Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 2 — page 136: what you’re looking at

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

268 “Tt was but the beginning,” responded the Englishman in Aravang’s tongue. ‘‘ We must hold the tower now. This is the only entrance.” He paused to count the cartridges in the bandolier. Two or three dozen rounds at the most. The six chambers of the re- volver were filled, but extra ammunition was lacking. Aravang, experienced in such warfare, was almost indifferent. ‘“We may meet another peril, lency.” ~ “They may try to climb the outside of the tower?” Aravang shook his head. ‘““It may be, Dono-van Khan. peril is otherwise.” Edith spoke then, and Donovan did not learn what the native had in mind. ‘“‘ That was splendid,” she cried. ‘‘ Aren't we quite safe in these stone walls—of the tower? If only wé can keep them away until my father cames.”’ “Our position, Edith,” he smiled, “ is excellent. Aravang alone could hold this floor at a pinch. And, if you will be good enough to mount the stairs for a flight and watch from the embrasures, we can check- mate any attempt to put ladders against the tower itself.” He added, however, to himself: ‘“‘ Of course we are without food or water, or necessary ammunition, and Major Fraser-Carnie is at least twelve hours’ ride from this place.”’ “Indeed,” Edith reproved him, “I won’t think of going up-stairs without you. I think you are trying to send me away!”’ She pouted, and Donovan shook his head guiltily. A new outbreak of firing from the plateau, however, took him half- way up the stairs at her side, to one of the arrow slits in the stone wall, giving gn the courtyard. Hence they obtained a fair view of an unexpected development resulting from the withdrawal of the Sayaks. Bundles of small pine branches bound together and soaked in part with kerosene—even that poor brand of liquid brought by camel- back from-China to Kashgar—when once ignited are not easily extinguished. As a consequence the flares of Monsey excel- But this were still blazing and crackling away above. THE ARGOSY. the courtyard, shedding a bloodlike flood of illumination over the natives who were struggling to haul down the poles support- ing the flares and extinguish them. The men worked hastily, with one eye on the tower. Donovan looked shrewdly for Abbas and Monsey; but the masters of the kurgan were keeping well without the range of fire from the summit. , Meanwhile the horses had fallen into a semi-panic at the blazing masses near their backs, and were tugging at their halters, while some Tartars strug- gled to secure them. This light had given opportunity to Iskander to organize a snip- ing fire from the branches of trees on the farther side of the plateau. “Oh, do you think it will hurt them— these Alamans and the rest?’ inquired Edith interestedly. She felt impelled to call attention to the brief advantage which her strategy had secured for the Sayaks. ‘“ Surely these horrid men are worried by us being in the tower and by this shoot- ing.” Donovan, intent on the panorama of the fight, unconsciously dropped his mask of cheerfulness. “Hardly, I think, Edith. That ‘long range fire has little effect. And. when the flares are out the horses will soon quiet down; then we won’t be able to see any- thing that happens.” The girl shrank back at the abrupt moodiness“of his words, understanding, however, that it was on her account and- not his own that the Englishman was trou- bled. Shyly she nestled her hand in his, which closed on it firmly. Realizing that his enemies would soon ~- be in darkness, Donovan jerked up his rifle to pick off some while he could still see to do so. Then he sighed. Cartridges were too few for such a maneuver. He must save his fire for defense of the tower. Edith noticed his act, and promptly questioned him. “It would be unnecessary bloodshed,” he parried, not_wishing to reveal the true reason. Donovan was silent. He drew her close to his side, his arm around the slender shoulder that pressed near him. Edith’s COMICLO© S C©