The Argosy, Vol. XXIV No. 2 — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

286 THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. It may be imagined with what a fever of impatience Guy and Melton lived through those weary hours. It was nearly midday when the repairs were completed, and the vessel forged ahead again. For fear of fresh accidents, the captain refused to crowd on steam, and when at last the turrets and brown walls of Zaila came in view, it was late in the afternoon. At a distance, all seemed peaceful; the English flag was floating from half a dozen different buildings of the town. In the harbor lay three or four Arab dhows and a neat little steamer. which the captain said belonged to the governor, and was used for transporting troops or despatches. Captain Waller anchored close by the town, and accompanied Guy, Mel- ton, and Momba on shore in a small boat. So far, at least, all was well. A few Arabs and Somalis were sitting around lazily on the sind, and troops of the Bombay Infantry were seen moving about the streets. ‘‘ Appear as unconscious as possible,’’ whispered Melton, ‘‘ Let nothing be suspected.’’ A close observer might have detected traces of suppressed curiosity on the faces of the Arabs and Somalis, but they were evidently deceived by the careless manner of the new arrivals, for after a keen scrutiny they settled back into lazy attitudes. ‘I don’t like the locks of those fellows,’’ said Melton, ‘‘ and another thing I don’t like is the presence of those Arab dhows in the harbor. But look, Chutney, there is the residency ahead of us.’’ ‘They were approaching a low building of sun baked brick, with Venetian awninings at the entrance and windows. Half a dozen sentries were on guard, and an officer came forward to meet the little party. Guy saluted. 4 ; am the bearer of important despatches for the governor of Zaila,’’ he said, ‘‘and must see him at once.”’ The officer disappeared for a moment, and presently catne back and an- nounced that the governor would see them. They were ushered in through a wide hall, and, passing half along its length, they turned to the right, and found themselves in the presence of Sir Arthur Ashby. He was a very ‘pompous looking man of middle age, with reddish mustache and long side whiskers. He was seated on an easy chair beside an ebony table. Opposite him sat an English officer. They were smoking cigars, and on the table were glasses and champagne bottles packed in ice. Lamps were lit, for already twilight was falling. He half rose as his visitors entered, and then dropped back. Guy briefly introduced himself and party, and handed Sir Arthur the despatches, ex- plaining how the seals came to be broken, but making no mention of Torres. The governor knit his brow as he read them over, and then, to his com- panion, he remarked lightly, ‘‘ All nonsense, all nonsense. Another govern- ment scare, Carrington.”’ x *‘I beg your pardon, Sir Arthur,’ said Guy, ‘‘ but I was informed in London of the tenor of those despatches. Yesterday afternoon the Arabs at Berbera massacred the garrison to a man, and are doubtless now marching on (E(0) aA) Eboo ESS (E(0)