The Argosy — page 127: what you’re looking at

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

=} < BY RIGHT OF SWORD. 319 servant ; indeed, if in that very affair you can suggest how I can be of ser- vice, I pray you to command me.’’ ‘“ My sister was arrested by your men?’’ I asked. ‘‘Most arrests are carried out by our men,’’ was the reply. ‘‘ What is the charge against her ? ”’ ‘‘T have not an idea.”’ ‘“ By whose orders was the arrest made ?’’ ‘‘ By those of my superiors. I have but to obey.’’ ‘“ Where is she now ?”’ For answer he shrugged his shoulders, smiled blandly, and shook his head slowly. ** Can I see her? ”’ ‘Ves, of course—with an order.”’ ‘* Whose order ?”’ ‘Any one who is my superior.’’ ‘Can you give me an order?’’ He repeated his gesture, murmuring an expression of regret. ‘You have not told me much,’’ I said, and he smiled deprecatingly. ‘‘ But it is enough to tell me where I must look for information.’’ His smile changed to one of congratulation, and rising he gave me his hand. ‘‘ Lieutenant, a brave man like you shall always command my sympathies and services so far as my duty permits;’’ and with that official reservation he bowed me out with the most profuse of polite gestures. I thought I saw whence the stroke came, and without any longer delay I hurried to the Prince Bilbassoff. 3 He was at first said to ‘be out ; and for some half hour I cooled my heels and warmed my temper and impatience, striding up and down in front of the building. Then he was denied to me on the ground that he was very busily engaged; and only when I insisted that my business was exceptionally urgent and personal was I admitted to an antechamber and left waiting there with some half dozen other people. The servant took my message, but instead of returning instantly, as had been my previous experience, to lead me at once to the prince’s room, I was left to fume in my impatience for several minutes. Then I rang the bell angrily, and when-the servant came, ordered him to show me to the prince instantly. But he would not, saying he dared not without orders from his master, and that he had given'my message and could do no more. I augured ill from this reception, but was in no mood to brook delay. I had nothing to lose now by boldness, and as soon as the fellow had turned his back I went to that which I knew to be the door of the prince’s room, and pushing aside the man who stood on guard outside, knocked, opened it, and marched in unceremoniously. The prince was in close conference with a couple of men, and when he saw me he started up and asked me how I dared to intrude in that way. ‘“T have something urgent and private to say to you,’’ said I coolly. ‘Tf these gentlemen will give us five minutes it will be enough.”’ Eomicbooks (<)