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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Guy in the Jungle, by William Murray Graydon
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Guy in the Jungle
+       A Boy's Adventure in the Wilds of Africa
+
+Author: William Murray Graydon
+
+Release Date: May 11, 2010 [EBook #32329]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUY IN THE JUNGLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THEN THE SPEAR FLASHED IN THE TORCHLIGHT.]
+
+
+
+
+    _Guy in the Jungle_
+
+    OR
+
+    _A Boy's Adventure in the
+    Wilds of Africa_
+
+    BY
+
+    _William Murray Graydon._
+
+    _Author of "Jungles and Traitors", "In Barracks and
+    Wigwam", "The Camp in the Snow", Etc._
+
+
+    CHICAGO:
+    M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+
+
+
+
+    Copyrighted 1890,
+    by FRANK A. MUNSEY
+
+    Copyrighted, 1902,
+    by THOMPSON & THOMAS
+
+
+
+
+The River of Darkness.
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+
+It was November in London. The great city was buried under a dank,
+yellow fog. Traffic was temporarily checked; foot passengers groped
+their way by the light of the street lamps, and the hoarse shouts of the
+link boys running before cabs and carriages with blazing torches rang at
+intervals above the muffled rumble of countless wheels.
+
+In the coffee-room of a quiet hotel on the Strand a young man stands by
+the window, looking pensively out on the misty street. He is quite
+young, with light hair that falls half over his forehead, and a
+drooping, golden mustache, and in rather startling contrast to these a
+deep-bronzed complexion that tells of foreign lands and tropical suns.
+
+"Captain Chutney, sir?"
+
+It is a hotel servant, with a big blue envelope in his hand, and, as the
+young man wheels round, he reveals the uniform and bright facings of a
+captain of hussars.
+
+"Yes, I am Captain Chutney," he replies to the servant. "Thank you,"
+and, taking the blue document, he stands for a moment in deep
+thoughtfulness.
+
+Well may he hesitate to break that official seal which glares up at him
+so broadly. Were the gift of futurity his, and could he see mirrored
+before him the dread panorama of events that are inevitably linked with
+that innocent-looking missive, he would fling it with horror-stricken
+hands into the coal-fire that burns on the grate beside him.
+
+But no disturbing thought enters his mind. The future looks bright and
+cheerful enough just at present, and ripping open the end of the
+envelope without breaking the seal, he pulls out a folded paper and
+reads:
+
+                         COLONIAL OFFICE, DOWNING STREET, S. W.
+    TO CAPTAIN GUY CHUTNEY:
+        Your immediate presence is requested on urgent affairs.
+
+                           (Signed)                   ---- ----
+                       SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS.
+
+Chutney looks with some surprise at the famous signature attached with a
+bold hand. He places the letter in his pocket, pushes open a swinging
+door at the left, and vanishes up a broad stairway.
+
+In five minutes he reappears, clad in a big mackintosh, and, calling a
+cab, he rattles off westward through the fog.
+
+He is not in the best of humors. He had made other plans for the day,
+for his furlough is up, and tomorrow he leaves for India to rejoin his
+regiment. He had come up yesterday from the country, where he had put in
+a week at grouse hunting with his brother, Sir Lucas Chutney, and today
+he intended bidding good-by to old friends, and to attend to the making
+of a few purchases.
+
+Downing Street is not far away, and presently the cab rolls into
+Whitehall and draws up before the big granite building.
+
+Guy makes his way through the spacious corridors thronged with clerks,
+civilians, foreigners from every part of the globe, and at last reaches
+the private apartments of the chief.
+
+The Right Honorable Lord is deeply engaged, but his private secretary
+receives Chutney cordially, and, leading him back into a still more
+secluded and stately apartment, motions him to a soft chair and sits
+down opposite him.
+
+"Captain Chutney," he begins abruptly, "you leave for India tomorrow?"
+
+"India Mail, eight o'clock in the morning," Guy replies briefly.
+
+"Very well. We are going to intrust you with a very important
+commission. You will stop off at Aden, cross the Gulf of Aden in the
+semi-weekly steamer, and present these documents to Sir Arthur Ashby,
+the Political Resident of Zaila, the fortified town of the Somali Coast
+Protectorate."
+
+The secretary hands Guy two bulky envelopes, stamped and sealed with the
+government seal.
+
+"They relate to affairs of importance," he continues. "Your gallant
+record justifies us in intrusting the papers to your care. You can
+return in time to take the next steamer. Perhaps I had better tell you
+this much in confidence," the secretary adds:
+
+"We have received from certain sources information to the effect that
+the Emir of Harar, on the southern harbor of Abyssinia, contemplates at
+no distant date an attack on Zaila. Our garrison there is weak, and, as
+you probably know, the Somali country is treacherous and unreliable.
+These papers contain necessary instructions for the Political Resident."
+
+The secretary rises, and Guy gladly follows his example.
+
+"I will see that the papers are delivered," he says earnestly.
+
+"Thank you," the secretary responded. "I am sure that you will. I wish
+you a safe voyage, Captain Chutney, and fresh Burmese laurels, for you
+will no doubt take part in the Chittagong expedition."
+
+They shake hands warmly, and in five minutes Guy is rattling cityward
+again through the increasing fog. Long afterward he looks back on that
+morning as the most memorable day of his life. At present his commission
+sits lightly on his mind. He attends to all his duties in London,
+catches the India Mail, and two days later is steaming across the
+Mediterranean on board the P. and O. steamship Cleopatra.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE STOLEN DESPATCHES.
+
+
+Steadily the Cleopatra had traversed the Mediterranean, passed through
+the Suez Canal, plowed the burning waters of the Red Sea, and now, on
+this bright, sultry day, Aden was left behind, and with smoking funnels
+she was heading swiftly and boldly for the Indian Ocean.
+
+A smaller steamer, a mere pigmy beside this gigantic Indian liner, had
+left the harbor of Aden at the same time, and was beating in a
+southwesterly direction across the gulf with a speed that was rapidly
+increasing the distance between the two vessels.
+
+On the upper deck stood Guy Chutney, straining his eyes through a pair
+of field-glasses to catch a last glimpse of the Cleopatra, and to
+distinguish, if possible, the figures grouped under the white awnings.
+He had only arrived at Aden last night, and now he was bound for the
+dreary African coast, while all the gay friends he had made on board the
+Cleopatra were steaming merrily off for Calcutta without him.
+
+It was by no means a comforting state of affairs, and Guy's spirits were
+at their lowest ebb as the steamer finally faded into the horizon. He
+put up the glasses and strode forward. From the lower deck came a
+confused babel of sounds, a harsh jabbering of foreign languages that
+grated roughly on his ear.
+
+"This is a remarkably fine day, sir."
+
+It was the captain who spoke, a bluff, hearty man, who looked oddly out
+of place in white linen and a solar topee.
+
+"It is a grand day," said Guy. "May I ask when we are due at Zaila?"
+
+"At Zaila?" repeated the captain, with a look of sudden surprise. "Ah,
+yes. Possibly tomorrow, probably not until the following day."
+
+It was now Guy's turn to be surprised.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me," he said, "that it takes two or three days to
+cross the Gulf of Aden?"
+
+"No," replied the captain briskly. "You are surely aware, my dear sir,
+that we proceed first to Berbera, and thence up the coast to Zaila."
+
+"Then you have deceived me, sir," cried Guy hotly. "You told me this
+morning that this steamer went to Zaila."
+
+"Certainly I did," replied the captain. "You didn't ask for any more
+information, or I should have told you that we went to Berbera first.
+The great annual fair has just opened at Berbera, and I have on board
+large stores of merchandise and trading properties. On other occasions I
+go to Zaila first, but during the progress of the fair I always go
+direct to Berbera and unload. I supposed that fact to be generally
+understood," and, turning on his heel, the captain walked off to give
+some orders to his men.
+
+Guy was half inclined to be angry at first, but on reflection he
+concluded he was just as well satisfied. Besides, it would give him a
+chance to see that wonderful African fair, which he now remembered to
+have heard about on different occasions.
+
+But one other person was visible on the deck, a short, chunky man, with
+a dark complexion, and crafty, forbidding features.
+
+A Portuguese or a Spaniard Guy put him down for at once, and he
+instantly conceived a deep mistrust of him. The fellow, however, was
+inclined to be sociable.
+
+"Ah, an Englishman," he said, coming up to Guy and holding out his hand,
+an action which Guy professed not to see.
+
+"You are going to Berbera, perhaps," he went on, nowise discomfited by
+the rebuff.
+
+"No," said Guy shortly. "To Zaila."
+
+"Ah, yes, Zaila! You have friends there, perhaps? I, too, am acquainted.
+I know very well Sir Arthur Ashby, the governor at Zaila."
+
+His keen eyes scanned Guy's face closely, and noted the faint gleam of
+surprise at this information.
+
+But Guy was too clever to be thrown off his guard.
+
+"Yes," he said. "I know some people here. I have not the pleasure of Sir
+Arthur's acquaintance."
+
+He would have turned away at this point, but the man pulled a card from
+his pocket and presented it to him. Guy glanced it over with interest:
+
+          C. MANUEL TORRES,
+    _Trader at Aden and Berbera_.
+
+"A vile Portuguese slave-hunter," he thought to himself.
+
+"Well, Mr. Torres," he said. "I am sorry that I have no cards about me,
+but my name is Chutney."
+
+The Portuguese softly whispered the name once or twice. Then, without
+further questioning, he offered Guy a cigar, and lit one himself.
+
+Manuel Torres proved to be quite an interesting companion, and gave Guy
+a vivid account of the wonders of the fair.
+
+As they went below at dinner time he pointed out on the corner of the
+dock a great stack of wooden boxes.
+
+"Those are mine," he said. "They contain iron and steel implements for
+the natives and Arabs."
+
+"They look like rifle cases," Guy remarked carelessly; and, looking at
+the Portuguese as he spoke, he fancied that the dark face actually
+turned gray for an instant. In a moment they were seated at the table,
+and the brief occurrence was forgotten.
+
+All that afternoon they steamed on across the gulf, overhead the blue
+and cloudless sky, beneath them waters of even deeper blue, and at
+sunset the yellow coast line of the African continent loomed up from the
+purple distance.
+
+Guy had been dozing under an awning most of the afternoon, but now he
+came forward eagerly to get his first glimpse of eastern Africa.
+
+To his great disappointment, the captain refused to land.
+
+It was risky, he said, to make a landing at night, and it would be dark
+when they entered the harbor. They must lie at anchor till morning.
+
+Most of the night Guy paced up and down the deck sleeping at brief
+intervals, and listening with eager curiosity to the strange sounds that
+floated out on the air from the shore, where the flickering glare of
+many torches could be seen.
+
+Stretched on a mattress, the Portuguese slept like a log, without once
+awakening.
+
+Before dawn the anchors were lifted, and at the captain's suggestion Guy
+hastened down to his cabin to gather up his scanty luggage, for most of
+his traps had gone on to Calcutta in the Cleopatra.
+
+He buckled on his sword, put his revolvers in his pocket, clapped his
+big solar topee on his head, and then reached down for the morocco
+traveling case which he had stored away for better security under his
+berth.
+
+A cry of horror burst from his lips as he dragged it out. The lock was
+broken, and the sides were flapping apart. For one brief second he
+stared at it like a madman, and then, with frantic haste, he fell on his
+knees, and, plunging his hands inside, began to toss the contents
+recklessly out upon the floor. Toilet articles, linen, cigars,
+writing-paper, jewelry, and various other things piled up until his
+finger nails scraped the bottom. He turned the case bottom up and shook
+it savagely, shook it until the silver clasps rattled against the sides,
+and then he sank back with a groan, while the drops of perspiration
+chased each other down his haggard cheeks.
+
+The precious despatches were gone.
+
+For the time being Guy was fairly driven out of his senses by the horror
+of the calamity. Ruin stared him in the face. What madness it was to
+leave those papers in his cabin! He had foolishly hesitated to carry
+them on his person for fear the perspiration would soak them through and
+through, and now they were hopelessly lost. The cabin door had been
+locked, too. The thief must have had a key.
