The Argosy — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

THE RIVER OF DARKNESS. 333 Melton’s drowsiness vanished instantly, and he sprang up. ‘“It would be advisable to waken Canaris and Sir Arthur,’’ suggested the colonel. ‘‘ No one ought to sleep at a time like this. All hands may be needed.”’ : A slight touch woke the Greek, but it required a severe shaking to rouse Sir Arthur. ‘“Waiter, a deviled kidney and a pint of Pommery Sec,’’ he aise drowsily, as Chutney pulled him to a sitting position. And then opening his eyes he groaned dismally, ‘‘ Bless me, I thought I was dining at Gatti’s. Why didn’t you let me sleep ?”’ CHAPTER XXVII.—AtL Horr VANISHES. ‘“WE are approaching the outlet of the lake, Sir Arthur,’’ said Guy. “Tt is better that all should be awake in case we encounter bad water.’’ ‘Ves, yes; very true. You want me to hold the torch, I suppose. Gad! what a dream I had! I was dining with Lord Balsover. I’d give my title and fortune to be back in London this minute.’’ ‘“Hold your torch straight,’’ said the colonel dryly, and then under the regular strokes of four paddles the canoe moved swiftly toward the distant sound of running water. Every instant it grew louder and more distinct, and soon their voices were almost drowned in the roar. It was a period of terrible anxiety. That it was the outlet of the lake they were approaching no one for an instant doubted. ‘Their chief concern was for a safe passage into the river beyond, for the angry splash of the water told plainly its turbulent and dangerous nature. ‘Keep a little off from the shore,’’ cried Guy. ‘‘It won’t do to make — too sharp a curve or we shall upset. We must strike the current fairly in the center and keep the canoe straight as an arrow. Whatever happens, don’t drop the torch,’’ he added warningly. Close as they now were to the outlet, no signs of any current were yet visible. The colonel called attention to this strange fact, but Guy explained it by remarking that the current probably passed directly through the center of the lake, and that dead water continued to the very edge. ‘‘I can see a white gleam ahead,’’ he cried suddenly; ‘‘ now paddle off from shore a little more and head the canoe as I tell you.’’ His orders were obeyed in silence. Straight out from the shore the canoe shot deftly. A couple of quick strokes forward and backward and its bow faced the angry waters that raged and foamed thirty yards distant. The radius of the torch cast a faint gleam on the very edge of the glis- tening spray. It seemed to beckon them onward. ‘‘ Now give way,’’ cried Guy. Four paddles dipped and rose as one, the’ shining drops rolled from their blades like so many diamonds in the torch glare, and then Guy sprang to his feet with a loud cry. : The paddles wavered in mid air. ‘‘ Go ahead,’’ he shouted fiercely. ‘* Paddle with all your strength.”’ CoORnnicloolK< (S@)