The Argosy, April 1912 — page 122: what you’re looking at

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

108 before the night the station was attacked by the other robber, a discharged employee of the smelter. He afterward confessed that the successful carrying out of his plan to cast suspicion for the burglary on old man THE ARGOSY. But I’ve alive, and here’s the tale I’ve told. It ends right where it began—with Margie. We’re married now and comfort- ably settled down, and the past’s behind, the future looming brighter ahead of us McClintock had to do with my murder and __ every day. the subsequent doing away with my body. For you bet I’m straight now, and to Cheerful cuss, wasn’t he? stick! Frank Williams SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTERS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED. THE scene is laid in the time of Charlemagne, when Pepin the Hunchback, natural son to the king, causes the rumor to be spread that Philip of Brittany, has sent booty captured in the wars into his own province. As his soldiers have all dispersed, he cannot prove by them that he was set upon in the mountains and robbed of the tribute, so asks of Charlemagne that the matter be settled by his combat with a champion that may be selected. This is granted, and Osta the Hun is picked. Him Philip worsts, but his victory is of little avail to him, as soon after he learns through Charlemagne’s queen, Fastrada, that Hildegarde, the girl to whom he was betrothed, is about to wed, apparently of her own free will, the misshapen Pepin. While he is at his interview with the queen, there is a cry that the enemy are coming, and Philip places himself at the head of the Saxon mercenaries, who turn on their masters, stun Philip with a blow, and carry him off into the forest. After escaping from threatened execution by the Saxon mertenaries, Philip hastens with his men to Regensburg, where the wedding is to take place, has an interview with Pepin, on whose fears he works to such an extent that the hunchback informs the king the marriage will have to be postponed for a month. He adds a rumor to the effect that the queen is in love with Philip, which so enrages Charlemagne that the Breton flees for his life and is led by Fardulf, the priest, to a monastery in the forest, where he has also bestowed Lady Hildegarde. Hither comes the next day the king with his troops, who greatly outnumber the defenders. T he battle goes badly for the latter until only ten men remain to them. Just then a great roar sounded on each side, and Philip knew that the portals had given beneath the pounding of the attackers. “Come,” cried Fardulf, “you and I are CHAPTER X. WHILE PEPIN SLEPT. will save you.” This from Far- dulf. “ And have me leave my men? Never!” “Vour men? See!” and the priest nod- ded to the three wounded, staggering sol- diers that defended the door and were selling their lives dearly. C OME with me, Philip of Brittany, I Began February ARGOSY. for better things than this. Our time to die is not yet. Across this room, where now the girl is standing, is another door. With that closed and us in the room beyond, I can save you both. Come, drive these fellows in the doorway back for the nonce and then bolt for it.” Single coptes, 10 cents. COMIClLOO (@) S CO