American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1922-09-09

TN gentleman"
80 do Tor wouldn't have danced
with you"
"Then please"
Pardon me-" She had laid a hand
on his arm for Just u 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 a.
she approached and followed II 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.
"rll dance the next one with YOU"
"And the next after thatf"
Again: Selfish !"
But Fairchild did not appear to
hear.
A third dance and a fourth, while
In the intervals Falrchild's eyes sought
out the sulky. supen form of Maurice
Rodaine, fiattened 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
and stare In surprise. There had come
shout from the doorway. booming.
commanding:
"'Ands up. everybody! And quick
about I'll"
Some one laughed and jabbed hts
hands into the air. Another. quickly
sensing staged surprise, followed the
example. It was just the finishing
touch necessary--ths 0ld-tIme hold-up
Of the old-tlme dance. The ''bandit''
strobe forward.
"Out from behind that bar! Drop
that gun I" he commanded Of the white
aproned attendant. "Out from that
roulette wheel. Everybody line up
Quick--and there amt NJ time fos
fOolin'."
Chattering and laughing. they
obeyed, the sheriff, his star cleaning.
standing out In front Of them all. shiv.
ering In mock fright. his 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. conceuling his hair and
ears. A mask was over his eyes, sup
plemented by another bandanna
which, beginning at the bridge Of hi
nose, flowed over his chin. cutting on
all possible chance Of recognition
Only a second more he waited, then
with a wave of the guns. shouted his
command:
"All right, everybody! I'm a decent
fellow. Don't want much, but I want
It quick! This 'ere's for the relief OF
w.dders and orphans. Make II sudden
Each one OF you gents step out to the
center Of the room and leave Ave dol
lars. And step back when you've put
II there. Ladies' stay where you're
att"
Again a laugh. Fairchild turned Il
his companion, as she nudged him
"There. It's your turn"
Out to the center Of the floor wen
Fairchild, the rest of the victimi
laughing and Gliding him. Back h,
came in mock fear, his hands In tn,
air. On down the line went the con
tributing men. Then the bandit rushed
forward, gathered up the bills and golt
pieces, showed them In his pockets
and whirled toward the door.
"The purpose of this ere will be Il
the paper tomorrow" he announced
sand don't you follow me to find out
Back. therei"
Two or three laughing men hat
started forward, among them fiddler
who had Joined the line, and who nov
rushed out In Haunting bravery, brand
ishlng his violin as though TO brain tn
intruder. Again the command:
"Back, there--get backw
Then the crowd recolled. Flashe
had come from the masked mans guns
the popping Of electric light globe
above and the showering Of glass ties
flying to the fact that they had cor
tanned something more than mere wat
ding. Somewhat daxed. the fiddler cor
tinued his rush, suddenly to crumpl
and fall. while men milled and woIns
screamed. A door slammed, the loci
clicked. and the crowd rushed for the
windows. The holdup had been rea
after all--instead Of planned. joking
affair. On the floor the fiddler lay
gasping-and bleeding. And the ban
dit was gone.
All In moment the dance hal
seemed to have gone mad. Men wer'
rushing about and shouting; panic
stricken women clawed at one another
and fought their way toward free