The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 175: what you’re looking at

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

= THE MUTINY ON THE FLYING CLOUD. 559 Up to that moment the engineer had not moved ; he was waiting for the blood to circulate once more in his cramped limbs, and also for Henderson to give him the cue for their next action. He remained perfectly still until the Malay had approached within arm’s length of him, and then, with a single, lightning-like blow of his fist, he dropped the fellow senseless upon the grass at his feet. Then, swift as light, he glided behind the tree, where Henderson stood with Percy in his arms, and, convulsively gripping the other’s outstretched hand, he murmured : ‘A thousand thanks, old fellow! Now, which way are we to go?”’ “T arranged for Manners and Nicholls to join, us in the path yonder, never dreaming that those two men would be posted there,’’ whispered Hen- derson in return. ‘Well, come along then,’’ cheerfully observed Grant. “‘ We shall have to shoot if they offer to oppose our passage. Ha! we shall be compelled to fight whether we will or not ; that fellow whom I knocked down is reviving, and he will raise the alarm before we have gone a dozen feet. Give me the child; my arms are still benumbed and scarcely fit to hold a rifle, but I can carry him. So, that is it’’—as Henderson handed over little Percy—‘* now let us make a run for it.”’ herewith the two friends started at top speed for the entrance of the path, running straight toward the two Malay sentinels. ~ No sooner, however, did they appear in the open than a cry was raised, and in an instant the whole camp was on the alert, some of the Malays run- ning to intercept the fugitives, whilst others hurriedly sprang for their mus- kets and opened a wild fusillade upon them. The two sentinels faced about, and séeing the white men running, at once raised their weapons to their shoulders. “ alt !’ cried Grant, setting Percy down on the ground and facing about toward their pursuers. ‘‘ Attend to those two sentries, Henderson! I will deal with the others !’’ No sooner said than done. Henderson pulled up at once, and, coolly receiving the fire of the two Malays—which, however, owing to their being hurried, proved harmless—deliberately dropped them, one after the other. ‘Now, on again !’’ exclaimed the engineer, snatching up his frightened child and regaining Henderson’s side. As they ran, Henderson placed a whistle between his lips and blew a single, short, piercing call upon it. © That ~will soon bring the other two to our help,’’ he, gasped. They were by this time within a hundred feet of the border of the woods ; but the light heeled Malays were close behind them. The time for decisive action had arrived. Seeing this, Grant once more placed his child on the ground, and said : “ Now run home as fast as you can, dear boy, and tell mother that the doctor and I hope to be with her in a quarter of an hour.”’ Then, as the little fellow made off at top speed, the father added, ‘Thank God, Ads retreat is secured if we can hold out for ten minutes. Now, Hender- son, true and trusty comrade, let us make a stand here, and, shoulder to shoulder, show these rascals how we can fight.’’ CoOmMicosoolks.€