The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

A PERUVIAN PARADISE. | 15 whom you profess to think so poorly of.’ ‘Then in a low voice, that the guide might not hear, and with a wave of his hand toward the Opposite mountain slope: ‘‘ Beyond that stream lies the country of the tribe with whom I lived so long. We must not let this man go farther wit’ us.’’ ‘ But what shall wedo?’’ demanded Keeth. ‘‘ How will we get rid of him ?’’ ‘ Let us cross and camp for our noon meat, I will find some way to rid us of his presence.’’ ‘But can we find our way back without him???’ asked F ord. ‘That we must reesk.’’ : ‘‘Go ahead,”’ said Fitch recklessly. ‘‘ Hi’m goin’ to see this ‘ere thing through, wotever comes. ’’ : But when they reached the bridge even Ronaid Keeth shrank from crossing it. ‘“Ah, senors, eet ees simple,’’ exclaimed Redriguez, mnoting their hesitancy. He motioned Manuel to lead the way and leaped upon the end of the timber himself. ‘The guide started across the gulf as nonchalantly as though he were crossing a perfectly secure bridge with a hand rail.on either side instead of a tree trunk which quivered and shook with every step. The Spaniard followed close on his heels. ‘“ Hold on, let’s see how they get across,’’ said Keeth, and he and his two friends watched Jose and the guide with intense interest. But they crossed without mishap, and immediately upon feeling the solid rock beneath his feet Jose turned and swung his hat encouragingly. For an instant his back was turned to the guide. ‘That instant was evidently the opportunity for which Manuel had been waiting. Before Keeth or his comrades could utter the warning shout which rose to their lips the huge Indian had seized the slight form of the Spaniard about the waist. He pinioned one arm, but Jose must have possessed muscles of Steel. He twisted about in the giant’s grasp and seized him in turn by the throat. Neither could draw his knife, and for a moment they swayed and struggled on the verge of the precipice. Uttering a loud shout Keeth, forgetting the swaying bridge, sprang upon the log and ran toward the scene of the battle. He drew his pistol from its sheath as he went, but he dared not fire, the men were so closely inter- : locked. The timber swayed frightfully beneath his feet, but he scarcely noticed the vibration. His eyes were on that struggling pair: He saw nothing else, 7 Suddenly Jose tore his other arm lose. Instantly his freed fingers sought his belt, he drew the knife, and like a flash struck it into the guide’s breast ! - The Indian staggered back, but not for an instant did his grip about his gutagonist’s body relax. Gathering his waning powers. for one desperate effort, he sprang forward to the edge of the cliff and pitched headfirst into the gulf, carrying the Spaniard with him ! They whirled over and over in the air as they descended, striking the water with a mighty splash at last, and disappeared beneath the surface. EComichooks-com