Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

124 | THE ARGOSY. Garden,” and telling of De Lajes, and finally exhibiting the miniature. The king listened with attention, and after examining the locket, inquired: “ Do you know the name of this lady?” Arthur admitted that he did not. Slowly the king announced: “ She looks like an English woman whom my half- brother, the Prince of Viana, loved.” He paused to note the effect of his words. But the young man’s face revealed nothing. The king continued,’ cautiously: “ If you are their son, and if it could be proven, and if they were really married, and that also could be proven, you would be heir to a kingdom. But the only proof you have is the picture of a lady whose features your own closely resemble—that is all.” He ceased speaking, and awaited some word from Arthur, but the young man said nothing. After a few minutes the king asked: “‘ Well, what are you going to do?” Arthur did not speak. “Of course,” Ferdmand began, “ you _ might attempt to establish your claims. Certain persons might even rally to your cause. Maicontents exist in every kingdom. Besides these there are the adventurers and those rascals who are. eager to join even the most folorn hope, anticipating personal gain. But you would stand little chance unless you could win the strong support of some noble family. You might effect this through a fortunate marriage.” ’ Arthur started, and the king’s eyes nar- rowed almost to slits as he continued: “ But I hear your affections are otherwise engaged. 39 The young man bowed. - “You would have to forswear this young Tady,” Ferdinand ‘announced. “TY would not if IF could,” Arthur cried, “and I cannot, for we were wedded three nights ago.” The king pretended surprise. ' Arthur could restrain himself no longer. “What is going to be done to me for killing the Count of Sansito?” he cried. _ “Nothing!” his majesty announced. ‘“¥ou omy anticipated the executioner. I have discovered that Juan de Seseca was 4 treacherous villain, a monstrous traitor, ahd worthy of a worse fate than you meted out to him. Besides, you killed him to prevent his murdering you. You have the protec- tion of our laws. Spain is a Christian coun- try!” he added, proudly. “You don’t mean that I am free?” Arthur cried. “TY. mean just that,” Ferdinand an- nounced majestically. “You mean, I can go?” ‘His majesty smiled, and nodded siovty, and then, fearing lest this unceremonious young fellow should dash away without any more being said, he hastened to grant him permission to depart. Within Jess than half an hour Arthur had Judith in his arms. . He would not have been that long in reaching her but on the way he encountered Columbus, who in- sisted upon stopping him. The admiral de- clared that he owed all his good luck to Arthur. . For it Seems that not only had he been most graciously received by the sovereigns, but not one word of reproof had passed their lips. They had ignored all Aguado’s eomplaints; had appointed Bartholomew vice-governor of Espafiola for life, and made one of the admiral’s sons a page in the palace. But the greatest blessing of all, they had directed the’ Genoese to begin preparations for a third voyage of discovery. The navigator was in the greatest spirits. | He had returned to Spain in disgrace, and now—behold! “I owe it all to you, my son,” he said embracing Arthur. The envoy was inclined to doubt this, but he proudly recounted the speech to Judith, along with the tale of his adventures with Seseca and his interview with the king. When he had finished, the yonng woman held him away from her as she said sadly: “ Perhaps you are giving up a throne for me, Arthur, and—” — He would not let her finish, but caught’ her close and kissed her. | “TI have discovered something greater than a throne—greater than all the discov- eries of the admiral—I have made the Greatest Discovéry!”’ She smiled. “ You must ask me what?” “ What?” she inquired dutifully. (The End.) : — = Comichookerto ()