The Argosy, January 1906 — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAVENS OF THE RHINE. “Mademoiselle will breakfast in her room; I will accompany you down- stairs,’ said Bosworth sharply. He could have kicked the big, good- natured German for his suspicion—the suspicion that he was flirting, at such a time and under such circumstances. Von Werner bowed. “It is pot-luck, my friend, for the larder seems to be strangely empty,” said he with a little shrug. Mademoiselle de Luynes was regard- ing the two attentively: the big, bluff, blond-bearded Uhlan, and the quiet- appearing American. Had Bosworth chanced to look at her that moment he might have noted a pe-_ culiar expression in her eyes, but he was — answering Von Werner’s remark about the empty larder. When he turned to the girl the peculiar expression was gone. “Tt will please mademoiselle to have something sent up to her?” he asked. “ Only a cup of coffee, monsieur, and —if you will look in the cellar, in the little store-room there, something will doubtless be discovered which is lacking in the larder.” She was gone, and Bosworth turned to Von Werner. * See here,” said he, but there was no trace of sharpness in his voice, “ this is not Heidelberg, but a far different proposition. Don’t make the mistake a second time or—I’ll punch your head.” The Prussian gave another little shrug. It was plain he did not pos- sess a profound faith in his friend’s pro- testations, and he had seen plainly enough that Mademoiselle de Luynes was remarkably pretty. Bosworth noticed the shrug, his face flushed,*then he began to laugh. “You old fool, I know why you feel safe; for a civilian to strike a German officer, under the present conditions, means standing with one’s back against a wall; but wait until this little scrap is over.” Down-stairs the Uhlan captain had finished his coffee and was puffing great elouds of tobaeco smoke through the open window, from which Bosworth eould see a couple of soldiers presiding over a steaming kettle hanging from three crossed poles on the lawn. “ 2638 Von Werner beckoned, one of the sol- diers filled two cups from the kettle and placed them on the table beside a half consumed loaf of bread. The captain removed the stem of the pipe from be- tween his teeth, deliberately dumped the smoldering ashes upon the carpeted floor, and asked abruptly : “What is it that Herr Bosworth in- tends to do?” “What do you suppose but drink this steaming concoction and nibble at the crust you have been kind enough to leave?” was upon Bosworth’s tongue, but he substituted: “That depends upon yourself. Being a prisoner = The Uhlan indicated Von Werner by a stiff nod. “That has been discussed, and he- vouches for you. We leave here in half an hour; then you may do as you please,” said he. “Were it not for one thing, like to ride with you,” werth boldly. It struck him that it would be some- thing to accompany these cavalrymen in their dash over French territory, even better than going on to Paris and wait- ing for something to turn up. The Uhlan captain shrugged his shoulders. * Much as we might desire your com- pany, Herr Bosworth, that would be hardly regular. Yet you say * but for one thing’; might I mquire——” ““T suppose I should stay here and see the marquis buried, especially as Mademoiselle de Luynes appears to be practically alone,” Bosworth answered. The captain nodded. “That is as you please,” he began, then turned suddenly and stared out of the window. A Uhlan was crossing the lawn, from the direction of the gate, on a brisk run; in another moment he stood panting in the opening, and saluted. “It is reported by outpost number three, Herr Captain, that a body of men are approaching this place,” was his un- expected announcement. The: captain’s pipe disappeared as though by magic. At that instant the report of a shot rolled across the park. The captain gave a rapid order to I should ventured Bos- com cbook (ele)