Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 1 — page 118: what you’re looking at

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

108 ‘when the Russians despoiled the villages of the hills I saw something that I have not forgotten—a Russian officer, dismissed from rank because of his intrigues, and an Alaman merchant, with their followers took the pick of the women from the hill villages and sold them in the bazaars or the Cos- sack posts.” “Yet,” said Iskander sternly, ‘‘ those who were most desirable among the captured women these two men took to their own lusts. I know—Oh, I have known.” Just a little, at this every Sayak in the room straightened, and complete silence fell. John Donovan rose and stood before the fire, squaring his shoulders. And he spoke calmly of how he had traced the slave mer- chants from Yahka Arik to Khokand, from there to Samarkand and as far as the Cau- casus, then after a long year, back to Kho- kand. More than once he had fought them, with the aid of warriors of the despoiled villages, But when the pursuit had become too hot, the merchant had gone into hiding and the officer had disappeared. ‘Some said he had gone to America, be- yond the great ocean; others that he was yet in the hills—” “He is here. We have heard!” Eavel ly the Sayaks had followed his words, and now they gave tongue impetuously. “The merchant, Abbas Abad, has been seen in Kashgar, and the officer who is called the Vulture—”’ Donovan stilled the rising tumult with upraised hand. He wheeled to the door, where he had seen the Afghan messenger appear, a@ moment ago. ‘“Speak!”? he commanded the man. “What have you seen?” ‘“ Dono-van Khan,” the Afghan growled, ‘the guard in the upper ravine was slain, and riders were seen passing thereby, going toward the Tower.” Iskander caught at his sword, and the other Sayaks turned to Donovan. ‘You know who the riders are!” cried Mahmoud. ‘“ You know that they shed Sayak blood to aid the white woman to escape—”’ “Nay.” Donovan faced the hakim. ‘“O Mahmoud, where is your wisdom? Have you not seen that I loved the woman and he cried softly. THE ARGOSY, that she was to be my wife? She did not ride willingly from the valley. Even as your women were taken, she has been borne off by the man who is called the Vulture, who desires her for himself And it is true that I know his name.” While the Sayaks waited he turned to Iskander, “Son of Tahir, the Vulture is Monsey, who was once a Russian officer, and who now rides to the Tower.” The Arab started: then he bared white teeth in a grim smile. He drew his scimitar and jerked the scabbard from his girdle, casting it into the fire. “It was written!” ‘Qh, it was written, and now fulfilment shall come to pass.” A murmur that was like a growl an- ° swered him, coming from the lips of the warriors. ‘“A-a-h!” the powerful chief Stretched massive arms. “That is good hearing. And the Alaman dog will be with his master. Come!” “Wait!” Donovan’s clenched fist struck the table-top. “Do you believe what I have said, or do you still doubt?” As one man the Sayaks answered: ‘We believe. We have never doubted.” Donovan did not smile. Half an hour ago these same men would have slain him, if their suspicions had not been dispelled: now the personality of the white man had won them to him, as had often happened in the past. ‘Good! Then what will you do?” ‘“ Every Sayak who can bear a sword will mount and ride to the Tower, and the swords will not be sheathed until—”’ ‘‘ But who will lead? Monsey is shrewd, and his men are well armed. Who is your leader?” They pointed to the Arab. “In warfare, the son of Tahir is our leader.” “It is well. Yet, is not my rank equal with his?” The dark faces stared, one into another, and muscular hands fingered beards. Is- kander coughed and spat: ‘“ Dono-van Khan, no hand but mine will tear out the throat of Monsey, if Allah so wills.” ‘ Again, it is well, son of Tahir. Vet, am I—who rank with you—to go unescorted? Or without voice of authority?” comicloool C©