The Argosy, Vol. XXIV No. 2 — page 172: what you’re looking at

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

364 ‘THE MUTINY ON THE FLYING CLOUD. had watched them for some time, I thought our best plan would be to come back here and consult with you, especially as they seemed to be getting ready to beat up our quarters. But we’re determined, Nicholls and I, to have a slap at them some time tonight in some shape or form, and the only question is, how is it best to be done ?”’ Henderson stretched out a hand to each of them, which was cordially grasped as he said huskily, “Thank you, thank you, my stanch and trusty friends, both; we w#// have a slap at them, as you say. But we must do nothing hastily or without careful consideration—the issues involved are too many, the stake too great for us to risk anything by over rashness. Let us each think the matter over carefully. And, meanwhile, as we shall need all our strength, you, Nicholls, go down and bring us up something to eat and drink, as this may be our only chance to snatch a morsel of refreshment. And whilst he is doing that, perhaps you, Manners, will kindly go down and bring up all the arms and ammunition you can find, so that if the Malays come this way we may be prepared to give them a warm reception. I will keep watch here.’’ In another minute Henderson was alone on the parapet, with the violet, star studded sky above him, and on every hand the black outline of the high land and the dense growth of trees and bush which hemmed in the fort. Not a sound met his ear save the continuous chzzr of the myriads of insects with which the island abounded, the distant wash and gurgle of the river, and the mournful sighing of the night breeze through the foliage. The whereabouts of the Malay camp was faintly indicated by an occa- sional gleam of ruddy light flashing upon the branches and leaves of a lofty tree in the direction of the creek ; and, most gratifying sight of all, away to the eastward the sky was brightening into silvery radiance, showing that the full moon would shortly send her friendly light upon the scene. The two men soon returned from below in the performance of their sev- eral tasks, Manners having had the forethought to load the firearms by the light of a lantern whilst still in the armory. A few minutes later the. moon rose slowly into view from above the low lying land beyond the Malay encampment, flooding the whole scene with soft, subdued light ; and Manners then went from loophole to loophole look- ing for signs of the enemy, but without detecting any indication of their presence. Though none of them had the slightest appetite for food, fhe three men now proceeded to force a little refreshment down their throats, Knowing full well that ere long they would have need of all their strength; and, whilst they ate, the conversation naturally turned upon the two hapless PHsonen and the best means for effecting their rescue. Henderson, indeed, had been able to think of little else since the moment when his child had recovered sufficiently to relate her horrible experience ; and whilst turning the matter over in his mind a hopeful thought had sug- gested itself. IGchooks 5 =)