+
+The first shock over, his manliness asserted itself, and he took a
+critical view of the situation. He hardly suspected any person as yet.
+The despatches must be recovered. That was the first step.
+
+He flew up the stairs, three at a time, and rushed panting and
+breathless upon deck.
+
+All about him was the hurry and bustle of preparation. The shore was
+close at hand, and the steamer was moving toward the rude wharf. Manuel
+Torres was leaning over the rail, coolly smoking a cigar. The captain
+stood near by, gazing intently at the shore. He looked up with wonder as
+Guy appeared, crying out in hoarse tones:
+
+"I have been robbed, captain, treacherously robbed. Documents of the
+greatest importance have been stolen from my cabin, and not a soul shall
+leave this steamer till every inch of it has been searched. I demand
+your assistance, sir!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A STRANGE MEETING.
+
+
+Torres looked up in apparent surprise from his cigar, and the captain's
+ruddy face flashed a shade deeper.
+
+"Are you sure, sir?" he cried. "This is a strange place for a robbery."
+
+Guy turned on him hotly.
+
+"A robbery has been committed, nevertheless, and the articles stolen are
+despatches for the governor of Zaila. They were intrusted to me for
+delivery, and I look to you to recover them."
+
+"Ah! Government despatches, were they?" said the captain. "Just step
+below and we'll look into the matter."
+
+They turned toward the cabin, leaving the Portuguese still gazing over
+the rail.
+
+At the foot of the steps the captain stopped.
+
+"Why, what's this?" he said, stooping down and pulling from under the
+lowest step a bunch of papers.
+
+"The stolen despatches!" cried Guy wildly. "But look! The seals have
+been broken."
+
+Together they inspected the documents. Each envelope had been opened,
+but the contents appeared to be all right. The thief had plainly been
+satisfied with their perusal.
+
+"Whoever stole them," said the captain, "was afraid to retain them lest
+a search should be made, and as he had no way to destroy them he tossed
+them down here where they could easily be found."
+
+"Who else had a key to my cabin?" Guy asked sternly.
+
+"The key to Torres' cabin will open yours," replied the captain, "and
+several of the crew also have keys."
+
+"Then Torres is the man," said Guy. "The scoundrel looks capable of
+anything."
+
+"I wouldn't advise you to accuse him," said the captain gravely. "He may
+cause trouble for you on shore. You must remember that British influence
+is little felt at Berbera. Your best plan is to say nothing, but relate
+the whole affair to the governor at Zaila. And now, as we may lie in the
+harbor here all day, you had better go on shore. You will see a strange
+sight."
+
+Guy put the recovered documents away in an inner pocket, and followed
+the captain on deck, in a very angry frame of mind. Torres had
+disappeared, but Guy felt that he had not seen the last of him.
+
+He half forgot his anger in the strange sight that now met his eyes, for
+the steamer was just approaching the wharf, and in a moment the
+gang-plank was dropped over the side.
+
+He waited until the eager, jostling crowd of Arabs had passed over, and
+then he made his way to shore. The spectacle before him was marvelous
+and entrancing.
+
+Extending apparently for miles up and down the yellow stretch of sand
+that fringed the coast was one great sea of canvas that fluttered under
+the African breeze.
+
+There were tents of every description, some old and dingy, some
+spotlessly white and shining, and others brilliant in many colors,
+barred with red and green and yellow, while here and there, from their
+midst, rose the sun-baked walls and towers of the original Berbera, for
+all this floating canvas belonged to the nomadic population who flock
+hither from the interior during the fair, and add twenty thousand to the
+perennial population of the town.
+
+Dazed as though in a dream, Guy moved forward, noting with wonder the
+strange people who thronged about him and regarded him with evident
+mistrust. Borne on by the crowd, he found himself presently in the main
+avenue of the fair, and his first amazed impression was that he had been
+transported to a scene in the "Arabian Nights."
+
+On either side of the narrow street stretched the sea of tents, and
+before them, on rude stalls, were ranged everything that the imagination
+could devise: sacks of coffee and grain, great heaps of glittering
+ivory, packets of gold-dust, aromatic spices, and fragrant gums of all
+sorts, great bunches of waving ostrich plumes, bales of cotton and
+tobacco, tanned hides of domestic animals, tawny skins of lions,
+leopards, and panthers, oddly-woven grass mats, quaint arms, and bits of
+carving, fetish ornaments, and even live cattle and sheep tied to the
+poles of the tents.
+
+Standing guard over their wares were natives from all parts of Africa,
+Arabs from the Zambesi, savage-looking Abyssinians, crafty Somalis with
+greasy, dangling locks, and brawny, half-naked fellows from the
+interior, the like of whom Guy had never seen or heard.
+
+And up and down the narrow street moved in a ceaseless throng the
+traders who had come to purchase: Arabs from Aden and Suakim, Egyptians
+from Cairo, traders from Zanzibar, and a sprinkling of Portuguese and
+Spaniards.
+
+Some of them bore their goods on camels, others had hired native
+carriers, who staggered under the heavy bales and cases, and the uproar
+was deafening and incessant as they wrangled over their bartering and
+dazzled the eyes of their customers with rolls of English and French
+silks, pigs of iron, copper, and brass, sacks of rice and sugar,
+glittering Manchester cutlery, American beads, and cans of gunpowder.
+
+The builders of the tower of Babel itself could not have produced such a
+jargon or variety of tongues, Guy thought, as he picked his way onward,
+now stopping to gaze at some odd-looking group, and now attracted by the
+harsh music and beating drums of a band of native musicians.
+
+He noted with secret satisfaction the occasional presence in the crowd
+of a dark-skinned soldier in British uniform, and he observed with some
+surprise the vast number of Abyssinian Arabs, whom he recognized by
+their peculiar dress.
+
+Finally a stranger sight than all arrested his steps. In a small
+inclosure, cordoned off by a rope, lay a dozen poor slaves shackled to
+stakes driven deep in the ground and exposed to the burning sun.
+
+Their owner, a brawny negro with a head-dress of feathers, a native of
+the Galla country, was disputing over their purchase with a gigantic
+Arab, whose powerful frame irresistibly fascinated Guy's attention.
+
+He wore a loosely-flapping cotton gown, confined at the waist by a belt
+that fairly bristled with knives and pistols, while a scarlet burnous
+was drawn over his head, affording a brilliant set-off to the glittering
+eyes, the tawny, shining skin, and the short chin-beard and mustache.
+
+Behind the group of slaves, chained to the pole of a spacious tent, lay
+a sleek and glossy leopard, sleeping in the sun as unconcernedly as
+though he were in the midst of his native desert. The Arab, unaware
+probably of the beast's presence, walked slowly round the circle
+inspecting his prospective purchase.
+
+The leopard perhaps was dreaming of the days when he was wont to chase
+the deer through the jungle, for suddenly his spotted body quivered and
+his long tail shot out like a stiffened serpent. The Arab's sandaled
+foot came down on the tapering end, and with a scream of rage the beast
+sprang up.
+
+Overcome by a sudden fright, the Arab staggered backward a pace, and
+like a flash the leopard shot to the end of his chain, and fastening
+teeth and claws on the unfortunate man's neck, bore him to the ground.
+Panic-stricken, those who stood near made no move. The big negro danced
+wildly up and down, keeping well out of reach of his savage pet, and the
+slaves howled with fright.
+
+An instant's delay and the man was lost. Suddenly Guy drew his revolver
+and sprang forward.
+
+The negro uttered a howl and tried to push him back, but Guy forced his
+way past him, and pressing the revolver close to the brute's head pulled
+the trigger.
+
+It was a good shot. The leopard rolled over lifeless, and the Arab, with
+Guy's assistance, rose to his feet very dazed, while the blood dripped
+down from his lacerated back.
+
+Instantly the scene changed. The negro, angered at the death of his
+leopard, advanced menacingly on Guy with a drawn knife, and in response
+to his summons other negroes rallied to his aid.
+
+But the Arab, too, had friends in the crowd, and they, pressing forward
+in turn, made it seem as though a bloody conflict were inevitable.
+
+Just as the issue was trembling in the balance, a shout arose from the
+crowded street.
+
+"The white man! Make room for the white man!" and through the parted
+ranks Guy saw advancing a bronzed Englishman in white flannels and
+helmet.
+
+The stranger pushed right in through the sullen group of negroes until
+he reached the open space before the tent, and stood face to face with
+Guy.
+
+Their eyes met in one amazed glance that startled the wondering
+spectators, and then from Guy's lips burst a glad, hoarse cry:
+
+"Melton Forbes, or I am dreaming!"
+
+"Chutney, by Jove! My dear fellow, can it be possible?"
+
+All else forgotten in their deep joy of meeting, the two bronzed
+Englishmen fell into each other's arms, and the Arabs and negroes, dimly
+comprehending what it all meant, shouted in sympathy and lowered their
+arms.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE ARAB'S WARNING.
+
+
+For a little while the British officer and the British newspaper
+correspondent could do nothing but stand off to look at each other, and
+then embrace again as though it were hard to believe that it was not all
+a dream.
+
+The Arabs and negroes had drawn to one side, and the big savage was
+wrathfully inspecting the body of the leopard.
+
+"Come," said Melton, plucking Guy's arm, "we will find a quiet place
+where we can talk in peace."
+
+The crowd made way for them, but before they had taken half a dozen
+steps the big Arab staggered forward and seized Guy by the hand.
+
+"You brave man," he cried. "Makar never forget."
+
+He kept on with many protestations of gratitude until Guy tried to
+withdraw in embarrassment.
+
+"Wait," said the Arab. "Come along. Me tell you something."
+
+He fairly dragged Guy back to the entrance of the tent where none could
+hear, and bending low he whispered in his ear:
+
+"Berbera no place for Inglis man this day. Better go away, quick. Heed
+what Makar tell you. Now go."
+
+He fairly pushed Guy from him, and the latter, joining Melton, who had
+witnessed the scene with the greatest curiosity, led the way out into
+the street.
+
+A curious crowd followed them closely for some distance, and not a word
+was spoken until they had turned off into a side avenue lined with low
+mud buildings.
+
+"Now," said Melton quickly, "I need not tell you, my dear fellow, what a
+pleasant surprise this meeting has been, but all explanation must be
+deferred to a more suitable time. You have made a friend and an enemy
+today, for Makar Makalo is the most powerful Arab in the whole Somali
+country, while that big negro is Oko Sain, the head chief of all the
+Gallas who dwell two hundred miles back from the coast. What did Makar
+tell you?"
+
+Guy repeated the Arab's warning, and Melton stood for a moment in deep
+thought.
+
+"I suspected as much," he said finally. "Never before have there been so
+many Arabs and Somalis from the interior at Berbera. Only yesterday a
+caravan of two thousand camels arrived from Harar in the Galla country.
+Something is wrong, I have felt certain, and now Makar confirms my
+fears."
+
+A glimmering suspicion of the truth flashed over Guy's mind at this
+juncture, but he hesitated to speak.
+
+"Now then," continued Melton, "this can mean nothing but a massacre. The
+only soldiers in the place are about sixty of the Bombay infantry, who
+were sent down here from Zaila, and as for the fortifications, they are
+nothing but a few mud walls. There they lie yonder," and he pointed to
+an English flag floating over the house-tops some distance away.
+
+"We are only wasting time here," he added. "We'll look about a little
+and then I'll decide what to do. I don't want to raise any false alarm."
+
+They turned back to the main avenue. The crowds still surged up and
+down, and the tumult seemed as harsh and discordant as ever, but the
+place had nevertheless undergone a change since they had left it a short
+time before. Little bartering was going on, and but few Arabs and
+Somalis were to be seen. Those on the street were mostly harmless
+traders from Aden and Cairo.
+
+"What has become of all the Arabs?" asked Guy.
+
+"That is just what I want to know," said Melton; "I'll soon find out,
+though. Walk as fast as you can now, Chutney, and look as unconcerned as
+possible."
+
+Melton led the way down the street for a little distance, and, turning
+into a side passage, soon stopped before a low, one-story building.
+
+A dark-skinned fellow clad in ordinary Egyptian costume stood in the
+doorway, and with a cry of surprise Guy recognized Mombagolo, Forbes'
+trusty savage servant, who did much good service for them when they were
+in Burma together.
