Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 244: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. 237 “ Jean Daron! ” cried Cottrell and Struthers in a breath, as they rushed forward to greet him. “Yes, monsieur,” said that calm little fellow, with something approaching a grin on his features, “ it is I, Jean Daron, late gardener, and now a member of Don Alonzo Cavara’s famous band of brigands! ” There was something so infectious about Daron’s placid and almost cheer- ful demeanor that the others gathered about him with eager faces and brighter eyes, feeling confident, somehow, that the newcomer brought them good news. In a few words Jean explained his present position and why he _ had left so mysteriously. “ After I left you, gentlemen, on the beach the other night,” he said, “ I went to keep an eye on the count, but I could find no trace of him. A few hours ago I came in collision with a band of brigands hovering about the cha- teau. It was too late to warn you, for they had sentinels posted about; be- sides, they had caught sight of me. So, putting on a bold front, I walked right up to some of the fellows and asked to be taken to their chief at once, as I had important information to convey to him. ‘Immediately they conducted me to the presence of Don Cavara. I told him I was a discharged servant of the countess, and that I could show his men where the plate was kept. I pretended,-of course, that I wanted a share of the booty, and further asked him to let me join his band, as I could never show my face about here again without being arrested. To this he readily agreed. “I foresaw that they would capture the countess, and I knew that if I could be near her, it would keep up her courage.” ' Struthers and Cottrell fairly embraced the little Frenchman in their joy, for his ready wit and loyal devotion had relieved them of one of their worst fears. “ But how came you here?” asked Struthers. ‘“ Will not the bandits sus- pect the cause of your absence? ” “No,” was the reply. “ Not yet. I was chosen as one of several to for- age about, owing to my familiarity with the country. But I must now return without delay. You will be glad to know that the countess is not unattended. Anne Trevoir is with her, and Don Alonzo, who seems to have taken a fancy to my mistress, has ordered that she be treated with every respect.” ‘“ Have you any idea of your probable destination? ” inquired Struthers. “Yes, monsieur; we shall travel direct by the mountain pass nearest the sea until we shall have arrived at the brigands’ stronghold, which lies just across the Spanish border. It is an old castle, and very well defended. My advice to you is not to attack the band en route; they are too powerful and numerous for that, but to follow their fresh trail (I shall do everything I can to make it plain) until you have tracked them to their lair. “ Then watch and wait. It will be only a question of a few days before the band will sally forth again in quest of more booty, leaving a small garrison to guard the prisoners.” The two friends readily agreed with Daron that this was the best plan to follow, and then, laden with many messages to the countess telling her to keep ’ ‘CONNIE OOO@ UN ceo