The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 163: what you’re looking at

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

THE RIVER OF DARKNESS, =e as A quantity of driftwood had been brought in the canoes from a previous camping place, and with this a small fire was built. In its cheerful flickering glow they fell asleep, and an hour later a faint gleam from the charred embers was all that relieved the darkness of the cavern. When Sir Arthur Ashby turned uneasily on his rugs some time afterward, even this feeble light was gone. ‘The ex-governor was consumed with a burning thirst. He had an undeniable craving for champagne and iced claret, but in the unavoidable absence of these drinks water would have to do. As he sat up, a faint noise reached his ears from the direction of the canoes, and supposing it to be Canaris, who had performed similar favors for him before, he called out loudly : ‘“My good fellow, fetch me a drink, will you? I’m deucedly dry.’’ The noise instantly ceased and was not repeated, though Sir Arthur — waited breathlessly for a full minute. Once he fancied he heard a slight rippling of water, but that, too, ceased at once. Then Sir Arthur uttered a loud shout, which speedily wakened his com- panions. ‘“What’s wrong?’’ cried the colonel anxiously. ‘‘ Did some one call? I surely heard a noise.’’ ‘‘T want a drink, that’s all,’’ said Sir Arthur. ‘‘ I heard some one down at the canoes and supposed it was Canaris. Was it you, Carrington?’’ ‘“No, certainly not,’’ exclaimed the colonel, now thoroughly awake. ‘Here, Chutney, Forbes, pass me a match, quick. I have none about me.’’ They were all on their feet instantly, and Guy lost no time in lighting the torch which he kept always by his side. Holding it over his head he led the way to the shore, and the first brief glance showed only too plainly what was the matter. “One canoe is missing !’’ he cried despairingly. ‘“What, you don’t mean it!’’ exclaimed Forbes. ‘‘ How can that be possible ? ”’ ‘It’s gone,’’ said Guy blankly. ‘‘ No doubt of it. Here is the mark of the keel leading down to the water. That’s not the worst of it, though. Half our provisions are gone with it, and one lamp and an oil flask as. well.’’ ‘‘ By Jove, Chutney, it’s that savage who has done this,’’ cried Melton. ‘It can be accounted for in no other way. We forgot all about the scoun- drel’s presence in the cavern.’’ ‘But how could he have lived all this time without food? ”’ : ‘‘I don’t know,’’ answered Melton. ‘‘ He must have managed it in some way, though. ‘These Gallas are tough, wiry fellows and can stand a good deal of hardship.’’ The circumstances all seemed to confirm Melton’s supposition. Unfortu- nately the fact that this Galla warrior was also making the cruise of the river had been overlooked, and now, asa result of this negligence, they had lost a’ canoe and half of their supplies. ‘We have one thing to be thankful for,’’ said Guy. ‘‘ If Sir Arthur (kK) Comicaool< (S@)