The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 111: what you’re looking at

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

THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. 495 latter had barely closed the door when Canaris held up a warning finger and motioned the Englishmen to draw near. ‘It is well,’’ he said softly. ‘‘I will tell you what I have done. Near the palace lives a Jewish merchant whom I know well. To him I went last night, and by the aid of your gold made a good bargain. On the western side of the city, close by the wall, is a deserted guard house that was once used before the watch towers were built. Here the Jew promised to take for me the goods I purchased, namely, a supply of dates, figs, and crackers, three revolvers, three rifles with boxes of shells, three sabers, two ancient bronze lamps with flasks of palm oil, a box of English candles, and four long ropes with iron hooks on the end.’’ “He will betray you to the Emir,’’ said Guy in alarm. ‘“ Qh, no,’’ returned Canaris, ‘‘ no danger of that. I know a little secret concerning my Jewish friend that would put his head above the town walls in an hour’s time. ‘The things are even now hidden in the deserted house, you may rely on that.”’ ‘‘ But how are we going to get out of this infernal dungeon?’’ asked Guy. ‘‘ And how can we pass through the streets to the edge of the town ?”’ For answer the Greek opened the leather case that he had brought with him, and took out three revolvers, three boxes of shells, a coil of rope, and a sharp knife. ‘These are my surgical instruments,’’ he said. ‘‘I will put them under the straw,’’ and he suited the action to the word. ‘‘ Affairs outside have changed somewhat,’’ he continued. ‘‘’The people are sullen and restless. They mistrust the Emir, and fear they will be cheated of the pleasure they are looking forward to.’’ Guy turned pale. ‘‘ Then we are lost,’’ he cried. “No, you are saved,’’ said Canaris. ‘‘ That very fact works for your salvation. The Emir is alarmed; he fears for himself, not for you. His troops are few since he despatched the caravan to Zaila, and at night for better security he takes the guards from the prison courtyard and stations them before the palace. This leaves three guards to contend with ; one watches in the corridor, one stands before the prison door, and the third guards the gateway that opens from the prison yard on to a dark avenue of the town. If all goes well, you will be free men at midnight. I must hurry away now. Listen well to my instructions, and do just as I tell you. ‘“You,’’? and he turned to Melton, ‘‘ must pretend all day that your wound is bad. Refuse to eat, and lie on the straw all the time. It will be better if I do not return today. I fear that even now Rao Khan gTOWS SUSs- picious. The Arab doctor is angered because I have assumed his duties. At midnight, if you listen sharply, you will hear the guard relieved by a new man. Soon after that knock on the door, and when the guard looks in show him the wounded man, who will then feign to be very bad. I sleep in a rear apartment of the palace. The guard will send for me, and I will come. Otherwise my visiting you at that time of night would be looked upon with suspicion. The rest I will tell you then. Don’t despair. All will be well : till midnight, farewell.’’ Comicloolks