"FOREWORD" (continued 3)

"The fault ain't with America—it's with the ignorant bastards that's allowed to run it," answered Evelyn, as the Lieutenant was calling Fort Bliss.

After much delay the General was finally reached. "What the Hell are you calling me for at this time of the morning?" he roared over the phone.

"I'm sorry, sir, but it's about two women that have just waded the river, and we have detained them, and they have insisted that we call you, or they will take it up with the American Consul. I thought it best to call you."

Evelyn leaned her ear close to the receiver.

"Are they respectable women?" asked the General.

"I'll answer that question," said Evelyn, as she snatched the receiver from the Lieutenant. "What the Hell difference does it make whether we are considered respectable or not—we are American citizens, that ought to be enough."

"Why were you wading the river at this hour of the morning?" asked the General.

"Because we want to get home, and one of your lackeys refused to unlock the gates—that's why we waded the river."

"Would you please let me talk to the gentleman who called me, please," said the General, as he boiled.

"Sure," as she turned to the Lieutenant. "He wants to talk to you," as she handed him the receiver with mock dignity.

"Get those women's addresses and names, and let them go, and don't you call me again, as he slammed the receiver up.

"Well, what did he tell you?" asked Evelyn, with contempt.

"He asked me to get your names and addresses, and let you go home."

"Ask Hell—he told you to, you mean—well, my name is Evelyn and I haven't got a last name, as far as you are concerned, and I live at the San Antonio Apartments," said Evelyn.

"My name is Pearl Jones, and I live at the Hussman."

"Hussman," repeated the Lieutenant.

"Yeah, Hussman—and no smart cracks—from you, either—and don't get the idea that you can use the addresses for your own convenience when you have a day off."

"I'm sorry to have caused you ladies any trouble," smiled the Lieutenant.

"Ah, nuts to you, brother," said Evelyn, as she gave him a loud, juicy raspberry.

"Come on, Ev—let's call a taxi—I'm as near all in as I'll ever be, and live to tell it. Come on up to my joint and stay, will you? I don't like to be alone."

"Jees, I might as well move to your place—I don't seem to ever stay at home any more," said Evelyn. "Here, we will call from the same phone that big lousy Lieutenant just used," as she turned back.

Loud rapping on the door aroused Pearl out of the deep sleep she had been in since she had climbed into bed that morning. "Who's there?" she called, still half asleep.

"Mickey," came the voice outside.

"Just a minute, dear, I'll let you in," answered Pearl, as she crawled out of bed and staggered to the door.

"For the love of Heaven, don't you expect to get up today?"

"What time is it?" asked Pearl, yawning.

"It's nearly five o'clock—have you been in bed all day?"

"Uh-huh."

"What's become of Evelyn? I've been over to her apartment several times, and she hasn't been there all day."

"She is here with me."

"Well, you two sure have been sleeping sound. I been up here three times, and had the clerk ring the room several times, but no answer."

"We were nearly dead when we got here this morning. We had to wade that damn river again. How did you get across?"

"They opened the gates when I went and asked them to let me through."

"Well, the lousy tramps—and the way they treated us this morning—they sure was nasty."

"I stayed as long as I thought it was safe for me to stay, I finally got to go through the rebel General's pockets, then I decided to come home and get a little sleep. I feel fine now, and did I make the dough last night? Seven hundred bucks, not so bad."

"I should say not. Come on and let's wake Ev up. Have you got anything to drink with you? I haven't got a thing up here."

"Yeah, I have a bottle with me. I sure know what it is getting up after having been on a good one, and not having a little drink to pick me up—it's awful," as they went into the bedroom, where Evelyn was still snoring.

"Hey, sister, snap out of it," yelled Mickey, as she shook Evelyn real hard.

Evelyn turned over and opened her eyes. "What's the big idea?" she asked.

"Look," said Mickey, as she held a pint of whiskey where Evelyn could see it.

"Oh, great Heavens, give me a drink quick, before I have time to start thinking," as she raised up in bed, taking the bottle from Mickey.

