The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 100: what you’re looking at

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

ge A MONTH IN THE MOON. taining the brass dish that held the head; and the mirror to reflect the light had been borrowed from the lodging of Ignaz Vogel. It took but a few minutes for Virgil to rush upon the dwarf, throw him down, gag him, and tie him head and heels. He then -hurried out, and hastened to report to Norbert all that had happened. ‘‘ You will, of course, do as you please, sir,’’ said Virgil, as he concluded his recital; ‘‘ but, believe me, a summary execution is the only way to pre- vent arevolt among the guard.’’ Although severe measures were foreign to his own ideas and habits, Nor- bert was much inclined to agree with Virgil. The case was very pressing, as well as serious ; it was necessary to take immediate steps, and to strike a decisive blow. : Weighing the matter well fora few minutes, Norbert came to the con- clusion that it would be impossible to spare the life of the dwarf unless, inthe presence of his dupes, he made full and detailed confession of his trickeries. He therefore seated himself at his desk, and drew up a provisional sentence of death, whilst Virgil went to arouse the doctor and the baronet. ‘‘T am under the dreadful necessity, gentlemen,’’ said Norbert, ‘‘ of de- creeing on my own responsibility the immediate death of aman. I need not tell you how painful it is to me to have todo this. But I could not hesitate without serious peril to the precious lives under my charge. When I leave this land I shall make it my duty to submit my conduct in the matter, and to lay the circumstances before a duly qualified tribunal. I have sent for you to ask you to be so good as to sign the official report that shall be drawn up.’’ On hearing the details, the doctor and Sir Bucephalus fully approved of their friend’s decision, and declared their readiness to join him in signing not merely the official report, but likewise the sentence itself, but this generous offer Norbert as generously declined to accept. Orders were given to marshal the guard, without arms, in the circular passage, to which all repaired, the guard being ranged in four lines, Chaka at their head. 3 | ‘My friends,’’ said Norbert, ‘‘ you have been deceived by an imposter. The miserable tricks by which he endeavored to shake your sense of honor and fidelity were, in truth, an insult to brave warriors like yourselves. I know well that you would only despise such juggling; but before inflicting the punishment he deserves for his base intention, I wish you to see by what means he tried to make fools of you. Chaka, take six men with you, and come with us to the prison !”’ The young chief obeyed without a word, bie it was evident that neither he nor his warriors expected anything to come of this visit. ‘“Here is the table, the mirror, and the blood stained linen used be. the imposter,’’ said Norbert, proceeding to explain to the negroes the different uses of these accessories in the imposition of the ‘‘ speaking head.”’ ‘“But where is the head of Suliman?’’ said Chaka ironically, pretending not to understand Norbert. At the same instant he caught sight of the corn stalks brought by Kaddour. Gomicbooks J ne PN See pee aes Sr are ee ea oO Fe ee ee See ee a ee TOT A ee a ee ey eee Te