Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 16, 1921 — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

EYES OF THE DEAD. As he went a great wave of tenderness swept over him. His hand fumbled a bit at the door. It was drawn open. Cheri- mande’s hand went over his mouth. . “Hush, monsieur! Come, but silently as death.” He stepped inside. she was was screened in. “And Troiville?”’ the major demanded, For reply Pierre took out the reddened knife and held it up. The major took it, laid it on an ottoman that was behind the door. 3 ““ He will not be back?” he asked. 6c No.” “ Best! For him and for France. There need be no trial now!” A low, moaning cry came from behind the screen. The Arab healer put her head around the screen’s bulge, saying: ‘“‘ She calls again—for him.” The major pushed Pierre forward. He stumbled toward that which he feared to behold. ‘‘ Come out now, Fadma,” the major called. The healer slunk away cmely as he came behind the screen. Pierre sank down on his knees beside the wan, limp girl. Her breast, bare, showed the weal of the knife-stroke. He bent over to listen to faint breathing. She opened her eyes. ‘“‘ Ah, mon chére,”’ she whispered; ‘“‘ it is so good to have you here. If I go, I want to have you know that—that I do not blame you. You did not put your blade into me on purpose. Non! Non! Your ~ hand trembled; you missed, that is all. I have told the major so! I want you to know, before I go—I feel so weak, mon The divan where 17 ‘Forgive you, "Leesah! You who have been so loyal.” “Non! Non! I have not been so loyal. I have flirted with this one and that be- cause—”’ ‘* Because ?”’ ‘““T wanted you to be a little jealous—to cease from our strictly friendly relations— to—to—ah, Pierre, I am so weak—good- Her eyes closed. The tide of pallor crept up from her bosom to her face. Only her ripe lips had color in them. Pierre staggered from behind the screen, eyes staring, voice pleading: ‘“ Major!” Cherimande came forward hastily. darted behind the screen. Pierre, mutely submissive, waited. He heard the old soldier fume and sputter. Then came out; booming: “ Pouf, for you, dolt, triple idiot, to let her talk so much that she should faint. Your blade was turned by a rib. She will recover—if you do not slay her with your clumsiness. Away with you, monsieur, and do not come back until you have learned to restrain yourself and to thank God for the gift of such a woman’s love!” Pierre heard her sigh behind the screen. He peeped in at her, saw her great eyes flutter open. She saw him—formed a kiss on her-now white lips, wafted him one little word with her faint breath. He turned, and staggered to the stairs, drunk with hap- piness. As he passed his mirror he glanced in. His eyes were normal, full, clear. He went out onto the street. - The faint rose-flush of dawn v was in the sky. The cocks were crowing. Peace was He chére, but do not worry, Pierre. And for- in La Forge’s heart. The way was smooth give me.” before him! (The end.) U U 3 SPRING’S SYMPHONY | Bee me your song, ye nightingales! Oh, pour The mazy running soul of melody Into my varied verse! while I deduce From the first note the hollow cuckoo sings The symphony of spring. T homson Conmicloool< (C@