Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 146 No. 4 — page 54: what you’re looking at

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

ARGOSY-ALL Ts dead.” -Barbarroja twirled his mustache grandly. -“T do not say it was well done, nor am I proud of the matter; however, Allah knows I need the money! His Spahis fought off my men, and while they fought, I gained place in the rear—and put a bullet in his back.” “Where is his head, then?” sneered the other. ‘Bah! The event will prove my words. Any news of the man Spence?” “None. He is lost. The others reached here safely. Why are you interested in him?” “ Because,” said Barbarroja coolly, “I have just learned that Spence carries the leather box behind his saddle. That makes you jump, eh? Well, it is the truth. Rip- perda’s casket!” Gholam Mahmoud snapped out an oath. Then: “ Have you any scheme, any way to find him?” Barbarroja chuckled. “Spence cannot go far alone, and dare not go back to Tlemcen; so he must come west. In that event, he will be picked up somewhere in this district. We have only to wait until he is brought to the governor. When he comes we take the casket—and you negotiate its sale to your master Rip- perda. You comprehend? It is simple.” Gholam Mahmoud smiled his twisted smile. “And suppose Pasha Ripperda comes here?” | “Let him come!” Barbarroja shrugged, but his eye was startled. ‘“ Do you expect him?” “ Perhaps to-night; certainly to-morrow.” “ Dios! Very well.” The Spaniard made a grandiloquent ges- ture. _ “Tama generous man. I shall allow you to share the credit of killing Mulai Ali; tell the pasha we did it together. The sherif’s reward goes to me, however. This will rehabilitate your credit with Ripperda, who will then ora Ae pay a big sum for the STORY WEEKLY, If we are to work together, let the conc no mention of the woman whom I desire. as tions be fulfilled—or I shall obtain the wo- man for myself! If you want the 2 turn over the woman to me, and do it quick- 4 ly. She is here now.” Barbarroja pawed at his great beard, and. considered this demand. “ Agreed,” he said, and yawned. “ You. shall have her to-morrow. Give me a place to sleep, caballero, and Allah will bring all things to pass!” Gholam Mahmoud himself conducted his guest to a room on the upper floor. . Once alone, Barbarroja did not sleep, though he was worn and haggard. Instead he sat for a while staring into the lantern, and plucking at his huge beard. He was sore put to it. ‘They will all be warned against me now, since that old goat of a governor knows me all too well,” he reflected. “ And the governor will avenge the death of Mulai Ali on me, if he catches me. How, then, shall I get the woman for yonder lecherous viper? Get her I must! “Tf that devil of a Spence returns—ha! Old Shaw is the one to work upon; and I owe him a turn for the sorry trick he played me at the Cisterns. Shaw is the one—and. it must be done speedily, before Ripperda comes; before that devil Spence turns up! To-morrow, early.” He sat for a while longer, then blew out the lantern. Presently his chuckles died away into a droning snore. CHAPTER. IX. “Sword is an oath, and oaths must have their course.” N hour after sunrise, Dr. Shaw hastily sought the presence of the governor. “Sleep is a trusty adviser,” he said. “TI have changed my mind over- night, and have decided to leave here at : ill once, before Ripperda shall arrive.” — “God knoweth all things.” The old Moor blinked. “Consider me Be a r command. What wish ge re Cag “ Nothing,” said Shaw. “ will t b ‘eomicboo! oo . eae