I-X

Large kerosene lamps dilated by tin reflectors
lit the front of the Steel Spud. In
their radiance he saw the gaily-attired form
of a woman. She wore a white hat, with a sweeping,
white ostrich plume, which hid her face with
the exception of a retreating chin and prominent,
carmine lips; while a fat, unwieldy body was covered
by a waist of Scotch plaid silk -- lines and
squares of black and primary colors -- and a short,
scant skirt of blue broadcloth that, drawn up by her
knees, exposed small feet in white kid and heavy
ankles.

Gordon Makimmon paused, and she leaned forward
to meet his challenging gaze. "Just in from
camp?" she inquired, in a voice hoarse, repellent,
conciliatory, and with a mechanical grimace which
he identified as a smile. He stopped at the invitation
in her tones, and nodded. "And looking for a
good time," he further informed her; "perhaps a little
game."

"Stop right where you are," she declared.
"You've found them both." He mounted to the
porch, and shook her extended hand, cushioned with

[[56]]

p055 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p056w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p057

v?