Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 146 No. 4 — page 59: what you’re looking at

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

Mestbes box inio the river and joined: Rip “ Ripperda was friendly enough,” he con- cluded. “ He knew all about our friendship with Mulai Ali, bore no grudge, and wel- comed me. A most amazing man!” “Very!” said Shaw dryly. “ Before Ceuta, he had two Spanish spies impaled on the same stake one day which amazed even the Moors! Mistake not, Patrick; we play with fire.” Spence shrugged. “ Mistress Betty,” he said, “ your predic- tions to Mulai Ali searce jibe with the fate that had befallen him! How explain you this discrepancy?” “JT explain nothing, Mr. Spence,” she said. “I am more interested in knowing what is to become of us. Will Ripperda keep his promises, think you?” “ He takes us to the coast to-night,” an- swered Spence. “ Yes, it—it—” As he spoke he had glanced through the window, which overlooked the courtyard. His voice died away. Suddenly he turned, darted to the door, flung it open. In the doorway stood one of Ripperda’s body- guard, pistol on arm. The man, a French- man, did not budge. “No one is permitted to leave,” he said, and grinned. “ By order of the pasha.” Spence slammed the door again. “ Down there—Gholam Mahmoud, talking with the soldiers! The presence of that man bodes us ill.” Dr. Shaw started. “The man in black—Ripperda’s confi- dential agent! H-m! I see it all now. He has heard of Barbarroja’s»death. He is down there, questioning the renegades, look- ing for that leather box—ha, Patrick! Did Ripperda’s men see you throw the box in the river?” “ Aye, most likely.”’ Spence stood at the window, watching the ominous figure below. “They said naught of it, however. Per- chance they saw it done.” “A hammering at the door. Spence opened to admit a hulking Dutchman, the leader of areca» bodyguard. He made a - DOWN THE COAST OF BARBARY. Mistress Betty rose, calm and sifted tained. She looked at Spence, and smiled, “Do not fear for me, friends, for I think that Ripperda will keep his promise, and I may be able to help you. Farewell for the present!” She left the room, the two men looking after her, helpless. Of those twain, one was destined to see her no more in life. Mistress Betty entered the hall of justice, but was detained at the door. A,tall figure in black passed her and strode rapidly to the side of Ripperda, to whom he spoke, low-voiced. “Spence tried to destroy it, but I can recover it in a day or two. If I succeed will you give me this English girl for my harem?” Ripperda’s face was overspread with a mortal pallor from the anguish in his veins. ‘“ Her and a dozen more like her,” he said hoarsely. “ A million curses on that Spence! Go, and fail me not. I shall await your report at Adjerud. The girl belongs to you.” Gholam Mahmoud circled the seat and vanished through a hidden door. Mistress Betty was brought forward, curtsied, and waited. Ripperda forced a mechanical smile to his lips. ‘“ Mistress, plead not for your compan- ions!” he said gently. ‘They have de- ceived me basely—” “They are my friends,” said the girl. “T cannot but ask your clemency for Mr. Spence and—” . Ripperda made a hasty, maddened ges- ture. His eyes flamed savagely. ‘Very well, very well! Spence shall live; I will carry him to Adjerud and sell him as a slave. But Shaw—say no word of him, I warn you. Oh, how that man smiled at me! And in his heart he knew the box was gone, that I was defeated, unable to keep my promises—”’ A spasm of rage came upon him. He writhed among his cushions, then with an effort got himself in hand. ‘‘ My horoscope!” he exclaimed. “ Cast it. Fear not, gentle lady; you are under my protection and shall go safe to England, You have the word of Ripperda. So So, while | we journey north, do you cast awe ~~ comicbooks. SO nn