+
+Their greeting was brief and hasty.
+
+"I have work for you, Momba," said Melton. "Something is going on in the
+town, I don't know just what. You can go anywhere without being
+suspected. Find out what you can, and then come down to the wharf. Don't
+return here."
+
+The man hastened away at once, and then Guy and Melton started for the
+shore.
+
+"I won't give any alarm at the garrison," said Forbes, as they hurried
+along. "I'll wait till Momba reports. I don't suppose anything is
+contemplated before nightfall at the earliest, and, as the troops are
+scattered, it would only precipitate matters if I should have them
+called in."
+
+The last bale of goods was being unloaded from the steamer when they
+reached the wharf. The captain and officers were smoking cigars against
+the rail, and catching sight of Guy, the former called out:
+
+"Don't forget now. Six o'clock sharp."
+
+Guy nodded, and followed Melton to one side, where the two sat down on a
+bale of cotton. Melton briefly explained how he came to be at Berbera.
+After his return from Burma, he had been dispatched as war
+correspondent of the London _Post_ to Suakim, which town was at that
+time threatened by the Mahdi.
+
+Mombagolo, or Momba as Melton now called him, had become his faithful
+servant, and a week ago, the war-scare at Suakim having subsided, Melton
+had come to Berbera to write up the great fair for his paper.
+
+Then Guy, in his turn, simply stated that he had stopped off on his way
+to India to execute a commission at Zaila. He made no reference to the
+dispatches, feeling doubtful whether it would be proper or not, for a
+government secret is a thing of weighty importance.
+
+The conversation drifted to their perilous adventures in Burma, and the
+time passed on unheeded.
+
+At last Melton glanced up.
+
+"Do you observe how quiet it is?" he exclaimed. "And look! There are but
+few people in sight."
+
+It was indeed quiet. A dead, oppressive calm had settled on the sea; not
+a breeze rustled, not a ripple broke the glassy surface of the water,
+and from the town, instead of the loud babel of cries, came only a low
+murmur like a distant waterfall. A strange calm indeed, the calm that
+serves as precursor to the unseen storm.
+
+Suddenly, with startling abruptness, a rifle-shot broke the silence with
+its shuddering echoes. Guy and Melton sprang to their feet. The
+officers on the steamer crowded to the rail, up in the town dark figures
+ran to and fro, a soldier in bright uniform was seen speeding toward the
+garrison, and now plunging madly toward the wharf came a white clad
+figure, pursued by a howling group of Somali warriors, who brandished
+long spears and daggers. A shot from Melton's pistol brought them to a
+sudden halt, and Momba, for it was indeed he, ran a few paces and fell
+breathless at his master's feet.
+
+"What fiendishness is this?" shouted the captain furiously, from the
+deck of the steamer.
+
+Momba staggered to his knees.
+
+"The Arabs!" he cried. "They are coming--they have rifles--the
+Portuguese--he broke open long boxes--and handed out guns--Makar's men
+all have them--the Somalis have them--they have plenty shells--"
+
+Guy ground his teeth.
+
+"The infernal scoundrel!" he cried. "So that's what those long boxes of
+his contained!"
+
+"You mean Torres?" exclaimed Melton. "I know the villain. He is a
+partner of Makar Makalo's. But come. We must fight our way to the
+garrison."
+
+Alas! too late! Bang--bang, bang--bang, a fusillade of rifle-fire rang
+out from the town, hideous yells of triumph mingled with cries of
+despair and agony, and over the garrison walls floated a constantly
+increasing cloud of white smoke. The firing deepened, and a hoarse yell
+arose as the English flag, shot from its staff, fluttered down into the
+curling smoke.
+
+"They are murdering the garrison!" cried Melton.
+
+He grasped a revolver in each hand, and would have gone madly forward,
+but at that moment a louder tumult burst forth close at hand, and
+swarming down the crooked street, curving in and out through the tents
+and heaped-up stalls, came a fierce and frantic horde of Arabs and
+Somalis, waving rifles and spears, and yelling like ten thousand fiends.
+
+"On board for your lives!" shouted the captain, and as Guy and Melton
+dashed over the gang-plank, followed by Momba, a kick from the captain
+sent it whirling down into the water.
+
+Providentially steam was up, slowly the engines started, the screw
+revolved, and just as the steamer moved lazily out into the harbor, the
+enraged mob swept to the very edge of the wharf. In futile rage they let
+fly showers of spears and a scattering rifle-fire that pierced and
+shattered the woodwork of the vessel, but fortunately without effect,
+for every man had got safely below.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ALARM.
+
+
+They rushed upon deck again as soon as the steamer was beyond
+rifle-shot. A distant roar, like the blended shouts of thousands of
+people, floated across the water from the town, and at intervals a shot
+was fired.
+
+Smoke no longer hovered over the garrison. The last man had succumbed,
+and with the fall of the garrison the massacre seemed to have come to an
+end. The uprising had been directed against the British troops alone.
+
+"This is a terrible thing," said Melton, "and there is something back of
+it all. I can't understand it. Can it be possible the wretches have
+designs on Zaila, I wonder? It's a pity you interfered with that
+leopard, Chutney. If Makar Makalo had perished, this revolt might never
+have broken out. Makar is at the head of it, I know, and possibly he has
+influence behind him. He is an ally of that fanatical despot, Rao Khan,
+the Emir of Harar, who hates the English worse than poison, and--"
+
+Guy started at the mention of this name.
+
+"I want to see you a minute, Forbes," he cried excitedly; and, leading
+Melton to one side, he pulled out the despatches from his pocket, and
+said, "You have come closer to the truth than you imagine. I am going
+to confide a secret to you, and you can tell what had best be done.
+These papers were intrusted to me for delivery into the hands of Sir
+Arthur Ashby, at Zaila, and they contain instructions bearing on the
+very matter you have just mentioned. The authorities at the colonial
+office in London told me in secret that the Emir of Harar was supposed
+to be plotting the capture of Zaila, and these despatches contain Sir
+Arthur's orders in case of that emergency."
+
+"By Jove, that explains it!" cried Melton. "The emergency has come. I
+see it all. Makar had collected his Arabs and Somalis at Berbera by the
+Emir's orders, and they were only waiting the arrival of that villainous
+Portuguese with the rifles. They have put the garrison at Berbera out of
+the way, and now they will march on to Zaila."
+
+"Then what can be done?" demanded Guy. "Shall we proceed to Zaila, or
+get the captain to steam direct for Aden and collect all the available
+troops?"
+
+"No, no," groaned Forbes. "That would be useless. Zaila is sixty miles
+up the coast. We can beat the Arabs, and get there in time to prepare
+the town for defense. The garrison is wretchedly small, but they will
+have to hold out until assistance can come from Aden."
+
+Melton was still more astounded when Guy told him of the stealing of the
+despatches.
+
+"Then Torres knows their contents," he said, "and he will act
+accordingly. This is certainly a bad business, Chutney. Those papers
+must be delivered to Sir Arthur as soon as possible, though, to tell the
+truth, I fear Zaila is doomed. But we are losing precious time.
+Something must be done at once."
+
+They called the captain aside, and told him just enough to impress him
+with the danger threatening Zaila, and he readily fell in with their
+plans.
+
+Twilight was now falling, and by the time darkness had settled over the
+blue waters of the gulf the steamer was plowing her way steadily
+northward, Berbera but faintly visible in the rear by the glow of the
+burning torches.
+
+Hour after hour they steamed on. Neither Guy nor Melton could sleep, but
+sitting aft on camp stools they talked in whispers of the dread events
+they had witnessed, and of what might be before them.
+
+At midnight the steamer came to a sudden stop. The machinery, exerted to
+the highest pressure, had broken in some part. A delay was inevitable,
+the captain assured them, but in a couple of hours the repairs could be
+made.
+
+Morning came, revealing the distant yellow line of the African coast,
+but still the steamer lay at anchor, rocking gently in the early
+morning breeze. It may be imagined with what a fever of impatience Guy
+and Melton lived through those weary hours.
+
+It was nearly midday when the repairs were completed, and the vessel
+forged ahead again. For fear of fresh accidents, the captain refused to
+crowd on steam, and when at last the turrets and brown walls of Zaila
+came in view, it was late in the afternoon.
+
+At a distance, all seemed peaceful; the English flag was floating from
+half a dozen different buildings of the town. In the harbor lay three or
+four Arab dhows and a neat little steamer, which the captain said
+belonged to the governor, and was used for transporting troops or
+despatches.
+
+Captain Waller anchored close by the town, and accompanied Guy, Melton,
+and Momba on shore in a small boat. So far, at least, all was well.
+
+A few Arabs and Somalis were sitting around lazily on the sand, and
+troops of the Bombay Infantry were seen moving about the streets.
+
+"Appear as unconscious as possible," whispered Melton. "Let nothing be
+suspected."
+
+A close observer might have detected traces of suppressed curiosity on
+the faces of the Arabs and Somalis, but they were evidently deceived by
+the careless manner of the new arrivals, for after a keen scrutiny they
+settled back into lazy attitudes.
+
+"I don't like the looks of those fellows," said Melton, "and another
+thing I don't like is the presence of those Arab dhows in the harbor.
+But look, Chutney, there is the residency ahead of us."
+
+They were approaching a low building of sun-baked brick, with Venetian
+awnings at the entrance and windows. Half a dozen sentries were on
+guard, and an officer came forward to meet the little party.
+
+Guy saluted.
+
+"I am the bearer of important despatches for the governor of Zaila," he
+said, "and must see him at once."
+
+The officer disappeared for a moment, and presently came back and
+announced that the governor would see them. They were ushered in through
+a wide hall, and, passing half along its length, they turned to the
+right, and found themselves in the presence of Sir Arthur Ashby. He was
+a very pompous looking man of middle age, with reddish mustache, and
+long side whiskers. He was seated on an easy chair beside an ebony
+table. Opposite him sat an English officer.
+
+They were smoking cigars, and on the table were glasses and champagne
+bottles packed in ice. Lamps were lit, for already twilight was falling.
+
+He half arose as his visitors entered, and then dropped back. Guy
+briefly introduced himself and party, and handed Sir Arthur the
+despatches, explaining how the seals came to be broken, but making no
+mention of Torres.
+
+The governor knit his brow as he read them over, and then, to his
+companion, he remarked lightly, "All nonsense, all nonsense. Another
+government scare, Carrington."
+
+"I beg your pardon, Sir Arthur," said Guy, "but I was informed in London
+of the tenor of those despatches. Yesterday afternoon the Arabs at
+Berbera massacred the garrison to a man, and are doubtless now marching
+on Zaila. We barely escaped with our lives. Captain Waller and Mr.
+Forbes and his servant will confirm my statement."
+
+Sir Arthur sprang to his feet with a sharp cry.
+
+"What is this you tell me?" he gasped. "Can it be true?"
+
+Guy repeated his account, with all the particulars, but the governor
+actually seemed incredulous.
+
+"Colonel Carrington," he cried, "how many troops have we?"
+
+"Five companies of the Bombay Infantry," replied the colonel in a hollow
+tone. "We had six yesterday, but if this account be true--"
+
+"Don't delay a moment," shouted Sir Arthur; "prepare for the defense,
+colonel, and see that the steamer is ready in case it comes to the
+worst."
+
+The governor's condition was now truly pitiable. He was trembling with
+fright.
+
+"There is indeed but little time," said Guy. "There is danger at your
+very door. I see many Arabs and Somalis in the town."
+
+"True, true," groaned Sir Arthur, and, turning over the despatches with
+trembling hands, he added, "I am instructed to order troops from Cairo
+and Suakim. What madness! What madness!"
+
+Sir Arthur continued to talk in a rambling, excited way until Colonel
+Carrington assumed control of affairs.
+
+"Your steamer is here now?" he said to the captain. "Then you must make
+haste to Aden, and bring us what troops you can. I doubt, though, if we
+can resist a heavy attack for twenty-four hours. And you, gentlemen, you
+will return on the steamer?"
+
+"No, we will remain," Guy and Melton replied almost in one voice.
+
+The colonel glanced at them approvingly.
