The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 88: what you’re looking at

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

88 BY RIGHT OF SWORD. ‘Then they shan’t catch us,’’ I replied. ‘‘ Or if they do, they shan’t live to carry the tale outside the door ;’’ and I proceeded to put in execution a plan which had already occurred to me. CHAPTER XII.—CHRISTIAN TUESKI. WHILE the men were straining and fighting to gain admission to the room, I loaded my revolver, seized a heavy stick that lay in a corner, and opening the window noiselessly, with some little trouble and agility got into the street. I let myself into the house, and then I thundered at the outer door of my own rooms as if seeking immediate admission. Instantly there was a great scuffling within, and I knew that the men were making off by the back, in the probable belief that they had been disturbed by some unexpected caller. Judging the time as best I could, so that I might perhaps catch one of them, I rushed in suddenly. One had fled, the second was in the act of dropping from a window, while a third was just clamber- ing out. : | I struck this one a blow on the head which laid him senseless in a heap on the floor, and leaning out, was in time to give the second a whack that must have nearly broken his arm. ‘Then without wasting a moment I bound the other and closely bandaged his eyes. Telling Paula Tueski that I had scared the rascals away, I dragged the fellow to the light that she might recognize him. She identified him directly, and without a word being spoken except by me, I thrust him into a dark closet and turned the key on him while I settled what to do next. ‘“You knew him, I could see,’’ I said, when I joined my visitor again. ‘Is he a police spy ?”’ ‘No, not in the ordinary sense. I have seen him with my husband; but exactly what he is I don’t know. I believe he is one of a small band of really villainous men, used for especially ugly work.”’ ‘But why am I marked out for a visit from them? ”’ ‘‘I believe my husband has suspected you—on my account. I know he hates you cordially. You remember that affair in the Opera lobby, when you insulted him so grossly?’’ I nodded; but of course I had not the remotest idea what she meant. ‘‘He never forgives. Since then he has been ac- cumulating every jot and tittle of fact against you—and you have given him plenty, Alexis—and if he can work your overthrow, he will.’’ ‘Yes; but why try to get me assassinated. I’ll goat once and ask him,’’ I said, readily and impulsively. ‘‘ Are you mad?’’ exclaimed my companion. ‘On the contrary, I’ll go and show him the danger of interfering with me. Where is he to be found now?” “At home. He will not leave for an hour yet to make his evening visit to the bureau. But he will never consent to see you.”’ ‘“At any rate I’ll try; and I’m much mistaken if I don’t force him. I have a plan,’’ I added, after a minute’s thought. ‘‘I will clear us both at a stroke. Go at once to my sister, and tell her from me that I wish her to Eomicbooks (E)