Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 131: what you’re looking at

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

THE GREAT from the colony | and the captive chieftain— Caonabo. A messenger came on ahead, to beg per- mission for the great navigator to present himself to their majesties. What the mes- senger did not announce was the pathetic way in which the unhappy discoverer was already proceeding toward Valladolid, going from town to town, exhibiting, as he had done in his triumphant days, the /ndios and foreign plants and bits of gold; striving vainly to win something except mockery from the throngs. But the people knew that he was in disfavor at court, and they believed, as he was beginning to fear, that his Great Discovery was a greater curse! Arthur heard this news with surprise and not a little dismay. He wondered if he had really done all he could to pave the way for a gracious reception of his old friend. | _ As he walked rapidly, down the corridor, going to find Seseca, the young man won- dered what had brought Columbus thus un- expectedly to Spain. He surmised that the admiral had become afraid of Aguado’s tes- imony unless he was present personally to rebut the accusations. . But the Englishman really thought little about it. His mind was engrossed with his own affairs. Judith had told him about the letter from Don Luis which she had inter- cepted, and she had restored to him his precious locket. She implored her husband not to risk placing himself in his enemy’s power, declaring that she did not believe that anything would be discovered from Seseca; but the young man was determined to demand from the secretary an explana- tion. “I must know about my birth and the mysterious treasure, of which I am con- vinced that Seseca robbed me,” Arthur de- clared. The Count of Sansito did not reside in the palace, but had his own home in Val- ladolid—a small, Gothic building that had belonged to his family in poorer days. Thither Arthur went; in a very different mood from that in which he had timidly presented himself at the palatial home of the count in Granada. He knocked at the sinister-looking door and demanded audi- ence. He was left to wait in a small, bare ante- 2 \ DISCOVERY. 121 room while his name was taken back to the dining-room, where the count was having his morning meal. Sansito was astounded at Arthur’s temer- ity in coming alone, and was savagely glad that the young man had thus placed himself in his grasp. But he did not at once give orders to admit him. He first gave various directions to insure his own safety, and to make it certain that Arthur Lake should never leave that tapestry-hung chamber alive! When the young man entered the long, narrow room, that was so dark as even at midday to require candlelight, the count arose ceremoniously. “IT am just finishing breakfast,” Sansito announced. ‘“ Will you join me?” : Arthur smiled at the humor of the situa- tion, but otherwise ignored the invitation. He came forward, his hand resting lightly on his sword. _ The catlike eyes of the secretary saw everything. He quickly divested himself of his own rapier and poniard and placed them on the long table. With a gracious move- ment of his hands he indicated the empty chair beside his own. “You see I’m disarmed,” he smilingly commented. ‘‘ Much has transpired since I saw you last night.’ I, who was your op- ponent, am now your friend.” His smile seemed to insinuate that Arthur was expected to remove his sword also and place it on the table. But the Englishman’s hand continued to rest on his weapon, and silently he seated himself at the table. There was a pause, and the men eyed one another. Arthur was the first to show im- patience, by demanding abruptly: “ Who am I? Tell me that!” His tone was threatening, and Sansito raised a deprecating hand. ““ Of course I will gladly tell you ow,” he announced suavely. ‘“‘ You are the only son of Charles, Prince of Viana—King of Navarre, perhaps heir of all Spain.” His words rang out loudly in the dimly- lit room, echoing against the heavy, dark furniture, then vibrating into chilly silence. Arthur frowned and leaned forward. “ What?” he cried. “It is true,” Sansito announced calmly. comicoookks CO@