The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 103: what you’re looking at

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

THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. 487 down the butt of his rifle on the fellow’s head just in time, and he dropped like a log. The man behind hurled his spear, but his aim was poor, and instead of striking Guy, it entered the poor camel’s neck, and the beast, plunging madly forward, hurled Guy and the Arab to the ground. This alone saved their lives. As Guy staggered to his feet, cries of quite a different nature burst from the mob, and in fright and panic they began to scatter in all directions. ‘he rattle of musketry broke out some distance ahead, and the Arabs, joining in eagerly, began to empty their rifles into the fleeing mass. The Englishmen were saved. A compact body of men in linen tunics and leopard skin caps came sweeping forward. They were armed with rifles, and as they ran they kept shooting into the struggling crowd which was shrieking and groaning with agony. In five minutes the place was deserted and the stony ground was literally covered with bodies. It was a terrible example of Rao Khan’s despotic rule. Melton was lifted up and to Guy’s deep sorrow it was seen that he had received an ugly thrust along the side, not of a serious nature, but ragged and painful. Two of the Emir’s troopers, for such they proved to be, carried him, for he was unable to walk or ride. Guy and the Arab mounted a fresh camel, first putting the wounded animal out of his misery, and then, preceded by the Emir’s guard, the caravan resumed its march up the street. The first sight of Harar was novel and interesting. Before them was a long avenue, fully a mile in length, at the extreme end of which could be dimly seen the northern wall of the town. ‘This avenue was like a barren mountain road, strewn with rubbish and heaps of rocks, and the dwellings which rose on all sides to the height of two stories, were, many of them, con- structed of sandstone and granite, cemented with a reddish any. They were impressively gloomy and dingy. The terrible scene just enacted had terrorized the people. Many Arabs came flocking across the streets and exchanged greetings with the newcomers, but very few Somalis or Gallas were to be seen. The sigiit of the Emir’s guard seemed to have stricken the town like a palsy. The shops and booths ‘were closed and deserted. ‘The curtains of the houses were closely drawn ; here and there at the doors lay goods that had been dropped in the sudden panic, and at one place a man lay dead across the threshold still clutching in his stiffened fingers a bunch of brightly colored rugs. But now the scene became animated and lively; people flocked out from their houses, among them many women, whom Guy regarded curiously, for they seemed to be of quite a different type from the men, and passably good looking. ‘They made no demonstration, however, but very quietly followed the caravan. The center of the town was now close at hand, and a short distance ahead, on the left hand side, rose a more imposing abode than those around it. It was built of granite, and above the flat roof rosea square tower with CONnnicloOokKkS.c@ 3