D'Artagnan, the King Maker — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

130 The Phantom Bell. at the war eagle, who was their dove of good tidings, with even more gratitude. The main hindrance was removed in their progress to the throne coveted. “We shall be delighted to receive this disburser of the boon,”’ observed the duchess, with quivering lip. ‘Unfortunately, the Caballero de Gannarta is nothing unless in close communion with the head of the Soleimans, upon whom he draws i “But, meanwhile, I suppose we may know ” began the lady, who would rather have received the money than the disburser or the banker. “Your grace, in so delicate a negotiation, and for such vast assistance, secrecy must be used. A hint as to the existence of such an agent, and to his person, living in a country which he aims to sever from the crown, and— well, ‘his life would be at stake—and his body, too. Egad! they might invent a charge of heresy, and send his ashes, after burning, to my Lord Cardinal; and even he would not strive to clear the wretch’s memory by de- claring that under guise of paganism he committed high treason! Now, this agent may jeer at even this fate, but if he were done to death, along with the banker, I do not see how the money would be used in your grace’s behalf.” “But it is agreed that Mother Church shall lose nothing _ by the redemption of Portugal!” “Your yes! but France! She is not party to any such agreement. A Frenchman, an officer in the king’s mili- tary—intimate service! trying to tear the finest jewel out of the Spanish crown! and failing! that is the point! France would be forced to deny complicity. I should have to say, ‘Alone I did it! and I would be sacrificed!’ ”’ “Tt is true! no, no!” said Donna Jacinta. “For the present, say—which is quite true—that you have not handled a sou of foreign loans!” “But the banker’s appointment still holds good with his gracious majesty’s agent?” “That agent, madam, has too well examined the ground here. Spain presents the sight of a decaying power— masterless servants, disbanded, unpaid soldiers, officers reduced, jackanapes promoted; the only thrivers, the col- lectors-in-chief of the revenue. The rest of the com- Eomicbooks sco im