Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

‘422 His eyes met those of the young man. It gave the count an exquisite pleasure thus to play with the victim whose death was so fast approaching. “ Yes,” he resumed, “I have known this secret all along. But until last night I strove to prevent you from discovering the truth.” “ And last night?” “Last night,” Sansito announced, sol- emniy, “I first understood that Spain needed a mew king. You are that king!” Arthur was dumb. He stared doubt- ingly at the count. These revelations seemed presposterous, and yet there was a sincerity that pervaded Sansito—a sincerity deeper than his look, manner, or tone of voice. All this could not be true, and yet— he was almost beginning to believe it. “The proofs,” Arthur faltered, “ what proofs have you?” “ First, your likeness to your mother,” Sansito cried, “then, there are proofs I have, or can obtain.” &“c You?” “ Yes, I am your friend!” The count de- clared it bravely, but his false eyes dared not meet the other’s honest gaze. Sansito arose quickly, and gomg to the dresser, selected a crystal wine glass. He brought this and placed it before the young man, and slowly filled it from a flagon on the table. He glanced at his own glass, but it was already brimming; so, with a slight clatter, the count put down the flagon. Then he lifted his glass, and leaned toward Arthur. “To the king!” he cried, and motioned for the young man to rise and join him in the toast. Like one in a dream, Arthur stood and faced Seseca. He found the eyes of the secretary as fascinating as a bird does those of asnake. He could not look away. With fumbling hand, he reached for his glass, lifted it, and touched its edge to that of the Spaniard’s goblet. In silence he raised the drmk to his lips. But before he tasted the wine, a shudder ran through him. He had ‘been looking imtently at the secretary, and in the soft candlelight a woman seemed to come be- tween them. THE ARGOSY. ~ She raised a hand warningly. Her face was infinitely sad, infinitely appealing. I was the face of one dead, at the far side of the world—Noanita! The apparition disappeared, and at just the same time something within Arthur seemed to awaken. He was no longer be- wildered, but keenly alert and on his guard. He lowered his glass. In surprise the secretary did the same; but quickly pro- tested. “To the king!” Sansito repeated gaily. “ Drink, man, to your—” Arthur coldly interrupted: “ First,” he began, “we will change glasses.” He pushed his own toward Seseca, and held out a steady hand for the secretary's. Sansito hesitated, and by that moment’s wait Arthur was convinced that his own glass contained poison. He took the giass of true wme from San- sito’s unwilling fingers, and forced the poi- soned goblet mto the secretary's grasp. “ Drink!” Arthur cried. “ Drink to what king you please, but drink from that glass!” - The young man drank, but the secretary dared not. “ Drink!” Arthur commanded, drawing his sword. The secretary saw the threatening blade flash in the candlelight. But before Arthur had taken a step, the tened count clapped his hands and called aloud. The hangings were dashed aside, and sev- ereal armed men sprang upon the scene. Pointing to Arthur, Sansito shrieked: “Kill him! Kilt him!” Arthur lunged toward his enemy: die first!” he cried. _ Sansito attempted to spring aside, but he was too late. The great chair held him prisoner with its huge, projecting arms, Ar- thur’s sword ripped through the count’s sifken garments with a whispering sound, and buried itself in the villain’s breast. The cries of Sansito died sudienly his “You eyes assumed a strange, uncomprehending look, and then blood came from between his quivering lips. With such violence had the thrust been made that the rapier had passed through Sansito’s body, and embedded itself in the padded back of the big chair. GOnmilGyooks (-)