Argosy, Vol. 117, No. 2 — page 101: what you’re looking at

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

THE TORCH. The suspicious man was satisfied. The three stumbled after Fortune among the ruined walls. And silent as two shadows, Kinst and his woman slipped through the open gate not more than two minutes ahead of the soldiers who burst into the court from the opposite side. In a few minutes Fortune dismissed his three soldiers and hurried to another ap- pointment. He had been on Manhattan three days and this was his first oppor- tunity, so busy had Wenn kept him, to see Alda. He had much to tell the High-born. As he hurried to the rear stairway of Wolff’s ‘Tower he mused on his recent ad- venture with some perplexity. “A fine thing for me to be doing! If the Towerman knew I’d helped Kinst slip away from his soldiers I’d lose-my head quick enough. ‘The little rat is a fugitive from the law, yet here I am aiding him. Well, one must keep a promise.’ Alda, the High-born, leaned among the cushions and studied her grateful young captain with bright eyes. Her pale face was thoughtful because of what Fortune had told her of the Isle of the Great Woman. Alda was giving all her shrewdness to a veiled appraisal of this very blond soldier who sat so erect among the feminine lux- ury of her divan. He had proved himself both grateful and loyal. There was also something in his manner and his acts that suggested no unworthy power. She knew his ambition, and she began to believe him perfectly capable of carrying it out. Alto- gether he seemed just the man she needed in heg planning. Then she recalled that Fortune had gone to the island for the purpose of finding a woman who had caught his fancy. She smiled kindly, ‘“ And what of that girl of the Folk you once spoke about? Did you win her, my friend?” “No,” said the soldier briefly. ‘“‘ She was another’s?”’ “No, but before I could take her Ham was killed and I was captured.” ‘And she would not melt to your plead- ing?” 251 cc No.” She made a mental note, that the topic was distasteful to Fortune. ‘The affair of the girl had better be looked into more thor- oughly. “Well, my dear friend, your news is in- teresting, but after all, the Folk are always plotting an uprising—lI scarcely see how—”’ “But never such a revolution as this!” “You think so?” ‘““T am certain. I tell you, this is organ- ized, thoroughly. Let them go on a month or two longer and—why, I won’t answer for any of us. They’re not. fooling!” “No, evidently. I am convinced the news is valuable. But just how to use it—” ‘“‘ High-born, may I suggest—” “Why, surely, my dear friend! And must you be so formal? Come, you know my name, Fortune! Are we not friends now?” ‘““T—I don’t dare,” Fortune stammered uneasily. ‘“ Ah yes, you dare! Don’t I know to my alarm already how far you dare! When you take my hand you frighten me, yet my name—” ‘“‘ Alda, dear Alda—”’ “Ah, that’s better. Now, before you go on, let me remind you again. You know my desire? I will rule in Wolff’s place when the time comes, or there will no longer be any rule in Manhattan.” Alda’s eyes flashed, and she drew herself up proudly. “ None of them shall deny me!’ she exclaimed. ‘‘ But when I do rule, Fortune, still I am only a woman—I will need a man’s help and advice. And that man, who do you think that man will be?” “T dare not hope—” “That man will be the man who helps best to put me in my father’s place. That man might well be—you!” ‘“Now you give me courage for any- thing!” Fortune exclaimed. He rose and paced nervously. ‘‘ This is my suggestion. You know first of all, about this revolution. It can be ended now, and ended quickly by taking the leaders by surprise—”’ ‘You would attack the isle and wipe out this nest of vermin?’ Alda mused. ‘No, not that. To attack the isle would not be difficult. Soldiers could be sent Eomicdooks (C@