Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 247: what you’re looking at

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

240 THE ARGOSY. The pass became steeper and stonier. By degrees the vegetation grew scantier until nothing but some of the hardier plants were to be seen, and only great pine trees reared their lofty heads on all sides. In the primeval stillness of these majestic mountains nothing was to be heard but the low sighing of the wind in the pines and the faint murmur of a turbulent stream, frothing and foaming along its rocky bed far below. There was something grand and awe inspiring in Cottrell’s surroundings, but he had no eye for the beauties of nature; all his faculties were centered on one point—how to rescue Marie de Villiers, the girl he loved. It was early morning of the third day, and according to all his calculations _ he should be somewhere near the bandits’ stronghold by nightfall. So anxious was he to reach his destination that he never glanced back. If he had done so now he would have seen a familiar figure ambling along after him as fast as the roughness and steepness of the path would permit. Presently Cottrell’s eye was caught by a patch of white upon a tree trunk some fiity yards ahead of him. As he drew nearer, he saw that it was a bit of paper. His heart beat fast; what if this were some message left behind by the faithful Jean? And this it proved to be. Ina clumsy but legible hand were written the following words: Just ahead of you is the naked trunk of a dead pine. When you reach it, turn to the right and you are on the trail that leads to Cavara’s mountain home. Look for lopped branches of fir trees lying on the ground, they will keep you on the trail. It will take you another day and a half to reach us. Cottrell’s delight knew no bounds The date on the note told him that Cavara was only one day in advance of him. “ Dear old Jean,” he thought; ‘“‘ he must have dropped behind the caval- cade and stuck this note on the tree. What a clever little fellow he is!” He was to have another surprise much more startling, if not so pleasant. Cottrell had just pulled down the missive and put it in his pocket, when a voice that made him start called out from behind: “ Well, I’m glad to find a traveling companion in this lonely region.” Turning quickly he saw approaching him the familiar figure of Louis, the butler, his face red with exertion, and with that same cunning look in his eyes that Cottrell knew so well. CHAPTER XVII.—How Corrre.LL Gains ACCESS TO THE CASTLE. Louis was about the last person that Cottrell expected or hoped to see, and forgetting that he was disguised beyond recognition, he hauled out his re- volver and aimed it at the newcomer. “Now then, Master Louis, what are you following me for?” he demanded sternly. Louis stopped short, a perplexed look creeping over his face. Cottrell’s voice was strangely familiar, though he had not penetrated the disguise. ‘How do you know my name?” asked the ex butler, vainly striving to place the man before him. GONG OOO ceo