The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

A PERUVIAN PARADISE. 19 The river was deep and ran like a millrace between the spot on which he stood and this old stump. No man could breast the fierce current, supposing even that it was not:'too deep to be waded. But Keeth was an ingenious fellow, and had experienced life in some of the wilder portions of the States before coming to Peru. He had accompanied a United States exploring ex- pedition through Arizona and New Mexico before his twenty first birthday, and had learned in those cattle raising countries something of the value of a thirty foot rope. The instant he saw the stump he saw as well a way out of the present difficulty. He caught up the coil of hemp, made a running noose, and planted his feet firmly on the edge of the water, preparatory to making a cast: “ If the rope’s long enough'to reach, and that old stub holds, we’re all right,’’ he thought, as he swung the coils about his head. It was a long cast, and the loop did not fall over the stub at the first or second trial ; but Keeth was delighted to see it drop just where he wanted it to the next time. However, when he had drawn it taut, he found it so short that he could not fasten it at the side of the inlet, and he had to shout for his companions to help him. Ford and the Englishman came running with their rifles in their hands, fully believing that he had been attacked by Indians ; but they forgave him for disturbing their morning nap when they discovered what he had done. 7 ‘‘ Hit’s a great ’ead yow ’ave, Mr. Keeth,’’ declared Fitch. ‘‘ Hi’d never thought of it.’’ ‘' But will the stump hold?’’ asked Ford Kinsale. We'll all get hold of the line and try it,” replied Keeth. ‘‘ We know the rope is all right. If it holds, I'll cross over and help you fellows across,.”’ The stub proved to be firmly set in the ground, and without waiting for breakfast Keeth removed his’ clothing and prepared to make the passage of the river. He wrapped his garments in his blanket, swathed his gunlock in oily rags, and slinging both bundle and weapon over his shoulder; plunged inte the water. Ford hung to the end of the rope and steadied him, and although Keeth’s feet were almost immediately swept from beneath him, he managed to reach the opposite shore without serious difficulty. He hurried into his damp clothing and helped Fitch across, and then flung the rope back to Ferd and, with the trader’s assistance, drew his friend, and the provisions, over the flood. ‘Well, I pray heaven we won’t have to cross another such place,’’ Kinsale panted, as they drew him to land. ‘‘ I’m not’ half'as anxious to see the Incas’ cave as I was when poor Jose was telling us about it.”’ ‘I thought you were looking for lots of excitement this vacation,’’ said Keeth slily. , | ‘“ Oh, we’re having too much fun,’’ declared Ford ruefully. ‘‘I didn’t know what I was talking about. If ever I get back to Callao I shan’t ask for another vacation for ten years;’’ They marched along the shingle for some miles further, fortunately finding it good traveling all the way ; but it was nearly noon before they reached what COLMMicloool<S.eo)