+
+"You are brave men," he said. "Stop!" he added suddenly. "You say you
+left Berbera at sunset last night, and were delayed by an accident. Were
+there any camels there?"
+
+"A caravan of two thousand arrived two days ago," replied Melton.
+
+The colonel's face paled.
+
+"Then the enemy are due here now," he said huskily. "On camels they
+could traverse the sixty miles in from fifteen to twenty hours. It is
+already dark," and he pointed out through the window.
+
+At this Sir Arthur groaned aloud, and tossed down three or four glasses
+of champagne in rapid succession.
+
+"To your steamer, quick!" cried the colonel, addressing Captain Waller;
+"and you, gentlemen, since you decide to throw your fate in with ours,
+come with me, and we will inspect the fortifications, and do what little
+we can."
+
+They had risen to their feet, and were giving a hasty look to their
+arms, when a bright flash lit up the gloom from without, followed by a
+sharp report, and at the same moment, from all quarters of the town,
+rose a continuous rifle-firing, a violent uproar and shouting, and a
+deep beating of drums.
+
+Sir Arthur sprang to his feet, crying frantically, "To the steamer, to
+the steamer--it is our only hope;" but before he could take a step the
+outer doors were burst open, shouts were heard in the hall, and then,
+through the curtained entrance, staggered blindly an officer of
+infantry, his uniform torn and disheveled, and blood pouring from half a
+dozen wounds. He plunged forward, and rolled in a lifeless heap at the
+very feet of Colonel Carrington.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE NIGHT ON THE ROOF.
+
+
+The tragic scene described at the close of the preceding chapter,
+following on the very heels of the outbreak, was a fearful shock to all
+who saw it, and for an instant they could only stare at one another with
+mute, frightened faces.
+
+Colonel Carrington broke the spell. With drawn sword he made a dash for
+the door, closely followed by the rest, but before they could cross the
+apartment a louder burst of firing came from the very courtyard, bullets
+whistled through the windows, and then a scuffle began in the hall, and
+angry voices were heard. It was over in a moment; a cry of pain, a low
+groan, followed by the sound of bars dropped in their sockets, and then
+into the room burst three Hindoo soldiers, grimy with blood and powder.
+
+"Sahib colonel," cried the foremost, "we are lost. The Arabs and Somalis
+have revolted. Hundreds of them surround the residency. Yonder in the
+hall lies a dead Somali. We have barred the doors, but they will soon be
+in."
+
+Even as he spoke the portals shook under a succession of thunderous
+blows.
+
+"The rear door," cried the colonel. "We may escape that way."
+
+"No, no; the building is surrounded," rejoined the Hindoo. "There is no
+escape."
+
+He was right. Shouts were heard on all sides, the blows on the doors
+redoubled, and stray shots came in at the windows, both front and rear.
+
+Sir Arthur lay prostrate in his chair.
+
+"The roof! the roof!" he groaned. "We must take to the roof."
+
+"By Jove, he's right," cried the colonel. "It's our last hope. Blow out
+the lights and come on, quick!"
+
+The lamps were out in a second, but a dim glare still shone into the
+room from the torches outside. With an effort, Sir Arthur staggered to
+his feet. Two of the soldiers assisted him, and then in great haste they
+hurried through the hall to a rear room.
+
+The building was of one story, and from this apartment a ladder led to
+an open trap overhead.
+
+Sir Arthur was pushed up first, followed closely by the rest, and just
+as Momba brought up the rear and dragged the ladder after him, the great
+residency doors gave way with a crash, and a wild yell of triumph told
+only too plainly that the enemy had effected an entrance.
+
+Guy's quick eye observed a big flat stone lying near, a precautionary
+measure provided by some former governor, no doubt, and, calling on
+Momba to assist him, he dragged it over the trap.
+
+From below came a rush of footsteps and the sound of smashing furniture
+as the Arabs hurried to and fro in search of their prey.
+
+"We are safe for the present," said the colonel; "they can't possibly
+reach us, and they may not even discover where we are."
+
+The roof comprised the whole extent of the building, and was probably
+thirty feet square. It was surrounded by a stone parapet three feet in
+height, and from this parapet the little band of fugitives witnessed a
+scene that none forgot to his dying day.
+
+North and west of the residency the town seemed to be in comparative
+quiet and darkness, for only stray lights were to be seen at intervals.
+But off to the south lay the fortifications, and here a sharp conflict
+was waging.
+
+Through the darkness of the night the flash of every shot was seen, and
+all along the line blazed out three continuous sheets of flame as the
+beleaguered garrison poured their fire into the attacking parties that
+advanced from both sides.
+
+"They can't hold out an hour," said Melton. "The foe are too strong for
+them."
+
+A sharp cry from Captain Waller turned all eyes on the harbor, where the
+water was illumined by twinkling lights and the flash of rifles. The
+meaning of this was plain. The steamer had been attacked. No doubt
+those innocent looking dhows had been filled with armed Arabs, waiting
+for the signal, and now every escape was cut off. The firing was sharp
+and severe for a while, and then it gave way to loud cheers.
+
+The steamers had fallen into the hands of the enemy.
+
+"There goes the last hope," said the colonel; "and look, even the
+garrison has succumbed."
+
+It was true. The firing had almost entirely ceased, and the few stray
+shots that still rang out were drowned in the vast roar that rose from
+all parts of the town.
+
+The residency was cordoned by a surging mass of wretches, intoxicated
+with triumph, and fresh hordes came pouring in, riotous from the
+slaughter of the garrison.
+
+"Some cunning fiend has planned all this," muttered Colonel Carrington,
+"and planned it infernally well, too."
+
+"The Arab, Makar Makalo, is the ringleader, sir," said Melton, "but he
+is only acting for Rao Khan, the Emir of Harar, who has long desired the
+port of Zaila."
+
+"A swift retribution will come," replied the colonel, "but it will come
+too late to aid us."
+
+No person seemed inclined to talk. Sir Arthur sat up against the
+parapet in a sort of stupor, the three Hindoos were grouped on one side,
+and Momba mutely followed his master from point to point, as with Guy
+and the colonel he made the circuit of the housetop.
+
+And now for the first time it became evident that the presence of the
+fugitives on the roof was known. Thousands of Arabs and Somalis
+surrounded the building, their dark faces plainly seen in the glare of
+the torches, but no hostile demonstration was made. They appeared to be
+waiting on something or someone. It was very evident that the whole
+population of the town was in revolt. It was equally plain, too, that
+they had been prepared for this uprising, for it had apparently broken
+out in all quarters of the town at once, and the expected signal had no
+doubt been the approach of the Arabs from Berbera, for the vast number
+of rifles used in the fight proved conclusively their arrival.
+
+Wonderful success had crowned their plans. Yesterday the garrison at
+Berbera had fallen to a man; and now Zaila was in their hands, and all
+that remained of the British possessors was the miserable band of
+fugitives on the residency roof.
+
+With bitter feelings Guy looked down on the sea of faces. He was
+wondering if he would ever see Calcutta or England again. But he had
+been in bad predicaments before, and, hopeless as it now seemed,
+something might turn up to save them yet.
+
+Melton was inclined to think that the Arabs were only waiting for
+daylight to make their attack, and yet they seemed to have no idea of
+abandoning their position, but encircled the building with a sea of
+torches, talking loudly and excitedly all the while.
+
+Once Guy ventured to peer down over the parapet, and to his surprise he
+saw Arab guards at the residency door, sternly keeping back the crowd.
+Then he pulled aside the stone from the trap. All was dark and quiet
+beneath. The solution to this mystery was close at hand.
+
+Of a sudden a great hush fell on the vast crowd, the tumult died away to
+a low murmur, and from the outskirts came a strange sound, at first low
+and indistinct, and then louder and more vivid, like the tinkling of
+bells mingled with the trampling of hoofs.
+
+The Arabs and Somalis fell silently apart, leaving open a wide passage
+like a swath cut through a field of standing corn that led straight to
+the residency doors. Up this triumphal avenue trotted a dozen stalwart
+Arabs bearing lighted torches, and directly behind came a gigantic
+camel, decorated with gorgeous trappings and hung with strings of silver
+bells. And on the camel's back, gazing haughtily around him, sat the
+Arab, Makar Makalo.
+
+"Behold Makar Makalo, the new ruler of Zaila!" cried the heralds, and
+from the vast crowd burst one universal shout of satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH.
+
+
+At the sight of the daring Arab chief Guy could scarcely restrain
+himself. He would have drawn his revolver and shot him down then and
+there, but Colonel Carrington interfered.
+
+"Don't excite them," he said cautiously; "their punishment is sure in
+the end. How can they defend Zaila against the British gunboats that
+will be sent here? We have possibly a chance for our lives yet. Don't
+destroy that last chance."
+
+The colonel plainly had strong hopes. It is well enough in some cases to
+fight to the very last, and have your names printed in the army list as
+heroes who died at their post, but in this case the safety of Sir Arthur
+was plainly the important point, and any concession must be made to
+secure this. So all idea of making a fight of it was given up. Short and
+brief would have been the struggle for Guy and Melton, as the three
+Hindoos were the only ones armed, and they had but a scant supply of
+ammunition.
+
+Makar held a short conversation with three or four Arabs, and then,
+slipping down from his camel, he walked off a little from the residency
+and shouted loudly, "Inglis men, come down. You no be killed. You
+prisoners of war."
+
+The idea of Makar's investing this bloody outbreak with all the dignity
+of legitimate warfare was ridiculous, and the colonel laughed.
+
+"What's that about prisoners?" cried Sir Arthur, coming eagerly forward.
+"Will they spare our lives, I wonder? Let me talk to the fellow. I'll
+try to conciliate him."
+
+He walked pompously to the parapet and bent over. Perhaps the champagne
+he had drunk had affected his head. At all events he leaned a little too
+far, and, suddenly losing balance, he toppled over and fell with a thud
+plump on the heads of two Arab sentries at the door. All three came to
+the ground in a heap, and it was a great relief to the anxious watchers
+above to see Sir Arthur stagger to his feet apparently unhurt.
+
+The effect on the Arabs was electric. The remaining guards glanced up
+apprehensively, and very speedily changed their location.
+
+As for Makar, he evidently believed that Sir Arthur had come down
+expressly in response to his summons, for he waited for the rest to
+follow his example.
+
+"Bless my heart!" muttered Sir Arthur. "What a narrow escape!"
+
+He started toward Makar, but two Arabs laid hold of him and pulled him
+roughly to one side.
+
+"We'd better go down," said the colonel, and raising his voice he
+shouted,
+
+"Do you swear to preserve our lives if we come down?"
+
+"By the shades of Mohammed, I swear it. Come down," replied Makar.
+
+"We'll have to trust to his word," said the colonel. "Put the ladder in
+position."
+
+The ladder, with one end on the ground, failed to reach the top of the
+parapet by four or five feet. It was a ticklish business to drop down on
+the upper round, but one by one they accomplished it, and, descending to
+the ground, were speedily seized and relieved of everything on their
+persons.
+
+Perhaps Makar doubted his ability to keep his word, for he hurried his
+prisoners into the residency, away from the turbulent crowd, and left
+them in the hall in custody of a dozen armed Arabs.
+
+They had not been here five minutes when a commotion was heard outside,
+and the shattered doors were pulled apart to admit half a dozen weary,
+blood stained soldiers of the garrison. They were the last survivors,
+and they told a fearful story.
+
+The fortifications had been attacked, they said, at the same time by the
+population of the town on one side, and on the south by a vast horde of
+Arabs and Somalis, who suddenly appeared over the sand-hills mounted on
+camels. They alone had been made prisoners. All others had been shot,
+including the officers, the port surgeon, and the native assistant
+resident.
+
+This sad story brought tears to the eyes of all, and even Sir Arthur
+waxed terribly indignant and prophesied speedy retribution.
+
+But now the guards sternly forbade conversation. An hour or more passed
+on, during which time many persons indistinguishable in the gloom,
+passed in and out of the residency.
+
+Then came a summons to appear before the chief.
+
+"Don't be alarmed," said Sir Arthur reassuringly. "We shall be sent
+across the gulf of Aden. This wretch will not dare do injury to her
+majesty's representatives."