"Save me a drink, Ev," said Pearl, as she started to the bathroom.

"Well, you better hurry back, you know when Ev gets a bottle, she don't want to give it up until it's empty," called Mickey.

"Did you make any money out of the revolution, Mickey?" asked Evelyn.

"Sure, did you?"

"I don't know yet, I haven't been sober enough to count it, but what I've got is on the chair there," as she pointed to a chair, loaded with clothes.

"I'll hand it to you and see just how much you have made," said Mickey, as she handed the clothes to Evelyn.

"How long do you think the border will be closed, Ev?" asked Pearl.

"Well, that's hard to tell. Sometimes those things last only a few days, then again they have been known to last months, but if we can't go over there, nobody else can, and I know all the apartments around here where there are likely to be parties, so the only thing to do is make the rounds of them, and chisel there, just like we did on the other side."

"What about liquor?"

"Don't worry about that—there is more on this side than there is on the other side," said Evelyn, as she began to lay out her money.

"Did you make anything last night, Pearl?" asked Mickey.

"I haven't looked yet."

"I've got the enormous sum of thirty-five bucks," said Evelyn, as she looked disgustedly at the crumpled money on the bed cover.

"Well, honey, you didn't stay over there as long as I did, and you see I stayed until I got to go through the General's pockets, and he is the bird with most of the money. I had my eye on him all night," said Mickey.

"Now that another evening is here, what are we going to do with it?" asked Pearl.

"I know—we'll call up some of the girls I know, and see if we can't find some place to go, or maybe we can engineer a party out at my place. If we can, we will gather the fellows that we know to get the whiskey, and make it a rip-roaring, bang-up party—what do you say?"

"O. K. with me—how about you, Pearl?" asked Evelyn.

"Whatever you all say is right with me."

"I've fallen for a new boy friend. I don't know what his name is, but they call him Dusty, and is he good looking, and can he fight? But—he's another one of those that haven't got a dime, but still, I sure can have a swell time with him. I'll call him right now, and see if he can get the rest of the boys," enthused Mickey.

"I've never heard you rave over a guy before, unless he had something you wanted," said Evelyn.

"Well—," said Mickey, slowly, "I guess he's got something I want."

"Excuse me for living," said Evelyn, as she climbed out of bed, gathering up the money that she had been counting, "I don't know what he has got, but whatever it is, he has as good as lost it right now."

Mickey went to the phone, calling several numbers before she finally got Dusty, who from the trend of the conservation over the phone, was glad to get the other fellows for the party, much to the joy of Mickey.

Evening came, they usually do, even in El Paso, and this evening was very little different from any of the others. The party started at Mickey's wild, mad, hilarious, drinking, loving, laughing, fighting and all the more thrilling to all concerned, because of its being on the American side. All who were invited, came, and brought others that weren't invited, as well as their friends also, but no one cared—it was for a good time that the party was given and everybody proceeded to make the most of the chance.

Twenty-four hours later the party was still going strong. The hilarity had grown in volume, instead of subsiding—the party was going too strong to stay in the bounds of the house—people were wanting to go places, and still keep the party going.

"I got an idea," said Pearl.

"What is it, honey?" asked Evelyn.

"Why don't we go to my place, and still keep the party going there, and after that we will go to some place else—ain't that a good idea?"

"Sure, it's a good idea, but I can't tell how long it will last at that hotel—they may be particular about a party like this."

"Well—," thought Pearl, as she continued, "we can go there and when we can't keep it up there any longer, then we will go elsewhere—how's that?"

"Fine, let's call Mickey, and tell her, and see what she says."

"She is in the Kitchen, we will go in there and tell her," as they shoved their way into the kitchen, where new bottles were being opened.

"Sweetheart," said Harry, as Pearl came into the kitchen, "I was just getting you another drink—here it is," as he offered her the bottle.

"Harry, my sweet, I've a surprise for you—we are all going to my hotel—that's what we came in here to tell Mickey—are you for it, Mickey?" asked Pearl.

