Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 18, 1928 — page 95: what you’re looking at

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

FOR COUNTRY. Nelson he seemed vastly excited about something; to Patria the something was known all too well. “1 have found the sewing woman you required, senorita. Have you any further instructions for me?” With a queer appeal in her eyes, Patria explained to Nelson: ‘‘ He is my servant— Juan.” Then she turned to Simores; she knew she must maintain her dignity before Nel- son. ““ Juan,” she rebuked, “it is not neces- sary that you seek me here, or anywhere, except at the hotel. That will do. You may go now.” “ Dispensa me, senorita—but there is something else of which I must speak— something very important—if you will give me the time. And it is for your ears alone, please.” While Nelson’s Spanish was not of the purest, it was sufficient to enable him to gather the sense of the peon’s remarks. Not wishing to intrude upon Patria’s pri- vate affairs, he turned away, excusing him- self ostensibly to purchase cigarettes at the counter, As Patria waited for Simores to speak, she looked out on the sea, tired and hope- less. The man was wrought up, and man- aged to control himself only with an ef- fort. “Tt is of the airplane I wish to speak,” he said at last. ‘I think it important to send word about it and the others that are here also. Have you any further news for me?” “Juan, that is not all you wished to say.” She must face the situation squarely. She might as well have the matter out at once. “T think I know what it is. Why is it that you do not trust me? Don’t you un- derstand that if I am to: secure—the infor- mation we must have—that I must win— the full confidence of this man? Have I ever given you the slightest reason to doubt me? ‘Have you forgotten the express direc- tions I received from—in the City? [If I am to do my duty properly, I must do it 893 in my own way—and with the only weapons I possess.” Simores studied her. The logic of her statement was unassail- able. And yet— “It is not that I doubt you,” he assured her—and himself. ‘“‘ You mistake. It is that I am haunted by the terrible fear of — a lover. When we were on the train—I remember the implication of a promise you gave me. I regard myself therefore in the light of an accepted suitor. “Ts it to be expected that I can stand quietly by while you spend every possible moment with this—this gringo officer? He loves you! Any fool can read it in his eyes! ‘“ And I am deprived by fate of opportu- nity to defend my rights or appear before you as anything better than a menial. Why were you weeping just now?” Patria Gonsalvo smiled quizzically at him. ‘“Was I weeping? I think perhaps—the sun was too warm for me—and what you mistook for tears—was only salt water from the pool. And I know that you are not a menial, but a gallant officer on haz- ardous service.” ‘“ And the words, Patria, that you despise yourself—should be an outcast?”’ ““Simores! You are too absurd! I thought you knew more about the ways of woman!” It was startling the change that had come over Patria Gonsalvo. All trace of distress had vanished as if by magic. The drawn lines dissolved; her face broke into a wreath of quiet, daring smiles. A thousand merry devils danced in her eyes as she coquetied guardedly with the seeming peon before her as though he were some ardent and charming princeling. ‘Quick! You must go now,” she said. “ Take the word about the airplanes—and the arrival of the army. I have nothing more as yet. “But I am going to dinner on one of the ships to-night, and may have important news for you to-morrow. Go quickly now, before Mr. Nelson returns. That is won- derful ground that I am working—and it may produce great riches.” (@) DOOKS (EOLA (E@)