+
+Sir Arthur's sudden change of spirits was not shared by the rest.
+
+"Nerve yourself," Melton whispered to Guy. "I have an idea of what is
+coming," and before Guy could reply they were ushered into the very
+apartment which they had left so hastily a few hours before.
+
+It had undergone no change. The lamps had been relit, the wine bottles
+and glasses still stood on the table, and in Sir Arthur's chair of state
+sat Makar Makalo, very stern and dignified, while around him, squatted
+on the rugs, were four Arabs of superior caste and intelligence,
+comprising, no doubt, the freshly formed cabinet of the great governor
+of Zaila.
+
+Makar waited until his captives had ranged themselves along the wall,
+and then, with great _sang froid_, he helped himself to a cigar from Sir
+Arthur's choice box of Partagas, lit it, and poured off a glass of
+champagne which he despatched at a gulp.
+
+Having thus proved beyond a doubt that he possessed all the chief
+qualifications of a British political resident, he settled back in his
+chair and surveyed his prisoners with lowering brow.
+
+"Bless my heart!" ejaculated Sir Arthur. "What most amazing impu--" a
+sudden rap on the head from one of the guards cut short his speech, and
+he relapsed into indignant silence.
+
+Makar was plainly a man of iron nerve, for he met calmly and even boldly
+the indignant, defiant glances that were turned upon him as he scanned
+the row of prisoners ranged before him.
+
+Glancing toward the windows he dispersed with a wave of his hand the
+dark swarm of faces peering eagerly within, and then at last he deigned
+to break the silence which had become so ominous.
+
+"I have promised ye your lives," he said. "Makar never breaks his word.
+Allah is great, and it is the will of Allah that Zaila should belong to
+the true followers of the prophet. Already has his will been fulfilled.
+The hated Inglis soldiers are dead. Rao Khan is the ruler of Zaila, and
+Makar is his servant."
+
+He paused and helped himself to another glass of champagne. It was
+evident that Makar was not at heart a true follower of the prophet, for
+the Koran strictly forbids all intoxicants.
+
+Another impressive pause followed. Guy glanced at Melton and was alarmed
+to see the dead white pallor on his face. Melton alone perhaps knew what
+was coming. On the rest the blow fell with crushing severity.
+
+"Have I not said that Makar's word is inviolate?" the Arab resumed,
+leaning forward and uttering each syllable sharply and distinctly.
+
+"Can Makar break his pledge?" and he turned to his solemn visaged
+ministers.
+
+"No, no, no," they muttered in guttural accents, and solemnly shaking
+their heads.
+
+"Then hark ye all," Makar went on. "I have sworn on the Koran that
+whatsoever prisoners fell to my lot should be delivered over as slaves
+to the Somalis of the Galla country. I have spoken. It is Kismet. At
+daybreak ye start for the interior."
+
+Sir Arthur staggered back against the wall with a dismal groan, the
+Hindoos fell on their knees begging piteously for mercy, Colonel
+Carrington seemed dazed, stupefied, Guy clinched his hands and made a
+desperate effort to bear up bravely, while Melton's face wore the same
+pale, hopeless expression.
+
+No one spoke. Supplications and prayers would alike be useless. The
+Arab's stern, pitiless countenance spoke plainer than words. Mercy was
+an unknown word in his vocabulary.
+
+"Spare us, spare us!" moaned Sir Arthur, coming forward a pace or two
+and making as though he would fall on his knees.
+
+"I have spoken," cried Makar harshly. "Words will avail ye nothing."
+
+He made a signal to the guards, who at once closed in on the wretched
+captives and led them away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+SOLD INTO SLAVERY.
+
+
+The party were taken to a rear apartment of the residency and placed
+under strong guard. During the remainder of that night no one slept, of
+course, nor did they hold much conversation, for all instinctively
+avoided a subject which could only add to their wretchedness.
+
+Slavery among the Somalis was a fate worse than death. It was a living
+death indeed, for hope of escape there was none. Far better if Makar had
+ordered them to be shot at daybreak.
+
+Guy spoke hopefully to Melton of the situation, counting somewhat on the
+claim he had on Makar; but Melton seemed to think that the Arab had
+ignored the affair, and would not interfere with Guy's fate.
+
+All too soon gray dawn came stealing into the residency, revealing the
+haggard faces of the captives, and with it came a summons from Makar to
+prepare for the journey. Food was brought and partaken of with some
+relish, for, under even the most distressing circumstances, men seem
+able to eat. Closely watched, they were led into the open air, and
+halted for a brief space in the court.
+
+The sun was not up yet, and the blue waters of the gulf stretched afar
+until lost in the pale mist. In the harbor lay the two steamers, but the
+British flag no longer floated over their decks.
+
+Finally they were led through a curious rabble of Arabs and Somalis to
+the outskirts of the town, where the caravan was in process of
+formation. It was no ordinary caravan. There were no bales of goods
+lying about, no camels laden down with burdens, but surrounded by many
+of the population drawn hither by curiosity were about fifty camels with
+simple trappings, and a group of Somalis and Arabs all heavily armed,
+the Arabs with rifles, the natives with long spears.
+
+Simultaneously with the arrival of the captives, Makar made his
+appearance with an armed escort and proceeded to hold a close
+conversation with the two Arabs who seemed to be the leaders of the
+caravan. He spoke earnestly for quite a while, making many gestures, and
+pointing from time to time at the prisoners. Then he turned away, and
+instantly all was excitement.
+
+The Arabs and Somalis quickly pulled themselves upon their camels, and
+with the aid of the guards the Englishmen were mounted in the same way,
+each man being hoisted up beside an Arab or a Somali.
+
+No resistance was made. The Hindoo soldiers were in a state of deep
+dejection, and poor Sir Arthur seemed hardly to realize his position.
+
+The caravan was now ready to start. At the last minute Makar Makalo
+passed carelessly by Guy and whispered, "Keep good heart. Makar no
+forget." Then he vanished in the crowd, and, with a loud cheer to speed
+them on their way, the line of camels filed at a slow trot over the
+sandy plain in a southerly direction.
+
+Guy turned his head for a last look at Zaila and the harbor, now
+beginning to glimmer in the first rays of the sun, and then a stretch of
+sand-hills hid the town from view.
+
+Little did he realize that which he must pass through before he saw the
+coast again.
+
+From the ruined fortifications of the town an unseen observer watched
+the departure of the caravan. It was Manuel Torres. The crafty
+Portuguese was well pleased to see the hated Englishmen speeding away to
+their doom.
+
+He was a cunning knave, and had laid his plans well. Perhaps he feared
+the stability of the new government. If the English came into possession
+of Zaila again, he could invent some clever tale to disprove his
+connection with the Arab revolt; and who could bear witness against him?
+None, indeed, for the lips of those who alone knew his guilt would be
+hopelessly sealed. Africa never gives up her slaves.
+
+To the wretched captives that day's journey over the scorching desert
+was a fearful experience. Nothing is more painful to the novice than
+riding camel-back, and when at last a halt was made at sunset every man
+was aching from head to foot.
+
+The heat, too, had been fearful, though the Arabs had provided them with
+big sun helmets before starting. No intercourse was permitted. The
+captives were kept rigorously apart. But little sleep was allowed. The
+caravan started again before dawn, and, as before, traveled rapidly and
+steadily until sundown.
+
+At the end of the second day they had become in a measure accustomed to
+the motion of the camels, and no longer suffered so much. Yet in all
+this time no words had been exchanged. Each man was kept apart. The Arab
+with whom Guy rode could speak some English, and from him he learned
+that the chief object of the caravan was to carry to Rao Khan the news
+of the capture of Zaila. Further information the Arab refused to give.
+
+The caravan comprised a dozen Arabs and thirty or forty Somalis of the
+Galla country. It was to these crafty savages that the captives
+belonged. The Somalis had assisted Makar in the revolt, and these slaves
+were their reward. Their chief, who accompanied the caravan, was none
+other than Guy's vindictive enemy, Oko Sam.
+
+Late in the afternoon of the fifth day the caravan came to a sudden
+halt. In the distance were visible green hills and rolling plains
+covered with verdure. The desert seemed to have ended. It was evident
+that something of importance was about to happen.
+
+All dismounted, and while the Arabs and Somalis entered into an excited
+conversation, the captives were for the first time allowed to converse.
+
+Their hopeless situation was too well understood for discussion. Strange
+to say, Sir Arthur was the only one who had not abandoned hope.
+
+"The government will save us," he repeated gloomily. "They will send an
+army into the interior."
+
+No one ventured to dispute this assertion. They talked in low tones of
+their probable destination, and regarded with some uneasiness the
+conference going on among the Arabs, which had now assumed a more
+excitable phase.
+
+"They are quarreling over something," said Guy. "Why do you suppose they
+have stopped here?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Melton, "unless they intend to separate, the
+Arabs going on to Harar, the Somalis to their own country, which lies to
+the south of Harar."
+
+Melton's theory was very plausible, but before anyone could reply the
+conference terminated suddenly, and the Arabs, drawing apart, came
+quickly up to the captives, and, laying hold of Sir Arthur and the
+colonel, led them over to the Somalis.
+
+This was repeated with Momba, Captain Waller, and the Hindoo soldiers,
+but, to their surprise, Guy and Melton were ordered to remain where they
+were.
+
+Foremost among the Somalis stood Oko Sam, his leopard skin dangling
+about his loins, and a fiendish expression on his face.
+
+He advanced a step or two, talking fiercely, and pointing with his spear
+to Guy and Melton. The Arab leader strode out toward him, and cried in a
+loud voice, "Makar has ordered it. The two white men must go to Harar."
+
+Scarce had the words left his lips when the Somali chief poised his
+spear and hurled it forward with such force and accuracy of aim that it
+passed through the Arab's body and the point came out at the back. With
+a cry he dropped on the sand.
+
+A second of terrible suspense followed, and then snatching another spear
+from one of his followers, the maddened Somali leaped furiously at Guy,
+who unfortunately was standing directly in his path.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE SEPARATION.
+
+
+But help was at hand. Before Oko Sam could reach his victim, an Arab
+directly behind Guy fired, and the fellow stumbled blindly on the sand.
+
+A shout of rage burst from the Somalis, and, hastily pushing their
+captives to the rear, they advanced in a very ugly manner, shaking their
+long spears.
+
+Leaving the dead Arab and the wounded Somali where they had fallen, the
+Arabs moved back a short distance, taking Guy and Melton with them, and
+shouted to the Somalis to remain where they were.
+
+The Arabs were reluctant to fire, and would have avoided further
+bloodshed, but the enraged savages continued to press forward, and
+finally let fly a shower of spears that wounded one of the Arabs, and
+unfortunately killed a camel. The Arabs at once retaliated with a
+rifle-volley, and to such good effect that three or four of the Somalis
+were killed.
+
+This brought them to their senses. Their spears could not compete with
+the firearms of the Arabs. They moved back to their animals, and, with a
+few farewell shouts of vengeance, rode away to the south, while the
+Arabs hastily bestrode their camels, and, taking the two Englishmen with
+them, calmly resumed their journey to the southwest.
+
+For a time the two caravans, moving on the sides of an acute angle, as
+it were, remained close together; but, gradually diverging, the sharp
+outlines of the Somalis began to fade into the twilight, and at last, as
+Guy and Melton strained their tear-dimmed eyes into the distance, the
+shadows obliterated the last traces of their captive friends. To Momba
+Melton had been deeply attached, and their separation was a hard blow.
+
+And now a terrible feeling of desolation came over them, and they were
+half inclined to wish that they, too, had been led away to share the
+fate of Sir Arthur and the colonel.
+
+Though it was now fast growing dark, the Arabs evinced no intention of
+stopping. With long, sweeping strides the unwearied camels swept over
+the sandy plain, and their riders from time to time spurred them to
+greater speed.
+
+Melton was back in the rear, but Guy rode in front, with the Arab who
+had assumed the leadership since the death of his companion.
