Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 257: what you’re looking at

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

it strange that he had seen nothing of Daron, especially as he knew the little fellow must be on the lookout for him, and would naturally seek the first op- ° portunity to communicate with him. Cottrell had made up his mind that, once free of the castle, safety lay in the direction of a Spanish coast town rather than towards France, where Cavara would most likely go in pursuit. ‘ Captain, what are your orders? ” said a voice in his ear, and there stood a great hulk of a fellow with a grin on his face and a sly twinkle in his eye. For a moment Cottrell did not realize what the villain meant; then it dawned on him that it was the commandant of the post, so to speak. He did not like the man’s manner, but it was not good policy to resent it, so he replied good naturedly: “ No orders, but to enjoy life till your master’s return, only arranging to be ready for a sudden summons.” The fellow at this gave a grunt in token of having understood, and betook himself off in a leisurely fashion. Suddenly Cottrell hailed him. ‘“ Manuel! ”—he had heard the other men so style him—* send word to the countess that I will wait upon her at her earliest convenience, to see if there is anything she may wish.” Manuel nodded and disappeared. Hardly had he done so, when a familiar figure cautiously turned the corner of the wing of the castle where Cottrell was standing, and walking quickly up to the American, remarked quietly: ‘So, monsieur, you have come at last.” An. almost imperceptible start was all the recognition Cottrell gave Jean Daron. The last few days had made a stoic of him, and he knew that he must not show surprise at meeting the Frenchman lest some one see and sus- pect. He now turned slowly around and replied in a low voice: “ Yes, Jean; does the countess xnow? ” “‘ Sh2 does, monsieur.” “Ah! Iam glad. What a rare piece of luck, Jean, that Cavara should have taken a fancy to me and made me his lieutenant! ”’ Daron’s reply came like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky. “T pray you, monsieur, brace yourself for what I must tel]. you. Cavara has guessed your identity. Huis putting you in charge here is only a part of some devilish scheme! ” The American felt a sudden weakness come over him; he grasped at a stone pillar for support. Great drops of cold sweat stood out on his forehead in shining beads. ‘“ Oh, God!” he groaned between his set teeth. “The countess! Fool, that I’ve been!” “T tell you, monsieur,” broke in Jean’s voice, “ the countess will starve if better food is not provided for her. Her delicate palate will not stand the coarse fare!” Ina low tone he added: “ Make some reply, monsieur ; we are watched! ” With a mighty effort Cottrell forced his demoralized wits to act. - ‘“ T will hear what the countess has to say in person,” he answered roughly, his voice sounding harsh and strange to-his own ears. ‘“ And now have done with your complainings! ” GONG OOO UN ceo