Adventure Magazine Cover, April 1916 — page 26: what you’re looking at

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

24 coals upon a forge, and left her standing there in deep perplexity. And thus d’Oge- ron found her, lost in reverie. She saw that he had dressed himself in finery in the mode, which, she made no doubt, had been brought to him from Paris on the Baptiste. It was a scarlet riding- suit, with black silk stockings, and a new short coat, which was just then becoming fashionable. His hat was a felt, broad of brim, and with a great plume upon it which became him handsomely. There was also a sword at his side, a slender blade, with a jeweled hilt that sparkled in the sun. “T trust that Mademoiselle has lost her sulks,”’ he smiled pleasantly enough, al- though his eyes were cold. ‘‘I assure you, they are not becoming to so charming a creature. May I hope that we have made you feel at home?” “Monsieur has been most kind,” she an- swered. “I am most grateful.” ‘Your words delight me, my dear.” He moistened his lips as if he would say something more, and then, hesitating, of- fered her his arm in silence, and this time, dropping him a courtesy, she took it and fell into step with him at his side. They passed among the rough crew of roysterers, who winked and smirked at them knowing- ly, until the rosy blood mantled her face and she hung her head, pretending not to hear the coarse jests and compliments show- ered upon them. “The monk,” said d’Ogeron presently, “awaits your pleasure. I need not tell you how eager I am to hear pronounced those words which will entitle me to give you that protection which one so beautiful and charming, so unfortunately situated as I realize you are, deserves at my hands. Sacrel I hope the marriage service has not been worn out. ‘Truly, it has been put to a strain this day. Fifty happy couples bill- ing and cooing in Tortuga today, where only yesterday were but rough men fighting and quarreling with one another. ‘Behold these smiling brides and happy bridegrooms! And soon we shall be num- bered among the lot. Come, Mademoiselle, impatience fires my very soul. I long to make you happy.” “That you can do very easily, Monsieur.” “Ah! It is my one wish.” ‘Then bid me depart in peace, Monsieur.” ‘“Sacré bleu! Have I not said that is im- possible?” Adventure “TY can not live here in this rough place,” she answered. “I should die of exposure in one of these huts.”’ “Huts! Mon Dieu, think you the Gov- ernor of Tortuga lives in a shack like a com- mon cattle-hunter? Your nest will be yon- der, in the castle on the hill, Mademoiselle. The ‘Dove-Cote’ it was called by my pre- decessor, Levasseur, who erected the fort there, and how appropriately!” “Fort?” she queried. “I thought I un- derstood you to say ‘castle,’ M’sieu.”’ “Oui. It is the same thing, part castle, part fort, my residence and the defense of Tortuga as well.” “But I should die in those stone walls.” “Diablet Die? Stone walls? In this climate? I will surround you with all the luxuries of Europe and the Indies. You shall dress in silks and satins, sleep in a bed a viceroy’s wife bemoans this very min- ute, have slaves to wait upon you. That castle is a storehouse of treasure, Made- moiselle, packed with the riches plundered from a dozen galleons by these brave free- booters of mine, and brought here for safe keeping.” “T fear you do exaggerate, Monsieur, to tempt me. It seems strange that so much wealth should be in a place like this.” “‘Exaggerate! Your own eyes shall see to your satisfaction.” ‘“‘Ay, but then ’twill be too late.” ‘“‘Why, a hundred men could tell you that I speak the truth. Sacréf Come see for yourself.” ‘“Whither, Monsieur?” “To the castle.” ““Nowr?”’ “That is it. Some day there will be a road up the cliff. At present you must climb.” ‘That I can do very easily.” “You will go, then?” “‘Of course.” ‘¢ Twill give you an opportunity, too, to change your dress for the wedding. You shall select what you wish from my chests, and garb yourself befitting your station. Stupid! I should have thought of it be- fore. Shall we start at once?” “With all my heart,” replied Nancy. Her voice now was soft, low, caressing. She gave him a look from her wide blue eyes that dazzled him and set him to pull- ing at his mustache with vast content. ‘“‘Then I am at your service.”’ COMmichoooks (CO