+
+Guy ventured to address him, and was surprised to find him grown
+somewhat communicative. He explained to Guy in broken English that by
+Makar's orders he and Melton were to be delivered up to Rao Khan instead
+of being sent into slavery among the Somalis. Harar, he said, was a
+day's journey away, and by traveling all night they would arrive at
+sunrise. His account of Rao Khan, the Emir, was by no means reassuring,
+but Guy did not allow this to trouble him much. Makar's last words were
+still ringing in his ears, and he felt certain that their deliverance
+from the Somalis was the first step toward the fulfillment of Makar's
+promise.
+
+The little caravan moved on in silence. The Arabs were probably uneasy.
+They may have feared an attack from the Somalis or some other foe, for
+they kept a close watch, and held their rifles in constant readiness.
+But presently the moon came up in the east, casting a pale glamour over
+the desert, and tracing on the sand in weird, fantastic designs the
+shadows of the camels and their riders.
+
+As the night wore on the Arabs relaxed their caution, and, dropping
+their rifles to their sides, began to refresh themselves with crackers
+brought along from Zaila, together with dates and figs, which they
+washed down with water.
+
+The Arab with whom Melton was mounted now rode up beside the leader,
+and, to their great joy, Guy and Melton were permitted to converse.
+Though they had had no rest or sleep since the previous night,
+excitement had driven away all fatigue, and they looked forward with
+deep interest to their arrival at Harar.
+
+To Guy's surprise, Melton did not believe that he had been singled out
+to accompany Guy.
+
+"No, no, Chutney," he said, "depend upon it, Makar has some other object
+in view. I believe now that he will effect your escape in some way, but
+don't be surprised to find yourself sent back to Zaila alone. Makar's
+clemency will be extended to no one but yourself."
+
+"Nonsense," returned Guy. "I tell you he means to save you, too.
+However, we shall not be parted, Melton. I assure you of that. I will
+accept no deliverance that does not include you, too."
+
+Forbes made no reply, and for a time they rode on in silence. Absorbed
+in conversation, they had failed to observe that the aspect of the
+country had begun to change. They were now ascending a slight ridge, and
+from its crest could be seen the vague outline of mountains on both the
+right and the left, while all around them, in place of the dreary sand,
+were low bushes and vegetation. The camel's thorn and tamarisk shrub of
+the desert had disappeared. Once some huge animal glided across their
+path, and one of the Arabs half raised his rifle, but lowered it again.
+
+With feelings which they would have found it hard to express, Guy and
+Melton saw the dawn come creeping over the sky, and just as it became
+fully light, they rode over the crest of a hill and perceived in the
+distance a mass of walls and turrets stamped against the pale-gray sky.
+
+A pleasant breeze blew from the mountains which rose steep and rocky on
+all sides, while the valleys were richly wooded, and a silver thread,
+curving to and fro, marked the presence of a hillside stream.
+
+The little caravan now descended into a narrow gorge and traveled
+rapidly along the course of a brawling torrent for nearly an hour. Then,
+crossing the stream, they rounded a sharp spur of rocks, and the dreaded
+city of Harar was before them.
+
+Thirty years before the intrepid Burton had penetrated to that hotbed of
+fanaticism, and had by a miracle come back alive. From that day to this
+none had dared to emulate him.
+
+Well might the two young Englishmen shrink from meeting that detestable
+despot, Rao Khan, who ruled his people by the sword, and hated all
+Christians with hatred that fanaticism alone can breed.
+
+The caravan ascended the hill, and across the brow of the ridge
+stretched the massive, irregular wall of the town. The great brazen
+gates were closed, and in the oval turrets that rose sentinel-like above
+the wall appeared no sign of life or motion.
+
+Then with startling suddenness came a trumpet blast and the quick, sharp
+roll of drums; and from the town burst a tumult and volume of sound, and
+then over the walls, and peering curiously from the turrets, appeared a
+swarm of dark, repulsive faces.
+
+The tumult deepened and changed to one vast murmur as the caravan moved
+in dignified state up to the very gates of the ancient city of Harar.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A CLOSE SHAVE.
+
+
+A brief pause, then the gates swung on creaking hinges, and the caravan
+filed in between the dingy walls that had reared themselves for
+centuries from the summit of that hill.
+
+For an instant a hush of curiosity fell on the multitude within, as the
+caravan appeared; but as the Arab leader suddenly trailed in the dust
+the English flag that had once floated from the fortifications of Zaila
+a great shout arose, so that the very air seemed to tremble, and the
+people pressed tumultuously on the caravan from all sides.
+
+"Zaila has fallen! Zaila has fallen!" they cried, and with wild joy they
+beat their arms in the air, while those in the rear sought the
+house-tops, so as better to see the new arrivals.
+
+In the first excitement Guy and Melton had escaped notice, but now they
+were suddenly espied, and the sight of the two hated Englishmen roused
+the passions to the highest pitch of ferocity. The foreigners' presence
+in the town was a sacrilege, an insult, and with threats and angry cries
+the mob surged round the group. At last, so great was the crush, the
+camels were forced to halt.
+
+"Kill the infidels! Kill the dogs of unbelievers!" howled the
+multitude, and waxing more furious with every shout, they drew daggers
+and knives and raised their spears.
+
+The Arabs had quietly closed round Guy and Melton, forming with their
+camels a protective circle, and this alone saved the Englishmen from
+death. But every instant the situation was becoming more critical. The
+mob grew bolder, and even tried to force the group apart in spite of the
+protestations of the Arabs, who had begun to point their rifles
+threateningly. Hundreds of savage faces glared unutterable hatred at the
+two strangers, hundreds of wretches were thirsting for their blood, and,
+finally roused to uncontrollable fury, the crowd swept impetuously
+against the caravan from all sides.
+
+The frightened camels pranced and reared, and the cordon of defense
+suddenly broken, a dozen savages rushed on Guy and Melton. A long spear
+pierced Forbes under the arm and down he went beneath the camels.
+
+A burly wretch dashed at Guy with a dagger, but the Arab brought down
+the butt of his rifle on the fellow's head just in time, as he dropped
+like a log.
+
+A man behind hurled his spear, but his aim was poor, and, instead of
+striking Guy, it entered the poor camel's neck; the beast, plunging
+madly forward, hurled Guy and the Arab to the ground.
+
+This alone saved their lives. As Guy staggered to his feet, cries of
+quite a different nature burst from the mob, and in fright and panic
+they began to scatter in all directions. The rattle of musketry broke
+out some distance ahead, and the Arabs, joining in eagerly, began to
+empty their rifles into the fleeing mass.
+
+The Englishmen were saved. A compact body of men in linen tunics and
+leopard skin caps came sweeping forward. They were armed with rifles,
+and as they ran they kept shooting into the struggling crowd which was
+shrieking and groaning with agony.
+
+In five minutes the place was deserted, and the stony ground was
+literally covered with bodies. It was a terrible example of Rao Khan's
+despotic rule.
+
+Melton was lifted up, and to Guy's deep sorrow it was seen that he had
+received an ugly thrust along the side, not of a serious nature, but
+ragged and painful.
+
+Two of the Emir's troopers, for such they proved to be, carried him, for
+he was unable to walk or ride.
+
+Guy and the Arab mounted a fresh camel, first putting the wounded animal
+out of his misery, and then, preceded by the Emir's guard, the caravan
+resumed its march up the street.
+
+The first sight of Harar was novel and interesting. Before them was a
+long avenue, fully a mile in length, at the extreme end of which could
+be dimly seen the northern wall of the town. This avenue was like a
+barren mountain road, strewn with rubbish and heaps of rocks, and the
+dwellings, which rose on all sides to the height of two stories, were,
+many of them, constructed of sandstone and granite, cemented with a
+reddish clay. They were impressively gloomy and dingy.
+
+The terrible scene just enacted had terrorized the people. Many Arabs
+came flocking across the streets and exchanged greetings with the
+newcomers, but very few Somalis or Gallas were to be seen. The sight of
+the Emir's guard seemed to have stricken the town like a palsy. The
+shops and booths were closed and deserted. The curtains of the houses
+were closely drawn; here and there at the doors lay goods that had been
+dropped in the sudden panic, and at one place a man lay dead across the
+threshold, still clutching in his stiffened fingers a bunch of brightly
+colored rugs.
+
+But now the scene became animated and lively; people flocked out from
+their houses, among them many women, whom Guy regarded curiously, for
+they seemed to be of quite a different type from the men, and passably
+good-looking. They made no demonstration, however, but very quietly
+followed the caravan.
+
+The center of the town was now close at hand, and a short distance
+ahead, on the left-hand side, rose a more imposing abode than those
+around it. It was built of granite, and above the flat roof rose a
+square tower with circular windows. It boasted a spacious courtyard,
+inclosed by a low stone parapet, and within this space were a dozen
+armed guards, clad in leopard skin caps, and bearing brightly polished
+rifles.
+
+It was the palace of the Emir. As the caravan drew up to the gates the
+escort sounded a blast of trumpets, and almost immediately the doors
+were opened and a grave and dignified Arab came slowly out.
+
+He spoke a few words to the leader of the caravan, who dismounted at
+once, and bidding Guy follow him, entered the courtyard. Close behind
+him came Melton, borne by the soldiers.
+
+Passing between the guard, they entered a narrow vestibule hung with
+rich curtains, and in a moment more were ushered into the dreaded
+presence of Rao Kahn.
+
+The Emir was seated on a low dais at the further side of a spacious
+apartment. The first glance struck terror to Guy's heart. Rao Khan was
+a short, thickset man, with a round, smooth face. His eyes were sunken
+deeply under the forehead, and the expression of his face was a strange
+blending of brutality, avarice, and treachery. He was simply clad in
+white linen, with a great sword at his side, and on his head was a
+leopard skin cap, so constructed that the tail of the leopard hung down
+his back.
+
+Before him squatted four solemn-faced Arabs. The floor was spread with
+rugs and the skins of various animals, and on the heavily curtained
+walls hung a dazzling array of every description, bronze and copper
+shields, and strips of oddly-woven tapestry. At sight of the English
+flag which the Arab now produced, the Emir's eyes sparkled, his face lit
+up with fiendish joy, and he began to talk wildly in a strange tongue.
+
+The Arab replied, giving him no doubt an account of the insurrection,
+for the names Berbera, Zaila, and Makar Makalo were frequently
+mentioned.
+
+Guy, from his position at Melton's side, who had been placed on a soft
+lion skin, watched the strange scene with wonder. He was more worried at
+present about Melton than anything else. The spear wound had not yet
+been dressed, and the poor fellow was in too much pain even to talk.
+
+At last the Arab turned round, and, pointing to the Englishmen, spoke in
+a low tone to the Emir, who half rose from his seat and looked sharply
+at the captives.
+
+Guy met his gaze calmly and steadily. In a moment the suspense would be
+over, and their fate would be decided one way or the other.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE SLAVE PRISON.
+
+
+The Emir's reply was brief and apparently forcible. He clapped his
+hands, and half a dozen soldiers appeared instantly. He addressed them
+with a word or two, but before they could execute his orders, Guy
+hastened forward and said to the Arab, "I pray you have my friend's
+wound dressed. He is suffering much pain."
+
+The Arab addressed the Emir, pointing to the wounded man, and then,
+turning to Guy, he said, "It is well. Rao Khan will see to the Inglis
+man."
+
+Guy would have sought more information, but the soldiers now came
+forward and picking Melton up motioned Guy to follow them. They passed
+out of the apartment by a rear door, and traversing a long hall, entered
+a big courtyard.
+
+On the right and left were high stone walls, and directly opposite was a
+low, gloomy sandstone structure, with one narrow door opening on the
+court.
+
+Here were standing more armed guards, who obsequiously opened the door
+for the approaching captives.
+
+As they passed through the gloomy portal Guy's heart sank. His eyes at
+first could see nothing but darkness, and he blindly followed his
+conductors until they came to a stop. A heavy door was closed and bolted
+behind him, and then all was silent.
+
+In a few seconds he was able to see his surroundings. He was in a square
+dungeon, lighted by a narrow aperture high up in the wall. The floor was
+of stone, strewn with straw. Melton sat up and leaned against the wall.
+
+"Where are we, Chutney?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know," answered Guy; "in some sort of prison, I suppose.
+Why--hello, Melton, here are iron rings sunk in the floor all along the
+side."
