Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 238: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. . 23 Great would have been the surprise of these officials had they ever met this notorious robber chief. Instead of the fierce eyed, grizzly bearded giant that was the popular conception of him, he was a small, sallow faced, smooth shaven youth of about three and twenty, with delicate hands and small, refined features. His attire was elegant to the verge of foppishness, with gold spurs at his heels and an exquisite sword of the finest workmanship dangling by his side. He had the gloomy, morose expression cf a fanatic, and his great black eyes were always a key to his emotions; you had but to wates them to read his thoughts. If it seemed strange that such a gang of cutthroats should have flocked to the standard of this callow looking youth, one had not far to seek for an ex- planation. His square jaw and thin, firm lips told of a wonderful will, and as for courage and daring, there was no scoundrel in all his band to equal him. His deeds of deviltry had earned their respect and allegiance; and strange as it may seem, the contempt and cruelty with which he treated his men did but serve to strengthen the bonds that bound them to him. There was a story current amongst his followers to the effect that he had come of a noble Spanish family, and that for some terrible deed he had fled to the mountains to become an outlaw. Don Alonzo was riding slightly 1 in advance of his men, who were on foot, and at his side rode a fellow on a wiry little pony with a shaggy mane. It was the lieutenant, René Rignault. | “Yes, it must be done tonight, Cavara,” the lieutenant was saying ; “ other- wise there would be no excuse for my not joining my regiment tomorrow, as ordered.” The youthful captain fixed his gloomy eyes on the count. “IT understand,” he said, gravely nodding his head. “And now, one thing more before we part—until tonight—see to it that several of your men lay hands on me and carry me off, despite my apparently fierce resistance.” Don Alonzo smiled grimly. ‘My men are not good actors, lieutenant,” replied Cavara. “ Their attack on you would likely be more realistic than you could wish. However, I will see that they do you no bodily harm, or their heads shall.answer for it.” “ Don Cavara, ever since I have had the pleasure of meeting you two days ago, I have been at a loss to account for the absolute power you seem to exert over your men,” remarked Rignault, with a note of admiration in his voice. Just then they were interrupted by noisy shouting close in the rear. With an angry scowl Cavara turned in his saddle to see whence came the uproar. Two ruffians were amusing themselves by flinging rocks at each other, and the missiles were flying thick and fast through the air. Just as Cavara turned around, a stone, thrown with reckless aim, hit him on the forehead. The fury of the man was something terrible to see. With eyes gleaming like those of a wild animal, with dilated nostrils and the blood trickling down his face, he looked scarcely human, and the count, who knew what passion was himself, could not représs a shudder at the sight. GONG OOO UN ceo