Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 16, 1921 — page 74: what you’re looking at

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

EYES OF THE DEAD. “T was near an Arab fire last night.” *“ Ab, I see. The reek of their fires is hard. on the eyes of we French. But I should think that you, half Bedouin, would not be so affected. But, that is aside. As to your pretty companion?”’ “Well?” the voice. sharp now. He rubbed his eyes. He had seen Merim’s semblance behind the captain’s chair again. His eyes burned deeply. ‘“‘'We are talking as sensible men?” “IT hope so, monsieur. But I fail to see where this will lead to.* | - “In good time! You may have noticed - that I have paid some attentions to her.” “ That is her affair, monsieur.” “Ah! Then your relations are only for- “ Businesslike, monsieur. this parley?” “T am practically in exile here. for what amusement can be found,” “What then?” “ Before now I have found player-women amusing, but—” “You have not found Mile. Freyall so?” “No; ma foi, she is so—precise, cold, proper.” — But why all I seek Pierre could feel his eyes burning anew. He leaned'back, laughed nervously, rubbed his hand over them. When he took his hand away he saw again Merim at the back of Troiville’s chair. She had her veil up and was smiling and pointing toward Troi- ville. Her glance was full of meaning, her smile scornful. “ Troiville,” Pierre said sharply, “ what you say about my companion should be said—”’ He paused. Merim had vanished. “Yes?” Troiville urged. “Should be said to Mile. Freyall. It is not for we two to sit here in a café and chatter about her. You are excited or ner- vous and have forgotten your customary poise. I overlook it. But, let us not dis- cuss her again. She is a good girl—and you know it. Who better, after your pur- suit of her?” Troiville’s face went white, then red. He started up with such force that his chair clattered over backward. ‘And let me tell you more, Troiville,” 5A 65 Pierre’s voice went on, firm, even. His eyes did not smart by now. “ You are in command in El Yaoub. Yes, in full com- © mand, with your company of the —th of the line and your native police. We two are but strolling mummers, and you often have amused yourself with such. But in this case you will not amuse yourself fur- ther. If Mile. Freyall accepts your atten- tions, well and good. If she objects, and you persist, well—” ; ‘Well, what?” and the captain leaned forward, his lips drawn back, showing his strong, white teeth. “ Well, I can split a barigle at fifty paces with one of my knives, » Draw your own conclusions, monsieur,” CHAPTER IV. THE MAJOR AND HIS AID. E glanced over Troiville’s shoulder. He could see Merim plainly now. His eyes burned. She was smiling approvingly. The strange thirst in his throat’s depths gripped him, even then. Merim’s appearance faded. His eyes ceased to burn. Troiville had turned and was going out of the café. No one had been in; no one had. observed their talk and its dramatic dé- nouement. Old Martin drowsed in his chair at the desk. The waiters were all lounging in the shadow of the wall in the court out- side. | “Remember!” he called after Troiville. The sullen captain turned and regarded him a moment steadily, then went out of doors. The flies buzzed. Outside a camel, pass- ing, grunted. Its driver chode the beast in choice Arabic of great force. La Forge spun his empty cup, got up quickly, and went out. Troiville had gone. -The street was empty. The sun had smitten all life in El Yaoub, apparently, and the commu- nity was dozing. Pierre went to his own rooms and sprawled on a divan. His eyes burned. He got up and looked at them in the mir- ror. ‘They were oddly clouded and even sunken as to their pupils. He rubbed CONnniclbOokxs (©