The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 93: what you’re looking at

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

- SIDE-TRACKED Harvey realized that Suka was no longer his valet, but a human being like himself entitled to consideration. Of the two he decided that Suka was in reality the leader of the expedition. What would become of him if anything happened to Suka, was a thought which he would not* permit to annoy him. Having never in his life bandaged any- thing except stocks, Harvey was rather clumsy in his attempts, but at last the task was completed in some sort of fashion. “There!” he cried, proud of his work. * Tf I do say so myself, Suka, that’s rather well done for an amateur.”’ “ Very fine, Mr. Bowyer,” assented the Jap. “You mustn’t use your right hand at all,” cautioned Bowyer. ‘“‘ When you need it, just call on me.” “Oh; thanks, so much,” said the Jap, pleased beyond expression at his master’s consideration. “It’s very Harvey. “We look around, see what we can find.” Suka took the light in his left hand and began to explore the corners of the cabin. “ Some wood here,” he reported, com- ing back with a few sticks. Fortunately Harvey had his match- safe with him, and it was not long before a fire was started. ‘““What a bully blaze!” exclataead the millionaire. “I didn’t know an open fire could be so cheerful. I shall have them put in all my rooms when I get back home.” The thought of home caused him to reflect. “T wonder if we ever will get back, Suka,” he said. “W’at! Mr. Bowyer not go to Hot Springs?” asked the Jap in astonishment. If James Bowyer had been present just then a smile of satisfaction would have spread over his face at his brother’s reply. “Hot Springs,’ repeated Harvey. “Don’t ever mention that place to me cold here,” suggested AT GREEN GAP. 275 again. I wouldn’t go there for all the money in the world.” ‘““ But—but Mr. Bowyer was not to go for money. It was to get well,” Suka re- minded him. “Then I'll never get well,” declared Harvey emphatically. ‘If I’m going to die Vl die anyhow, and what difference does it make to any one?”’ “Oh, Mr. Bowyer, I would be very, very sorryful,” said the Jap, who during the last few hours had learned to adore his master with a doglike affection. His little act of kindness in bandaging the wrist had won him over completely. ‘“Qh, yes, perhaps you would,” said Harvey. “ But the fact remains, if I am going to die it might as well be soon as late, and I’d rather die in my own home than in that lonely spot called Hot Springs where I would have Fleming dictating to me that I must eat chops for dinner and drink milk. Ugh!” : Suka shook his head. “Bad plan for Mr. Bowyer to return to the city,” he muttered. “Well, back we go as soon as we can get there,” Harvey insisted. ‘In the mean time, I think I will lie down.” “ But there is no bed,” cried Suka, horror-stricken at the idea of his master being compelled to sleep on the ground. “If Mr. Bowyer no object,” he added, taking off his coat and spreading it out. “Thank you, Suka,”’ said Harvey gratefully, as he added his own for a pillow. ‘ But what will you do?” “Oh, me. No matter. Me used to hardship.” Harvey lay down again, and, like a faithful dog, Suka stretched himself near the door where he could hear the slight- est noise. Soon both men were sound asleep. How long they slept neither knew, for both were dead to the world. The burn- ing fire and the delayed thunder-storm were both alike forgotten, together with other more remote troubles. Suddenly, as if by magic, Suka rose to his feet. EQ, DOOIK (C@