Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 221: what you’re looking at

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

214 THE ARGOSY. ‘“ Ah, I never can face the countess again,’ moaned the girl, “ after what I have done.” | ‘Yes, you can,” said Cottrell kindly; “ you bravely redeemed yourself by your defiance of Lieutenant Rignault. On his head is the blame for all this miserable business.” There was a slight movement on the part of the count, as though he wished to speak to the girl. “Keep quiet and hold your tongue,” growled Cottrell. “ The girl has broken with you for good and all. Nothing you can say will make her soften towards you. She now knows you for what you are.” Then turning to Anne he added gently: “ Confess all to the Countess Marie, and she will not only forgive you, but she will also continue to be your best friend.” After considerable urging the sobbing creature was at last induced to go with Jean to the chateau, leaving Cottrell and his prisoner alone upon the beach. “Probably the best thing for all concerned,” remarked Cottrell blandly, “would be to shoot you here and now and bury you in the sand, that the in- coming tide will soon cover. Such an ending is too good for you, but it would be the easiest and best method of getting rid of one of the biggest scoundrels that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.” The count made no reply, probably because he was afraid that he could not control his own tongue, which would have been awkward, seeing the other still held his revolver cocked. But the devilish glint of his eyes, and the sharp quivering of his nostrils were sufficiently eloquent in testifying to the state of his feelings. ‘“ However, it is not my intention to play the part of executioner,” went on Cottrell; “ I will give you a chance for your life. You and I will fight it out on equal terms—swords or pistols, whichever you choose.” * Now—tonight? ” asked the count, trying in vain to conceal his eager- ness. : Cottrell smiled. “Tam not quite such a fool as that. No, the affair is to be perfectly regular, according to rules and with seconds. I don’t choose to trust myself alone to your honor!” The count winced. “You think I would attempt to take unfair advantage of you if there were no witnesses? Do you take me for a common cutthroat? ” “‘ Oh, I never call names,” quoted Cottrell. The count shrugged his shoulders—not a very successful operation, for his hands were still over his head. “You can say what you like; you have the upper hand.” “‘ Monsieur le comte, after I have defined your position, you are at liberty to go. As long as you cease your hostilities, I will make no move. But the moment you attempt to make trouble for the countess, or annoy her in any way, I will have you arrested for attempted theft. As you know, there were two witnesses to the affair.” “ Mademoiselle Anne is not likely to incriminate herself.” GORGE OOO @ UN ceo