Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

oe THE ARGOGSY. ‘We come from your uncle, the Prince von Gramberg, and I am specially charged to tell you that matters of the deepest moment, involving issues of life and death, make it absolutely imperative that you should go with us to the castle at once.” He spoke in so earnest a tone that his words produced an immediate effect upon me. I had no right to play fast and loose with the affairs of a powerful family—and the prince’s reputation was well enough known to me. Obviously I must at once explain the mistake as to my identity. I was sorry I had not done so before. “You are speaking in error, and I must tell you before you say another word. Iam not the nephew of the Prince von Gramberg.” “T am aware you have denied yourself. You are Herr von Fromberg? I addressed you so a minute since.” “No. My name is not Von Fromberg, but Fisher. I am English.” “Oh, yes; I know that. They told me that you preferred to be called that. But I am not here to pay heed to small preferences of the kind. These are no trifling concerns.” “They are no concerns of mine at all,” I answered shortly. “ And now that I have explained this, have the goodness to leave my rooms.” [ turned to the door as I spoke, but the man standing there made no movement at all. ‘Where, then, is Herr von Fromberg? ” asked the older man, with incre- dulity manifest in his tone. “T cannot tell you. I believe I know; but I am not at liberty to say.” “T did not think you would be,” he returned drily. “ But are you pre- pared to go to the castle with us? You can explain afterwards that we have taken you there wrongfully,” he added with ironical courtesy. ‘“ Certainly I am not.” I spoke warmly, for his manner irritated me. “ Then will you have the goodness to inform me how it is that you are here in the character of Herr von Fromberg? With the people of the house look- ing upon you as that gentleman, and yourself answering to the name?” My story was too tame and lame for me to think of telling it. I took shel- ter behind indignation. “T shall certainly give no explanation which ts demanded of me by those who have forced themselves into my room and hold me a prisoner in it in this way,” I answered hotly. “Then you will scarcely be surprised that, as I have been informed you are Herr von Fromberg, and you have answered to the name to me, I cannot accept your repudiation. I do not know why you are so anxious to deny your identity and to keep away from the great position that has opened to you since the death of the prince’s son.” This was thrown out to test me. “T should refuse no position offered to me, I can asure you—if it were offered rightfully. But I am not the prince’s nephew.” “You are sufficiently like him to satisfy me, and I’m a good deal mistaken if you have not a good deal of his highness’ spirit. But now it is useless to talk any more here. You will go with us, of course?” he added abruptly. “ Of course, I will do nothing of the sort.” “Very well then, I suppose we must go alone. Steinitz!” he called ECOMmicooolkKks CO