"Sure, darling, I'll go any place—let's gather up all the licker we have left here and get started," as she began to set all the bottles on the sink.

The news spread, and soon everybody was singing in a loud voice, "we're going to the Hussman—we're going to the Hussman," amidst much skipping and dancing.

"Shall I call Tony?" asked Evelyn.

"Sure," answered Pearl. "The sooner the better."

"You better call several cars for this mob," said Pearl.

"How many of them are there?" asked Evelyn, as she picked up the phone.

"I don't know, but you better call about five or six cars, maybe seven—there's some people out in the yard, and it's too dark to see how many there are."

"Hello, Tony—this is Ev—well, look—we want you to send some transportation out to Mickey's for the party that is moving to the Hussman—you knew that there was a party going on, didn't you? Well, I guess there wasn't anyone who didn't—come right on out—O. K.—good-bye," as she hung up. "They will be here right away."

The cars soon began to arrive, the drivers were taken in and made to drink whether they wanted to or not, and there were none who didn't want to. Seven cars were little enough—people were hanging all over the outsides of the cars, screaming and singing, some fully dressed, others partially dressed, others with only a street coat and shoes on.

They arrived at the Hussman—the bellboys were rushing around madly, expecting at least to earn some tips, which they did by bringing ice, and ginger ale to the room, the crowd unloaded in front of the hotel, each one trying not to look drunk and to be a lady or gentleman, until they got through the lobby to the elevator—some were helping others, others were staggering it alone. Pearl and Evelyn and Mickey in the lead, with Mickey loaded down with bottles, wrapped in a sheet like it might be soiled laundry, elevators started the mad procession of getting everyone off on the right floor, which became more noisy as the newness of the place began to wear off.

Pearl threw everything wide open, told everybody to make themselves at home, which they were already doing—those who had gotten thirsty on the ride were already in the kitchenette, uncorking bottles. Evelyn sat at the phone, ordering more liquor; Pearl and Harry, locked in each other's arms, oblivious to all that was taking place. Mickey eyeing one of the taxi drivers that the crowd had brought with them, and wondering how much he might have in his pockets, and proceeding to make him drunk enough to find out.

The party grew—other guests who were on the same floor, who were in the mood, joined in the crowd. People were going from one room to another, soon the phone in Pearl's apartment began to ring—the management asked them to be just a little more quiet, as they were annoying guests five floors away. The crowd was quiet at least three minutes, when it began all over again, in all its flamboyancy—drinking began to get heavier, some of the crowd began to pass out wherever they happened to be—that's where they lay.

Noon the following day.

Big Boy approached the desk of the Hussman. "Is Miss Jones in?"

"That would be rather hard to say, sir," answered the clerk, "but I'll try and find out."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Big Boy, puzzled.

"Well, you see, sir—there has been a party going on on that floor, and in her apartment, since last night, and it's only been quiet for about two hours now. There were a few who left, I'll find out if Miss Jones is still up there," as he asked the operator to ring Pearl's apartment, which she did for several minutes, but got no answer.

"I'll go up and see if she is there, and what the Hell's going on," as he started for the elevator.

The apartment door was standing half open—two of the maids were peeking in, and commenting in low tones on what they saw, as Big Boy came up, they moved away.

He pushed the door open, stood looking in at the sight that greeted him—of bodies laying on the floor, piled on the divan, on chairs, and on each other. He started for Pearl's bedroom.

Pearl was laying in Harry's arms on the bed, where they had both passed out hours before. Evelyn was laying on the floor on one side, and Mickey on the other. Mickey had passed out with her hand in the taxi driver's pocket.

Big Boy quivered with rage—he grabbed Harry and Pearl by the arms, and dragged them out of bed, nothing on his mind except that Pearl had lied to him again.

Twenty minutes later the police began to arrive—screaming a partly clad woman, running through the lobby headed for the street, made the more respectable guests' eyes bulge in amazement.

