Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 223: what you’re looking at

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

214 ‘“ Have you thought of the risk?” “Yes, and what greater risk can there be than remaining here with no knowledge of the real situation?” “ You are right, Pan, and I am more than hopeful that you'll come out of it successfully. Ah! see there!” He caught Pan by the arm and di- rected his attention to that part of the plain that lay between them and the town. Less than half a mile away they saw a man whose waving beard dis- tinguished him as Murdock, running rapidly toward the ravine. Now and again he crouched and proceeded more slowly, and he was evidently at pains to take all advantage of trees and other objects that might screen him from view of persons in the town. “What can it mean?” exclaimed Bradshaw. “ Undoubtedly he’s on his way to see me.” “To learn whether his trick succeed- ed,” said Pan. “But why should he hurry? Why dodge being seen from the town? Doesn’t that show that he must have been ignorant that the food he brought was poisoned? ” : “Tcannot tell. I think—but no mat- ter; you will meet him, [ suppose?” “ Surely, Pan.” “And this time I know you will be on your guard. So I shall go on to the town.” “ But what if he should bring word that it is necessary to retreat at once? ” “Then retreat—if you trust his word. I will overtake you if I come away from the town alive. Good by, Mr. Bradshaw.” The black was already on his way down the steep hillside and Bradshaw went back to camp and thence to the ravine where he had first encountered Murdock. Murdock had not yet arrived. After a moment of anxtous thought Brad- shaw concealed himself and waited. Presently he heard a cautious stirr- ing of bushes, and he saw Murdock’s THE ARGOSY. face peering from a mass of tropical foliage. The old man’s brows were knit, his lips parted, and his bronzed cheeks had a hue of ghastly pallor. He looked and listened intently for several seconds and then crept carefully forth and pro- ceeded up the ravine. | Bradshaw followed with the utmost care, losing sight of Murdock from time to time. At length he saw the old man stand- ing beside the dead body of the cub. Both hands clenched were raised high in air, his head was thrown far back on his shoulders, and his limbs were trem- bling. It seemed to Bradshaw an attitude of infinite despair. He was thrilled at the sight, though he knew not how to in- terpret it. With a long fluttering sigh, Mur- dock let his hands fall to his side. Then he began to scan the ground. Signs of a recent camp were plain enough, and to one familiar with the wilderness there was no great difficulty in discovering the route taken by the retreating party. Murdock presently began to ascend the side of the ravine. Then Bradshaw stepped forth from his concealment. “ Here Tam, Mr. Murdock,” he said, in a tone that he tfied to make natural and cordial. The old man whirled about at the first sound and for an instant stared at Bradshaw with bulging eyes. Then he ran tottering to where Bradshaw stood, fell on his knees, placed one trembling hand on Bradshaw’s wrist and with the other plucked the hem of his coat. “Thank God! thank God!” gasped repeatedly. “What is the matter, Mr. Mur- dock?” asked Bradshaw, trying to make the old man rise, and almost re- coiling from him as he did so. “ Calm yourself and tell me.” “Your camp was deserted,” chat- tered Murdock, “‘ and—and ” he He tried to look Bradshaw in. the 4 CO