Argosy All-Story Weekly, November 12, 1927 — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

606 ~~ He has the exuberance of youth, but he is a man and would not hazard the hap- piness of a loved one upon the turn of fate.” Conrad grew uneasy. “My plans are not yet made,” he said. “ But I do seek the happiness and security of the Lady Edith. If Britain is the place where she should stay, then I must stay here too. Meanwhile I am a man and would do the work of a man. If—” ‘There is work for men right here,” the king interrupted in a kindly manner, “ and you can serve me well by remaining here. It is here, in Athelney, that our thanes will gather when the word has gone around. You will see what Saxon men can do, and perhaps you will grow to love them as your kinsfolk.” He turned, as having spoken the last word, and Conrad followed him and Herwin to the cottage, feeling himself a stranger. CHAPTER XIV. WANDERING GLEEMEN. ERWIN rode out of Athelney next day, roughly clad in the leather and chain mail of a common soldier, to carry the summons to duty through Wes- sex and over the borders. He took leave of his friends as one doubtful of return, and again Conrad felt himself a stranger and an alien. Edith kissed Herwin on the brow and prayed for his safe return, and explained dutifully to Conrad that the young man had been as a brother to her, so that she felt the anxiety and affection of a sister to him. “T need no explanations, my love,” said Conrad, “ but I find myself wondering why you came to give your love to me, when you had the devotion of this brave youth already. Herwin is noble, and all can see that he adores you with that affection which makes a good man sacrifice every personal advantage to the happiness of the loved one. As for me, Edith, I am not so worthy: I would not give you up; I want you for my own.” “You are my true lover!” she exclaimed 23 ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. happily. “Fate willed it so, and the charms of our pagan forefathers brought you to me. Don’t be jealous or angry, Conrad, for I love you—and never as a brother.” Fretting at the virtually enforced inac- tion, and often quarreling with his con- science, Conrad sought exercise and went hunting in the forest with Loris for guide. They took a hooded falcon, and the jester gave the young man a lesson in the grace- ful sport of falconry. Birds were plentiful in the wood and along the fens, and whenever Loris re- moved the hood from the trained hawk and slipped the leash upon his wrist, the feath- ered hunter soared aloft, pursued and struck its prey, and brought it to earth. The little clown’s shrill whistle fetched the falcon back to his wrist and the leash and hood, and Conrad marveled at the skill which subdued and disciplined so wild a~ bird. They returned to the cottage with a wild swan and some smaller birds for the enrich- ment of the larder, but to their aston- ishment and alarm they found the gentle Queen Elswitha in tears of grief and poign- ant suspense. Alfred, the dauntless king, had left the | island. Dressed as a traveling minstrel in hose and jerkin, armed only with a harp and a short sword, he went forth on foot to journey to the camp of Guthrum, the Danish king, there to see for himself the strength and power of the Viking’s host, while masquerading as a native gleeman. Conrad was amazed, and he felt himself shaken with fear for the safety of the valiant king. “He should not go alone!” he exclaimed feelingly. ‘ Minstrels travel more often in company than alone, and there should be some one with him to aid him in the event of discovery and capture. Why could I not have gone?” 7 ‘* My husband committed us—Edith and me—to your care, good Conrad,” said the queen, bravely drying her tears. ‘‘ He said that your place was here.” “With the women!” cried Conrad heed- lessly. ‘ Am I then fit for no sterner duty? Loris and the swine herds are here to serve JOO! mie (0) S +