The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

22 A PERUVIAN PARADISE. frightened, nor struggle, as Keeth expected she would. Instead she lay passive in his arms, although she must have realized their danger. Then, in a moment, Keeth felt Ford’s hands‘on his shoulders. He was dragged upon the rock, still bearing the girl in his arms, and set her down safely upon her feet. His clothing was torn to rags. His hands were bruised and bleeding and there was a long gash on the side of his face. ‘The girl darted away from them like a startled creature of the wood, evidently unhurt by her fall. But she did not go far, for, finding herself unmolested, she stopped and looked back. ' ‘“By Jove, Keeth! you’re a sight,’’ cried Ford. ‘‘ But get into your coat and come on. We must make.a break from here.’’ ‘* What’s the matter ?’’ demanded Ronald, still a bit dazed. ‘“There’s Indians about. They may be down on us any minute.”’ ‘“Yes,’’ said Fitch, ‘‘ while you was.a-riskin’ your life for that ’ussie, we saw one of ’em among the rocks up there. We’ve got to run for hit !”’ Keeth picked up his coat and started to putiton. Butacry from the girl caused him to look up. Out of the timber before them came a crowd of men armed with spears and clubs. They were Indians—of a lighter com- plexion than those usually seen in Peru—and were dressed in all the savage magnificence of an uncivilized people. They were clothed in little but a-short tunic and sandals, but there were brilliantly colored feathers in their hair and their arms and ankles were adorned with heavy bands of gold. They were fierce looking, keen eyed men, and without noticing the white men’s superior weapons, marched solemnly toward them. ‘Their huge spears were advanced threateningly and two or three had already fitted arrows to their bowstrings. At their head walked an old man with wrinkled, parchment-like face, dressed in a long white robe of finely woven llama wool. ‘‘ Great Scott, Keeth!’’ ejaculated Ford. ‘‘ We’re in for it. Shall we fight or run?”’ Fitch had already unslung his rifle, and raised it to his shoulder ; but Keeth roused himself in time to strike the weapon up. ‘* Not on your life, man!’’ he cried. ‘‘ One of those follows with the bows would spit you like a dried codfish. Keep still and let’s see what they want. It will be time enough to fight when they try to disarm us.’’ ‘* But they’ll surround us in a minute,’’ growled Fitch. ““Stand back to the tunnel here. They can’t get behind us then,’’ re- turned Keeth. ‘‘ Keep your eyes open and don’t let them get the better of us by a sudden sally.’’ The Indians had halted a few yards away and the old man advanced a step. He addressed some words to the white men which none of them un- derstood. It did not sound like the dialects of either the coast or the moun- tain tribes with whom they had previously fallen in. ‘“What’s that he’s saying ?’’ demanded Ford. ‘‘ Can you understand the gibberish, Fitch ?’’ ‘Not Hi. Try them with Spanish, Mr. Keeth,’’ suggested the trader. ‘‘ Most Hinjuns understand that.’’ Eomichbooks (S@) REV ee a