The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

A MONTH IN THE MOON. gt She stood still as if turned to stone, her arm fixed in its attitude. As to Gertrude, she could scarce restrain her tears. ‘Poor child,’’ she murmured, trying gently to lower the rigid arm of her little maid, ‘‘ do not be afraid lest I might blame thee. I know this is nothing but hypnotism, and such witchcraft cannot shake my faith in thy fidelity.” ‘At least it proves my power to thee?’’ said Kaddour, making a sign’ which restored Fatima to consciousness. She came out of her cataleptic sleep all trembling, and at once ran to her mistress like a frightened fawn. ‘‘Wearken to me,’’ continued the dwarf. ‘‘Thou art a woman. It is impossible that thou shouldst not be attracted by the prospect of power, unique, absolute and illimitable. Thou knowest that riches are absolutely at my disposal, for there are no treasures inaccessible to a power like mine. Thou canst not doubt that any secret is unknown to me. Neither the visible nor the invisible has any mystery for me. I know everything ; I can do everything. At my service are the resources of ancient and modern science, the traditions of all the magicians, black and white, European and Asiatic. And I ask thee, wilt thou share this unexampled power with me? Wilt thou be crowned Queen of Africa, Empress of India, of China, of the world? Ii this does not please thee, it needs but a sign from thee, and I remain in the shade, all powerful, but hidden, as I have been until this day; and thou shalt reign with me without the source of thy power being suspected.”’ Perhaps the situation had its tragic side, but Gertrude was so irresistibly struck with its comicality that she burst out laughing. ‘“ Unhappy being,’’ he howled; ‘“‘thou shalt not laugh long, I swear. The earth shall suffer for what thou hast done! Wert thou to live a hundred years thou wouldst not have time enough to repent insulting Kaddour !”’ He went away inarage. ‘The door had scarcely closed behind him when Gertrude and Fatima heard heavy bolts and chains clanking against their prison walls. An hour went by in peace. At the end of that time the door opened once more, and an exclamation of joy broke from both as they saw Norbert Mauny standing on the threshold. ‘“Gertrude! Mlle. Kersain !'’ cried the young astronomer.. ‘‘I never expected the happiness of finding you in this mysterious prison! Will you ever forgive me for having brought you here ?’’ ‘Forgive you !’’ said Gertrude, ‘‘ what are you talking about? Are you net also a prisoner? JI am only too thankful to see you again! Do you know what has become of Dr. Briet and Mabrouki?’’ — ‘“T have not set eyes on them since we ate those unlucky figs, that doubt- less contained some subtle narcotic.”’ “It is for you, rather,’’ Gertrude continued, ‘‘ to reproach me for your captivity, for had it not heen for me you would never have been here !’’ ‘Tf only I could prove my devotion to you more clearly !’’ cried Norbert. ‘We must certainly get out of this. But how in the world are we to ascer- tain where we are, and in whose custody !’’ ‘“Do you not know? The dwarf of Rhadameh is our jailer ; and not an hour ago he offered me his hand !”’ | G > CORnielaoolks