Argosy, Vol. 147, No. 1 — page 55: what you’re looking at

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

hand was outstretched to pass Bruce, and there was no evidence of un- willingness on his part to surrender it, but almost before he janded there was an © clamation of fright from him. ‘“ My gor-— { done drop de key!” His shrill-pitched tones echoed through the vaulted space, and far in the distance they heard the mocking repetition of “ key,” as if some jeering spirit had gloated over their danger. For about. ten seconds Bruce’s heart ac- tion failed him. A clammy sweat broke across his forehead. ‘To find anything in that mass of mud and mire would border on the miraculous. “ Bring de lantern, man, ’cause I got my hand right on de place where it done sink in! >»? To Bruce’s mind there was something mechanical about the negro’s announce- ment—a ready-made resourcefulness that bordered on the theatric. Hence his first move was to examine the padlock, which he found to be securely fastened. He then flashed his light on the spot where the negro was stripping his fingers through the slime. In ever-widening circles his black hands were clawing the soft mass. « Come on—come on—show y’self, Mis- Jump into mah hands—come tah Key. on,” the negro crooned. They all waited breathlessly for the re- sult. As Bruce watched Eddie Carbon, he also and expression of Joie’s. His face was nervously twitching, and he would gaze with uncertainty—first to the right, then to the left. Once more a thrill of terror swept through Bruce. Yor the moment he was panic-stricken. Sup- pose, by any chance, there were passages that intersected with the one they were in— would the lethargic brain of Joie succumb to scrutinized every move complete. bewilderment? Between a negro of whom he was suspi- | cious and a weakling who could not be de- . é ed * oe wt; «A b ock ” answered the negro. pend upon Bruce U = ; ety be key,” commanded Bruce. ing over Eddie n,. « Sure,” nded the negro jumping ton to glance beyond him * down from the short ladder. several feet. t saw & Whether by intent oF accident—he fell coutage- oe as his feet fouched the slimy 007° His . There wete footprints, pial the key to they had not been made by any ing to Bruce’s part —he knew fact, they were the tracks of one and they led away from the place now standing. The imprint was § there was no evidence that the had returned. Gage It was like a message from the If Joie and Carbon had entered the Crac Pot through this underground passage could trace the direction came. ee: & No use—no use at all, boss. Mi ( done turned against me,” said the negr arising. ae Without deigning to reply, Bruce the lantern and advanced a short dis in the opposite direction—toward the Tiv Then he suppressed an exclamation Of Saus- faction. a ae The footprints of two men were cen. Tracks led to the point where th had entered the passage from the st chamber. ahha e:. Tt seemed useless to waste furt! uable time; Bruce turned to Joie. “ Which way?” he asked. “To the left,” answered Joie; ta lead in what Bruce knew was the v rection. ai Bailey, who had sensed the situa touched Bruce on the arm as a draw aside. ce “Do you think he will make asked. . aod « No-he has started wrong. lowing him to do so because I wa the negro. The black rascal know start is wrong, and I do not think f to correct him.” ae They had gone about fifteen feet 1 “Pm wrong,” he advised. “ We she have gone the other way.” ae Bruce waited in vain for tt - © express an opinion—to co ¢ Joie’s statement. Two or con ef 3 » fed - eT aR a a, tos 4