The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

94” A MONTH IN THE MOON. uplifted sword. ‘The dwarf had only time to parry the first blow by making his horse curvet, and to thrust with his fine Damascus steel blade. Virgil stood on guard, when suddenly his sword broke short off as the blades met. Every one thought he was done for. But not so. Scarcely was he dis- armed when he bounded like a tiger at the dwarf’s throat, and, seizing him in his strong hands, lifted him bodily out of the saddle and hurled him to the ground, where he held him pinned down by the knee before the wretch could move a finger in his own defense. The brave deed was loudly cheered by both sides. Had Virgil been armed, there is no doubt that the dwarf would then and there have expi- ated his misdeeds. As it was, he was almost strangled by the grip of the Algerian. | But when the first moment of anger was over, Virgil thought he had better not push his victory any further, seeing that his enemy was down and apparently stunned. He made a sign, therefore, to his men to carry away the inanimate body of the dwarf. The negro guard of Kaddour came up at once to fraternize with the men of Tehbali. They screamed and danced, and embraced each other alter- nately. It-was evident that there could be no question in future of any enmity between them. Perhaps the dwarf’s guard were the most satisfied with a result that delivered them forever from his tyrannous rule. ‘They let themselves there- fore be led away without protest, and did not even make a pretence of opposing Virgil, who had hastened at once to the prisoners. It was the work of two minutes to deliver Norbert Mauny, the doctor and Mabrouki from their bonds, and to take Gertrude and Fatima out of the palanquin. They had witnessed the foregoing scene from behind the closed blinds of their prison. ; ¢ Norbert’s first thought on regaining his freedom was to put Gertrude out of the reach of further danger. He at once sent her on in front with the doctor and Fatima. He then commissioned Virgil to enroll the dwarf’s guards among his own troops. | But after consultation among themselves the officers declined the offer, saying that the dwarf of Rhadameh having been beaten in fair combat, they would make no opposition against his having personally to bear the conse- quences of his defeat ; but it would be incompatible with their honor as free lances to enter the service of the conqueror, just as, in like manner, they could not in honor make war against their brethren. They added that they were sure of employment elsewhere. ‘The Mahdi was marching on Khartoum ; they would go at once, and take service under his banner. Norbert could not but honor these chivalrous motives (so often noted by travelers) in the poor children of the Lake countries, exiled and homeless as they were. He asked them to accept some refreshment as a favor to him- self, and, cordially shaking hands with their officers, he bade them farewell, and hastened to climb the Peak of Tehbali once again. He was followed by the negro guard under Virgil. ‘The unconscious 3 EONMIE KNOO KS