The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 3 — page 117: what you’re looking at

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

BY RIGHT OF SWORD. 501 happens not only once, but two or three times, what do you think of the man? ‘This man is a traitor ; and as surely as there is a God in Heaven the crown is not firmly on my master's head while the man remains alive. Now, will you fight him ?’’ ‘The matter is a public, not personal one—Russian, not English. My sword is not a bravo’s to be hired for that sort of work.’’ | He swore a deep oath under his breath at this, and then changed it to a laugh with an ugly ring in it. ‘‘ If you mean to climb, my young cockerel, we must see more of your spurs and hear less of your scruples. Personal! Good heavens, what more do you want? Aren’t you the emperor’s own property?” Isn’t the Little Father in danger? Isn’t thatenough? Personal! Ugh! Well, is this per- sonal enough for you? His highness has already done you the honor to pick you out for the favor of his ill will. ‘This is a letter which, by one of those little accidents that sometimes happen in my office, has fallen into my hands. He is writing to an agent of his here in Moscow. Listen: ‘ T‘here is a young lieutenant of the Moscow Infantry Regiment, named Petrovitch, about whom I want all possible information. He is a dishonorable scoundrel, I understand—a dicing, gambling, drinking fellow, who thinks he can crow and strut with impunity because he had the luck to beat a better man than himself in a duel, and the insolence to insult another officer—one of my friends—and then hide himself under official protection. I hear now that he is meditating another and a greater coup. I know much about him, but want you to get me as much more information as possible. Such swash- buckling knaves are a disgrace and danger to everything they touch. He is not to be trusted in anything, and all reasons make his overthrow neces- gary.* : As he finished reading the extract, the prince paused, and lowering the letter, looked at me over the top. Then, without giving me time to answer, he continued : Your ‘butcher Durescq’ was this man’s close friend and tool—doing his work for him. It was through this patron’s influence that Duresceq escaped being turned out of the army altogether. Now, you can see two things—why this man hates you, and how it was I heard of you. Is that personal enough, lieutenant ?’’ ‘‘ By heavens, I should. think it is,’’ cried I, on fire with rage. ‘‘ What does he dare to interfere with me for?’’ As I asked the question the reason flashed upon me as by inspiration. He had heard of my being associated with Prince Bilbassoff, and was afraid that, as I knew so much about Nihilism, I should get to learn of his connection therewith, and he thus deemed it best to have me put out of the way. He meant to have me ‘‘ removed.’’ When I looked up, the prince’s keen, subtle eyes were fixed on me with calculating intentness. ‘“ It is curious that this man should fix on youas the object of his resent- ment even though he is a Nihilist. ‘Take care, my friend. I know you have inherited a Nihilist black cloak and dagger with your other undesirable possessions. Beware how you use them.’’ (S@) eomnichoolks