Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 2 — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

260 a man-trap. Also, I have had great pine flares made, ready to light in case of a night attack. Vows voyez que je. suis en garde. Naturally, I don’t intend to let you leave with this valuable information.” “In spite of your assurance, given me outside the castle?” “Oh, that. Well, I wanted to let your men who were watching from the woods think you and I were on friendly terms.” Monsey’s lips writhed and his hand darted to his weapon as Donovan made a quick move toward him. ‘Stay where you are, my fine gentleman. Now, have you any more cards to show?” Donovan seemed disheartened at the vista of the kurgan. His lips closed firmly under the light mustache. Edith, watching him prayerfully, felt her heart sink. “T think—not.” ‘‘ Ah. That is too bad. You have given me a good trump.” He grinned, once more enjoying himself. “‘ You are worth more to me alive than dead. And so is Miss Rand. Do you think your assassin friends will attack the tower with the two of you helpless in my hands?”’ The lines in Donovan’s lean face deep- ened. ‘I don’t think—I know it.” “Even if they are led to believe I will kill the woman when they attack?” “It would not chance their purpose.” Donovan flung out an eloquent hand. “Don’t you see, man! Those Sayaks will come, in spite of everything. The kurgan will be a shambles. That is why I came here. On the chance that you, who were once a Russian nobleman, would have enough vestige of honor to spare her that. It doesn’t matter, you know, what you do with me if you will release her.” Monsey relished his distress. He stepped back, still fingering his heavy revolver. “Oh, I can’t afford to play the saint— now.” He hesitated as if wishing to say more. Then his eyes gleamed and he smiled. ‘‘ Besides, I can’t afford to.” Edith glanced at him inquiringly. She had been aroused by the scene at the table, where Monsey’s character was laid bare, brutally. Even now, she could not believe that Donovan, in whom she trusted, was powerless. o THE ARGOSY. “Mr. Rand and Major Fraser-Carnie are approaching these hills,” said Monsey agreeably. ‘“‘ They have an escort of a half-troop of one of the native English cav- alry. It seems the gentlemen, after com- paring notes, did not trust me.” He paused, enjoying the effect of his words. Donovan, although showing no sur- prise, was paying careful attention and he understood now the reference of the Sayaks to the friends of Edith. The girl gave a cry of joy. ‘“‘ Unfortunately,” continued the Russian, “they will arrive too late.” : Edith clenched her hands. Her father was near Yahka Arik! She had felt that he would come, if he were able. It was not in the nature of Arthur Rand to leave his daughter’s fate in other hands. “English troopers in foreign territory.” Monsey shook his head. ‘ A grave offense, if any serious fighting results. The—ah— irreguiars here might resent it.” “It’s a habit,” observed Donovan mild- ly, ‘of the English border forces to wan- der to the scene of a crime.” ‘Once you paid high for that—habit, and you wi::l pay more.” “Oh, it’s in the race. We always blun- der in, you know.”’ Donovan smiled.a little. ‘So the major and his Garhwalis are in the hills! As a matter of curiosity, do you intend to face him with your—irregulars?”’ Monsey tugged at his mustache, and glanced at Abbas. ‘“No need, my fine gentleman. As you are a former officer, and a scion of a noble house ”—he tried to mimic the English- man’s irony—‘ you will appreciate the strength of my position. My friends in Kashgar notified me that the force was at that city. Something learned in the bazaars must have put them on the road here. I don’t think they will arrive before a day or two. Meanwhile the lawless Sayaks will assault a Russian traveler and a peaceful merchant in their camp—to the great loss of the Sayaks. Then, of course, there will be some justifiable reprisals by my men.” “Entirely to be expected.” “You take the point. Merely one of the mountain feuds, if the worthy drill- book major tries to ask questions. The comicloool C@