Part 28 (1/2)

”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, G.o.d,” 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.

”h.e.l.lo, 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.”