Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 214: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. 207 Cottrell made no attempt to interrupt the count's graceful flow of words. Nor did the expression on his face change. “Why don’t you call me an adventurer and be done with it?” he asked drily. “Oh, I never call names! ” ‘“ Now, that we understand each other, explain what you want of me?” “T call that sensible!’ exclaimed the other. “ You are as straightfor- ward in your manner as you are with your fist! As the matter stands between us, I can have you lodged in prison for a year or more if I choose. So you see you are in my power!”’ ‘The count uttered these last words with vicious emphasis, as though he enjoyed the knowledge, as no doubt he did, for his head still ached. ‘“ Now, supposing I choose to ignore that little episode in the railway car- riage, you would consider yourself very much indebted to me, would you not?” “T should consider myself much more indebted to you for an opportunity to meet you again in less contracted quarters!” remarked Cottrell signifi- cantly. The other’s face darkened. “Some other time, my friend, some other time—but it won’t be with fists! ” he added grimly. “The question of importance to me just now is: If I save you from the dirt and darkness of a French prison, will you serve me? Will you still re- main ostensibly in the service of my cousin, but at the same time work for 3? continued Henry, “ you might me? Ofcourse,” he added quickly, “I shall make it worth your while. And remember this ”"—warningly—‘“1f you agree, there will be no playing me false. I have spies about, and the moment you are suspected of double deal- ing, I will have you nicely jailed before you know where you are! ” Through all the count’s talk Cottrell had been thinking deeply on the situa- tion. He knew that to decline outright the villainous offer would be to con- demn himself; or even if he managed to escape, he would then leave the count- ess in the clutches of the scheming pair, who would treat her worse than ever. He quickly made up his mind that he would pretend to lend a willing ear to the lieutenant’s proposal! and trust to luck and his own wits to circumvent his villainy. “Come, come, monsieur!” cried Count Rignault. “How do you decide? ” “ That’s easy!” replied Cottrell, with an air of assumed nonchalance. “I prefer to remain at large!” “ Sensible fellow! Capital, capital!” cried the count, clapping him on the shoulder, and they went off arm in arm toward the chateau, like the best of friends, though only the wish to temporize prevented them from flying at each other’s throats. As they moved away there was a slight motion of the box hedge near the spot where they had stood as they conversed ; and then the stiff, wiry branches were shoved cautiously aside, and the head and shoulders of Jean Daron ap- peared to view. GONG OOO UN ceo