Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 240: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. 233 “Tt would be a terrible blow to the countess if anything had happened to him,” he said; “ he is her one trusty adherent amongst her own people; and he certainly is a wonderfully valuable man.” Struthers, however, did not believe that aught had befallen him, but that in his pertinacious, dog-like way, he was investigating something where his in- stinct told him there was danger. Owing to the isolated location of:the chateau, it was deemed best by Struthers to keep all the windows and doors on the first floor carefully barred in the daytime as well as night. ° It was strange that though they had not the slightest proof that they would be attacked by an armed force, there was a deep rooted conviction in the minds of all those in the chateau and aboard the Albatross that it was only a question of hours when the house would be stormed by a band of howling rufhans. The second night passed peacefully and still no sign of danger; nor all that day did anything happen worth recording, with one little exception. Towards sundown a horseman galloped up to the chateau. Cottrell sighted and went out to meet him, for the newcomer was in the livery of the count. Henry had never seen the man before, but that was nothing strange— inasmuch as he had seen very few of the servants from the Rignault establish- ment. Cottrell could not help noticing the masterful face and haughty carriage of the man, which was strangely out of keeping‘in a servant, and instinctively the American mistrusted him. “ A message from the Count Rignault to Monsieur Cottrell, secretary to the countess, monsieur,” said the horseman politely enough, but there was certainly nothing servile in his tone. “Tam Monsieur Cottrell,” answered Cottrell. “Ah! Is it so!” exclaimed the man, handing hinra note, and the Ameri- can fancied hé looked keenly at him. While Cottrell was reading the note, the messenger’s eyes quickly scanned the house and grounds. “You may tell Lieutenant Rignault I will meet him with my second at the hour named,” said Cottrell, as he placed the note in his pocket. “ Very good, monsieur,” replied the messenger, and then he added, with a slight smile, pointing to the barricaded windows, “ You seem prepared to withstand a siege? ” , “ What’s that to you?” said the other sharply. “ Oh, nothing,” retorted the horseman over his shoulder as he galloped off, and then, as though his words had contained a huge joke, he broke out into a mocking’ laugh. _ “ Confound the fellow’s impudence, any way!” cried Cottrell angrily, as he glared after him. , If he had known that the messenger was no servant at all but the bandit chief, Don Alonzo Cavara, how different would have been his emotions! x Kk * ak * * « At precisely 10 p. M. Cottrell left the chateau, simply telling the countess he was going for a stroll on the beach with his friend. . GONG OOO UN ceo