The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 114: what you’re looking at

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

498 THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. guards might come from the palace, and then—oh, it was horrible ; the pub- lic square, the executioner’s gleaming knife, the roar of the populace. Guy’s brain whirled at this appalling panorama, and he clutched the door for support. ‘*Can’t we rush on him?’’ asked Melton. Canaris laughed grimly. ‘‘ Before we could take three steps from the door,’’ he said, ‘‘ the fellow would see us and alarm the palace. If I go alone the chances are that be- fore you can reach me he would succeed in making an outcry. Our only hope lies in getting away from the town before our escape is discovered.”’ ‘‘But what are you going to do, Canaris?’’ asked Guy excitedly. ‘‘ We are losing precious time.’’ ‘‘Keep cool,’’ replied the Greek. ‘‘I will fix him in five minutes. Stay where you are and don’t makeasound. When I wave my hand, then come.’’ He removed his burnous and stuffed it under his tunic. ‘Then he calmly opened the door and walked straight across the court toward the guard, who looked up carelessly at his approach. With their eyes glued against the cracks of the door Guy and Melton waited in terrible suspense. A short conversation ensued. Canaris turned and pointed toward the prison. ‘The guard replied with many gestures, and finally in his eagerness placed his rifle against the wall. What followed was so swift and dexterous that it passed like a dream. The Greek’s right hand shot from his bosom clasping some glittering ob- ject. It struck the astonished guard on the forehead with a sharp click that echoed across the court yard, and without a sound he dropped on his knees and then rolled over on the stone pavement. Canaris waved his hand and then the two captives dashed breathlessly across the courtyard. ‘‘Is he dead ?’’ asked Guy in a horrified whisper. ‘‘Only stunned,’’ replied Canaris. ‘‘I struck him with the butt of my revolver. Quick now; bind and gag him while I find the key and open the gate.”’ | Guy hastily fastened the fellow’s feet and arms, and stuffed a roll of linen in his mouth. Melton stood looking on. His wound was beginning to give him some pain again. . , | With a low exclamation of triumph Canaris pulled from the Nubian’s waist a narrow belt on which hung a ponderous iron key. All rose to their feet. Guy dropped the unconscious guard under the shadow of the wall. The supreme moment had come. The great courtyard, white in the light of the moon, was empty. ‘The heavy doors leading to the palace were shut. Behind the high prison walls all seemed quiet. ‘The city was asleep. The first stage of the journey was accomplished in safety. The terrible passage through the town was before them now. With a hand that trembled ever so slightly Canaris inserted the key in the lock. It turned with a harsh rattle, and at a touch of the hand the brazen gate swung outward. The Greek made a hasty survey and then stepped noiselessly outside. eonmiclools 3