Phoenix tribune., 1922-09-30

Fairchild watched the dimples that the
merriment caused, and then-Fairchild
forgot the fact that he was wearing
| hobnailed shoes and that his clothes
were worn and old. He was going
forward to take his place on the dance
floor, and she was beside him
Some way, as through a haze, he
saw her. Some way he realized that
now and then his hand touched hers,
and that once, as they whirled about
the room, in obedience to the monarch
on the fiddler's rostrum, his arm was
/ about her waist, and her head touching
! his shoulder. 1t made little difference
whether the dance calls we're obeyed
after that. Fairchild was making up
for all the years he had plodded, all
the years in which he had known moth
ing but slow, grubbing life, living
them all again and rightly, in the few
swift moments of a dance.
The music ended, and laughing they
returned to the side Of the hail. Out
of the haze he heard words, and knew
indistinctly that they were his own:
"Will-will you dance with me again
tonight?1
"Selfish !" she chlded.
"But will your"
serious.
Did you ever realize that we've
never been introducedT
Fairchild was finding more conversa-
ton than he ever had believed pos
sible.
"No-but realize that don't care
If you'll forgive It, believe that
I'm a gentleman"
$50 do I-or wouldn't have danced
with you"
''Then please"
"Pardon me-" She had laid hand
on his arm for just a moment, then
hurried away. Fairchild saw that she
was approaching young Rodaine,
scowling in the background. That per-
son shot an angry remark at her as
she approached and followed it with
streaming sentences. Fairchild knew
the reason. Jealousy! Couples re-
turning from the dance floor, jostled
| against him, but he did not move He
was waiting-waiting for the outcome
OF the quarrel--and In a moment II
came. Anita Richmond turned swiftly.
her dark eyes ablaze, her pretty lips
set and firm. She looked anxiously
about her. sighted Fairchild, and then
started toward him, while he advanced
to meet her.
"Yes," was her brief announcement.
| I'll dance the next one with you"
"And the next after that?'
Again: "Selhshp
But Fairchild did not appear to
hear.
A third dance and a fourth, while
in the intervals Fairchild's eyes sought
out the sulky, sullen form of Maurice
Rodaine, flattened against the wall,
eyes evil. mouth a straight line, and
the blackness of hate discoloring his
face. 1t was as so much wine to Fair
child; he felt himself really young for
the first time in his life. And as the
music started again, he once more
turned to his companion.
Only, however, to halt and whirl
/ anu Hldl z AZ LPllSC. 1ACIc lldu
shout from the doorway, booming,
commanding:
lands up. everybody! And quick
about it,"
Some one laughed and jabbed his
hands into the air. Another, quickly
sensing staged surprise, followed the
example 1t was just the finishing
touch necessary-the old-fime hOld-up
of the old-time dance. The bandit
strobe forward
"Out from be'ind that bari Drop
| that gun! !" he commanded of the white
aproned attendant "Out from that
roulette wheel. Everybody line up
Quick-and there amt no time for
| foolin'."
Chattering and laughing they
| obeyed, the sheriff. his star cleaning,
standing out in front of them all, shiv-
ering in mock fright, bis hands higher
than any ones. The bandit, both re-
volvers leveled, stepped forward foot
or so, and again ordered speed. A
bandanna handkerchief was wrapped
about his head. concealing his hair and
ears. A mask was over his eyes, sup
plemented by another bandanna,
which, beginning at the bridge Of his
nose, flowed over his chin. cutting off
all possible chance of recognition.
Only second more he waited then,
with wave of the guns. shouted his
command
"All right everybody! I'm a decent
fellow. Don't want much but l want
1t quick This 'ere's for the relief OF
widders and orphans. Make 1t sudden
Each one OF you gents step out to the
center of the room and leave five dol
lars. And step back when you've put
1t there. Ladies stay where you're
atr
Again laugh. Fairchild turned to
his companion, as she nudged him.
There, it's your turn"
Out to the center of the floor went
Fairchild, the rest of the victims
laughing and chiding him. Back he
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