Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

AN ‘AFRICAN SECRET. 241 “but our force could not be placed in any better way. The men are as well protected as possible from injury by arrows. Listen!” They gave the closest attention, but could distinguish no sound. “I must have been mistaken,” said Pan, “but [| thought I heard them breaking through the thicket above the landing. It isn’t likely, Mr. Bradshaw, that they will consent to let us off with- out a fight if for no other reason than that that traitor is with us. If it should be the case that the Marotses are not led by one of the Arabs they may be frightened away by our volley, for, as | told you, they are not a remarkably warlike tribe. But if one of the Arabs is here, he will lead them on and they will follow because of his authority as a priest. “As I have learned a little of the Marotse language I will meet them, if they do not assault without warning, and see what can be done.” ‘It does seem,” said Bradshaw, “ as if they might be persuaded into letting us go on without bloodshed, and you are more likely to win them over than Murdock would be. But there’s great danger in it, Pan. Do you suppose they would know the meaning of a flag of truce?” “If they have an Arab leader, yes, and if they appear at all it will mean that an Arab is with them.” “Then it must be tried. Let’s not trust to waving a handkerchief, but make a real flag.” He cut a twig from a bush, trimmed it, and fastened a handkerchief to it with thorns. “ That ought to do the business,” he said, handing the flag to Pan. Murdock came up to them. “Will you let me have a weapon of any kind? ” he asked in a surly tone. “No,” answered Bradshaw, firmly, “and you'd better keep out of sight.” “You think me a coward, but [’ll fight if I have nothing better than a pick to strike with.” Murdock then went in among the trees where the carriers were waiting. The suspense was becoming intoler- able. ‘“Hadn’t we better scout down to the river?”’ suggested Bradshaw. ‘There they are!” answered Pan, in a low voice, and he started directly down the lane. He had seen a black face peer out from a bush, and as he went down, holding up his flag, the bottom of the lane filled rapidly with warriors. There were spearmen as well as bowmen, and the latter formed in front, each man of them with an arrow caught in the string, ready to raise and shoot. Towering above the rest, and stand- ing at one end of the line they formed, was a man who could be none other than the Arab leader, Dirik’s partner. Pan went on until he was about mid- way between the two forces. Then he paused, and Bradshaw, waiting with his carriers among the trees, heard him address some words slowly to the Arab. “It’s a relief that they respect the flag of truce,” he half whispered to him- self ; ‘* we may be able to do something with them.” “We shall have to fight them,” re- sponded Murdock, who was beside him and had heard; “ better let me take one of your revolvers.” Bradshaw made no reply. He list- ened intently, as 1f by so doing he could hear what the Arab replied to Pan. He could hear, indeed, a rumbling voice, but no words. Pan turned his head presently and announced the Arab’s reply. “ The high priest of the Marotses will consent to a parley on one condition. He demands that we surrender Mur- dock.” “ Before he will treat with us about anything else? ” asked Bradshaw. ‘Before he will treat at all,’ answered Pan. “For God’s sake, Elmer, don’t do it!’’ cried Murdock, catching Brad- shaw by the sleeve. EOMRIC OOOkKS CO