The Argosy, Volume XLIV — page 241: what you’re looking at

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

THE CRUISE OF said the queen, returning. “ Every cap- tain of a ship that stops here makes a speech like that.” “Captains of ships are exceedingly wise men. They know what they are talking about,” answered Ross, not in the least abashed. The queen touched a bell that stood on a table, and a black woman ap- peared. | The queen spoke in the native tongue, and immediately a bottle of wine was brought, with glasses. “ Seems like a dream. I didn’t know you could do these things in the Indian Ocean,” said Ross. “T will now tell you my story,” began the girl, taking a chair near us. “ My father’s name was John Stanley. He was the owner and master of a trading ship called the Crown Princess. My mother and I always accompanied him on his voyages. “One day he discovered this island and came ashore for water. Ile saw pearls and other gems in the possession of the natives, and at once knew the island must be of vast worth. He re- mained for a time, leaving my mother and myself on the ship until he had cs- tablished a firm friendship with the chiefs. “T cannot say that my father’s ob- ject was perfectly honorable, but let that pass. It came about that he was made king. He promised the chiefs to unite their several tribes into a formid- able nation, and that ships would come and bring the things white men uscd. “This promise he kept to a certain extent, but did not lve long enough to see all his pledges fulfilled. My mother and I returned to England on_ the Crown Princess, and there I went to school. My father purchased another ship, and the two of them began regn- lar trips, carrying stuff he wanted to the island and returning with a cargo of precious woods. “When I was seventeen we received word that my father was il] and wanted to see us. We came again on the Crown Princess, and after we had been here a month my father died. My mother, who did not like the natives, returned at once, but I was made queen. “T have been here ever since, and am rere gle THE HANDICAP. 21 doing my best to carry on the trade my father built up. But it is hard for me, for the captains rob me. I do not know enough about business. I have had trouble. lor instance, some Portuenese came here to steal my people for slaves. We had a terrible buttle, and they were beaten olf, “Now Tam in a worse position even than that. On the other side of the istand there is a chief named Makolota. lie is very cloquent, and- has great in- Hucnce among the peaple, especial? the Wirkoos, his own tribe. “Ie has taken it into his head to marry me and become king. He has been among the people and preached to them that it was not wise to have a queen who was not married. Talked about the trouble they would have if there was no heir to the throne, and all that. “Of course I am not going to marry him, and that is why my people are hav- ing a war dance to- nicht. They are not yet civilized, and such things as tend to content them I permit. “'This Makolota is a treacherous ras- eal, and LI have not slept to-nigzht he- eause I fear an attack and wish to be able to lead ny warriors.’ “But you would not co out and fieht, would you?” queried the professor. “Tt seems—rather strange—for an English girl.” “ Oh, English girls have been in bat- tle hefore this. “And then there was Joan of Arc, vou know.” * So this chief insists on marrving vou,” said Ross, who could scarcely keep his eves from her faee. * Yes, but I think I can defeat him.” “TIL go out like David and smite hin,” said Ross. “Yes, and if vou continue your usual tactics it'll be with the jawbone of an ass,” said [oster. The queen laughed. “Do vou hike this life, queen?” asked Mary, who returned to the room at that moment. “Yes, but dont call ime queen. My name is Alice. I will tell vou why I hike it. If I were to leave the islands, my mother and J would be poor. This is all my father had, and I could not man- age ships in anv other trade. So T re- ECOMRiNIEloOO@ SS Colin