The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 59: what you’re looking at

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

A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC, 443 In the morning he discovered that the mutineers had encamped within sight of the mouth of the cave. But his friends were uot with them. Sur- prised at this he thoughtlessly stepped outside, the better to see the camp. Instantly a man appeared on either hand and covered him with a pistol. He fired at one—without effect—and the other sprang forward and knocked his revolver from his hand. His capture was then an easy matter, although he fought with all his strength. ‘“T really thought you’d give us more of a tussle,’’ said Atwell jeeringly, when the struggle was over and the young man lay panting and bound upon the rocky plateau. Thorne was silent. ‘The siege had ended very tamely indeed. ‘‘T meant to get you though, before long,’’ Atwell went on. ‘‘ There- fore I sent your friends to the other side of the island last evening. It might hurt their feelings to view a little incident which I propose shall take place before we leave this blooming island.”’ His men rolled out such stores as he directed. The long boat was brought into the inlet and moored near by. ‘The instruments, Captain Lati- mer’s cash box, and the provisions were put aboard. Thorne’s pockets were searched and his purse taken. ‘There was not much money in it, but ina belt around his waist was a draft for five thousand dollars. ‘“T believe J can make this useful,’’ said the villain, and he explained its value to his companions. ‘‘ But it’s only payable at Aukland,’’ he added. ‘“T reckon we’c better try for that after we get to the Marquesas.”’ When the boat was made ready for departure the mutineers had an earnest discussion. Finally Atwell carried his point, whatever it was, and came over - to Thorne. ‘“There’s just two things I want to do before bidding good by to this island,’’ he said, cutting the prisoner’s ankle lashings. ‘‘ One is, that I want to see that old buzzard, Latimer. But I’m afraid I’ll have to go without that pleasure. Still, I winged him and he may not get over it. The other thing is to put you up here for a target!’’ ‘The man’s eyes blazed wickedly and his teeth gleamed beneath his heavy beard like a wolf’s. ‘‘Sam Atwell never forgets an injury. I ain’t forgot the time you knocked me down, back there in Rivermouth, all for that girl—blast her eyes! I’m glad she’s gone down yonder,’’ and he pointed to the tunnel below them, ‘‘and I’m going to send | you after her. Letting her drown was the only decent thing that white liv- ered Monckton done. I ain’t forgot that blow, I say,’’ he continued, ad- vancing his wicked face and thrusting it into Thorne’s own. ‘‘I can feel it now—an’ I shail feel it till I wipe it out by wiping you out!”’ He said something to his men. ‘Two of them stepped forward and drag- ged Thorne to his feet. He scarcely realized what they were doing. He was led to the edge of the bank, turned with his back to the water, and a bandage was tied over his eyes. He then heard them move away, and the click of revolvers followed. ‘“Tf you've got anything to say, speak up,’’ said Atwell harshly. ‘“Untie my hands,’’ said Thorne. a ‘“What’s that for? Think you can getaway? Well, do it for him, Con.”’ CONNIE OOKS EO) 3