The Argosy, Vol. XXIV No. 2 — page 89: what you’re looking at

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

THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. 281 long tail shot out like a stiffened serpent. The Arab’s sandaled foot came down on the tapering end, and with a scream of rage the beast sprang up. Overcome by a sudden fright, the Arab staggered backward a pace, and like a flash the leopard shot to the end of his chain, and fastening teeth and claws on the unfortunate man’s neck, bore him to the ground. Panic stricken, those who stood near made no move. ‘The big negro danced wildly up and down, keeping well out of reach of his savage pet, and the slaves howled with fright. An instant’s delay and the man was lost. Suddenly Guy drew his revolver and sprang forward. The negro uttered a howl and tried to’:push him back, but Guy forced his way past him, and pressing the revolver close to the brute’s head pulled the trigger. It was a good shot. ‘The leopard rolled over lifeless, and the Arab, with Guy’s assistance, rose to his feet very dazed while the blood dripped down from his lacerated back. Instantly the scene changed. The negro, angered at the death of his leopard, advanced menacingly on Guy with a drawn knife, and in response to his summons other negroes rallied to his aid. But the Arab, too, had friends in the crowd, and they, pressing forward in turn, made it seem as though a bloody conflict was inevitable. Just as the issue was trembling in the balance, a shout arose from the crowded street, “The white man! Make room for the white man !’’ and through the parted ranks Guy saw advancing a bronzed Englishman in white flannels and helmet. The stranger pushed right in through the sullen group of negroes until he reached the open space before the tent, and’ stood face to face with Guy. Their eyes met in one amazed glance that startled the wondering specta- tors, and then from Guy’s lips burst a glad, hoarse cry : ‘‘ Melton Forbes, or Iam dreaming !"’ ‘Chutney, by Jove! My dear fellow, can it be possible? ”’ All else forgotten in their deep joy of meeting, the two bronzed English- - men fell into each other’s arms, and the Arabs and negroes dimly compre- hending what it all meant, shouted in sympathy, and lowered their arms. CHAPTER IIIJ.—THE ARAB’S WARNING. For a little while the British officer and the British newspaper corre- spondent could do nothing but stand off to look at each other, and then embrace again as thongh it were hard to believe that it was not all a dream. The Arabs and negroes had drawn to one side, and the big savage was wrathfully inspecting the body of the leopard. ‘“Come,’’ said Melton, plucking Guy’s arm, ‘‘ we will find a quiet place where we can talk in peace.’’ EOmiGdooks (E(0)