The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 90: what you’re looking at

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

4 go A MONTH IN THE MOON. a7 running across the empty square. ‘They wore a haggard, terror stricken aspect. All at once an officer issued from the Government House followed by four or five men. He was short in statue, fair haired and blue eyed, and he descended the steps with great rapidity. Anger gleamed from his coun- tenance. As he turned round, Gertrude saw that it was General Gordon. At the same instant a band of ragged Arabs burst into the square. As soon as they perceived the little group coming towards thém they stood still and fired a volley from their rifles. The general fell. His escort fled, whilst the insurgents ran to him ; and with a shudder of horror Gertrude saw them hold up the bleeding head ‘of Gordon. Averting her eyes from this terrible sight, she glanced at the Consulate and thought she saw her father coming forth alone. An agony of apprehen- sion came over her afresh, and to her loving, filial heart, a yet more horrible catastrophe was about to be shown her; and meanwhile, as she gazed, the vision clouded over and ‘disappeared. 3 For a few minutes Gertrude was too shocked to speak ; but soon regaining command over herself, she said coldly: | ‘The future does not belong to thee. _ What thou hast shown me is only an evil dream. Gordon will not fall by thy means, but he will hang every one of you.’’ ‘Thou darest to speak thus to me?”’ cried the dwarf, grinding his teeth. ‘“Ah! thou fearest nothing? Well, then behold !’’ Whilst saying these words he held up both arms. At once a hideous din arose, seeniing as if it would rend the very bowels of the earth. The carved monsters who upheld the doors and cornices sud- denly came to life, and filled the chamber with their howling. The paintings on the walls appeared to stand out apart with strange gestures; gods with heads of dogs, cats, jackals and birds, strange beasts and monstrous crocodiles ad- vanced towards the girl, turning their bloodshot eyes on her. Nearly mad with terror, Fatima rushed shrieking into the arms of her mis- tress. ‘“Stop the menagerie,’’ said Gertrude disdainfully to the dwarf. ‘If thou art trying to frighten me, I warn thee that it isa waste of time.’’ Kaddour muttered a few words in an unknown tongue. At once the monsters resumed their places. Gertrude shrugged her shoulders. But the dwarf fixed his flaming eyes on Fatima, and made a sign. The young servant, leaving her mistress went toward him. Her eyes were wide open, but their look was, as it were, turned inward. ‘‘ Fatima,’’ sdid the magician in a sepulchral tone, ‘‘ thou lovest thy mis- tress, I know. She believes in thy affection, and cherishes thee as a sister. But I say to thee, take this poinard out of my sash and plunge it in her heart !”’ Fatima gave a deep sigh ; two big tears hung on her eyelashes and rolled down her cheeks. Nevertheless she stood before the dwarf, took the poinard from his sash, and turned toward Gertrude with uplifted arm, ready to strike. ‘“ Hold !’’ said the dwarf. "eee ee ee Gomicboo Ss) (E(0)