The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 41: what you’re looking at

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

A PERUVIAN PARADISE, AI ‘Had Gonnatzl his way, my lord, you would be less gently treated. He does not like men with white faces, and says they are all alike,’’ said Imo- zene softly. ‘But thanks to you and your grandfather we receive far better treatment than we deserve,’’ rejoined Keeth, with a smile. ‘‘ Ah, -my lord,’’ she said, raising her eyes to his fora moment, and he saw that they were full or tears, ‘‘ we cannot know what may happen. My grandfather is old. Gonnatzl will succeed him and will then work his own will. And I—what am I but a weak woman? I can do nothing to save you. Beware of Gonnatzl, my lord !’’ - She looked at him with all her soul in her eyes and then ran sobbing from the.room. ‘‘ Hang it!’’ thought Keeth, ‘‘ the girl knows more than she tells. I believe that Gonnatzl already intends us some injury. We must risk that river bed at once, desperate as the chance appears. I feel quite confident that the prisoner they speak of was Rodriguez. I’ll see Ford and Fitch the first thing in the morning, and we'll make the attempt tomorrow night if the fates be propitious.’’ But the morning brought a peril which was entirely unlooked for. He was awakened in his chamber at the rear of the temple by the beating of the brazen gongs. Every morning the priests performed some ceremony in homage to the rising sun; but Keeth knew by the uproar in the court before the temple that something of an unusual nature was afoot. He arose and dressed, although it was still quite dark. He had scarcely slipped on his tunic when his door was opened and two solemn faced priests beck- ~ oned him out. He followed them in wonder to the porch of the temple. Not until he reached this place and saw the concourse of people and Ford and the trader each between two guards at one side of the porch did he suspect that they were in danger. ‘The priests who had brought him gave him over to the care of two armed Indians and he was placed beside his comrades. ‘‘ What’s up,’’ asked Ford, in a whisper. ‘I don’t know anything about it. I’m just out of bed,” replied Keeth, in the same low tone. ‘‘Is the old priest here?’’ ‘‘ Haven’t seen him. ‘That red rascal, Gonnatzl, seems to be the master: of ceremonies.’’ ‘Hii believe they’re goin’ to roast us, an’ ’ave a feast,’’ said Fitch gloomily. “I tell you they’re not cannibals,’’ declared Keeth. But he wished that the benign, if stern, face of the old priest would appear. He remembered that Imozene had warned him against her cousin only the night before. ‘The situation looked serious. Have you got your pistols?’’ he inquired. ‘“Yes. And they’re in good order, too,’’ declared Ford grimly. ‘Then if worst comes to worst we’ll be able to put up a good fight,’’ said his friend. ‘‘ But wait for me to give the signal. I-can understand what they say and you can’t.’’ . Eomichook (S)