Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 220: what you’re looking at

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

AN AFRICAN SECRET. Mr. Murdock should say that he was ready to accompany them. Pan was evidently at pains to say nothing. to suggest that he was sus- picious, and only once hinted at his anxiety. “What did Mr. Murdock say was the name of the tribe?” he asked. “ He didn’t say,” replied Bradshaw, “and I forgot to ask him.” “ That is too bad.” “Are you thinking it may be the tribe you told me about the other day?” “Tt might be. I will try to find out tomorrow. I’d rather not leave the camp tonight.”’ “ Of course not! You mustn’t think of such a thing. Couldn't get on very well if they should catch you, Pan.” After supper, Bradshaw treated him- self to a smoke. Tobacco was one of the few luxuries carried on the expedi- tion, and he had been very chary as to the use of it lest his supply be exkaust- ed before the end of the long journey. This night, however, his mind was so bestirred with conflicting thoughts that he felt a positive need of the soothing drug. The campfires had been extin- guished according to orders, and ptck- ets were posted in all directions ex- cept the mouth of the ravine. It was Bradshaw’s intention to place a guard there also after Mr. Murdock had come again and returned. He said nothing of this to Pan, but having lighted his pipe with precau- tion that not even the flare of his match should reveal the presence of his party, he puffed away with a considerable de- gree of contentment until a low whis- tle apprised him of Mr. Murdock’s ap- proach. He rose instantly, as did Pan also, and a number of the blacks crept up to them. “Tell the men to be quiet, Pan,” said Bradshaw; “It is my friend. I am going out to meet him.” “ Not alone, Mr. Bradshaw? ”’ 2IL “ Yes, alone. You must stay here.” Pan caught his employer by the sleeve. His voice was husky and trem- ulous. “Let me go with you, Mr. Brad- shaw,” he pleaded. “ You do not know what trap——” “Trap, Pan!” exclaimed Bradshaw, his former irritation rising again; “ re- member, this man is my friend.” “ Yes, 1f you say so; but Mr. Brad- shaw, let me go. You shall not venture there alone. I insist ” “Oh! youdo! See here, Pan,” and Bradshaw freed himself roughly from his assistant’s grasp, “ you'll stay where you are and remember your place. [ believe I am master here.” There was a sound in the black man’s throat very like a sob. “It shall be as you say,” sadly. Bradshaw strode away thoroughly angry. “‘ This comes of permitting a servant too many liberties,” he said to himself. “ I shall have to be more stiff with Pan on the return march.” He came upon Mr. Murdock within a hundred yards of the camp. His form was barely distinguishable. “The tribe do not suspect your pres- ence in the vicinity as yet,’ Murdock whispered. “ You will be cautious about exposing yourselves to view in the daytime? ” ) ‘ Surely,” answered Bradshaw, “ and you will not compel us to remain here long, I hope.” “No, but great caution will be neces- sary to my departure. I will come again inthe morning. Possibly we can start then.” : “T hope so.” “T must not linger now. Later I will make all clear, but my absence from the village, if noticed, might ruin all. Here is food. I did not bring meat. I thought later of a cereal with which you are probably not familiar. [ like it much and I hope you will. It is especially good just before turning inforthenight.”.9 GQ) yopon he said CO