+
+"That settles it, then," rejoined Melton. "This is Rao Khan's slave
+prison. I don't suppose there are many inmates now while the fair is
+going on."
+
+Approaching footsteps put an end to the conversation, and in a moment
+the door opened to admit a tall Arab, followed by a native with bandages
+and a basin of water.
+
+The Arab quietly loosened Melton's shirt and coat, and, washing the
+wound, wrapped bandages spread with some soft ointment round his body.
+He did the work speedily and dexterously, and then departed as silently
+as he had come. He had barely gone, however, when a soldier entered with
+a tray containing dates, figs, and a peculiar kind of cakes, which he
+placed before the prisoners. They ate with relish, and then, overcome by
+weariness, they lay down on the straw and fell asleep.
+
+It was some hours later when Guy awoke. Night had come, for no light
+shone through the aperture. He lay for some time listening to Melton's
+deep breathing and thinking of their terrible situation.
+
+He was not without hope of deliverance, for he placed a great deal of
+faith in Makar's promise; yet even then the chances were against them.
+Perhaps at this very moment Zaila had been retaken, and Makar was killed
+or a prisoner. If this should happen they were lost. Guy shuddered to
+think of Rao Khan's vengeance under such circumstances.
+
+Presently he became aware of vague noises somewhere in the distance. He
+fancied he heard shots fired and a loud tumult of voices.
+
+He thought it might be imagination, but suddenly the sounds increased,
+and once or twice footsteps hurried past the dungeon. The noise now woke
+Melton, and together they listened, convinced that it was a presentiment
+of coming evil. The strange sounds rose and fell, at times nearly dying
+away and then bursting out with renewed violence.
+
+"I can't understand it at all," said Guy. "It can't be a rejoicing over
+the capture of Zaila, for they are plainly cries of anger."
+
+"We'll know pretty soon what it means," returned Melton; "it concerns
+us, you may be sure."
+
+In his excitement he arose and began to pace the floor. His wound was
+giving him no pain, he said, adding that he really felt pretty well
+again.
+
+At last the shouts seemed to come a little nearer, and before long the
+fierce, angry cries were heard close at hand.
+
+"They are surrounding the prison," said Guy, huskily.
+
+He was right. A howling mob was on all sides of them now, and it was
+quite clear that they were beginning to attack the walls of the
+courtyard, for suddenly half a dozen shots were fired as though the
+guards were resisting the invaders.
+
+It was a period of terrible suspense. The shouts increased, the firing
+grew heavier, powder-smoke drifted into the prison; but just when they
+expected to see their dungeon door torn open by a mad swarm of fanatics
+the uproar suddenly ceased.
+
+A full minute of silence followed, and then on the night air rose a howl
+of triumph, so savage, so vindictive, that Guy and Melton shivered from
+head to foot. For some reason the attack had been suddenly abandoned.
+What that reason was they could only surmise.
+
+The silence continued. The invaders had dispersed. Sleep was impossible,
+and they passed the time in conversation until a streak of light,
+flickering through the opening, showed that morning had come.
+
+Food and drink were brought in. The prisoners ate sparingly. The shadow
+of a great calamity was overhanging.
+
+"I am just as sure," said Melton, "that something will shortly happen,
+as I am that you and I are in Rao Khan's slave prison at Harar."
+
+"Listen," answered Guy.
+
+Footsteps approached. The door creaked and opened, and a man entered.
+With a cry of wonder Guy and Melton sprang to their feet. The new-comer
+was bronzed and burnt, he had light hair, a mustache and a soft blond
+beard, but he wore trousers and a tunic of white linen.
+
+The surprise was mutual. The stranger scanned them closely from head to
+foot.
+
+"Who are you?" cried Guy hoarsely. "Can it be possible that you are an
+Englishman--an Englishman in Harar?"
+
+The man paused a moment, and then said quietly: "I am a Greek. My name
+is Canaris Mataplan. At present I am an interpreter to Rao Khan, the
+Emir."
+
+"But your English?" cried Melton. "It is perfect."
+
+"I was a cafe-keeper at Cairo for seven years," replied the Greek. "I
+learned English there."
+
+An embarrassing pause now occurred. It was certain that the Greek was
+the bearer of tidings from the Emir. No one dared speak. At last the
+Greek said quietly: "You are truly unfortunate. Tell me how you came
+here. I know that Zaila has fallen into the possession of Rao Khan's
+emissaries. I know nothing else."
+
+Guy briefly told the tale, and Canaris listened quietly.
+
+"Fools!" he said. "The English will be in Zaila again in a month."
+
+"And you?" rejoined Guy. "What brought you to Harar?"
+
+"I left Cairo for Calcutta," said Canaris. "The steamer was lost off
+Cape Guardafui; ten of us reached shore in a boat; the Somalis
+slaughtered all but myself. I was sold to the Arabs and came ultimately
+to Harar. I was useful to Rao Khan in many ways, and my life was spared.
+I have been here two years, two long years. I shall never see Greece
+again," he added gloomily. "I am a slave to the Emir for life."
+
+"Is escape then impossible?" asked Guy.
+
+"Absolutely. Between here and the coast is the desert. To the south are
+the bloodthirsty Gallas. No, no; one can never escape from Harar."
+
+The tramp of the guard was heard in the corridor, and a sudden change
+passed over the Greek's face.
+
+"I have come from Rao Khan," he said in a low voice. "He sends me with a
+message."
+
+He paused.
+
+"Go on," said Guy; "we are listening." He was breathing heavily.
+
+"Two hours after you arrived here yesterday morning," resumed Canaris,
+"Rao Khan despatched the Arabs to Zaila again, in company with two
+hundred of his best soldiers, who will assist in holding the town. They
+had scarcely gone when an insurrection broke out. The people were
+angered at the slaughter done by the Emir's troops when they rescued you
+from the crowd. It is an ancient law in Harar that every Christian
+stranger who enters her gates must die. Englishmen are most detested of
+all. The populace became maddened and furious; from all quarters of the
+town they came, clamoring, demanding your lives. When Rao Khan called
+out his remaining troops they refused to fire. The people, they said,
+were right. A very few remained faithful to the Emir. The mob surrounded
+the palace and the prison; they tried to scale the walls; the guards in
+the court fired on them. Then Rao Khan appeared and spoke to the angry
+crowd. He begged them to wait. He told them that you belonged not to
+him, but that Makar Makalo had sent you here for safe-keeping, that you
+were the slaves of Makar Makalo. The people only howled in derision.
+They became more angry and infuriated, and refused to listen any longer.
+'The Englishmen must die!' they cried. Rao Khan was fearful in his
+anger. But he was powerless. He feared the destruction of the palace,
+the loss of his own life." Here Canaris paused and looked with infinite
+pity at the Englishmen.
+
+Guy tried to speak, but the words stuck in his throat. Melton laid his
+hand on the Greek's arm. "Go on, go on," he whispered hoarsely. "We are
+men, not cowards. Let us know the worst."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CANARIS UNFOLDS A TALE.
+
+
+"Well," said Canaris, "I will tell you. Rao Khan has promised your lives
+to the people. It was his only hope, and now, his word once given, he
+will not dare to break it."
+
+Melton covered his face with his hands, and Guy staggered backward.
+
+"When?" he cried huskily. "Today?"
+
+"No," said Canaris, "not today. The Emir bids me tell you that you will
+have four days yet to live. On the fifth day you will die by the
+executioner, in the square of the town."
+
+They shuddered as these dreadful words fell from the Greek's lips.
+
+"Is there no hope, then, at all?" said Melton. "Let us know the worst at
+once and be done with it."
+
+Canaris made no reply for a moment. His eyes were fixed on the floor,
+and he seemed to be thinking deeply. When he looked up the expression of
+his face was changed. A strange light shone in his eye, a mixture of
+triumph and fear.
+
+"I can tell you nothing now," he said hastily. "Tonight you shall have
+an answer. But tell me, how is your wound?"
+
+"Better," replied Melton. "I can scarcely feel it at all."
+
+"Good," said Canaris. "Now do just as I tell you. Lie down on the straw;
+pretend that you are much worse; moan loudly from time to time, and when
+I come tonight I shall have something to impart to you."
+
+With this strange admonition, Canaris hastily left the dungeon and the
+guard rebolted the door.
+
+"Is the fellow crazy?" said Melton. "What can he mean to do?"
+
+"Crazy?" rejoined Guy. "No; I have a strange faith in that man, Melton.
+Do just as he tells you and see what turns up tonight."
+
+With much grumbling Melton assumed the part of a very sick man. He
+rather overdid the thing, in fact, for twice the guard opened the door
+and looked in. About noon food was brought, and from that time no one
+came near them.
+
+The minutes dragged along like hours. They tried to forget the awful
+fate that stared them in the face, but in spite of the Greek's
+encouraging words the future looked very black.
+
+At last the feeble light in their dungeon began to fade away, and soon
+they were in darkness.
+
+"The fellow will never come back," said Melton bitterly. "It's all up
+with us, Chutney, so don't try to raise any more false hopes."
+
+But Guy refused to give up, and his faith was rewarded. Quick footsteps
+approached the dungeon, the bolts rattled, and Canaris entered with a
+rude lamp and a leather case, which he placed carefully on the floor.
+
+Then he pulled a paper from his pocket and waved it gleefully.
+
+"See," he cried, "a permit from Rao Khan, admitting me to the prison at
+all times. I told him that your wound was very bad, that the Arab doctor
+had failed to help you, and that I knew enough of English surgery to
+cure you if he would allow it. Rao Khan reluctantly consented, and here
+I am."
+
+He listened intently for a moment, glanced round the dungeon, and then
+went on in a low, excited tone:
+
+"Get close together. I have something important to tell you."
+
+They squatted down in a group on the straw, and with a strange, exultant
+sparkle in his eyes, Canaris began:
+
+"When I came to Harar two years ago this very cell held a white slave,
+like yourselves an Englishman. He was an old man, with long white hair
+and beard, and had been so long in slavery that he had forgotten his own
+name and could scarcely speak the English tongue.
+
+"My duties then were to carry food and drink to the slaves, and before
+long I was on intimate terms with the old Englishman. He was very ill,
+and the Arab doctors made him no better. Perhaps it was old age that was
+the trouble, but at all events he died two months after I came. At
+different times he had told me the story of his life, and that is what I
+am going to tell you now.
+
+"He had been thirty years in slavery. How and where he had been captured
+he could no longer remember. His mind was a blank on that point. But one
+thing he told me that is important. For twenty years he had lived among
+the Gallas in a village fifty miles to the south of Harar, and it was a
+few years after he had been brought there that he nearly succeeded in
+making his escape.
+
+"He had often heard from the natives of an underground river that was
+said to exist, and which emptied either into the River Juba or into the
+sea. The tales concerning the river were many and strange, but the chief
+of the Gallas assured him that at one time a tribe of natives had lived
+in the mouth of a huge cavern which gave access to the river."
+
+"I have heard something of that myself," interrupted Melton. "An Arab at
+Zanzibar told me, but I never had any faith in the story."
+
+"That river exists," said Canaris solemnly. "The Englishman found it."
+
+"What!" cried Guy and Melton in one breath. "He found the underground
+river?"
+
+"Yes, he discovered it," resumed Canaris. "He found it one day while
+hunting in a concealed cavern. He ventured down and came to a great
+sandy beach, past which flowed swiftly a broad stream. On the beach lay
+half a dozen strong canoes with paddles. All this he saw by the light
+that streamed in from narrow crevices overhead. He went back to the
+village and began to lay aside provisions for the journey, for he
+intended making his escape by the river. In a week all was ready. He had
+concealed near the cavern supplies for a long voyage. The very day fixed
+for his escape he was sold to a Galla chief who lived twenty miles
+distant. In the years that followed he made many attempts to escape, but
+on every occasion was captured and brought back. At last he was given as
+tribute to the Emir by this Galla chief, and here in this dungeon, on
+the spot you are sitting on now, he breathed his last."
+
+Canaris paused and helped himself to a glass of water.
+
+"A strange story, indeed," said Guy; "but what has it got to do with
+us?"
+
+"I will tell you," responded Canaris, with a slight tremor in his voice.
