fresh. His sweater, flannel trousers and sneakers contrasted oddly with Guyon’s incongruous evening clothes. Nevertheless, for all his scowl, it was clear that Sutliffe had not much more stomach for a fight than Guyon. His glance was uncertain. Indeed, from any point of view it was ludicrous to think of starting any- thing in cold blood at that hour in such a situation. But Sutliffe would never have admitted it even to himself. To Guyon their two selves, and for that matter all humankind, suddenly seemed so insignificant there in the presence of the mystery of dawn, that he experienced a warm fellow feeling for the other blind mite. After all, they had lived together. They had had good times; Sutliffe had his points. He said impulsively: “Sut, I believe we're a pair of fools!” But the other only sneered. for yourself!”’ “T will. I want to tell you ’m damn sorry for last night. I lost my head. I’m willing to apologize.”’ “Think that’s going to get you off your licking?” sneered Sutliffe. Guyon shrugged. “Oh, if you insist on fighting Ill stand up to you. You're the injured party. But it seems so foolish now!” “ Take off your com!” “Whichever way it turns out it can’t change the rights of the matter,” Guyon persisted. ‘“‘ Can’t we talk about it rea- sonably ?” ‘“ No! liffe. “ 'You’re wrong,” said Guyon. “ My eyes “¢ Speak You’re jealous of me,” said Sut- 239 are open. A certain person has taken an aversion to me. Whatever happens I count myself out of the running. I just didn’t have any luck, that’s all.” Sutliffe only looked at Guyon and gave a disagreeable laugh. ‘“‘T take it you’re in love with her, too,” said Guyon diffidently. ‘“ That’s what made me feel we could understand each other.” ‘“‘ That’s my affair,” said Sutliffe. “You had all the luck,” said Guyon. “You see her every day. Must know her pretty well by now. You couldn’t know her so well without being a better man for it.” This sort of talk made Sutliffe squirm in- ~ ternally. ‘“‘ Oh, for God’s sake—’’ he burst out. ‘“‘ Answer me one question and I’m through,” persisted Guyon. “ Haven’t you found out that I was right about her in the beginning ?”’ “No!” cried Sutliffe. ‘On the contrary, she’s given me the best proof that I was right about her!” A spasm passed over Guyon’s face. ‘‘ You lie!” he said. He tore off his coat and flung it on the ground. He was the aggressor now. He advanced, crouching, and on his face Sutliffe saw the same expression that had so astonished him the night before. Suddenly Guyon rushed him. Sutliffe side-stepped and attempted to jab him as he passed, but missed. Guyon, whirling, got under his guard and landed on his body with both right and left. Sut- liffe grunted with pain and surprise, and gave ground. The fog encompassed them about like a void. The broad earth had disappeared. Alone on their little island of firm ground they struggled futilely. They were too angry to retain much science. They slipped and floundered in the treacherous grass and drove their fists into the air. There were no lookers-on, and neither was disposed to be overscrupulous. Sutliffe, in particular, was filled with a wild hate because Guyon had put him in the wrong. Sutliffe finally caught Guyon a stinging clip under the ear that stretched the lighter man flat in the grass. Sutliffe raised his comicboooks C©