Adventure Magazine Cover, August 18, 1921 — page 45: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Murkwood Spears “Betray? Nay, rather outwit. Neither de Born nor I ever swore to stand by him. As Earl of Ashton and Donnet he commands us; we obey because we do not love you. But if we can get what we want of you, our gain is enriched by a good jest.” Gislac made an impatient gesture. ‘‘We do not need your terms,” he said quietly. “But tell them. I prefer to play with dice I know.” Umfraville laughed again. “T thought so,” he answered. “My terms, you must know, are de Born’s also. We stand side by side in this. If the Reiver starves you out, he will seize your castle and all you have; we shall get nothing. There- fore it does not suit us to see the Reiver win yet we would have you lose. We have ac- cordingly made an alliance and have told the Reiver that we shall make our own bargain with you. God’s wounds! You should have heard him rave! Well, you need only depart by the postern gate tonight after twilight has fallen and leave the rest to de Born and me.” “Your terms!” Gislac retorted. His voice rang with command. “These: you must leave without a silver penny, without a horse, without more than the clothes on your back, your sword and enough provisions to last you two days. Your men-at-arms are to take service half with de Born, half with me. That will give us enough strength to defy the Reiver for- ever. De Born gets your castle and your peasants; I get-——” He hesitated. “Well?” Gislac questioned. “Your daughter’s hand in marriage.”* Rising, de Gislac paced up and down the room, his features set and grim. Imper- turbable, Umfraville waited, confident of the outcome. It was long before Sir Giles could trust himself to speak. Anguish and rage struggled in his heart. All his high pride, barely held in check while the audacious baron spoke, tugged at the leash. At last he confronted his enemy, tense with emotion. His lips worked, his voice quivered. Yet there was a majesty about him that overbore defeat. Sa “UMFRAVILLE,” he began, “you NSS Wy are a thief, a murderer, a profaner of churches, an oppressor of the You are not fit to breathe the same poor. It has come air with a woman of my house. 39 near costing you your life to speak as you have to me. You are stained with every sin, black with every crime—save one: I have never known you to break your word. I accept your terms.” | Umfraville sprang to his feet, his face beaming. ‘“‘Why then, de Born is rich, I make a handsome mdrriage, and you go scot-free. A pretty bargain on both sides. Give me your hand, and we’ll drink to the prettiest bride in England!” Gislac drew back. ; “It is not in the bargain,” he answered proudly. “But two things must be, or I will refuse. First, you must swear that my peasants will be kindly treated. De Born 1 can not trust. You must swear for your- self and him.” “A little thing,” Umfraville waved it aside. “But I will swear it. Aye, by the blessed Vernicle! Does that satisfy you?” Gislac nodded. “‘Now the other condition: I have in my castle one who is wounded, and whom I love dearly. I must have safe conduct to take him with me. He will be in a litter. You will let us pass?” Umfraville grinned. “Surely. 1 want no cripples with me. You give your word he is too sore stricken to make a fighting man?” “He will not fight for many weeks.” “Then I agree. You have come off well, Gislac.” Sir Giles turned away, but his enemy drew him back. ‘“‘Remember, vou leave by the postern. I will be waiting with a guard. De Born and my best spearmen will see to it that Monrepaire’s men do not interfere. As for your daughter, you must bid her farewell at the gate. She rides with me. Never fear. I will deal honestly and well with her.” As Umfraville thundered out across the draw-bridge, Gislac entered his chamber. ‘Send your lady to me!” he commanded the servant; and then, as he waited alone, his sorrow overcame him. “My God!” he murmured. ‘Why hast thou forsaken me?” CHAPTER IX THE EXILES pls WILL kill Geoffrey!” Gislac took his daughter’s hand and clasped it tight. cCOmiclbook C©