Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 255: what you’re looking at

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

246 civilization who went to live among savages. I knew him when I was a boy, you know, and I am certain that he was not a bad man; but see what association with savages did for him. He not only became one of them in form, but he became degraded in char- acter until the vilest Marotse would blush for him. Now, you have the right instincts, and so has "Tema. Think how much better civilized associations will be for people like you two. I don’t see how you can be a better man, old fellow, but you'll be better off among people of good manners and larger knowledge. You must go with me.” The black man shook his head des- . pondently. “It is impossible,” he said. Then, looking Bradshaw directly in the eyes, he- went on: ‘* You have asked me to think of Murdock. I will, and this is what I think. You would not care to have constantly near you the man who deliberately shot your sweetheart’s father.” “ Pan!” gasped Bradshaw. “I did not mean to tell you, but you force me to, for you will not take no for an answer. You know what cause I had to hate and fear Murdock. I was in love with Mtema almost from the moment when I rescued her in the Ma- rotse town. I also loved you, Mr. Brad- shaw, as man loves man. you every moment, for I did not believe that Murdock would let you take him home, or let you go without him. He was waiting his opportunity. The dia- monds were his sole care. For them he would risk anything, as you saw that in the battle, coward though he was, he yet ran into the thick of the fight. pace or two behind you. I feared for. THE ARGOSY. ‘Well, in that battle I saw him a He had a revolver in his hand. I do not pretend to say that | know what was his inten- tion, but I feared, and I watched him more carefully than I did the enemy.’ I saw him raise his weapon. In the same line with you was the Arab. Per- haps Murdock aimed at the Arab, but I do not think it. I believe he intended to kill you in view of the Arab in order by that act to make his own peace with the Marotses. “For days I had felt that the best service | could do you would be to put Murdock out of the way, and thus re- lieve you of your burden, but you would not have forgiven me. Here was my opportunity. I shot Murdock first, his revolver exploding harmlessly after he began to fall. leader.” “You did what you thought was right,” said Bradshaw, in a choking voice, as Pan paused. ‘And now you can probably see that it will be better if 1 and Mtema remain in Africa.” “ Yes, Pan, it will be better.” “Do you forgive me, Mr. Brad- shaw?” “Forgive, old fellow? You are a noble man, if ever there was one. There is nothing in my heart for you but gratitude and affection.” * + * x While waiting for a steamer in Lon- don, Bradshaw had the diamond cut and mounted. Irene wore it at her throat when they were married. No shadow of the dark truth about her father has fallen upon her, and none ever will. THE END. DECEIVED. Tk the love I bore and sought In return were something bred Out of adolescence, wrought In a young and idle head; If it were a dream without Promise that could be redeemed, Still—and though I’ve found you out— It 1s better to have dreamed. Joseph Dana Maller, Then I shot the Arab - CO