The Argosy, March 27, 1920 — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

218 Sansito spoke appreciatively, ‘ Who could be better fitted to serve under this new ‘ Admiral of the Ocean Seas,’ as he has been christened by Queen Isabella—who, I ask? You should share in his triumphs!” The nobleman, seeing that Arthur’s inter- est was kindled, hastened to add this offer to the blaze: “I can give you a letter that will insure your place in this glorious under- taking.” Arthur demanded: ‘‘ When does he sail?” “ Shortly.” “ But his crews are already complete.’ “No doubt they are,” Sansito agreed, “but with my letters you will be given place.” He did not explain that Columbus had encountered such extreme difficulty in secur- ing mariners that an extra seaman would be most welcome. An order from King Ferdi- nand forcing men to embark had not ‘been sufficient; so condemned criminals had to be freed to swell the list of those hopeless venturers upon the Sea of Darkness! “And you will do this for me?” Arthur cried. “Indeed, yes!”’ The youth turned and looked searchingly at the overly enthusiastic nobleman, Sansito pretended not to notice, but has- tened on: ‘‘ When you return as one of a richly successful voyage of discovery, you will find Sir Thomas Merton more ready to listen to your prayers, and Mistress Judith—” Arthur interposed: “T will go!” “It is well,” the count remarked, and added subtly: “ And I pray it will be well!” He did not mention to whom the benefit should come. “ Now, Sir Voyager, I will hasten to pre- pare the letter, and—” Sanisto hesitated. “Shall I send Don Luis to you? With his assistance you can be properly habited be- fore you depart—” “You mean you wish to give me better clothes?” “Why not? and—”’ “T thank your grace. These will answer until I buy some for myself. In accepting your letter, I’m obligating myself far more than is my custom.” Those are far from—new, THE ARGOSY, The count shrugged. ‘So be it,’ he re- plied calmly, but in his heart was disap- pointment, for he had not discovered the hiding-place of the miniature. He suspected it to be upon the youth’s person, but he had observed that no chain encircled the sailor’s throat. Arthur was left in the beautiful garden, now ash-color in the fading light. Within a short time Sansitg returned with a document which Don Luis had writ- ten, but which he himself had signed and sealed with his arms. Arthur took the missive which bore the inscription: DON CRISTOBAL COLON Admiral of the Ocean Seas In the Port of Palos By the hand of Tallarte de Lajes He smiled at this grotesque Spanish ren- dition of his own name—“ Tallarte de Lajes”” (Arthur Lake). Little did he sus- pect that this garbling was deliberate and a precaution which Sansito had taken to protect himself. After expressing his heartfelt thanks for what had been done for him, Arthur left: The secretary stood and smiled after him, He had given his word not to harm this youth; and in a way he had kept that word. All the same he had arranged to do away with him as surely as if he had followed any one of numerous impulses to have him murdered. For, from this western voyage, Sansito was firmly convinced, no one would ever return! But, before the sailor left Granada, that telltale miniature must be taken from him! CHAPTER XIV, PRISON. W/ HEN the young Englishman was clear of the Sansito Palace, he was trailed through the gathering dusk by Don Luis and three of the count’s stalwart servants. comniclooolkS.comn