Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 229: what you’re looking at

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

222 THE ARGOSY. ‘“ Tt’s dear old Struthers,” said Cottrell to himself, “ and how he must have hustled to get here so soon! ” Then he turned about and hurried to the chateau. Presently he came out again and walked to the beach, taking good care to see that nobody was fol- lowing him. He carried a lantern, and once under the protecting sand dunes that screened him from the house, he lit the lantern cautiously and swung it from right to left several times. This performance he repeated three times at short intervals. Presently out over the water was heard a solitary musket shot. Cottrell uttered an exclamation of joy. Their prearranged signals had worked pertectly, and now there was nothing for him to do but wait till the captain's gig should land Struthers. Then, a sudden thought striking him, sent a chill down Cottrell’s back. Supposing his letter to Struthers had been delivered up to the count, what would be easier than for him to act on it, and, landing a boat with two or three armed ruffians, seize and carry him off. Such a condition of affairs would account for Struthers’ wonderful promptness. The more Cottrell thought of this possibility the more was he conv inced of its likelihood. But supposing that it were Struthers after all? Cottrell decided that the only thing to do was to meet the boat, and if it contained foes, to trust to the darkness for escape. Above the moan of the surf could now be heard the creak, creak of oars, and presently Cottrell discerned dimly the outline of a small boat advancing toward the shore. A tall figure was standing in the bow. . ‘A bit to starboard, captain!” sang out a voice that told Cottrell all was well. “ Steady, boys! ’’ went on the same clear, strong voice. “ Ship your oars!” The next moment a big wave shot the boat up on the beach, four stout fellows sprang over the sides and landed her high and dry before the receding wave could carry her out again. The next moment the two old friends had clasped hands. “ Henry, old man, glad to see you still alive. Didn't know but what the count had disposed of you by this time! ” “Dick, my friend, I think I have got the upper hand of Count René Rignault.” Struthers shook his head in unbelief. ‘ You never can be sure of having the upper hand of a villain until you have him under lock and key. If you have cornered the man and tied his hands as to his actions in the open, then beware of him. He is more dangerous then than ever, for when he does strike, it will be from an unexpected quarter.” “ You take a very gloomy view of the matter,” said Cottrell, with a grimace. “It’s always a mistake to make light of the fighting quality of your foe,” replied Struthers. “ Better go to the other extreme. It’s preferable to have your opponent turn out less formidable than you had expected than it is to dis- cover too late that he’s more than a match for you.” | “Stop croaking,” retorted Cottrell with a laugh, “ until I have explained GONG OOO UN ceo