Between Snow and Fire — page 203: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXII. A STRANGE DUEL. In the midst of the savage throng was another white man, also a prisoner, who had been ‘forced to assist at the barbar- ous scene just detailed. His lot, however, had been cast in far worse lines than that of Eustace, for his hands were tightly fastened behind his back and a retm connected his ankles in such wise that he could only take short steps— which painful fact he would every now and then forget, with the result of just so many ignominious “ croppers.” Whereat his dusky tormentors would shout with gleeful laughter. | In addition to his bonds the unfortunate man appeared to have undergone considerable maltreatment. His hair and beard were matted with dust and blood, and his head was rudely bandaged with rags of the filthiest description. He was clad in a greasy and tattered shirt, and trousers to match —his own clothes having been impounded by his captors. Moreover there were livid wales upon his face and hands, and such parts of his person as were visible through his ragged apparel, which showed that he had been unmerci- fully beaten. Well might Eustace start in amazement, absolute and unfeigned. In this pitiable object he recog- nized Tom Carhayes. He gazed at him speechless—as at one who has risen from the dead. If ever he could have sworn to any man’s death it would have been to that of the man before him, He had seen the assegais flash in the air and descend—had heard the dull, sickening blows of the kerries which had beaten the life out of his unfortunate cousin. Yet, here stood the latter—not exactly unhurt, but yet full of life. “ Hau, Umlilwane!” said Hlangani, who was standing beside the latter—grinning hideously into his victim's face. “You are not near enough to see well. The black ants bite—harder than the shot from your gun,’”’ he went on, with grim meaning, beckoning to those who stood by to Gomilcbooks.co m