The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

98 A MONTH IN THE MOON. middle of it, dug five or six holes with his hand. In these holes he placed the seeds given him by Chaka, and covered them over with a pinch of earth, moistened with saliva. Kaddour again brandished his wand over the circular trench that eon- tained the seeds, and murmured some incomprehensible words. At the end of a few moments the earth was seen to rise up slightly over the holes, and some little green shoots appeared. These, growing gradually, turned out be reeds, that in ten minutes reached the height of ten inches. to At this sight, the black warriors, no longer able to contain their adniira- tion, uttered loud cries. Kaddour silenced them with his uplifted hand, and went on with his incantations. The corn continued to grow, and soon it overtopped the dwarf, who was now standing up. A little bud appeared on every branch, and in another minute or two it would have swelled up, burst into blossoms, and subsequently have ripened into ears. ‘“Chaka,’’ said the dwarf on a sudden, from the middle of his green circle, ‘‘ wouldst thou behold him whom thou didst most hate ?’’ ‘He of whom thou speakest is dead !’’ replied the young chief, with a triumphant laugh. ‘“T know it. Thou art thinking of the son of Zebehr, whose head the bashibazouks cut off three years ago.”’ ‘‘FHather,’’ cried Chaka, ‘‘ thou readest the very thoughts of men !”’’ ‘As likewise, I can call up the dead. This very evening, if thou wilt, I will show thee Suliman, the son of Zebehr, he who ordered thee to be togged tor lus diversion, Ge stall Cel likee wital Le 19 stilettiig, aud ae shall crave thy pardon for his crimes.’’ “7 will, father! We all will!’’ replied Chaka, trembling at the idea of seeing the persecutor of his childhood once more face to face. ‘Well, then, all of you pdss before my window this evening at the hour when the moon hides herself behind the hills of Darfour. You shall then see Suliman !’”’ Kaddour had scarcely ceased to speak when the outer door opened, aid Virgil appeared on the threshold. . Hardly had the negro guard time to glance at the newcomer before the corn had already disappeared, being torn up by the roots, and smuggled under the folds of the dwarf’s robe. He stood silent and motionless, as if absorbed in his wonted meditation. But Virgil saw quite enough to convince him that something unusual was going on. ‘The troubled, startled expression on the faces of the black men, as they stood close pressed against the cord barrier, spoke for itself. He was careful, however, not to disclose his suspicions, and shortly withdrew, having seen Kaddour once more safely caged. But Virgil wisely determined, all the same, to redouble his precautions. CHAPTER XXI.—SUMMARY MEASURES. WHEN the time came for his tsual evening round, Virgil saw that the. guard were in a state of evident agitation or impatience, and seemed to be Eomicbooks (E(0)