The Argosy, Vol. 83 No. 1 — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

106 last, tossing the paper at Saville’s feet, “but Ill be even with you yet, curse you!” “That is not a discreet remark for a man in your position,” observed Saville, picking up the paper. ‘But we will over- look your natural feeling of resentment. Of course you will try and run me down afterwards. ‘That’s all in the game, isn’t it, Andrew?” A dry chuckle came from behind Stan- bury. “You can bet yeur life I'll have a try,” he said grimly. “Just so,” observed Saville. “Now let us see what kind of a yarn you have pitched.” He knelt by the fire in his turn and read. Then he laughed. “Good! A big deal in partnership with the bearer—Mr. Edward Saville—discov- ery of gold—urgent need of funds imme- diately—refer New York—yes, that seems feasible enough — with your signature. There is only one thing. You make it a million dollars only. You forget the two thousand in Lisle’s case, but you can write a separate check for that—all the better, perhaps; it will make the whole thing look more genuine.” He held a blank form to the still kneel- ing man. Stanbury seemed about to pro- test, but he appeared to think better of it, and filled out the form, his jaw firmly set. “Vou are right,” said Saville, who was watching him closely. “A couple of thou- sand more or less will make no difference in the end.” “No,” returned Coulson Stanbury in a strangely harsh tone, ‘“‘you are right. It will make no difference—in the end.” “You mean he laughs longest who laughs last,” said Saville pleasantly, as he took the check. “Of course that is so. Now it only remains for you to accom- pany us on a little journey, then we part. Andrew will lead the way to the boat—he can see in the dark. You will follow in his footsteps whilst I—and my revolver— will bring up in the rear.” It really did seem as though Andrew Trail had the eyes of a cat, for he never ~~ THE ARGOSY. hesitated during the somewhat intricate journey which brought them to the motor- boat. Stanbury was morosely silent and Sa- ville made no attempt at conversation. The boat chugged out into the darkness, and some half an hour later its bew scraped gently on a gravelly beach. “Here we are, Robinson Crusoe,” said Saville gaily. ‘“Shew a glim, Andrew.” Stanbury hesitated an instant, then sprang ashore. The lantern revealed a httle sandy cove with tall vegetation grow- ing almost to the water’s edge. “Here is your provender,” said Saville, lifting a heavy hamper over the side. ‘It mctudes better fare than we have been liv- ing on for the past week or two. You will find everything there, matches, tobacco, brandy, whisky, and one or two drugs— not that you will be likely to need the Iat- ter. You are a fairly healthy brute and there is no miasma here. “Here are some books, too, if you feel like reading. Then here is our bell-tent; you'll be glad of that, and I have no fur- ther use for it. If all goes well you may expect relief in about four days. Oh, and by the way, have you any cash on you?” “TF have a couple of hundred dollars in notes,” rephed Stanbury. “Do you want them as well?” he added sarcastically. “No, but the man who comes to fetch you will expect half of it, and he won’t take you off until you pay up. If you hadn’t had your fare Vd have given it to you. Now is there anything else you’d like to say before we part?” Stanbury stepped forward within the radius of light. “TF would just like to know your real reason for playing this game on me,” said he. Saville was standing at the side of the boat lighting his pipe. His eyes glinted across at his questioner. ‘““A million dollars haul,” said he, “seems a fairly good reason in itself.” “Not for you,” returned Stanbury. “You might have made as much in New York-—-you did make a good deal as it was ECORNICGLOOOKS (C@