The Argosy, Vol. XXIV No. 2 — page 45: what you’re looking at

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

THE TRACK OF MIDNIGHT. 237 ‘Did you ever hear of one called Warrigal ?’’ Wilton asked. Giles, who was sitting down, sprang to his feet with a sharp exclamation, while his eyes gleamed ina sudden outburst of rage, and an ugly frown puckered his brows. ‘“Warrigal ?’’ he cried. ‘‘ Where did you see Warrigal?”’ ‘¢ He was in the hut when you came yesterday.”’ An imprecation came from Giles’ lips. ‘“ He had escaped from Midnight,’’ Wilton continued. ‘‘Rscaped? Great heavens, man, do you know that he is Midnight’s right hand man, and that when he’s killed a score of men will be avenged ? In your hut? Aud you did not shoot him? If I had only known, I would soon have settled him. He’s done more harm than all his tribe. And you let him off! It’s a marvel that you’re alive to tell of it.’’ ‘“T pitied the poor wretch,’’ Wilton said. ‘‘ He told me where Midnight’s hiding place is to be found.’’ Giles laughed shortly. ‘‘ Then take my advice and forget all about it, for it will either be a lie ora trap. Wait till you meet the black demon again and then shoot him. It will be the best way of letting him know that you did not believe his yarn.’’ ‘Well, I should have been killed in my bed last night if it had not been for him,’’ Wilton answered. ‘“Why? Did he tell you that his chief was coming to see you?”’ ‘“No! He vanished while we were talking, and I suspected treachery, so lay in hiding waiting for the attack which I expected would come. While I was watching I saw a man creep up to the hut. I let him get inside, al- though I had my rifle covering him all the time. When he came out I fired.’’ ‘* And missed,’’ Giles exclaimed. ‘IT suppose I did, as he didn’t drop,’’ Wilton said. ‘‘ What then ?’’ Giles asked quickly. ‘IT tried my pistol, but it missed fire.’’ ‘« And didn’t Midnight pot at you in return ?’’ ‘Ves, but I ran for it. ‘The bullet grazed my ear and I bolted as hard as I could, so hard that I ran right over the bluff. He fired at me as I was falling but in the dark he missed me, and when I came to the surface again I saw the glare of the fire he had made in the hut. Then I crept back and and watched him aS he stood looking at my hut burn. When he had gone I searched for my rifle and pistol, which I had dropped in my excitement, and after I had found them came on here to give the alarm.’’ Giles looked at him fixedly for some moments without speaking. Then he came over and took him by the hand. ‘“Vou’re a cool chap,’’ he said, looking at him with his keen gray eyes. ‘* Vou’re a man after my own heart, and if Midnight is ever shot—for I’m sure he’ll never be taken alive—I hope you do the shooting.”’ ‘JT mean to,’’ Wilton said. ‘‘ I’ve a double score to settle with him now..’’ ‘“Havea care, my lad. Midnight isnot a baby to play with,’’ Giles said seriously. ‘‘ He’d think no more of shooting you & EComichbooks 3