The Argosy — page 67: what you’re looking at

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

54 The Cruise of the Reserve Squadron. The programme was a sufficiently interesting one. Moreover, it would allow those whose inclinations prompted them, or whose duties enabled them to obtain leave, to take excursions into the country, and so vary the monotony, the daily round and common task of board-ship life, by exploring the wonders and vast resources of Spain; and even vary the excitement of travel by an encounter with brigands, or the rescue of some fair Senorita from the cruel clutch and close confinement of convent walls. For even the greatest book-worms and most serious of men have been moved to deeds of heroism by the sight of youth and beauty in distress. The encounter with brigands might be looked upon as a certainty. Indeed, later on, when starting on an excursion to the Alhambra (we shall come to that wonder of wonders in due time) so solicitous was Pyramid for my safety, that he insisted on lending me a sword- stick, and offered to back it up by a revolver. ‘‘ You are certain to encounter brigands round about Granada,” said he, ‘‘or prowling about the walls and groves of the Alhambra. If they don’t attack you (though they are pretty sure to do that, and I advise everyone to make his will before starting), you may reckon that a few loose stones will come crashing down upon your head, and produce concussion of the brain.” This opinion was echoed by several others, who all spoke from a positive knowledge of facts, Had they themselves been to the Alham- bra? Well, no; but they knew those who had—and had never returned to tell the tale. Then who /ad told the tale? Tradition—and a post- mortem.—This was startling and restraining, until it suddenly occurred to us that not one of these prophets of evil intended visiting the Alhambra. Intentions were good, but duty happened to interpose at the right—or wrong—moment. Remembering this, anyone with the slightest knowledge of human nature could put two and two together and draw his own conclusions. However, whilst the revolver was declined, the sword-stick was gratefully accepted. Whether or not it was used as a weapon of defence will appear in the sequel. We were to sail on Thursday, the 15th June: but on that day the sun rose and set, and we made no sign. Certainly it was glorious weather, but that fickle element for once seemed settled, and one glorious day, after all, is very much like another. ‘The sun rose on Friday, the 16th, in full splendour. ‘The Duke was on board the Flag- ship, and also the Duke of Connaught, who, for the sake of the sea voyage, would accompany the Reserve Squadron as far as Gibraltar, and thence return overland to England. At 9.30, on Friday, the 16th June, we started. We were to have put into Falmouth, but being a day late, we made straight for sea instead. This was disappointing; especially soto me. For I had hoped to get a glimpse of its good old Rector, who, in the days gone by, had been my beloved pastor and master: a man, who, for intellect and lore, and marvellous powers of conversation, stood almost un- COPMICMOOOKS CO