The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 42: what you’re looking at

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

42 A PERUVIAN PARADISE, ‘‘Hif Hi see one o’ them niggers comin’ for me with a toasting fork, I shan’t wait for you to give the word to fire,’’ declared Fitch mutinously. ‘‘ Hit’s ev’ry man for ’imself then, an’ the devil ’elp the ’indermost !”’ The priests were grouped behind the prisoners on the porch. ‘The peaple crowded the plaza before the altar, and Keeth observed, by the light of the torches, Gonnatzl and a group of warriors just below him on the broad steps. Suddenly the young Indian sprang out into the open space behind the altar and began to speak to the crowd. And as Keeth listened to the passionate words which fell from his lips he paled and grasped the handle of the revolver beneath his tunic, for Gonnatzl was proving all that Imozene had feared. He was inciting the people against the white prisoners, and was even decrying the leniency the old priest had shown them. CHAPTER XI.—THE SIGN OF THE CURSE. ‘“WHAT does that red rascalsay, any way?’’ whispered Ford, nudging Keeth with his elbow. Keeth looked at his friend strangely. ‘“What’s the matter with you? Speak up!’’ exclaimed Ford. ‘“You remember that mark on poor Jose’s cheek that caused all his trouble ?”’ ‘«Surely.’’ ‘Well, Gonnatzl is kicking because we have not been treated to the same delicate attention. He accuses our friend, the priest, of showing us unwar- ranted favoritism by not tattooing us before, and he demands that we receive ‘the sign of the curse’ at once.’’ Bob Fitch’s hands sought the side pockets of his ragged coat where re- posed his two revolvers. ‘‘ May has well be shot for a hold sheep has a lamb,’’ he muttered. ‘“Be quiet, Fitch !’’ commanded Keeth. ‘‘ Don’t either of you make a move until I give the word. If the priest comes this may blow over.’’ But still the old man did not appear and Gonnatzl’s words were evidently having their effect upon the assembled throng. ‘The torches lit up the dark, fierce faces of the men in the front of the crowd, but the mass of the people ‘were in the black shadow of the building which surrounded the plaza and only their outlines could be seen. ‘The young prince’s impassioned utter- ances were inflaming the warriors, who were without doubt his friends and supporters. Looks of hatred and malice were cast at the three prisoners, and it seemed as though the savages were ready to make a rush upon them. Suddenly there sounded the shrill tinkle of cymbals within the temple. Keeth started and turned to his friends in excitement. He knew that the sound of the cymbals always announced the approach of the high priest at any ceremony. ‘The sky in the east was already glowing with the approach- ing dawn. ‘The torches burned dimly in the increasing light. Gonnatzl evidently recognized the fact that his time was limited. His voice rose to a shriek and he threw his arms above his head in an ecstasy of rage. Eomichbooks (S@)