Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 146 No. 4 — page 34: what you’re looking at

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

* And they brought an explanation to Pat- “tik Spence—an amazing explanation. CHAPTER IL. oars he was, and wys to undertake; With many a tempest hadde his berd ben Tm three men, after hearing Spence’s story, sat drinking coffee and discuss- ing it. *€ Arzew,” said the divine, “ is the ancient Arsenaria, twenty miles east of Oran. Since the Spanish siege, the Moorish provincial government is located at Arzew, under a proper Turkish rascal named Hassan Bey. _ Of this astrologer I never heard. Eh, Ned?” Holden shook his head. * Zounds! I wish I knew what net is spread for that cursed Ripperda!”’ “But who is my man of the Golden Fleece?” demanded Patrick Spence. “We come to that,” said Dr. Shaw. ** Most men are mad upon some point; you upon ships; I upon old ruins; Mulai Ali, like many Moors, upon the stars. This Mulai Ali is of the Idrisi blood, Morocco’s royal line. His cousin is the sherif. He has been in hiding here—”’ “ But my man of the Golden Fleece—” “ Ah! That man, Patrick, is more than a little mad. He landed this morning, and departs to-night. Because of his coming I was so hastily summoned—all the consu- lates are in turmoil! Unless he goes the way of all flesh soon, that man will set the world by the ears—” * But who is he?” cried Spence testily. “ The politest man in Europe. Born a Roman Catholic baron of Holland, he be- came a Protestant in order to go to Madrid as ambassador. At Madrid he again shifted religions, and his allegiance likewise. He ieseeeee 8 Speniad He destroyed Alberoni, - became a duke, a minister, then absolute Spain! It was he, the most astute ce Richelieu, who handled the —_ 4 * oF Olea 2 amet ye "4 pm a ig Ney ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. - wah t Prd Pan, “s) a fugitive. Again he changed his faith. He was made a pasha, then prime minister of © Morocco—and now rules that country as he — ruled Spain. His errand here is to forma coalition of the Barbary States against Christendom; his name is William Lewis de Ripperda.” Spence started. “ Ripperda! What con- nection has he with Mulai Ali, then?” Both men shook their heads. “We know not, Captain Spence,” said the consul. “‘ We do know that, unless we destroy Ripperda, this Riprerda will de- stroy Spain and Christendom! His ability—” There was a knock at the door. A slave entered, gave Holden a low message. Holden, looking astonished, nodded. Into the room came a cloaked and hooded figure. The man stood silent until the door had closed, then uncovered his face; he was Mulai Ali. “Senores! I must speak swiftly.” He lifted a warning hand. “ You know Rip- perda is here?” The consul nodded in puzzled silence. The Moor spoke with harsh, driving energy. “Captain Spence has told you of the box I gave him? A month ago Ripperda sent me that box. In it were things he obtained through his agents in Spain—documents re- lating to the old Moorish kings of Seville and Granada, certain of their relics, and copies of treaties which Spain has made with other nations. ‘“ Knowing that I was of the Idrisi blood, Ripperda proposed to set me on the throne of Morocco, by aid of these relics and my own power, and then to publish the Spanish treaties. Their publication would make Spain isolated, hated by her neighbors, dis- trusted. Ripperda hopes to unite the Bar- bary States and Egypt, means to conquer Spain again for the Moors—” “ This is madness!” exclaimed the consul. “The madness of a great man and a great" traitor. Now, nando himself more secure — Ripa commands the aeENT Tape 4 eng oy , rite com