Adventure Magazine Cover — page 138: what you’re looking at

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

136 where the lost medicine is witht being burn ed.” A rush of wind swayed the lodges, beating them far over. It was accompanied by a terrific fall of rain. A dozen warriors sur- rounded the prisoners and hustled them to the camp and, with menacing gestures, - thrust them into a dark lodge. The Rab- bit, free to come and go as he would, joined them. Lomsom, who supposed he enjoyed a similar privilege, attempted to enter the lodge and was stopped by two of the guards. “The White Chief of the Utes walks where he will!” he angrily shouted. He glanced about with blurred eyes to locate some of his men. But if any of _these were within hearing they were under the spell of the pipe and held back. “Red Crow says three white men stay in here,” replied a guard. “The White Chief is an Genmipales man. All paths are open for him? If this red man can enter, the White Chief can enter.” He pointed to the Rabbit. “Three white men stay in this lodge. No red men. A dead man, walking, goes where he will, You have named a ghost,” an- swered the guard, still blocking the opening against the renegade. Lomsom turned and ran to shelter. Inside the lodge the Rabbit was squatting on a robe and staring at the scarcely dis- cernible faces of the prisoners. voice of the storm and the increasing dark- ness was making the work of the guards Outside very dismal. Euclid inconse- quently remarked— “T would have expected snow more than I would thunder and lightning.”’ Goss was the second to break the silence. He demanded: “What next, Rabbit? Will they carry out the sentence in the morning?” “They will try the singing man with fire. It is very bad. They may try to get the truth from you other white men.” “Tye got six shots! First bullet is for Red Crow. ‘They’ll never burn me alive,”’ declared the gambler. “Death is easier that way than by fire,” moodily agreed the Rabbit. But I have promised to be home on a day named. If i am killed in this place my people will never know. t must keep my promise or shame ‘We talk in circles!” exclaimed the gam- The hoarse Adventure bler. “At least try to get ussome more guns so we all can go down The voice of the Thunder God became staccato as he descended from the moun- tains to hurl his fiery lances into the floor of the park. The darkness imcreased. The Rabbit glided to the flap of the lodge and peered out. ‘Three figures were crouching across the entrance with heavy robes drawn over their heads. ‘Fo his companions he announced : “The storm is very strong. I believe that Kanati and his Boys,* and Asgaya Gigagei,{ have come to help us. You shall try to run away.” ‘“‘Now you talk sense!” heartily cried the gambler. ‘All we ask is a start from this cursed place.” “Three men are at the front of the lodge,” said the Rabbit. He stepped to the opposite side and passed his hand on the wall and located the backs of two men pressing against the skins. He made a circuit of the place, and then announced: “We are surrounded. The Utes are afraid of the storm but the medicine in the pipe keeps them here.” He lifted his head and began invoking: “‘O Lucky Hunter— Kanati—who with your two Thunder sons - live in the west, listen. Put down a:smooth path for my friends. Red Man, listen. Send them help.” And he continued, calling even on the in- ferior Thunder people who live in cliffs and mountains, and especially did he pray to those Thunder spirits living im the falls on Tallulah River, back in the ancient home- land of his people, east of the Mississippi River. A terrific, crackling explosion, accom- panied by a flood of white light, smothered his prayer. ‘Stunned by the shock, the four men remained silent. ‘The floor of the:park had seemed to shake. “1” exclaimed the gambler. For a few seconds the elements were silent —long enough for the frightened guards to raise a yell. Then the bombardment was renewed and a violent wind tore the lodge skins loose and swept them fluttering like monster night-birds into the darkness. The guards were scrambling for shelter. In the interstices of the tempest’s clamor their yelps of terror could be heard. Other wail- ing cried also reached the prisoners. * The Thunderers. t The Red Man, z. ¢., Lightnimg: comicbooks.com