Argosy, Vol. 85, No. 3 — page 179: what you’re looking at

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

THE JACKAL’S along the road, and I will take you there.”’ ‘But I came from that accursed place just now!” cried the American. “I tell you, sir, it is a matter of life and death, and you must take me to the town!” ‘‘ Ah, some person is very ill?” mur. mured the driver. “ Then that is differ- ent. But there is an English doctor here on the road; I will take you to his house.” “Must I tell you everything?” groaned Eastman, beside himself. “I have to see the United States consul; I have to get money—at once!—money to save the life of my wife. Is that enough for your curiosity?” “ Monsieur is excited!” observed the other with maddening ease of manner. “But you give me a mystery to puzzle over, my friend. It is very strange—that madame, your wife, her life may be saved by—money! The situation is peculiar!” Eastman swore at the man; he assailed him with frightful epithets and dire threats, but scarcely disturbed his equa- nimity. “But if you must have the whole story, why, have it then!” he stormed. ‘‘T intend that the world shall have it to- morrow, so what’s the difference? I— my poor wife and I—are the victims of your precious island’s hero—Victor Ber- ard!” “Ah!” exclaimed the man _ blandly. “Continue, monsieur, if you please.” ‘““The beast returned from ten years’ imprisonment to-day, as you doubtless know,” Eastman hurried on, “ and he se- lected us as the first victims of his new career of crime. My wife is half dead with fright. He holds her prisoner at the inn, ready to kill her if I do not bring the money—do you see? If I summon the police he will kill her, and if I fail to get the money he may kill us both. Now, will you take me to the house of the consul ?”’ The driver appeared vastly interested, but scarcely perturbed. “ Monsieur has had no previous expe- MIGHTY ROAR. 621 rience with bandits!” he exclaimed. “But that is not strange at this day; they are not so common. Eh bien, mon- sieur; you will permit me to help you as a friend? Be good enough to get up here beside me. We will drive to the inn.” “The devil we will!” cried Eastman, aghast. ‘‘ Man alive, that will do no good; it may be fatal!” ‘“‘ Have the goodness to follow my ad- vice,” persisted the stranger. “I will talk to this Victor Berard, and show him clearly the folly of his actions. He will listen to me; I promise you on my oath, monsieur.”’ ‘““He will shoot you dead!” declared the American. The man shrugged his shoulders and threw back the front of his jacket, ex- posing to view the butt of a revolver that hung in a holster at his waist. ‘’ We shall meet on even terms, mon- sieur,”’ he said quietly. . Vaguely bewildered and exhausted by his prolonged frenzy, Eastman mounted to the seat of the cart reluctantly. He started a fresh series of objections to the man’s proposals, but the native cut him short by starting the pony abruptly and whipping it into a wild run, flinging the cart sickeningly from one side of the road to the other. Eastman clung to the sides and kept his seat with difficulty, and the jolting of the vehicle precluded further argument. As they drew near the inn, the driver ‘pulled the pony to an easy trot, but he made no further attempt to diminish the sounds of their approach. ‘““Be good enough to get down here, monsieur,’ he said presently, “that I may appear to be alone if I am observed. When I reach the door and enter, you may follow quickly.” Eastman dropped to the ground:a hun- dred yards from the house, in deep shad- ow, and waited. He was dumbly obe- dient now, for there was a certain author- ity in the man’s speech and actions which reassured him and gave him something like hope. comicloool C©