The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 104: what you’re looking at

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

488 THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. circular windows. It boasted a spacious courtyard, inclosed by a low stone parapet, and within this space were a dozen armed guards, clad in leopard skin caps, and bearing brightly polished rifles. It was the palace of the Emir, and as the caravan drew up to the gates. the escort sounded a blast of trumpets, and almost immediately the doors were opened and a grave and dignified Arab came slowly out. He spoke a few words to the leader of the caravan, who dismounted at once, and bidding Guy follow him, entered the courtyard. Close behind him came Melton, borne by the soldiers. Passing between the guards, they entered a narrow vestibule hung with rich curtains, and in a moment more were ushered into the dreaded presence of Rao Khan. The Emir was seated on a low dais at the further side of a spacious apartment. ‘The first glance struck terror to Guy’s heart. Rao Khan was a short, thickset man, with a round, smooth face. His eyes were sunken deeply under the forehead, and the expression of his face was a strange blending of brutality, avarice, and treachery. He was simply clad in white linen, with a great sword at his side, and on his head was a leopard skin cap, | so constructed that the tail of the leopard hung down his back. Before him squatted four solemn faced Arabs. ‘The floor was spread with tugs and the skins of various animals, and on the heavily curtained walls hung a dazzling array of every description, bronze and copper shields, and strips of oddly woven tapestry. At sight of the English flag which the Arab now produced, the Emir’s eyes sparkled, his face lit up with fiendish joy, and he began to talk wildly in a strange tongue. The Arab replied, giving him no doubt an account of the insurrection, for the names Berbera, Zaila, and Makar Makalo were frequently mentioned. Guy, from his position at Melton’s side, who had been placed on a soft lion skin, watched the strange scene with wonder. He was more worried at present about Melton than anything else. The spear wound had not yet been dressed, and the poor fellow was in too much pain even to talk, At last the Arab turned round, and, pointing to the Englishmen, spoke in a low tone to the Emir, who half rose from his seat and looked sharply at the captives. : Guy met his gaze calmly and steadily. Ina moment the suspense would be over, and their fate would be decided one way or the other. CHAPTER X.—THE SLAVE PRISON. THE Emir’s reply was brief and apparently forcible. He clapped his hands, and half a dozen soldiers appeared instantly. He addressed them with a word or two, but before they could execute his orders, Guy hastened forward and said to the Arab, ‘‘I pray you have my friend’s wound dressed. He is suffering much pain.’’? _ The Arab addressed the Emir, pointing to the wounded rman, and then turning to Guy he said, ‘‘ It is well. Rao Khan will see to the Inglis man.”’ Guy would have sought more information, but the soldiers now came for- Gomicbook 5