The Argosy, Vol. XXIV No. 2 — page 100: what you’re looking at

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

292 THE RIVER OF DARKNESS, camels. ‘They alone had been made prisoners. All others had been shot, including the officers, the port surgeon, and the native assistant resident. This sad story brought tears to the eyes of all, and even Sir Arthur waxed terribly indignant and prophesied speedy retribution. But now the guards sternly forbade conversation. An hour or more passed on, during which time many persons indistinguishable in the gloom, passed in and out of the residency. Then came a summons to appear before the chief. ‘‘ Don’t be alarmed,’’ said Sir Arthur reassuringly. ‘‘ We shall be sent across the gulf of Aden. This wretch will not dare do injury to her majesty’s representatives.’’ Sir Arthur’s sudden change of spirits was not shared by the rest. ‘“ Nerve yourself,’’ Melton whispered to Guy. ‘‘I have an idea of what is coming,’’ and before Guy could reply they were ushered into the very apartment which they had left so hastily a few hours before. It had undergone no change. ‘The lamps had been relit, the wine bottles and glasses still stood on the table, and in Sir Arthur’s chair of state sat Makar Makalo, very stern and dignified, while around him, squatted on the rugs, were four Arabs of superior caste and intelligence, comprising, no doubt, the freshly formed cabinet of the great governor of Zaila. Makar waited until his captives had ranged themselves along the wall, and then with great sang frozd, he helped himself to a cigar from Sir Arthur’s choice box of Partagas, lit it, and then poured off a glass of champagne which he despatched at a gulp. Having thus proved beyond a doubt that he possessed all the chief quali- fications of a British political resident, he settled back in his chair and sur- veyed his prisoners with lowering brow. “Bless my heart!’’ ejaculated Sir Arthur. ‘‘ What most amazing impu—’’ a sudden rap on the head from one of the guards cut short his speech, and he relapsed into indignant silence. Makar was plainly a man of iron nerve, for he met calmly and even boldly the indignant, defiant glances that were turned upon him as he scanned the row of prisoners ranged before him. , Glancing toward the windows he dispersed with a wave of his hand the dark swarm of faces peering eagerly within, and then at last he deigned to break the silence which had become so ominous. ‘“I have promised ye your lives,’’ he said. ‘‘ Makar never breaks his word. Allah is great, and it is the will of Allah that Zaila should belong to the true followers of the prophet. Already has his will been fulfilled. ‘The hated Inglis soldiers are dead. Rao Khan is the ruler of Zaila, and Makar is his servant.”’ He paused and helped himself to another glass of champagne. It was evident that Makar was not at heart a true follower of the prophet, for the Koran strictly forbids all intoxicants. Another impressive pause followed. Guy glanced at Melton and was alarmed to see the dead white pallor on his face. Melton alone perhaps knew what was coming. On the rest the blow fell with crushing severity. (E(0) n iboo SS =} (E(0) aar