Evening journal., 1922-10-07

what was in it7'
"sparklers since you're 81
nosey."
where do you keep them ?" In
quired Smith naively.
Cllnch looked at him. very drunk
None o. your dinged business he
said very softly.
The dancing had become bolster
Gus but not unseemly. although all
the men had been drinking too free
ly.
Smith closed the pantry bar at
midnight. by direction of Eve. Now
he came out into the ballroom and
mixed affably with the company,
even dancing with Harvey Chase's
sister once-a slender hoyden, all
flushed and dishevelsd. with a tire
less mania for dancing which seemed
to intoxlcate her.
She danced, danced. danced, ac-
cepting any partner offered. But
Smiths skill enraptured her and she
refused to let him so when her beau,
late arrival, one Charlie Berry
slouched up to claim her.
Smith. always Trying to keep
Cli1ch and Quintana's men in view,
took no part in the discussion; but
Berry thought he was OBTAINING Lily
Chase and pushed him aside.
Hold on. young mani" exclaimed
Saith sharply. Keep your hands
TO yourself II your girl don't want
to dance with you she doesn't have
to-"
Some OF Quintana's gang came up
to listen. Berry glared at Smith.
SAY" he said. II seen you before
somewhere. Wasn't you In Russia p
What are you talking about?"
YES. you was. You was an Of
ficer! What you doing at Clinch's?"
whats that7" growled Clinch,
showing his way toward and shoul-
dering the crowd aside.
who's this man. Mixer" demand
ed Berry.
well. who do you think ne is7"
asked Clinoh thlckly.
1T think he's gettin' the goods on
you, that's what think" yelled
Berry.
"G'wan home. Charlie" returned
Cllnch. "G'wan. all o. you. The
dance Is over Go peaceable, every
one. Stop that fddle!"
The music ceased. The dance
was ended; they all understood that;
but there was grumbling and de-
mands for drinks.
ClInch, drunk but impassive. herd !
81 40
the starlight. There was scuffiing, |
horse-play. but no lighting.
The big Englishman. Harry Beck, |
asked for accommodation for his
party over night.
Nav" said Cllnch. "g'wan back |
10 the Inn. can't bother with you |
folks tonight" And as the others,
Salzar. Georgiades. Picquet and |
Sanchez gathered about to Insist. |
Cllnch pushed them all out OF doors
in a mass
Get the hell out O. here," he
growled; and slammed the door.
He stood for a moment with head
lowered. drunk. but apparently cap
able OF reflection. Eve came from |
the melodeon and laid one slim hand |
on his arm.
go to bed. grille" he said. not
looking AZ her.
You also. dad"
NO. got business with Hal
Smith"
Passing Smith. the girl whispered;
you look out for him and undress
him"
Smith nodded gravely preoccupied
with coming events. and nerving
himself to meet them.
He had no gun. Clinch's big
automatic bulged under his armpit.
When the girl had ascended the
,reaklng stairs and her door. above.
,losed, Clinch walked unsteadily TO
he door, opened It, hshed out his
listol.
''Come on out" he said without
urning.
'where?" inquired Smith.
Clinch turned. lifted his square
lead; and the deadly glare in his
yes left Smith silent.
you comln'?"
Sure" said Smith quietly.
But Clinch gave him no chance
o close In: II was death even to
werve. Smith walked slowly into
he straight. ahead OF Clinch-
lowiy forward in the luminous dark
less
Keep going" came Cllnch's quiet
'oice behind him. And, after they
lad entered the woods-"Bear to the
light"
Smith knew now. The low woods
we're full OF slnkholes. They were
headed for the nearest one.
Continued In Our Next Issue.)