Argosy All-Story Weekly, October 25, 1924 — page 88: what you’re looking at

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

18 “They say,” said Duperron, “ that they welcome your honor to the island, and wish you a long and prosperous governorship. They say that while they will look to you to protect them against Kakaua, they will uphold your prowess in every way possible. They say that France has endeared herself to them, and that they consider you their father and mother, and wish to welcome you with a feast. They say, however, that as the raids of Kakaua have deprived them of live stock, they will be endlessly obliged if you will purchase, say, two or three pigs for the feast. I, by the way, can sell you the pigs.” “ Tell them I will furnish the pigs,” said Paradou. “And they say,” went on Duperron, “that it would cement the affection of this colony and the French people eternally if you would assist by contributing a few cases of canned goods, some preserves, a supply of cigarettes, and a quantity of brandy.” ‘“‘ But certainly!” agreed Paradou. “And as a final favor,” continued Du- perron, “ they ask that you lend them your cook to prepare the feast, knowing that only your cook can prepare the food to please your most august palate.” “ That is granted,” said Paradou; “ but there is one thing, Duperron. Is there not danger that Kakaua may choose the time of the feast for a raid?” “Your troops, my master, have that an- noying Kakaua well engaged at the mo- ment,” Duperron assured him. “Ido not believe it will be possible for that murder- ous villain to make his appearance. To- morrow, perhaps, you will put yourself at the head of the troops and make an end of him, once and for all.” “Good!” exclaimed Paradou. ‘“ And— and how about a dance? A dance of the girls, hey? How about that, Duperron?” “That certainly,” agreed Duperron. “Tt was the first thing I thought of.” When they reached the governor’s man- sion, Paradou found it was not so bad, after all. The furnishings were rather an- cient, it was true, but everything had been planned for comfort. The chairs, for the most part, required a man to lie flat on his ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. back; the couches were soft and sleep- inducing. There were small tables just ex- actly right to hold a pitcher or bottle and a few glasses. The books were easily read novels. This La Besse had known how to live! A warrior deserves luxury after his battles. ‘“ Cigarette!’’ whined a voice at the door. ‘Permit me,” said Paradou, seeing the fat old fellow of the quai and questioning Duperron. “In honor of my arrival—may I give him a small package of cigarettes, for example?” ‘And spoil the lazy loafer?” cried Du. perron. “A nice way to begin! Let me get rid of him for you. Out of this, you!” He took the cook by the nape of his neck and ran him around the house, bumping him with his knee every two steps. ‘“ One must not permit oneself to be both. ered by such trash,” he said when he re- turned, and he unlocked La Besse’s cabinet and brought out bottles and glasses. ‘“ To your success, my governor!” he exclaimed as he poured the liquids. V. THE feast, as even Duperron admitted, Was a success, and as Paradou tasted the succulent young pig, roasted in the coals with herbs and condiments, he agreed with Duperron that a good cook was not to be despised even if a nuisance in other ways. Nor was the dance in any way less than what he had hoped. It was, he was pleased to note, all that had been reported, if not more, and Duperron, who admitted he was a connoisseur, said that even he was fully satisfied with it and with the feast. About midday the next day, when Para- dou awoke, he lay considering the future. .A man could be very happy on this island. Imagine! Already he was engaged to wed the most enticing young woman he had ever seen! And what a cook! What a mag- nificent blue the water out yonder! What a soothing breeze on his face! There must be fighting,.of course, but there was always a fly in the ointment. “Tf I do not intrude?” Paradou sat up to see Duperron in the doorway, and he bade him enter. Gomichbooks (F@) i