The Argosy, Vol. 63

About this issue

The Argosy, April 1897 "Peace with Honour" by Sydney C. Grier, Chapter VII. A British diplomatic mission led by Sir Dugald arrives in an unnamed Eastern kingdom for a state reception with the King. That evening, an elderly man claiming to be the Amir Jahan Beg visits Sir Dugald's compound and reveals himself as John Bigg, an Englishman who disappeared from India years ago after an unhappy love affair with Beatrice Wynn. Bigg recounts his exile: he became a fakir, was enslaved by hillmen, then joined Ethiopian raiders and eventually converted to Islam, building a confederation on the kingdom's frontier. The King married him to his cousin, and Bigg's daughter wed Rustam Khan, the King's eldest son. Bigg now holds power as the Amir but remains conflicted about his lost identity. He warns Sir Dugald that the rival faction—led by the vizier Fath-ud-Din and the younger prince Antar Khan—opposes the English alliance, while a Scythian agent operates in the city. Bigg promises covert support, though he must publicly appear hostile to protect his position.