The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

THE RIVER OF DARKNESS.* A record of some marvelous experiences in the Dark Continent—Why a water journey beneath the earth’s surface was undertaken at frightful risks—A voyage on a raft along an unknown course and without the possibility of retreat. SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTERS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED. Guy CHUTNEY, an officer in the British army, on his way back to service in India, is asked to stop off at Aden and take important despatches to Sir Arthur Ashby, governor of Zaila, on the African coast. En route the steamer touches at Berbera, where the great annual fair is being held. Here Chutney rescues from death Makar Makalo, by shooting a leopard whose slumbers the Arab had unwittingly disturbed, and a few minutes later he meets an old friend, Melton Forbes, foreign correspondent of an English newspaper. Suspecting that there is treachery in the wind, Forbes sends his native servant Momba through the town to investigate, who soon after returns pursued by a mob of Somali warriors. It appears that Manuel Torres, a Portuguese fellow passenger of Guy’s on the Aden steamer, and whom he suspects of reading his des- patches, has brought rifles to Makar Makalo, who is instituting rebellion against the English on behalf of Rao Khan, Emir of Harar. Melton with his servant, accompanies Guy to Zaila, and at the residency they find Sir Arthur drinking champagne with Colonel Carrington. ‘Their report carries consternation to the breast of the governor, who thinks of seeking safety on board the steamer. But it is too late ; the Arabs are already swarming about the place, the Englishmen are all made prisoners, and doomed by Makar Makalo to be sent as slaves to the Somalis of the Galla country. CHAPTER VII.—SoLpD INTO SLAVERY. ms party were taken to a rear apartment of the residency, and placed under strong guard. During the remainder of that night no one slept, of course, nor did they hold much conversation, for all instinctively avoided a subject which could only add to their wretchedness, Slavery among the Somalis was a fate worse than death. It was a living death indeed, for hope of escape there was none. Far better if Makar had ordered them to be shot at daybreak. Guy spoke hopefully to Melton of the situation, counting somewhat on the claim he had on Makar; but Melton seemed to think that the Arab had ignored the affair, and would not interfere with Guy’s fate. All too soon gray dawn came stealing into the residency, revealing the haggard faces of the captives, and with it came a summons from Makar to prepare for the journey. Food was brought, and partaken of with some relish, for, under even the most distressing circumstances, men seem able to eat. Closely watched, they were led into the open air, and halted fora brief space in the court. The sun was not up yet, and the blue waters of the gulf stretched afar *This story began in the May, 1897, issue of THE ARGOSY, which will be mailed to any address on receipt of ro cents, (G) Gomilicbooksne 5}