The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 152: what you’re looking at

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

152 THE RIVER OF DARKNESS, into the hands of friends, while Sir Arthur, feebly beginning to comprehend what had happened, ejaculated several times, ‘‘ Bless my soul,’’ as he clung with might and main to the Greek’s waist. Faster and faster they sped over the plain until the tumult behind them was lost in the muffled tramp of the camels’ hoofs. They rode side by side, with arms ready for instant use, but no foe appeared in front or behind, and at last, with a glad cry, Canaris pointed to the distant gleam of the Abys- sinian camp. " We are safe now,’’ exclaimed Guy. ‘The Callas feared to pursue us any further lest their anticipated attack on the Abyssinians should be spoiled.”’ ‘ Yes,’”’ replied Canaris, ‘‘ either that or they have circled round, hoping to cut us off at yonder gap in the mountains where the road breaks through to the coast. And now the rock must be close by. Ha! What does that mean ?’’ Bang! went a rifle shot directly ahead, and a brief red flash pierced the gloom. ‘It is Forbes!’ cried Chutney. ‘‘ He is in danger. Quick, quick, to the rescue.’’ A loud shout followed closely on the heels of the report, and recognizing Melton’s voice, Guy, lost to all sense of prudence, cried aloud : ‘‘ Don’t give in, Forbes ; we are coming.’’ An answering hail came distinctly back, followed immediately by a second shot. ur The agony of suspense was brief. A moment later.the rock loomed into view, and the panting camels came to a halt before the entrance to the cavern. “Oh, you’ve come back safe?’’ exclaimed Melton coolly, as he came forward with a smoking rifle in his hand. “I’ve had a brush with a party of Abyssinians. They were hunting their camels, I suppose, and took me by surprise. I dropped one of the rascals, and Look out! ‘There they are again.’’ All dodged to the ground as a shower of spears fell about the rock. With a hollow groan one of the camels dropped heavily over, pierced in the throat by a short spear, and his huge bulk formed a natural barrier before the cavern. Melton’s rifle cracked sharply, and a howl of pain attested the accuracy of his aim. ‘‘ Into the cavern, all of you,”’ cried Guy. ‘‘The Abyssinians are coming in force ; the firing has attracted them to the spot.’’ Already a shadowy mass was visible some thirty yards off, and the sound of voices was distittctly heard. , The Greek hastily motioned Sir Arthur and the colonel into the cavern, and hurriedly tossed in the provisions bag by bag. The enemy were now quite close, and as Canaris stowed away the last bag they came on with a wild‘ rush. From behind the dead camel Guy and Melton poured in a hot fire that checked their impetuous advance instantly, and before they could rally for Eomichbooks (S)