The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. 159 roused from their sleep by his sharp cry of alarm, sprang excitedly to their feet, the flaming glare revealed to their astonished gaze a monstrous serpent coiled half on land, half in the water, at the edge of the island. The flat, ugly head, with its wicked eyes, was darting angrily to and fro, and the body was as thick as a man’s leg above the knee. ‘“Great Caesar, it’s a.sea serpent !’’ cried Forbes, making a dash for his rifle, while Sir Arthur, with a dismal groan, dropped down on his knees and had to be dragged forcibly away by the colonel. The glare of the torch seemed to anger the monster, for it advanced a yard or more up the island, and spattered the water furiously with its great tail. A general rush was made for the canoes, and it would have been no diffi- cult matter to have slipped quickly away and left the hideous monster in undisputed possession of the island. Unluckily Forbes was bent on resistance. He seized his rifle, made sure that it was ready for use, and started forward just as Guy hurried to his assistance. ; ‘“Come away, Melton,’’ he cried ; *‘ it will only make things worse if you wound it.’’ ‘But I don’t intend to wound it,’’ replied Melton. ‘‘I'm going to put a ball through that ugly head. Stand back, Chutney; stand back.’’ As he spoke he advanced recklessly until the muzzle of his rifle was within two feet of the serpent’s head, and taking a quick aim pulled the trigger. The stunning report shook the cavern, and as Forbes turned to flee, the enraged monster, with blood streaming from a hole in his neck, threw his slimy coils forward in convulsions of agony, and before the eyes of his horri- fied companions Melton was pinned to the ground. He struggled to his knees, fighting desperately to loosen the tightening coils, and uttering heartrending appeals for help. Then, with a mighty hiss, the serpent flapped wildly toward the water, dragging his victim with him, and with a terrific splash and a resounding slap of the great tail on the moist sand, both disappeared in the gloom. With a terrible cry Guy ran to the water’s edge and shouted again and again. No response came back. ‘The black river flowed as smoothly and calmly as before. “Lost! Lost!’’ he cried hoarsely, and staggering backward he fell heavily on the sand. The colonel ran to his assistance, and at that moment a single cry came distinctly from a point below the island. ‘“Taisten!’’ exclaimed Canaris. ‘‘ What is that ?”’ ‘Help! MHelp!’’ rang mournfully through the recesses of the cavern. It was Melton’s voice surely, and the familiar tones reached Guy’s ears and brought him.to his feet in an instant. ‘It’s Forbes !’’ he shouted wildly. ‘‘ The canoe, quick,’’ and snatching the heavy craft, he fairly threw it into the river and sprang in. GComichbooks (S@)