The Argosy, Vol. 64

About this issue

"Peace with Honour," by Sydney C. Grier, continues in this December 1897 Argosy installment as a serial adventure-romance set in colonial India. Georgia Keeling, a doctor, has negotiated with Khadija, an elderly woman, to obtain an antidote to "the Father of sleep"—a poison. Using psychological pressure involving a curse invoked upon Zeynab, a child in Khadija's care, Georgia finally secures the complete medicine and instructions for treating an unspecified "Envoy." She departs Bir-ul-Malikat with military escorts Stratford and Fitz rather than her expected companion Dick (Major North), causing her visible disappointment. Stratford detains Khadija's son Yakub as insurance regarding the medicine's efficacy. Before leaving, Khadija reveals critical instructions: the patient will sleep naturally for two days after the first dose; if awakened during this period, he will die. Stratford reports that conspirators threatening their mission have been neutralized by Jahan Beg, securing safe passage homeward with a treaty.