Pearl's apartment was a total loss. Big Boy had completely wrecked it with Harry, who had come out of his stupor long enough to put up a savage fight, all the participants of the party that could make a get-away had done so, except those that were too drunk to realize that this might mean a jail sentence. Evelyn had taken Pearl into the bathroom, with the help of Mickey, and they were trying to revive her.

"I'm afraid he's killed her, Mickey," said Evelyn excitedly, as she patted cool water on Pearl's head, and wiped the blood off her face.

"Oh, Jees, I hope not—let's keep working with her—maybe we can bring her around—if somebody don't stop him, he is sure to kill Harry."

"I wonder what that is?" asked Evelyn, as the screams in the other room became louder, then died down.

"Oh, God, he might have killed Harry. If he has, we are all sure in for it."

"Open that door, in the name of the Law," came a voice from the outside.

Evelyn rose to her feet, and unlocked the door, swinging it wide open, as one of the plain clothes men stepped in.

"What's the matter in here?"

"That louse has damn near killed this girl,—we can't bring her to," said Evelyn.

"All right, we'll get her to the emergency hospital quick," as he called two of the other men to take charge of Pearl. "You two girls better come with us."

"Where?" asked Mickey.

"Police station, sister—you've been there before."

"Well, that's all right by us—we don't mind—we ain't done nothing."

The lobby was in a panic, the ambulance had taken Harry and Pearl to the hospital, and the patrol wagon was backed up to the door, partly filled with screaming girls, and three officers had over-powered Big Boy, and had him in another car.

"You girls get in the wagon with the rest of your sisters," said the officer who brought Mickey and Evelyn down.

They arrived at the station, and were booked with disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct.

Big Boy was booked with disturbing the peace, assault and battery with intent to kill.

"Can we get out on bail?" asked Evelyn.

"Sure," answered the desk sergeant. "Ten bucks."

"I've got mine, have you enough Mickey for yourself?"

"Yes, I have some dough," as she fished some money out of her stocking.

They rushed over to the hospital, where they were told that Pearl was resting easy, and there was nothing serious but cuts and bruises, of which there were many.

"Ah, gee, kid, I'm sorry," said Evelyn, as she came to the bed where Pearl lay bandaged, "How do you feel?"

"Awful, honey—how is Harry? They haven't told me yet. Will you find out for me?"

"Sure, I'll find out for you. Mickey you stay here until I come back."

"That guy's a dirty louse to beat you up this way, but don't you worry, dear, you will be all right. I wish I had a dollar for every time I've been to the hospital for some guy finding out I went through his pockets."

"Oh, this is an awful mess. Mickey, what did they do to you and Ev?"

"Took us to the station, and we got out on bail—ten bucks apiece."

"Oh, here comes Ev."

"Well, honey, you needn't worry," said Evelyn, as she sat down on the side of the bed, "Harry is only beat up, but nothing serious, just cuts and bruises and a couple of black eyes."

"Ev, dear, I want you to go over to the hotel, and pack all my things and take them to your place and keep them until I get out of here—will you do that for me?"

"Sure, honey, and anything else you want me to do."

"Miss Jones, pardon me," said the nurse, as she came over to the bed, "there is a gentleman to see you—he didn't give any name, just said say Big Boy."

"Don't let him in here, oh, please—don't let him in here—I'm afraid of him," said Pearl, nearly crying.

"I'll go and talk to him," said Evelyn, as she rose from the bed, "I'll tell that yellow bastard something."

Evelyn followed the nurse out to where Big Boy was sitting.

"Well, how did you get out so soon?" asked Evelyn.

"I'm out on bail—twenty-five hundred—I want to see her—I'm crazy, but I've got to see her," said Big Boy nervously.

"I'm sorry," said the nurse, "but you can't see her," as she walked away.

"Why can't I see her, Evelyn?"

"Ain't you funny? You don't think she would see you after the way you beat her up—you must be nuts."

"Oh—Ev—I've got to see her."

"Well, this is one thing you won't be able to explain away, or buy away. She is through with you and you ought to know it. Why make her suffer more by coming here to see her? You know she is scared to death of you?"

