The Argosy, August 1905 — page 113: what you’re looking at

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

lost in a sudden and absorbing fear for Tr k's sanity. “Merciful Heavens!” whispered the major hoarsely. “Is it possible that in this year of grace 1892 there is one sen- sible man who will put any faith in such a lot of rubbish?” “Blinkers and I believe in it,” an- swered Trenwyck steadily. “Then you and Blinkers are entitled to a couple of guardians.” “JT cannot shut my eyes to the proof. Tapscott was snuffed out, the thief yvan- ished, and now the baron has followed both of them into the past.” “Bosh!” wheezed the major. “ The baron lost his nerve and ran away, in spite of you and Blinkers. You're daft, Trenwyck; clean daft. Let me have a look at those wonderful seeds.” Blinkers, in response to Trenwyck’s request, had removed from his vest pocket the paper containing the eight seeds he had left. He was holding the packet in his hand, and Trenwyek mo- tioned him to show them to the major. The major, wearing a smile half- pitying and wholly incredulous, poured himself a drink, started to raise the glass to his lips, and suddenly set it down again. “There they are, major,” said Blink- ers, unfolding the packet and stepping closer so that Major Wickers could see the seeds. “They look harmless enough, but there’s a hocus-pocus of fifty years wrapped up in every one of those little grains.” The major took the paper, eyed the seeds cynically, then quickly slipped them into the glass of water. A pre- sentiment of further trouble darted through Trenwyck’s brain and he darted forward with outstretched hand. “ Major!” he eried in consternation. * What are you about to do?” “Stand right where you are, Tren- wyck!” commanded the major, waving him back. “ You, too, Blinkers! I’m going to prove that the baron ran away of his own accord—and, incidentally, that you gentlemen are victims of your own disordered imagination.” He lifted the glass, a quick sparkle of determination showing in his eyes. “Stop, Wickers! ” shouted Trenwyck bond \" Pe salle | MAROONED IN 1492. The glass was already at the major’s lips. Trenwyck caught it away, but too late. A choppy, defiant laugh echoed through the room. Another moment and Trenwyck and Blinkers were alone, staring dumbly at each other across the spot where the major had just stood. A groan escaped ‘Trenwyck’s lips, the glass fell crashing from his hand, and he dropped limply across the table. CHAPTER VI. A DOUBLE DEPARTURE FOR THE PAST. THe baron was gone and the major had followed him. Both had been pro- jected four hundred years into the past. What was to happen when they met in those old times afforded Trenwyck much material for gruesome specula- tion. He was glad the major had left his revolvers and ammunition behind. If the duel was fought in that other age, it would have to be with crossbows, two- handed swords, or blunderbusses; and there was the chance that these un- familiar weapons would make the combat less sanguinary. From worrying about the major and the baron, Trenwyck fell to worrying about Blimkers and himself. Myste- rious disappearances, even in Spain, are not allowed to pass without investiga- tion. In the present instance there were two powerful governments to force the hands of the authorities. Trenwyck and Blinkers could hardly avoid becom- ing entangled if they tarried in Burgos, so they deemed it expedient to get away as quickly as possible. Trenwyck appropriated the major’s guns, They were beautiful weapons, silver chased, and had the initials “TH. W.”’—Horace Wickers — wrought into the stocks. Trenwyck settled their reckoning at the fonda, marched along the row of waiters, scullions and stable boys, and tipped impartially, after which he and Blinkers climbed into the old “bus and were rattled away to the station. * + eh aaa ~~.“ haan Se. te ~~" 2s, oF - . - Blinkers had suggested that it was a propitious moment to take their own eS io d os See -< 4 comicbooks.com