Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

7 re at~ 4S COV er Charles Vv. Barney Author of “ Texas Fever,” etc. CHAPTER XL. WITH THE KING. T the door of the royal apartments Judith was told that the king ex-. pected her. She entered quickly. She was nervously pale, but otherwise did not reveal her anxiety. Ferdinand looked up and smiled craftily. He and Sansito were hovering over a low, - silver brazier, for the night was cold. The air was heavy with some Moorish scent. ‘The young woman acknowledged the king’s smile by a courtly bow, but she did not advance from her position near the door _of the anteroom. ‘““¥ thought you .were in man’s clothes?” his majesty sucked in his under lip with a:noisy, characteristic gesture. ‘} Donia Judith did not reply, and the king resumed: ‘‘ Where were you trying to go?” he inquired. “T sought to escape,” Judith responded defiantly. “‘ Escape?” the king echoed in surprise. “Why do you strive to torment me?”’ she cried indignantly. ‘ Her words did not change the king’s tone. “What do you mean by insinuating that you are a prisoner?” he mquired, “You know it is true,” she retorted; “,as much a prisoner as if I were in the deepest, triple-locked dungeon.”’. ‘' Suavely his majesty replied: “‘ We all are prisoners to your béauty, madam. The light of your eyes holds us all in thrall. I know that much!” Judith made a movement of anger, and impetuously broke forth: ‘*} woelld speak to your majesty alone. Will you grant me this favor?” Ferdinand laughed lazily. “ The secretary’s presence seems super- fluous,”” he remarked quietly. Much against his will, Sansito arose and Jeft the room. As he did so Judith Mer- ton came forward and faced the king. “* Why will you not allow me to leave this ceuntry?” she demanded sternly. “Where would you go?” his majesty “Tt no difference where } would go,” she cried; ‘“ England, or the ends of the world are all the same. You will not let me go—why? Why?” . For a moment Ferdinand hesitated, and - then he deliberately announced: ‘“‘ You are possessed of-secrets that are dangerous to me, and—” She interrupted hotly: “ T know nothing that in any way endangers your majesty’s - }ife or throne.” Her tone was vibrant with sincerity, but Ferdinand looked at her suspiciously. There was a short silence, and then the king calmly remarked: “ You knew where this Arthur Leke is—eh?” Dona Judith did not start, but Ferdi- nand, who was narrewly watching her, noticed her color change. “ Why do you not answer?” he inquired. She spoke slowly, and her voice sank to low, deep notes. “ Yes,” she said, “I know his whereabouts, but you cannot drag that knowledge from me. No, not even with all your tortures.” This story began in ‘The Argesy for March 20. 106 CoOMmiiclooo @ S C@