Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 231: what you’re looking at

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

222 Dink never knew what they were about.” “ But you said the king profited by the gems.” “ Certainly. The Arabs have kept their word. Their ‘ gods’ frequently bring to Bangwe the sort of things he likes most, and the entire tribe benefits indirectly. As a matter of fact, the ar- rangement has been a good thing for the Marotses.”’ “Then I say that it is a pity that Pan had to kill Dirik.” “Oh!” cried Murdock, rising and shaking his fists in the air, “ your sen- timentalism puts me out of all patience with you. Here we are wasting time-———”’ “See here,” interrupted Bradshaw, severely, rising also, “ as the represent- ative of your daughter I am the man whose patience is to be considered.” Murdock’s anger collapsed instantly, and he became again the nervous, cringing wreck he had been at first. “TI didn’t mean to offend you, El- mer,” he whined. “ You see, I have stuck to this project so long that I don't think of much else as ” ‘That is just what is the matter with you. You ought to think of your daughter.” “Ido, Elmer, Ido. Have I not told you I wish to make her rich?” “TI don’t care to hear that argument again. We must discuss matters con- nected with our return to the coast.” “ The first thing, then, is to tell me where the mine lies. Did you not say it was to the west? ” “T didn’t say one thing or the other.” “ But you will? ” “Til see about it when Pan returns from the Marotse town with definite information as to the plans of the tribe.” Murdock’s jaw dropped as if he were stricken with horror. “ Has your man gone to the town? ” he asked. “ He has, and I have little doubt that he will return in safety.” “ Then, Elmer,” and Murdock raised THE ARGOSY. a shaking hand above his head, “ you must promise me now to take me to the mine. Your man will probably not re- turn. He will be discovered, and that will set the king’s forces upon you. In such an event | shall probably not be able to save you, and in short, if you do not promise [ shall inform——’” “You have already «hreatened to be- tray me, Mr. Murdock.” “You use a hard word. Perhaps you will understand how determined I am when I tell you that my purpose in coming last night to warn you was not to save your life, but judging from the smoke of your fires that white men were here, I wanted to frighten them away lest they discover the mine and despoil me of what should be my property.” : “ You speak of your determination, " retorted Bradshaw; “do you forget mine? I have come to Africa for a pur- pose that I intend to fulfil. Whether we go to the coast via the mine or not re- mains to be seen, but to the coast we go together, and you will stay with me from this time on.” Murdock looked at the young man with an expression of mingled hatred and fear. Presumably he not only saw the hopelessness of attempting direct resistance, but perceived also that his one chance of going to the mine lay in submission, for he drew a long flutter- ing breath and whined: “You do not need to be so severe with an old man, Elmer. [ am willing to remain with you.” “ Ther,” said Bradshaw, “ we'll go up to the camp and wait for Pan.” It seemed likely that Murdock had been up all night, and that sleepless hours combined with unusual excite- ment had exhausted him; for, when he arrived at the camp, he threw himself upon the ground and slept for hours. Pan returned about noon. With him was a young woman, a native of the Marotse tribe. The moment he saw her and before any explanations were begun, rac- Goin GIICOK CO