The Argosy, March 1907 — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

city, there suddenly loomed up a haven of refuge. — és My friend,” said he, “a strange thing has cast me into Paris; even at this moment I may be pursued by ene- mies. Thinking me a spy in the service of the emperor, certain of the Bourbons would give something to thrust a knife in my back. And—and you know of this Ettori, the man who lied about you to the Little Corporal?” “Surely; he has found his occupation —where there is no danger from bullets.” The grenadier’s smile was not pleasant to see. . | “If he is your enemy he is the more mine,’ continued Inwood. “You can guess what would happen should he meet me in Paris.” “Tiens! J can well guess. It is monsteur's purpose to leave the city?” ‘Not yet, my friend, being here. But it is necessary to find a lodging.” “ Monsteur was just now accompanied by another.” “A servant in the house where I was staying. Now if it should happen that your cousin would receive a boarder it might be even possible I could pay well.” The old soldier hesitated, then, looking the American full in the face: “And why does monsieur desire to re- main in Paris?” . Inwood knew that much depended upon the answer, and was prepared. “That I may watch Colonel Ettori, with whom I have a score to settle,” said he. “ And-monsieur is not against the Lit- tle Corporal?” ‘No, it is in my mind to do him a service; it has reached my ears that this Ettori wishes the emperor no good, that there are certain Royalists who could tell you something concerning him.” He was lying boldly, though he half suspected he had hit upon the truth. Yet, by such a story he judged correctly that he would gain Victor Rhoul as an ally. — A grim smile crossed lips. : “If it is for that monsieur remains in Paris it is sufficient. We will go to my cousin’s; the matter can be easily ar- ranged. ‘And perhaps later monsieur will tell me of what happened in the stable.” the soldier’s : THE EAGLE OF EMPIRE. ‘oe the hag Oa ae tigd et —~— tt = = = eee “Eas ates =: “v= «<< <4 > i “Tf you so desire,” Inwood answered. “Tt is to the Rue des Chanteurs you will take me?” ‘““Number seven; my cousin occupies the second floor. Let us go, monsteur. Thanking his good fortune that the first part of his difficulties had been solved so easily and unexpectedly, In- wood accompanied the soldier through the remainder of the alley to the boule- vard. His late companion had disap- peared; perhaps into a wine shop, per- haps because he had grown tired of waiting. The way seemed clear to reach his new lodging place in the Rue eB Chanteurs. The boulevard was filled with vahictea and pedestrians. The ex-chasseur and the American pushed their way forward. More than one person turned to look back at them, for they made a striking pair. Victor Rhoul towered above his com- -panion, but otherwise they were stri- kingly similar in figure. The breadth of. shoulder, powerful limbs and _ easy carriage lent to each distinction. For several blocks they continued each intent upon his own thoughts. Then it became necessary to cross . in order to reach would bring them Chanteurs. The the wide boulevard the streets which to. the’ Rue des press of vehicles, moving in either di- rection, rendered caution necessary. A quarter way across the street the American and his companion became hemmed in as by two rivers rolling past before and behind; they stootl still, as it were, upon an island surrounded by turning wheels, surging horses and swearing drivers. Suddenly Inwood felt a crushing grip upon his arm; it was the ex-soldier of the emperor, who was attracting aS at- tention. “Look, monsieur,’ said he — ‘in front and a little to the right.” Inwood turned his eyes in the direction . indicated. Not twenty feet away a head was thrust through the open window of a carriage. The eyes of its owner were fixed upon the American and the Bae grenadier. Inwood felt a cold thrill dart a his spine. The pale, swarthy skin, the 0)(0)(6) COLMUGE 653 ‘SCO m Pv |