Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 146 No. 4 — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

‘Mabarak—a very omate piece of work in wood ‘the ciphers inlaid with silver. , The astrologer appeared suddenly before tl If he had stared before, now Spence stared with twofold amazement. No dod- dering old man was this astrologer—no man at all—but a woman, wearing a white bur- noose. As he stared at her, so she stared at him, her eyes wide; dark eyes, set in a face that was suddenly white. Her hands gripped the curtain beside her in a tense “We are here, senorita,” said Mulai Ali courteously. “I have told my friend, Cap- tain Spence, that you are the most wonder- ful woman in the world. If my horoscope is finished, the fact will soon be proved to his satisfaction.” The astrologer trembled slightly, then forced herself to speak. “T have it here—if you will be seated—” Spence controlled himself to silence, bowed, and seated himself. Upon him was. dumb amazement as the woman came forward. Woman? Nay, but a girl, and no Moor, either, but English! Despite the suspense, the emotion, that had gripped her, she was now completely mis- tress of herself. And she was beautiful, Spence realized; not with the coldly perfect lines of classic beauty, but with character that made for personality. Dark eyes, dark hair, a sweetly girlish face—and an astrolo- ger withal! Here was a marvel! “T have written it in Castilian,” she was saying, giving Mulai Ali a scroll, which evidently held the horoscope. “ You may study it at leisure—and it may be unpleas- ant. ” “¢ Ajlah controls all,” said the Moor im- passively. “ Will my enterprise succeed?” “Tt may. You are ruled by Taurus, : mia augurs well, though Mars and Scor- o have a strong influence. Tell me, se- jor ‘If you abandon this enterprise, you ' re ane aia a man of wattle ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. great events: wars, conquests, triumphs! Your fortune will increase to the end. You will sit upon a throne. But the end—ah! I know not the customs of your country; but it is cruel.” A harsh laugh broke from Mulai Ali. “ But I know them. Well, then—I have to choose between a long life of obscurity or a short life of greatness, at the end of which I shall be sawn asunder or burned to death by the Spaniards. Is that it?” The girl inclined her head gravely. “ That is it.” “ By Allah, ten years is enough for any man! I have chosen. Now, senorita, this is the Captain Spence of whom we have spoken. Speak quickly, lest Hassan sus- pect that we remain overlong with you.” The girl turned to Spence, her eyes alight. ‘‘ You will help me?” she said. ‘“T am English. I was traveling to Venice with my father, a student of astronomy, when the pirates captured me. Him they killed—since then I have struggled against disaster—” “Madam, I am wholly at your serv- ice,” said Spence quietly. ‘ Your name?” “ Elizabeth Parks.” “Then, Mistress Betty, have no more fear!” Spence laughed with assumed light- ness. “ You shall go with us into Morocco, if that be possible. Can you trust any here?” “None,” she said, her lips .atremble. “There was talk of the bey’s harem—but I knew enough of the stars to make him fear me. It was my only chance. I man- aged to avert danger—” “Fear not,” said Spence. “We must depart now, but you shall hear from us. I take the responsibility on my own shoul- ders, Mulai Ali. You agree?” “ Very well.” The Moor made a gesture. “You trust us, senorita?” E The girl smiled suddenly. “ Have I not read of you in the stars?” pic comer her sated to = Ay anid Test She Mga com