The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 3 — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

THE PHANTOM ARMY. 447 would come when I must lay down the sword which my country had put into my hand, and turn with shame from the old way of life, I had called him a liar and struck him in the face. So little could I foresee that day, nor, for a truth, a later day when I should wander ina Spanish town seeking out a gipsy girl who was to lead me—God knew whither or upon what elprise. Old Benjamin was in the courtyard of the hotel when I returned. He had already shed some tears over my dinner which was spoiled ; and was prepared to shed more to welcome me. But I cut him short and left him with a measure of astonishment brimming up and overflowing. ‘‘ Benjamin, you have seen the riding coats worn by the swashbucklers in this place of perfumes? ’’ He smiled in a knowing way. If he had seen them ! While I am dining, you will go out and buy me one. Get, at the same time, one of those thunder and lightning sashes and a sombrero, Benjamin— large enough to go on the head of a fool. ‘That will just fit me and the business I am going upon. You understand ?”’ I detected the suggestion of a twinkle in Benjamin’seye. If his thoughts could have been read, I do not doubt that a repartee about the housemaid at 92 would have been mixed up with them. ‘I understand, sir,’’ he answered with wonderful civility. ‘“f am glad to see that the sezxorttas have not yet deprived you of your unusual intelligence, Benjamin. You may now go out and buy the things I speak of. Add to them a cloak which will make me as much of a brigand as color and circumstance will permit. And, by the way, put out my passport and load my pistols.’’ Benjamin stood stock still with the wine bottle poised in his hand. ‘“’'The pistols, sir 2 ‘Certainly ; should I ask you to load my sword? You will charge my pistols and put them qut on my bed with my riding breeches and my long boots. Iam going for a little trip into the country, Benjamin—Saturday to Monday, cheap return. And since it is possible that I shall not return at all, Tam going to give you a hundred pounds with which, failing to trace my body for decent burial, you will make your way back to London. Once there you will go straight to the lady named Gavarnie and tell her what you have done. It is quite clear to you, Benjamin ?’’ Benjamin poured out the A/anzanilla with a steady hand. ‘Is it clear to you, sir?’’ he asked presently. [ll be hanged if it is, Benjamin.” He put down the bottle and began to sniff at a dish which a dirty fisted waiter had set upon the buffet. I knew what he was saying to himself. He had served a maniac for ten years and might continue in the employment yet a little time. 3 1 When dinner was done, and I had smoked a cigarette by the splashing fountain in the courtyard, my mind was fully made up as to the journey—if it was to be a journey—which the gipsy had proposed to me. I determined, at a soldier’s whim, to take fortune as she came to me. At the worst, it CoORmMiclaool< (E@)