Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 251: what you’re looking at

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

242 Thrusting him aside, with a frown of disgust, Bradshaw returned this reply: “Tell the high priest that we can accept that condition only on his solemn promise that Murdock’s life be spared.” “Oh, Elmer, don't give me up!” pleaded Murdock, piteously ; “ he won't keep any such promise. I won't be given up! I'll fight if you surrender me.” “ Hush!” commanded Bradshaw; “IT must hear what goes on.” Pan had delivered his party’s reply, and now turned to convey the Arab’s ultimatum : “Unconditional surrender of Mur- dock, or extermination of the expedi- tion. If we surrender Murdock, he will parley.” . “Elmer!” began Murdock, in a whimper. “See here!” interrupted Bradshaw, wrathfully, as he seized the old man by the wrist; “ you ought to be shot for supposing I could deliberately sacrifice vou. You ought to be turned over to the Marotses to suffer the extreme pen- alty for your desertion of your king. You ought—ugh! [I’m thinking of your Marotse family, do you understand? Now, listen ! ”’ Bradshaw then turned to Pan, who still stood between the forces with the white flag raised above him. Tell-him to bring on his extermina- tion,” said Bradshaw. _ Pan faced the enemy once more to repeat the reply of his commander. The words had been uttered loudly, and either the Arab understood the lan- guage, or he interpreted aright the ring of defiance in Bradshaw’s tones; at all events, ignoring the sacred emblem of truce, and not waiting for Pan to speak, he gave the word for his men to shoot. Two score arrows sped instantly from the bows. Many of them whizzed past Pan, some coming in among the trees where the carriers were in waiting; but one at least struck the faithful black, and he reeled, fell flat upon the ground, THE ARGOSY. rolled over upon his side, and lay motionless. tO ‘Ah, treachery!” cried Bradshaw, in a voice that rang with anguish. “Fire, men! and charge them! ” The carriers understood and obeyed. A volley belched from the cover of the trees, and through the smoke of it Bradshaw and his fighters rushed down the lane. Murdock snatched a revolver from the hand of an unsuspecting carrier and fell in close behind Bradshaw. Arrows sang in the air about them, and there were reports of firearms, too, - from the enemy. The Arab leader, at least, was provided with the weapons of civilization. Bradshaw fired as he ran, seeing the enemy but dimly through the smoke, and giving as much attention to avoid stepping upon Pan, whom he failed to see. , He could distinguish the tall form of the Arab, and he made straight toward it. As he ran he observed with pride that his carriers were fighting well, charging with a fury that told of their desperation, if it did not speak for their actual courage. There was a rapid cracking of fire- arms, while the buzzing of arrows diminished. As he approached nearer the enemy, Bradshaw saw that the bow- men were drawing aside to let the spearmen receive the charge. Their spear points were leveled at the charging party, and the Marotses seemed to stand like an immovable | wall. Just as Bradshaw came close to the Arab and was about to fire at him, a number of shots, fired almost simiul- taneously, thickened the smoke so that he could not see his target. He halted an instant, and as the . smoke thinned, he perceived that the Marotse spearmen were breaking for cover. The bowmen had disappeared altogether, and the tall form of the Arab leader lay stretched at his feet. That explained the demoralization of ECOMRRIC Oe CO