Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 4, 1925 — page 106: what you’re looking at

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

896 which he had wearily journeyed but a short while ago. He had departed a fugitive; he returned a prisoner. On the trip back in the ant aeroplane, he and Doggo conversed freely, out of antennz shot of the pilot. ‘“T bear you no malice, my old friend,” said the ant-man, “‘ for I blame Prince Yuri for the unhappy condition of my country, more than I blame you. Had it not been for his treachery, our two nations would stil] be living at peace, as they were when you first set foot on this planet. Were it not for his recent machinations, what is left of Formia would still be living unmolested within the restricted borders to which the ‘War of Liberation’ reduced us. In such a position, we could win our way back by our mental superiority, our greater indus- try and our culture, instead of risking, in the scales of war, what little we have left. ‘Prince Yuri cares not to reéstablish Formia. He is merely using us as means to his own ends, and will turn against us, his allies, when it suits his private purpose. You and I may yet live to fight side by Side against the usurper. But, for the pres- ent, he is the official ally of Formia, and t am fighting for my country.” ‘As is just and right,” added Cabot. “ But, tell me how will Yuri and Formis relish your bringing me back alive, instead of dead?” * 1] have thought of that,” answered his cator. ‘‘ Of course, there is danger that the populace may rally to your rescue. But I do not intend that the populace shall get a sight of you. If Yuri wishes you dead, he doubtless will enjoy killing you with his own hands. But I rather believe that he would prefer to have you alive for trad- ing purposes. Do you not think that your princess would trade even her beautiful body in exchange for your safety?” ‘“No, I do not!” stoutly declared the earth-man, “ you do not realize her intense loyalty to her country. For little Kew, she might have done so, as he was not only her baby, but also her king. But for me, never. Yuri misplayed, indeed, when he killed little Kew, for I am sure that Yuri would rather have Lilla even than the throne.” ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. ‘Then why does he not swap the throne for Lilla?” asked Doggo devilishly. ‘“ Just what do you mean?” asked Cabot. Doggo explained: ‘“ You have cited the intense loyalty of the princess royal. Also you have expressed an opinion that Yuri would prefer Lilla to the throne. Why, then, would it not be natural for him to offer to abdicate in favor of your candi- date, Toron, in return for Lilla’s marrying him upon your sudden decease, which could . be conveniently arranged? Such a settle- ment would bring permanent peace to this harassed continent, and every one would be happy—except, of course, Lilla and you. But you would be dead in the Elysian fields bevond the boiling seas, and she would be upheld by the consciousness of her noble martyrdom.”’ “My God!” exclaimed Myles, ‘she might accept tat.” ‘* Never fear, I shall not suggest it,” re- plied the ant-man, “ for I am still your friend to that extent, in spite of the war- fare between our two countries.” Cabot heaved a sigh of relief. ‘And what of Formis?” asked he. ‘‘ Qh,” answered Doggo, ‘she is not the sreat Formis whom vou knew. That For- mis is dead. This queen is merely a newly- hatched one, who does pretty much as Yuri suggests.” The conversation then veered into per- sonal reminiscences; the two former friends, now captor and captive, each recounting what had befallen him since their last meet- ing before the previous war. As Cabot told of his age-long journey northward to rejoin his army, the ant re- marked dryly, ‘“‘ Poblath will have to in- vent a proverb to the effect that ‘ You can- not kill a Minorian.’” Cabot laughed and said, “‘ He has already done so.” The tension was relieved for the first time since his capture. Finally they reached Kuana, and hovered down onto the landing stage on the palace, the very palace where he and Lilla had lived together so happily as guests of the king, her father. That palace was now oc- cupied by the usurper Yuri and the black hag Formis, and here was Lilla held a pri- 6A COM G NOOK CO