"Ah, Ev—I can't live without her."

"I'm afraid you will die young then—you think that because you have money, you can beat up who you please, and then give them a present and that it is all over. Grow up—don't be like that—you know she is only a kid, and new to this racket, and then you pull something like that."

"Well, I'll tell you this much, and you can tell her for me. If I can't have her, no other son-of-a-bitch will get her. I'll kill her first—do you get me?" his mouth trembling in rage.

"Listen, you ain't scaring me, Big Boy—I know your money will get you out of this scrape, but you wouldn't pull anything like that. Your money wouldn't get you out of that, and what's more, you better lay off her—I'm telling you that for myself."

"Ah, Ev, can't you see I'm nearly crazy for having treated her like I did. Do you think you can talk her into seeing me? Won't you try?"

"Well, I'll think about it—but don't come here any more, you only scare her, and you won't get to see her. I'll see you later," as she started to go back to where Pearl was.

"What did he say, Ev?" asked Pearl, anxiously, as Evelyn sat down.

"Oh, nothing, honey—he wanted to see you. He had calmed down and you won't have nothing more to worry about, so you just rest and get well."

"I'm afraid you ladies will have to go now," said the nurse, as she came to the foot of the bed.

"I'll be up later and see if I can do anything," said Evelyn, as she and Mickey rose to go.

"Come back as soon as they will let you," said Pearl.

"All right, honey, we'll go and move your things now, and then we will be back later. Now, don't you worry, honey, you just rest—good-bye," as they left the room.

"What did he have to say, Ev?" as they reached the street.

"Well, it ain't so much what he said, but it's the way he said it. I'm afraid he might kill her if he gets hold of her again. Of course, he is sorry and all that now, but the next time he gets mad at her, or catches her with somebody else, he will kill her as sure as there is a Heaven. He said if he couldn't have her, no one else could, and you know him, Mickey, he means business."

"You're right there, Ev, that guy means business. Well, he can't get at her there in the hospital."

"I'm not afraid of him doing anything to her there—he wants to make up with her now—it's when he gets mad at her again that I'm afraid of, but I'm pretty sure she is off him now for good."

"Yeah—and it's a shame. If she could only have cared for that guy, even a little bit, she would have been sitting pretty, but love is blind, so they claim, so she falls for Harry, and he also gets the Hell beat out of him. Well, it sure was some fight."

A week passed, rather uneventful—the Mexican trouble was settled and the border opened again. Evelyn spent as much time as possible with Pearl, accompanied by Mickey. Harry had already left the hospital, and Pearl would be out in a few days. The rest had done her good, and she gained weight in those few days.

"Has Harry been to see you today?" asked Evelyn.

"Sure, he was over to see me this morning. He looks as good as ever, and he is so sweet. The nurse told me I could leave here in the morning—ain't that good news?"

"I'm sure glad, but what are you going to do about Big Boy? You don't know it, but he has damn near driven me crazy—he is wild to see you—he knows Harry has been up here whenever he wants to come, and he is wild with jealousy."

"Well, it's up to me to stay out of his way. He knows where you live, and he can come up there any time he wants to, so I'll have to stay in a hotel so he can't come up. Won't you move in with me for a while, Ev?"

"Sure, kid, I'll move in with you for a while. I know how you feel and I'm kinda tired of that apartment, anyhow. Let's move to the McCoy, what do you say? I think you'll like it."

"All right, Ev, you go pick out the room, so I will have some place to go to in the morning."

"I'll go now, and do that before I go over on the other side of the river. Good-bye, honey, I'll see you in the morning," as she rose to go.

Pearl left the hospital, and went to the hotel, where she found Evelyn in bed.

"I didn't expect you to be out so soon, or I would have been down to meet you," said Evelyn, as she raised up in the bed.

"I didn't know myself, but it's grand to be out again and walk around—how is Juarez?"

