The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

500 THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. ‘“Go on, leave me; save yourselves,’’ he whispered feebly as they bent over him and tried to lift him to his feet. ‘*One more effort, my dear Melton,’’ implored Guy in an agony, ‘‘ only one more effort and we shall be safe ; we can carry you if you can’t walk.’’ ‘“No,’’ he gasped. ‘‘Go, go at once. Youcan escape. I would only keep you back and cause your capture ; better one than three.’’ Guy threw an appealing glance at Canaris. ‘The Greek’s features were immovable. He calmly waited the result of Guy’s pleading. ‘“ My brave fellow,’’ said Chutney in a husky voice, kneeling down and clasping Melton’s hand, ‘‘I refuse to accept your sacrifice. I shall remain here with you and we will meet our fate together. Canaris, save yourself while there is yet time. I will not desert my friend.’’ The Greek paused irresolutely. ‘The convulsive workings of his face showed the struggle going on in his mind. Suddenly Melton rose on one elbow, and cried excitedly : ‘* Go, go, I tell you.’’ Guy shook his head. ‘‘ No,’’ he said decidedly, ‘‘ I will remain.’’ ‘“Vou are throwing your lives away,’’ said Melton bitterly. ‘‘ Here, help me up. I will make another effort.’’ 3 In an instant Guy and Canaris had gladly pulled 1im to his feet, and off they went again as rapidly as possible. All was quiet around them. A deep silence, broken only by the occasional low of a cow, had enwrapped the town. So far their escape had remained undiscovered. ‘Ah, here we are,’’ said Canaris joyfully, turning down a dark, dirty passage, so narrow that the three could barely walk abreast. ‘‘In three minutes we shall reach the wall.’’ Three minutes is not a long time, but it is long enough for many things to happen. ‘They had traversed half the length of the street when Guy, moved by one of those sudden, unexplainable impulses, turned his head. Ten yards behind, crawling with soft and stealthy tread, was a grim, half naked Somali. How long he had been following in their track it was impossible to tell. But there he was, a stern. Nemesis, the moonlight shining on spear and shield, and glowing on the dark, villainous features, Guy and Canaris wheeled round and stood with drawn revolvers. The Somali clutched his spear and drew up his shield. The silence remained un- broken. One single cry and a mad horde would rush forth like bees from a hive. The Somali made one step backward, then another, and then opening his mouth he gave a yell that was caught up in horrible echoes till the street fairly rang. ‘‘Malediction !’’ cried Canaris in uncontrollable fury, ‘‘ that’s your last shout,’’ and taking quick aim he pulled his revolver on the shouting Somali. A stunning report, a hollow groan, and down came the savage all ina heap, while the heavy shield bounded with a clatter over the stones. I William Murray Graydon. (TO BE CONTINUED. ) 3 > Eomichbooks