Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 128: what you’re looking at

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118 aloud to them that she had discovered their shameful secret. But she controlled her- self. Perhaps, after all, there might be some explanation. There must be! She would not doubt Arthur. If she doubted him—if he were false—then there was noth- ing in the world in which she could ever believe. | ' “No, he loves me. He does! He must!” she cried aloud. Tears came into her lovely eyes, and she pressed her hands to her breast. She could still hear those voices. The low, soft sound was terrible in its sugges- tion. What was he saying? What was Dona de Torres repiying? Then again she attempted to comfort her- self by repeating pathetically: “ He loves me. I know he loves me. It és true!” Had the poor girl but known, Arthur Lake was speaking calmly to Dona de Tor- res, who was: seated quietly before him. In her lap lay a bundle of documents which she had consented to convey secretly to the queen. Arthur was striving to make the most moving appeal he could for his friend, the admiral. The queen had flatly refused to grant him an interview. Columbus should have come himself. Besides, things had now gone too far. She dared not display her partiality for the great man by receiv- ing, even in secret, his apologist. So the nurse had sent Arthur’s messenger back with instructions how to reach her apartment, and granting the envoy an inter- view with herself. _ And, at this interview, unknown to every- one, Queen Isabella was present! Having descended by the private stairs that led from the royal apartments to those of the nurse, she had secreted herself behind the hang- ings, which not only masked the entrance to the stairs, but ran almost around the large -To every word that Arthur spoke shé was attending. She liked Columbus. She would aid him if it were possible. She believed in him in spite of all his detractors, but she wanted to know the truth. Yet she dared not openly go against her husband, who had sent Aguado out to collect a bud- get of accusations against the admiral. THE ARGOSY. Arthur’s presentation of the situation was very simple, but it was also very moving. Columbus could not have chosen a better envoy, for the very directness and lack of embroidery in the young man’s narrative. impressed the listening queen more than any amount of flowery sophistication. Suddenly the queen heard some one creeping down the stairs. It was a man’s ‘tread, stealthy, and almost without sound. Could it be Ferdinand? She dared not show herself to those in ine room, and her retreat was cut off. . With infinite caution, 7 slipped from her place on the stairs, and crept along the wall behind the hangings. The arras moved slightly ‘with her progress, but either Arthur and his auditor were too engrossed, or did not notice the slow undulations of the great folds. Meanwhile the steps on the stairs had ceased. The newcomer was listening also. The queen could not see him nor he her. A low cry came from Arthur’s lips. The - man behind the arras had shown himself! _ “In the king’s name, I command the sur- render of those documents,” he cried. The voice was that of the Count of Sansito! Arthur sprang forward and attempted to secure the papers intended for the secret perusal of the queen. It was in this act that his face was first revealed to Sansito. “You!” cried the count in amazement. “Oh! This is too good to be true!”’ “But you haven’t got me yet,” Arthur yelled. He had forgotten all diplomacy, his mission, and its dangers for himself and others. He was just a plain man confronted by his enemy. “ Be still, you fool!” Sansito warned. ‘One call from me, and the room will be filled with armed men. Put up your sword.” “On guard,” Arthur cried. CHAPTER ° XLVI. THE QUEEN’S WORK. ‘THE arras was pushed aside, and Isa- bella stepped quickly into the room. Seseca cried aghast: “‘ The queen!”’ Arthur turned, and in amazement his rapier fell from his hands. CTOM AAR REL ONOOD, COU