"Just the same—I had a pretty good night last night. Mickey picked a live guy for me, and I got a hundred and ten bucks off him—that is, Mickey put her hand in his pocket and took it out and give it to me. She said I had earned the money by being with him. You know Mickey, and I just couldn't refuse—money is money."

"See anything of Big Boy?"

"I was coming to that—I,—well, you will have to be awful careful, honey—that guy is on a drunk, and he is bad—he told me last night that the first time he sees you he is going to shoot you. I don't think he was kidding, either—he means business. Then again he might just be bragging, because he was so drunk—but just the same, don't you think it would be best to kinda keep out of sight for a few days?"

"Ah, gee, Ev, I wanted to go over tonight—couldn't we go some place that he wouldn't think to go, and that way we wouldn't be likely to run into him. You must know of some place over there we can go and drink and have a good time?"

"Sure, I know the very place, and I don't think you have ever been there. It's one of the places that Grace Valdez owns—you remember the old girl I introduced you to—the one who owns the Gold Palace. Well, this is her best money-making place, so she says. It is a regular cabaret and bar, with about thirty or forty girls working there, and they have rooms upstairs—but lots of people go there—sure, we will go over there tonight—what do you say?"

"That's fine—I'm just raring to go on a good one tonight—how about you?"

"I could start right now, as far as I'm concerned."

"I'll tell you what let's do—you get up, and let's go shopping. I need some new things, anyhow—will you come?"

"Sure," answered Evelyn, as she climbed out of bed.

They spent the day shopping, and went to a show, then began to dress for the night over the border. As they were leaving the hotel they ran into Mickey.

"Well, it sure is good to see you out and around again Pearl—we sure have missed you."

"That's nice of you, Mickey."

"Hey, look Mickey," said Evelyn. "We're going to the popular bar tonight—you know, the one up that side street, off the Sixteenth of September Street there—you know where it is, don't you?"

"Sure, I know where that joint is—that's a good idea—keep out of sight of the Big Boy, especially till that louse gets over these fits of jealousy."

This was too late—Big Boy was standing across the street watching the three as they were talking about him, eyes almost closed, watching Pearl as a snake watches a bird.

As they moved down the street to catch the car for Juarez, Big Boy followed. He boarded the car with them, but stayed in the back, with his hat well over his face.

The night was beginning as they unloaded in Juarez.

"Oh, Jees——" said Evelyn, "don't look, but there is Big Boy just getting off the rear of the car—let's disappear pronto." They ran up the block and into the darkness.

"Do you think he will suspect where we are going?" asked Pearl.

"I don't think so. He will probably figure you will make right for Harry, and that's where he will go, and wait for you," reasoned Mickey as they made their way on up the dimly lighted street to the Popular Bar.

As they neared the Popular sounds of a tinkling piano and drums, mixed with laughing and singing, came to them. The place was crowded with men who had not only come over for their satisfaction of liquor, but to satisfy their baser lusts as well—and this was the perfect place of satisfaction of this sort. The girls were in short dresses, heavily made up, with cheap rouge and powder—they mixed with the men, hugging and kissing whomever put their arms around them, thinking only of the two dollars that could be made upstairs.

"Jees, what a joint," exclaimed Pearl.

"You said it," answered Evelyn.

"Yeah—but you got a chance of making some real money in this place—when these guys are hugging any broad in the place you can always get your hand in the pocket and he never knows just who to blame," said Mickey as she looked the place over for a prospect.

"Well, we might as well get to the bar and start sipping some of that joy water, don't you think?" suggested Evelyn.

"Let's get at it," as they shoved their way through the crowd.

"This place does the best business in town—at least it looks that way," said Pearl.

"Well, they can get rougher and noisier, and just anything goes, and this is some tough mob in here right now."

"Where did Mickey go?" asked Pearl.

"Heaven only knows, but she must have smelled a pocketbook—anyway, she will show up in a minute—whiskey for me—what will you have, honey?"

"Whiskey."

The music started in the cabaret, the crowd shoved its way onto the dance floor, leaving the bar partly empty. Big Boy stepped through the swinging doors.

