The Crimson Tide Part 50

"Yeh? What y'want?"

"I want to know exactly what Max Sondheim said to you about me."

"Well, you better go ask Sondheim."

"No. I ask you--my friend--my a.s.sociate in business----"

"A fine a.s.sociate!--when I can't kick in when I want to kick out a bunch of nuts that's wrecking the hall, just because they got a drag with you----"

"Listen. I am frank like there never was a----"

"Sure. Go on!"

"I say it! Yes! I am frank like h.e.l.l. From my friend and partner I conceal nothing----"

"Not even the books," grinned Skidder.

"Elmer. You pain me. I who am all heart! Elmer, I ask it of you if you will so kindly tell me what it is that Sondheim has said to you about this 'drag.'"

"He said," replied the other viciously, "that he had you cinched. He said you'd hand me the ha-ha when I saw you. And you've done it."

"Pardon. I did not say to you a ha-ha, Elmer. I was surprised when you have told me how you have gone to Sondheim so roughly, without one word to me----"

"You was soused to the gills last night. I didn't know when you'd show up at the studio----"

"It was not just to me that you go to Sondheim in this so surprising manner, without informing me." He looked at his cigar; the wrapper was broken and he licked the place with a fat tongue. "Elmer?"

"That's me," replied the other, who had been slyly watching him. "Spit it out, Angy. What's on your mind?"

"I tell you, Elmer!"

Puma's face became suddenly wreathed in guileless smiles: "Me, I am frank like there never--but no matter," he added; "listen attentively to what I shall say to you secretly, that I also desire to be rid of this Red Flag Club."

"Well, then----"

"A moment! I am embarra.s.s. Yes. You ask why? I shall tell you. It is this. Formerly I have reside in Mexico. My business has been in Mexico City. I have there a little cinema theatre. In 1913 I arrive in New York. You ask me why I came? And I am frank like--" his full smile burst on Skidder--"like a heaven angel! But it is G.o.d's truth I came here to make of the cinema a monument to Art."

"And make your little pile too, eh, Angy?"

"As you please. But this I affirm to you, Elmer; of politics I am innocent like there never was a cherubim! Yes! And yet your Government has question me. Why? you ask so naturally. My G.o.d! I know no one in New York. I arrive. I repair to a recommended hotel. I make acquaintance--unhappily--with people who are under a suspicion of German sympathy!"

"What the devil did you do that for?" demanded Skidder.

Puma spread his jewelled fingers helplessly.

"How am I to know? I encounter people. I seek capital for my art. Me, I am all heart: I suspect n.o.body. I say: 'Gentlemen, my art is my life. Without it I cease to exist. I desire capital; I desire sympathy; I desire intelligent recognition and practical aid.' Yes. In time some gentlemen evince confidence. I am offered funds. I produce, with joy, my first picture. Ha! The success is extravagant!

But--alas!"

"What tripped you?"

"Alas," repeated Puma, "your Government arrests some gentlemen who have lend to me much funds. Why? Imagine my grief, my mortification!

They are suspect of German propaganda! Oh, my G.o.d!"

"How is it they didn't pinch _you_?" asked Skidder coldly, and beginning to feel very uneasy.

"Me? No! They investigate. They discover only Art!"

Skidder squinted at him nervously. If he had heard anything of that sort in connection with Puma he never would have flirted with him financially.

"Well, then, what's this drag they got with you?--Sondheim and the other nuts?"

"I tell you. Letters quite innocent but polite they have in possession----"

"Blackmail, by heck!"

"I must be considerate of Sondheim."

"Or he'll squeal on you. Is that it?"

Puma's black eyes were flaring up again; the heavy colour stained his face.

"Me, I am----"

"All right. Sondheim's got something on you, then. Has he?"

"It is nothing. Yet, it has embarra.s.s me----"

"That ratty kike! I get you, Angy. You were played. Or maybe you did some playing too. Aw! wait!"--as Puma protested--"I'm getting you, by gobs. Sure. And you're rich, now, and business is pretty good, and you wish Sondheim would let you alone."

"Yes, surely."

"How much hush-cash d'yeh pay him?"

"I?"

"Yaas, you! Come on, now, Angy. What does he stick you up for per month?"

Puma's face became empurpled: "He is a scoundrel," he said thickly.

"Me--I wish to G.o.d and Jesus Christ I saw the last of him!" He got up, and his step was lithe as a leopard's as he paced the room, ranging the four walls as though caged. And, for the first time, then Skidder realised that this velvet-eyed, velvet-footed man might possibly be rather dangerous--dangerous to antagonise, dangerous to be a.s.sociated with in business.

"Say," he blurted out, "what else did you let me in for when I put my money into your business? Think I'm going to be held up by any game like that? Think I'm going to stand for any shake-down from that gang? Watch me."

Puma stopped and looked at him stealthily: "What is it you would do, Elmer?"

But Skidder offered no suggestion. He remained, however, extremely uneasy. For it was plain enough that Puma had been involved in dealings sufficiently suspicious to warrant Government surveillance.

All Skidder's money and real estate were now invested in Super-Pictures.

No wonder he was anxious. No wonder Puma, also, seemed worried.