Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 226: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. 219 ‘ Yes?” said Rene indifferently. He was thinking of something else than outlaws just then. “ But I tell you it is true!” cried the marquis vigorously. “ It is an out- rage, and the Spanish government ought to be appealed to in the matter! Why, only last week Monsieur Carrat, the scientist, who lives about twenty miles from here, was attacked by the brigands, his eldest son carried off and held for a fabulous ransom ; the payment of it they say has all but beg- gared poor Carrat!” “Is it possible?” murmured René politely. His mind was still busy on another matter. The marquis became a bit exasperated at his son’s indifference. ‘* Some day, when they have looted the chateau and carried off your cousin, Marie de Villiers, you will realize the danger of which I tell you. But it will then be too late.” At last René was interested. The strange, startled look he fastened on his father made the old man laugh. “Ha, ha!” he chuckled. ‘ That makes you start, doesn’t it?” . The young man did not answer. He rose abruptly and going to the win- dow gazed out over the green lawn and the foliage of the trees that framed it in, his brain in a whirl. He was filled with wild exultation. Relief from his troubles was at hand, and with it a triumphant revenge on all his enemies. ‘“ Are you trying to see the chateau, to make sure it is still standing? ” asked hi& father with a laugh. He imagined that his son was really anxious about his cousin’s safety. ‘“ Oh, that will be safe enough, mon pére, and I really think there is not the slightest danger of attack. I don’t believe the brigands would be so bold as to go so far from their haunts ; we, being nearer the mountains, are much more likely to be the recipients of their attentions.” The marquis shook his head. . “ Those outlaws are clever fellows. Depend upon it, they have found out the comparatively defenseless condition of the chateau, as well as the great booty to be gathered there, and then there would be the enormous ransom they could obtain by carrying off your cousin! No, no! those fellows are bold enough when the plunder is heavy!” René shrugged his shoulders. “ As long as you feel that way about it, I will ride over to Turonne and ask ‘ie police to take all necessary precautions to prevent an attack upon the property of the countess. To show you how little faith I have in the danger we are under, I am going for a two days’ hunt- ing trip in the mountains.” The older man glanced at him uneasily. “I hope you won’t rashly ex- pose yourself to any danger? ” “Trust me, mon pére,” responded the other, with a queer laugh. “I don’t intend to be carried off by brigands. Besides, I am a soldier and ought to know how to take care of myself. My nerves are unstrung, and I think roughing it would do me good.” As he had promised the marquis, Lieutenant Rignault rode over to Tu- ronne that afternoon and asked the prefect of police to send help to his cousin GONG OOO UN ceo