Argosy (UK), January 1955 — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

130 W. R. BURNETT “if you must make a nuisance of yourself. Permission for this monk to visit the prisoner Regis Donnell.” Shaking, the captain glanced at the document quickly by the light of a lantern, then handed it back. He turned and shouted into the darkness: ‘‘ Pass them—ho! ”’ ‘They were admitted to the wing of the prison by an obsequious warder, who led them down a dark corridor, with the monk follow- ing silently, his arms crossed in his sleeves, his face hidden by a huge, dirty, greasy cowl. At last they stopped at a great wooden door with a large grille in it, and Regis Donnell could be seen sitting on a palliasse in his shirt-sleeves, reading a book by candle- light. He looked up quickly. *“Mr. Donnell, sir,’ said the warder, his voice full of respect now, “‘ here is Lord Clonmel, the Earl of Aire’s son, bringing a reverend father for yout comfort, sir.” | Regis started and stared for a moment, but he was far from a fool, and realized at once that something was up, so he rose and said: ‘“‘ Why, excellent. Thank you, warder.” And then Clonmel and the monk were admitted, the door was — locked, and the warder walked heavily back down the corridor. Regis stood staring at Lord Clonmel, and then Michael lowered the cowl, and Regis was so amazed that he staggered back and reached for the wall. ““Good lord, man,” he gasped, “‘ what are you doing here, Mick? You’ll hang if they catch you.” And Michael said abruptly: ‘In a little while you will put on this habit and walk out of here with Lord Clonmel.” Regis paled slightly and a wild hope showed in his eyes; then his face stiffened, and he set his jaw. ‘‘ No. I'll be damned if I will. I'll not see you hanged for me, you rash fool! ”’ ‘* Everything is arranged,” said Michael patiently, deeply pleased by Regis’s reaction. ‘‘ Clonmel will see you to the Continent personally.” “In fact,” said Clonmel, giggling nervously, “‘ I’m in as much of a hurry to get away now as you yourself, Donnell.” “No,” said Regis quietly. ‘‘ I will not.” “You will,” cried Michael, “ if I have to beat the living hell out of you—and then tell the warder the monk has fainted dead away and must be carried out.”’ *“ No, Mick. I could never live so, thinking I was responsible for your hanging.” “And then I'd be responsible for yours!’ cried Michael. “* And besides, my boy, they will never hang me.”’ Regis looked at him blankly. ‘‘ What’s this? ”’ “T’ll be got out,” laughed Michael. ‘‘ Don’t worry about that. The arrangements have already started.” Regis turned to Clonmel. ‘“‘ Is this true?” ** Yes,” said Clonmel, “ it’s true. It’s a damned chancy business. But it’s true.” Regis still hesitated, deeply troubled. comiclooks.comn