"Oh, God," whispered Pearl, "Big Boy."

There was no place to run, no time, nothing to do but wait as Big Boy drew a service automatic from his pocket, leveled it at Pearl, pulled the trigger six times. Evelyn had stepped in front of Pearl, taking the six bullets—she sank to the floor, everything was silent—Pearl dropped to her knees, lifting Evelyn's head.

"Oh, Ev, why did you do it—why did you do it?" she cried in anguish.

The crowd had fought and shoved its way back into the bar. Mickey knelt beside Pearl.

Evelyn slowly opened her eyes. "Don't cry, kid, its best this way—you still have a chance—Mickey, promise you will—" slowly her words came, then a faint shudder, and her head fell forward. Evelyn was no more. There is nothing greater than to give one's life for that of a friend. Evelyn had made the Great Gesture.

A shot was heard outside. People ran out to see what it was. Pearl and Mickey looked at each other.

"It's the guy that done this," said a man. "One shot was all he needed to finish him, right through the heart."

Six weeks since Evelyn had been buried. Pearl had not been in Juarez since that night. Harry had called up several times, but she had only seen him once, and tonight the desire to see him was so great she called up Mickey and made a date with her to meet on the Mexican side and see Harry. It wouldn't be the same without Evelyn, but she still had Harry and he could always be depended on—he loved her—she knew that.

"Hello, darling," said Mickey as she put her arms around Pearl. "You look a little peaked; let's have a little drink and then we will go in and see the floor show."

"All right," said Pearl, as she turned to the bar.

They had their drinks and found a table where they could see Harry and the show. Pearl was happy for the first time in weeks. She loved Harry dearly; with him she could start all over and face life on a different plane. He saw her and waved, and soon he come over to them.

"Well, it's been some time since I've seen you—how are you?" said Harry as he leaned over the table.

"Fine, Harry, and you look wonderful."

"Listen, darling, you will have to excuse me tonight—I won't be able to see you after the show. I've got an engagement, about some business, but I'll give you a ring in a day or so," as he left the table.

Pearl looked at Mickey—Mickey looked at her glass as she laid her hand over Pearl's.

"Forget it, kid, he's not worth it—have another drink and let's get out of here."

Pearl couldn't speak. The thing she depended on had been suddenly swept away from her. She wanted to cry—she couldn't. She wanted to scream—she couldn't do that. She was too numb to even think much. Harry, who she had loved, and whom she thought loved her, had given her the cold freeze-out. She drank her whiskey—it did no good—water would have had the same effect now—nothing really mattered. She and Mickey wandered from bar to bar until closing time of the bridge.

"Do you want to come out to my place tonight, Pearl, honey? You are always welcome," asked Mickey.

"I guess so," answered Pearl, "but let's go to the State's Cafe before we go home—I want a sandwich."

"Do you think it's best to go to the States, dear?"

"Sure, I'll be all right."

"Let's go."

They arrived at the States at the height of the merriment. The last of the crowd had gathered there before going home with each other. Pearl and Mickey came in. As they sat down, across the aisle sat Harry and a little blonde who had just come to town. He looked over to their table, smiled and waved, and went on with his talk to his partner.

Pearl began to laugh—not a hysterical laugh, but one filled with mirth. "Who in this Goddam joint has a drink," she called as she rose from the table. Several men rushed to her aid with open bottles; she took a drink from them all, and so did Mickey. She was gay, nothing mattered now—have as much fun as possible. Ribald songs were sung by her and the best of dirty stories came to her mind. The crowd was so entertained it wouldn't leave.

"Do you want to invite them all out to the house?" whispered Mickey.

"Sure," answered Pearl. "Listen, gang—get all your cars, and let's get going for a hell of a good time out to Mickey's," as she jumped off the table into the arms of the nearest man.

"Pearl, can't I see you for a minute?" asked Harry as he pushed his way to her.

"You have a business date to keep—now, brother, you keep it. I fell for that line once, but never again—Adios, Senor," as she went out the door in the arms of the man for the night.

END