The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 57: what you’re looking at

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

A PERUVIAN PARADISE. _ 57 Keeth halted and clutched his companion by the arm. ‘“Wait,’’ he said breathlessly. ‘‘ That is the new high priest. Let us see what follows.’’ ‘‘ We shall be discovered, senor,’’ whispered Jose. ‘“ Not yet.’’ The light of the torches which attendants held upon either hand fell full upon the noble figure of the young Indian. Massive gold bands covered his arms, and great bars of gold hung from his ears. ‘The cloak which swept the steps behind him flashed a dozen lovely shades. It was made of the brilliant plumage of the paroquet and a chain of dull gold links held it upon his shoulders. After standing a moment in silence the prince began to speak. His powerful voice penetrated to the farthest side of the plaza and every word was easily distinguished by Keeth. His first few sentences held the fugitive enthralled. Gonnatzl was arraigning the Princess Imozene for the escape of the three white men / Keeth could hear murmurings of anger break out among the assembly as the wily Gonnatzl went on. ‘The man accused her of forsaking her own people for the Jove of one of the white prisoners. Keeth’s face burned and his hand clutched the butt of his pistol as he listened to the foul accusations. He blamed himself now—oh, how bitterly !—for leaving the girl to the mercy of her people. Yet, at the time, he had believed he was doing right. Suddenly a rosy beam of light filtered through the fog. ‘The sun was rising. Ata motion from Gonnatzl the torches were extinguished and the people commenced a wild, fierce chant. ‘The crowd of priests above him separated and a slight, shrinking figure was pushed forward. It was Imozene ! The high priest seized her by the shoulder and dragged her forward to the altar. Her wrists were knotted together behind her back and her cloth- ing had been half torn from her body. With a quick twist of his muscular arm Gonnatzl threw her back upon the altar, and just as the first beam of the sun struck full upon him he poised the huge sacrificial knife above her bared breast. He drew back the knife for the awful stroke. The assembly was hushed again. Suddenly the crack of a pistol shattered the silence. A tiny red mark appeared in the center of the high priest’s forehead and he staggered back a step. The knife fell clattering to the pavement, and swinging around with blindly groping hands Gonnatzl dropped at full length beside the altar. The awed hush was broken by frightened screams of women and the hoarse cries of men. Several of the priests rushed forward to their fallen leader ; but again the crack of the revolver rose above the tumult. One and then another fell, or staggered back in agony as the leaden messengers reached their marks. ‘The fusillade continued. ‘They could see nothing—not even the smoke of the discharge. Simply the whiplike crack of the weapon and the dropping of those about the altar—that was all. The cries of the assembly rose to a terrified shriek. They scattered through the lanes and alleys of the town. The priests darted back into (E@) Eomichbooks