Argosy, Vol. 119, No. 2 — page 67: what you’re looking at

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

THE GREAT “T would I could help you,” Sansito thought aloud. Another silence followed. 3 “Would you take money?” The secre- tary barely breathed the words. Arthur asked sharply: ‘“ From you?” “Why not—from me?” The question was as musical as a song. ‘““T see no reason why I should?” Arthur ‘spoke stiffly, then more gently added: “I thank you, noble count, for the offer.” Unabashed, Sansito inquired: ‘“-You be- lieve in this secret that your parchment hinted?” : His companion nodded. “TI think I understand.” Juan de Seseca did not look at the youth; his eyes wan- dered over the beautiful garden, and his voice came slowly and softly: “You feel within yourself that you have the right to claim your loved lady’s hand,” the Spaniard’s voice quickened, “ that in your veins pulses good, true, noble blood. Something fine stirs within you—you feel ~ yourselfi—almost—a king! You—” "Yes. " Yes,” Arthur cried. “That is just it. How did you know—how—” Sansito interrupted: “It is a way of youth.” He smiled benignantly. “I, too, was young. You—you might almost be my son.” He added sadly: ‘“‘I have no son.” Arthur was impressed. The schemer saw his advantage, and hastened to his goal by Slowly suggesting: “Let -me give you money, boy. It will make your search easier. You need better attire—and—” The Englishman shook his head positive- ly. “Thank you, my lord. Thank you— but, no!” } “Then, my son, let me bwy that ring of you. It really belongs to the King of Spain. It was stolen from me on my last mission to England. How, I know not; nor can I guess how it came to be found by you in Dover. It was while I was in London that I was robbed. King Ferdinand does not yet know of the loss. Give me the ring, It will save me chagrin; and you will re- ceive its full value! You need gold—” Arthur asked greedily: “How. much?” The Count of Sansito clapped his hand sharply upon the bench. The lackey sprang to attention. DISCOVERY, 217 “Bring me the Toledo coffer,” the master called. This coffer, a box of marvelous Moorish inlay—gold on steel—was brought. San- sito opened it by a hidden spring and took - out three bags. It was now that Arthur noticed that the count did not use his left hand, and that ‘both were encased in fine black gloves that opened down the back after the Italian style. 3 ‘One bag is for you,” Seseca announced, “one is for you to remember me by, and the third is a momento of Mistress Judith.” He smiled charmingly. | “ Each contains one hundred pieces of gold—is it a bargain—” He got no further, for Arthur jerked the ring from his hand. ‘It is yours,” he cried eagerly. Sansito dropped the jeweled ring into the casket. He closed this strong box with a sharp snap; then indicated that the lackey, who was kneeling with it on his outstretched arms, should take it away. Arthur was profuse in his thanks. “That money is nothing,” the Spaniard — cried, “it will get you nowhere with your — beloved, and that’s what counts—eh>?” _ The youth blushed. “Sir Thomas is an ambitious man,” Sansito announced regretfully. “ There is talk here in Spain of an almost royal match which he could effect if his daughter so chose. You must get a fortune, my friend, and quickly, too, or, better still, get fame! Now I think of it, there may be another way to help you.” Arthur was attentive. Sansito spoke with growing enthusiasm: “There is an Italian, Christopher Colum- bus, who is about to sail from Palos on an expedition of discovery. The Spanish sovereigns have fitted him out with three caravels. west.” The count did not add that his had al- ways been one of the strongest voices raised in doubts concerning Columbus’s undertak- ing; instead he assured: Arthur he will find that for which he seeks, and great fame and riches, too! | “You, my son, know and love the sea!” Sn Se He promises to find lands in the. ~ecomicbooks; (E(0) mi