The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 90: what you’re looking at

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

90 BY RIGHT OF SWORD. ‘“What was she deang there?’’ His tone was the essence of harsh bitterness. | ‘‘ What was she doing there?’’ I echoed, as if in the greatest astonish- ment. ‘‘ Why, what should she be doing but calling with my sister? They are there now, keeping guard over your—assistant.’’ He turned away for a moment to prevent my seeing in his face the relief which I could hear in his voice as he answered : ‘‘ You are an even bolder man than I thought.”’ ‘“I don’t understand you, of course; but I have need to be bold,’’ I re- torted, “‘ with you against me ready to plan my private execution. They’re heavy odds. But now, perhaps, you’ll answer my question. Why do you do this ?”’ 7 ‘There might be many reasons—if it were true,’? he answered in the same curt tone he had first used. ‘‘ One’s enough for me, if it’s true,’’ I replied, copying his sharp manner. He stood a minute looking at me in silence, and then sat down. ‘‘I think I’ve been doing you an injustice, lieutenant,’’ he said presently. ‘“I thought when you forced your way into my presence you might be coming to assassinate me. But I see now you’re not such a fool as to try to do any- thing of that kind when you have left a broad trail behind you that would lead to your certain detection. You are young; with all the weaknesses of youth strongly developed—rash, hot headed, sometimes tipsy, a fool with women, and when necessary, a knave too, loose in money matters and un- scrupulous, a gambler, a dicer, and a bankrupt in morals, religion, and honor. But shrewd—for you’ve deceived every one about your sword skill and your courage—and under‘the garb of a worthless fellow you have a cool, calculat- ing, and yet daredevil head that should make your fortune. Others are more right about you than J.’’ | ‘‘ Others ?’’ I asked, interested and amused by this quiet enumeration of — the results of the analysis of two very different, but united characters. ‘“Who are the others ?”’ A faint ghost of what in another man would have been a smile relaxed the grim, hard, straight lips for an instant, in mockery of my attempt to draw him out. ‘‘ You are not unknown, lieutenant, as you may find soon; but you are a > fool to mix yourself up with the Nihilists.’’ It was my turn now to be on the defensive. ‘That is a charge which a child can make and the wisest man can some- times fail to rebut,’’ I answered sharply. ‘‘I am not a Nihilist.” He waved his hand as if my repudiation were not worth a serious thought. ‘‘I can make you a career, if you will. If you will act under me i ‘“Thank you,’’ I returned coldly. ‘‘I know what youcan do. You can put me first on the list for some task which will insure my being served as you meant me to be served today. One commission is enough for me, and I prefer the emperor’s.’’ : ‘You don’t know what you say, nor what you refuse.’’ ‘‘ All the more reason for not regretting my refusal,’’ I retorted lightly. Eomichook (S@)