The San Francisco call., 1913-09-17
CHAPTER VIII
A Tin From Headnunrfers

Presently, when she had finished
the cigarette, Aggie proceeded to her
| own chamber and there spent a con-
siderable time in making a toilette
| calculated to set off to its full ad-
vantage the slender daintiness of her
form When at last she was gowned
| TO her satisfaction, she went into the
drawing room of the apartment and
gave herself over to more cigarettes.
In an easy chair, sprawled out in an
attitude of comfort never taught in
| any finishing school for young ladies
She at the same time INDUCED her
| tastes In art and literature by read
ing the jokes and studying the comic
pictures In an evening paper. which
the maid brought in at her request
She had about exhausted this form of
amusement when the coming OF Joe
Carson, who was usually in and out
OF the apartment a number of times
daily, provided a welcome diversion
After a casual greeting between the
two, Aggie explained in response to
| his question that Mary had gone out
to keep an engagement with Dick
Glider
There was little period of silence
while the man, with the resolute face
and the light gray eyes that shone SO
clearly underneath the thick, waving
silver hair, held his head bent down.
ward. as If intent in thought. When
finally, he spoke, there was certain
quality in his voice that caused Aggie
TO regard him curiously
Mary has been with him a good
deal lately" he said, half question
ingly.
That's what" was the curt agree
ment.
Carson brought out his next query
with the brutal bluntness of his kind;
and yet there was vague suggestion
of tenderness in his tones under the
vulgar words
Think she's stuck on him?" He
had seated himself on a settee oppo-
site the girl, who did not trouble on
his account TO assume a posture more
decorous. and he surveyed her keenly
as he waited for a reply
why not?" Aggie retorted bet
your life I'd be, If I had a chance
He's a swell boy. And his father
got the coin, too
At this the man moved impattently
and his eyes wandered to the window
Again Aggie studied him with1a swift
glance of Interrogation. Not being
the possessor of an over nice sensi-
bility as to the feelings OF others, she
now spoke briskly.
"Joe, If there's anything on your
mind, shoot it."
Carson hesitated for q moment, then
decided to unburden himself, for he
craved precise knowledge in this mat
ter.
IT'S Mary" he explained, with some
embarrassment; her and young
Glider"
Weir came the crisp question.
Well somehow" Carson went on,
still somewhat confusedly. II can't
see any good of 1t. for her"
"Why?" Aggie demanded, in sur
prise.
Garson's manner grew easier, now
that the subject was well broached.
"Old man elders got big pull"
he vouehsafed, "and If he caught on
to his boys going with Mary. he'd
be likely to send the police after US
strongi Believe me. 1 ain't looking
for any trip up the river"
Aggie shook her head, quite un-
affected by the mans suggestion of
possible peril in the situation.
I'VE aint' done nothin' they can
touch us for" she declared, with as
surance Mary says So"
Carson, however, was unconvinced.
notwithstanding his Difference to the
judgment of his leader
whether we've done anything, or
whether we haven't, don't matter" he
objected. Once the police set out
after you, they'il get you. Russia
amt In it with some of the things I
have seen pulled off in this town
"Oh. can that 'fraid talk" Aggie
exclaimed, rot yhly. Il tell you they
can't get US. We've got our fingers
crossed
she would have said more. but a
noise at the hall door interrupted her,
and she looked up to see man In
the opening, while behind him ap-
peared the maid. protesting angrily.
Never mind that announcing thing
with me- the newcomer rasped to the
expostuiating servant. In a voice that
suited well his thick set figure, with
the bullet shaped head and the bull
like neck. Then he turned to the two
In the drawing room, both of whom
had now risen to their feet.
IT'S all right. Fannie" Aggie said
hastily to the fustered maid You
can go"
| AS the servant, after an indignant