The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

A PERUVIAN PARADISE. | 33 “Oh, get out! These people aren’t cannibals. Hullo! here’s one of ‘em now.’’ Ford glanced up sideways at Keeth standing in the doorway. He didn’t recognize him until his eyes reached his face, and then he sat stock still, with a bowl of something in one hand and a cake in the other, and stared in round eyed amazement. Fitch’s attention was attracted also by his com- panion’s long silence. “W’y, Hi’m blest if it hain’t Mr. Keeth!’’ exclaimed the trader. ‘‘Of course it is,’’ responded Keeth, in some disgust. ‘‘ What’s the matter with you, Ford? Don’t be an idiot !”’ But Ford dropped his eatables and fairly rolled on the ground in the ex- cess of his hilarity. . ‘Oh, oh, oh!’’ he shouted. ‘‘Just look at him, Fitch! ‘The White Chief of the Incas!’ Oh, this is rich, Keeth. Won’t you be burnt a deep, rich brick red if you go dancing around in those togs? You look like a Scotch broad sword dancer, you do. What you going to do? Marry Poca- hontas and settle down with these people ?’’ 7 Keeth couldn’t help grinning himself, ‘Get up and don’t act so like a fool,’’ he said. ‘‘I had to put on some- thing besides those rags of mine, and this was all they had. I shall have to wear ’em till Ican get my measurements to my tailor in New York and he sends me something different.’’ ‘‘ That’s nice,’’ said Ford cheerfully. “Don’t laugh so loud, though,’’ pursued Keeth. ‘‘ Both you fellows may come to it yourselves.”’ ‘“How so? Are they going to make us don their attire?’? ‘“No; but what you’ve got on won’t last forever,’’ ‘What do you mean ?’’ demanded Ford, sobered at once. » “I mean,’’ replied Keeth, ‘‘ that our friend, the old priest, tells me that he is under the painful necessity of keeping us here the remainder of our natural lives. How does that strike you?” “Great Scott!’’ ejaculated Ford, grave enough now. ‘‘ You don’t mean that ?’’ “I certainly do, I had an interview with him last night and that was the outcome of it. He promises that we shall be treated well, but we shall have to stay here.’’ “Stay ’ere!’’ repeated Fitch, his pig-like eyes wide open. ‘‘ Not if Hi know myself ! ”’ : ‘“““Them’s my sentiments !’’’ quoted Ford. ‘“That’s all very well,’ said Keeth. ‘‘ You needn’t think I don’t ap- preciate the situation, too; but merely saying we won’? stay will not help us out of the difficulty.’’ ‘I didn’t know but you had already promised to be his son in law,’’ said Ford slyly. | “Come,’’ said Keeth, his eyes flashing dangerously. ‘‘’This is no time for fooling. It is a serious matter; but we must talk and move circumspectly. Jose Rodriguez got away from these same people; what man has done man (c) COPMiclaoolK< (S@)