Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 129: what you’re looking at

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

THE GREAT “ Those papers,” her majesty announced coldly, “ 7 will take them in charge.” As Arthur hastened te place them in her hands, she cried: ““T have come, Juan de Seseca, to de- mand what you mean by intruding within the royal apartments?” Sansito made no response. The queen resumed: “I cannot say that I commend these gatherings in your cham- ‘bers, Doiia de Torres. But I strictly forbid that those attending them enter by my private stairs!’”’ Her tone was haughty. “1 will speak further with you, madam, on this subject.” “She smiled frigidly at the nurse. “You, gentlemen,” she indicated the door, ‘‘ may depart.” Sansito stepped forward. “ This man must go aS my prisomer,’’ he cried. Dena de Torres exclaimed in dismay. Sansite placed his hand heavily on Arthur’s shoulder. “I apprehend him for _ Inurders committed in Granada.” The voice of the queen rang out: “ Un- hand him, Count of Sansite!” The qveen’s manner was cold, but her eyes showed an angry gleam. “ Tf you were aware that 1 knew as much as you about those seurders in Granada, you would mot press such trumpery claims against this young man,” she warned as she The count reddened, and started toward the door, stepping backward and bowing bumbly. Isabella looked kindly at ¢ Arthur: “ You are free,” she said, “to go and seek those you wish to see.” Sansito lifted the bar, and was about to disappear in the corridor, but befere he could cross the threshold, Arthur gained the passageway. He did not pursue the fright- ened count. ‘Instead he went toward the slender figure who was leaning wretchedly against a column at the far side of the hall. ‘< Judith,” he cried, and attempted to take - her in his arms, but she would not let him. ‘“What’s the matter?” he gasped, in as-~ She did not speak, but lifted her head proudly and locked at him. The color came flooding into her face, and her eyes stiapped ominowsly. — . ( DISCOVERY. 1g “ Aren’t you glad to see me?” he cried playfully. ‘ Den’t you love me any morez What has-happened?” “Why did you not tell me your were coming?” she demanded, disregarding his questions. She was fighting against the pleasure it gave her to be close to him, hear his voiee, and watch the shadows come and go in his eyes as he strove to understand the situation. “T could not tell you,” Arthur began; “I sO <now until as I was leaving, - a knew!” Judith cried. 74 Who?” “Don’t seem so amazed,” the girl ex- claimed, angrily. ; Whore” Arthur demanded sharply. — “ Dona de Torres!” Fudith said it fiercely. “ ¥ know everything. I know that you love her!” . “ Tlove onty you!” he cried, and again at- tempted to embrace her. gied away from him. “Dona de Torres?” he muttered; never saw her before this afternoon.” “ Arthur?’ she warned. — “What ts the matter?” he begged pit fully. ’ “ You have been writing to her, and—” He msterrupted: “ ; have never written to her!” " {have seen the letters,” she said wither- ingly. “Oh!” he cried with relief. “I under- stand, at last. Those letters were not mine., I wrote them for the admiral. They contained secret information about the col- ony. Dosa de Torres is an eld advocate of Cofumbus. She has been the go-between—” “ You expect me to believe that?” Judith cried. He caught her in his arms, and, although she struggled, he would not release her. “ Let me go!’ she commanded. ** Not unless you look into my eyes and tell me that you no longer love me,” he said y. - “{—” she began, and attempted to look at him, but before his gaze hers faltered. _ He held her face tenderly between his big hands, and kissed her unresponsive lips. “Tt has been more than three years singe But Judith strug ‘4 J “ Go back to her, and—" CoOMmiiclooo @ S C@