Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 248: what you’re looking at

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

THE QUEEN’S BODY GUARD. 241 “T ought to know it well enough,” began Cottrell ironically; then in a flash it came over him that because of his disguise, Louis had not recognized him, and he added, with an inspiration: “ Because I am one of Cavara’s band!” “Ah,” cried Louis, as though relieved, “that accounts for it, and also that you speak French with a slight accent. I might have known you were a Spaniard from your complexion. Well now, my friend, no more need of a hostile demonstration; please put that revolver up; I am myself bound for Cavara’s castle, and I shall be greatly obliged to you for showing me the way. I had some directions about turning to the right by a dead tree, but I’m a little in doubt as to keeping on the trail.” “What business have you with my chief?” inquired Cottrell, as though suspicious, but really for information. “ Oh, that’s all right, my friend,” replied Louis, tapping his breast ; “ I have here a sealed packet from Count Rignault to be delivered by these hands to Don Cavara.” “ Show it to me.” The man did as he was bid, but held it tightly in his hands all the time. “Very good. - Come along,” said Cottrell, and on they went till the dead tree was reached. “ This must be the place to turn off, isn’t it? ” inquired Louis. “Yes,” said the other, and they toiled on for some time in silence. The path was narrow, hedged in by a tangled undergrowth, and underfoot it was very rough, with bared roots constantly threatening to trip one up. They had traveled about a mile, Cottrell leading, when the fat Louis caught his foot in a treacherous root that was extending out into the path and falling headlong, knocked his head against the sharp edge of a huge boulder that jutted out on the trail. Cottrell, turning back quickly, found that he was insensible—stunned by the fall. He knelt over him and felt of his pulse. Evidently he was not seri- ously hurt. It did not take the American long to make up his mind what to do. Quickly and deftly he extracted the letter addressed to Cavara from the other’s pocket. Then hastily he bandaged up the great wound on Louis’ forehead, to prevent him from bleeding to death, left him where he was, and went rapidly on his way. Soon the path became so faint that Cottrell would surely have lost it but for the occasional withered branch of a fir tree that he found lying on the ground, and which the faithful Daron had evidently hacked off as he went along. “ T suppose I should have been justified in killing Louis,” thought Cottrell, half in doubt as to whether he had done wisely. ‘“ But somehow I couldn’t put an end to the fellow in cold blood, much as he deserves it. I don’t think he will be able to follow me, for the trail is so faint he will be sure to lose his way.” . After he had put several miles between him and his late companion, he halted beneath the shadow of a great tree, and seating himself on a fallen 4 GONG OOO UN ceo