+"It may have nothing to do with any of us, and it may be of the greatest
+importance to us all."
+
+"Did the old man tell you where to find the cavern?" asked Guy.
+
+"No," answered Canaris, "but before he died he gave me this," and,
+pulling a folded bit of linen from his pocket he handed it to Guy.
+
+"Can you read that?" he asked in strange excitement. "I have never been
+able to make anything out of it."
+
+Guy pulled it carefully open and gazed with interest on the faded
+characters that had apparently been written in blood.
+
+"Yes," he said after a pause, "I can read it. It is French."
+
+"Go on," said Canaris. "Tell me quickly what it is."
+
+"It translates as follows," rejoined Guy:
+
+"Half way between Elephant Peak and the Lion's Head. The south side of
+the stone kraal. The rock with the cross."
+
+Canaris sprang to his feet and staggered back against the wall of the
+dungeon.
+
+"It was Providence that brought you here," he cried. "It is wonderful,
+wonderful!"
+
+"What do you mean?" said Guy. "How can this aid us?"
+
+"It is the secret of the cave," replied Canaris. "The stone kraal is a
+curious formation of rocks that lie between the two mountains that bear
+those names. Close by is the village of the chief of all the Gallas."
+
+"But how under the sun can this discovery benefit us?" repeated Guy,
+half angrily. "Can you open our prison for us, Canaris?"
+
+The Greek threw a cautious glance toward the door and then whispered in
+a voice that trembled with emotion: "Nothing is impossible; hope for the
+best. But stay," he added in sudden fear; "I must have money, or all is
+lost. Alas! you have none, I am sure."
+
+For answer Guy hastily rose, and, loosening his clothes, unhooked a
+small buckskin belt. He tore open the end and dropped a stream of golden
+sovereigns into his hand.
+
+"Here is money!" he cried. "The Arabs overlooked this when they searched
+me."
+
+The Greek's eyes glittered.
+
+"Give me twenty," he said. "That will be plenty."
+
+He stowed the coins away in his clothes and picked up the lamp.
+
+"I must leave you now," he said. "I will return in the morning."
+
+He would have added more, but steps were heard in the corridor. The
+dungeon door clanged behind him, and Guy and Melton were left in
+darkness, half stupefied by the strange story they had just heard and by
+the hope of escape which the Greek so confidently held out to them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A DARING MOVE.
+
+
+When daylight came the captives could scarcely believe that the events
+of the preceding night had not been all a dream. There was the document,
+however, to prove their reality, and Guy was deeply studying its faded
+characters when the Greek arrived.
+
+His face was radiant with happiness, an expression which quickly gave
+way to deep sadness as a big Somali entered with a platter of food. The
+latter had barely closed the door when Canaris held up a warning finger
+and motioned the Englishmen to draw near.
+
+"It is well," he said softly. "I will tell you what I have done. Near
+the palace lives a Jewish merchant whom I know well. To him I went last
+night and by the aid of your gold made a good bargain. On the western
+side of the city, close by the wall, is a deserted guard-house that was
+once used before the watch-towers were built. Here the Jew promised to
+take for me the goods I purchased--namely, a supply of dates, figs, and
+crackers, three revolvers, three rifles with boxes of shells, three
+sabers, two ancient bronze lamps with flasks of palm oil, a box of
+English candles, and four long ropes with iron hooks on the end."
+
+"He will betray you to the Emir," said Guy in alarm.
+
+"Oh, no," returned Canaris, "no danger of that. I know a little secret
+concerning my Jewish friend that would put his head above the town walls
+in an hour's time. The things are even now hidden in the deserted house,
+you may rely on that."
+
+"But how are we going to get out of this infernal dungeon?" asked Guy.
+"And how can we pass through the streets to the edge of the town?"
+
+For answer the Greek opened the leather case that he had brought with
+him and took out three revolvers, three boxes of shells, a coil of rope,
+and a sharp knife.
+
+"These are my surgical instruments," he said. "I will put them under the
+straw," and he suited the action to the word.
+
+"Affairs outside have changed somewhat," he continued. "The people are
+sullen and restless. They mistrust the Emir, and fear they will be
+cheated of the pleasure they are looking forward to."
+
+Guy turned pale. "Then we are lost!" he cried.
+
+"No, you are saved," said Canaris. "That very fact works for your
+salvation. The Emir is alarmed; he fears for himself, not for you. His
+troops are few since he despatched the caravan to Zaila, and at night,
+for better security, he takes guards from the prison courtyard and
+stations them before the palace. This leaves three guards to contend
+with; one watches in the corridor, one stands before the prison door,
+and the third guards the gateway that opens from the prison yard on to a
+dark avenue of the town. If all goes well you will be free men at
+midnight. I must hurry away now. Listen well to my instructions, and do
+just as I tell you.
+
+"You," and he turned to Melton, "must pretend that your wound is bad.
+Refuse to eat and lie on the straw all the time. It will be better if I
+do not return today. I fear that even now Rao Khan grows suspicious. The
+Arab doctor is angered because I have assumed his duties. At midnight,
+if you listen sharply, you will hear the guard relieved by a new man.
+Soon after that knock on the door, and when the guard looks in show him
+the wounded man, who will then feign to be very bad. I sleep in a rear
+apartment of the palace. The guard will send for me, and I will come.
+Otherwise my visiting you at that time of night would be looked upon
+with suspicion. The rest I will tell you then. Don't despair. All will
+be well; till midnight, farewell."
+
+Canaris glided from the dungeon, and the prisoners were alone. They
+passed the long hours of that day in a strange mixture of hope and fear.
+The difficulties to be overcome seemed insurmountable. They must escape
+from the prison, pass through the very midst of their bloodthirsty
+enemies, scale the wall, and then--where were they? Hundreds of miles
+from the coast, surrounded by barbarous and savage people, and their
+only hope that mysterious underground river which in itself was a thing
+to be feared.
+
+But, on the other hand, speedy death awaited them in the dungeon of Rao
+Khan. The chances were truly worth taking.
+
+They followed instructions closely when the guard brought them food at
+noon, and in the evening Melton tossed on the floor as though in pain.
+The thrice-welcomed darkness came at last, and the light faded out of
+their dungeon. Once a horrible thought entered Guy's mind. What was to
+prevent the Greek from making his escape alone, and abandoning the
+Englishmen to their fate? It was but momentary, however, and then he
+dismissed the suspicion with a feeling of shame. He had already learned
+to trust the Greek implicitly.
+
+Crouched by their dungeon door, they listened by the hour, and at last
+their patience was rewarded. Voices were heard, steps approached and
+died away, and then all was silent.
+
+The time for action had come.
+
+Melton threw himself on the straw and moaned. Guy rapped sharply on the
+door and waited in suspense. Almost instantly it opened, and the guard,
+a tall Nubian, pushed his lamp into the doorway and followed it up with
+head and shoulders.
+
+"Canaris, Canaris!" said Guy earnestly, pointing to Melton, who uttered
+at that moment a most unearthly groan.
+
+The guard drew back and shut the door. His soft tread echoed down the
+corridor, and all was still.
+
+The suspense of the next five minutes Guy will never forget as long as
+he lives. It seemed to his excited imagination as though an hour had
+passed by, when suddenly sounds were heard in the corridor, and in an
+instant more Canaris stood before them, his leather case at his side, a
+lamp in his hand. He closed the door, opened the case, and drew out two
+wide linen tunics and two long jackets such as the Emir's troops wore.
+
+"Put these on," he whispered. "You can wear your helmets; there are many
+of them in Harar."
+
+As he spoke he drew an Arab burnous over his head, shading entirely his
+light hair and mustache. He next pulled the revolvers and shells from
+under the straw, distributed them around, and with the knife cut the
+rope in a dozen parts. By this time Guy and Melton had donned their
+disguises and were ready for action.
+
+Up to this point Guy had supposed that Canaris had bribed the guards and
+paved the way out of prison.
+
+"You are sure the guards will let us pass?" he said.
+
+Canaris looked at him in wonder, and then a smile rippled over his face.
+
+"You thought I had bribed the guards," he said. "Ten thousand pounds
+could not tempt them. They would only lose their heads in the morning.
+It matters little," he added. "They will lose them anyhow. But our time
+has come; be ready now to assist."
+
+He motioned Guy and Melton behind the door, and then, pulling it partly
+open, uttered a few words in a strange tongue.
+
+Instantly the powerful frame of the big Nubian entered, and as he stood
+for one second on the dungeon floor, sudden mistrust in his ugly
+features, Canaris leaped at his throat and bore him heavily to the
+ground.
+
+"Quick!" he cried, and in an instant Guy and Melton had seized the
+struggling man's arms and feet.
+
+Still pressing the fellow's windpipe with one muscular hand, Canaris
+thrust a gag into the gaping mouth, and in two minutes their captive was
+lying bound and helpless on the straw.
+
+"What did you tell him?" asked Guy.
+
+"I said our lamp was going out," Canaris replied. "And now for the man
+at the prison door. I must get him inside, for the post is in plain
+view of the guard at the gate."
+
+A solution of this puzzling problem was closer at hand than anyone
+imagined. The creaking of a door was heard, followed by approaching
+footsteps.
+
+"Here he comes now!" said Canaris in an excited whisper. "He has grown
+suspicious, and has determined to investigate. Quick!"
+
+Canaris darted to the other side of the doorway, and then ensued another
+period of chilling suspense.
+
+The tread came nearer, and at last another stalwart Nubian blocked the
+doorway with his massive bulk. His look of wonder was comical as he saw
+his comrade gagged and bound on the dungeon floor, but before the half
+articulated exclamation could escape his lips Canaris had him by the
+throat, and down they came. The fellow uttered one cry, and then, as his
+head struck the edge of the door in falling his struggles lessened, and
+with no trouble at all he was gagged and bound.
+
+Canaris tore the ammunition from their belts, handed Guy and Melton
+their rifles, and then, blowing out the lamp, he pushed them into the
+corridor and bolted the door.
+
+"Two heads will be off in the morning," he remarked grimly. "One more
+victory and we are out of prison."
+
+He blew out the light that stood in the corridor and led the way through
+the darkness till he reached the door. He pulled it open, a crack
+revealing the moonlit courtyard, and took a long, careful survey.
+
+"There is the man we want," he whispered, pointing across the court, and
+putting his eyes to the crevice Guy saw against the massive prison wall
+a dark shadow leaning grimly on a rifle.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE FLIGHT THROUGH THE TOWN.
+
+
+It was a critical situation for the three fugitives, crouching behind
+the heavy prison door. That grim sentry over yonder by the gate must be
+noiselessly and effectually overpowered, and that at once. Any moment
+guards might come from the palace, and then--oh, it was horrible! The
+public square, the executioner's gleaming knife, the roar of the
+populace!
+
+Guy's brain whirled at this appalling panorama, and he clutched the door
+for support.
+
+"Can't we rush on him?" asked Melton.
+
+Canaris laughed grimly.
+
+"Before we could take three steps from the door," he said, "the fellow
+would see us and alarm the palace. If I go alone the chances are that
+before you can reach me he would succeed in making an outcry. Our only
+hope lies in getting away from the town before our escape is
+discovered."
+
+"But what are you going to do, Canaris?" asked Guy excitedly. "We are
+losing precious time."
+
+"Keep cool," replied the Greek. "I will fix him in five minutes. Stay
+where you are and don't make a sound. When I wave my hand, then come."
+
+He removed his burnous and stuffed it under his tunic. Then he calmly
+opened the door and walked straight across the court toward the guard,
+who looked up carelessly at his approach. With their eyes glued against
+the cracks of the door Guy and Melton waited in terrible suspense.
+
+A short conversation ensued. Canaris turned and pointed toward the
+prison. The guard replied with many gestures, and finally in his
+eagerness placed his rifle against the wall. What followed was so swift
+and dexterous that it seemed like a dream.
+
+The Greek's right hand shot out from his bosom clasping some glittering
+object. It struck the astonished guard on the forehead with a sharp
+click that echoed across the courtyard, and without a sound he dropped
+on his knees and then rolled over on the stone pavement.
+
+Canaris waved his hand, and then the two captives dashed breathlessly
+across the courtyard.
+
+"Is he dead?" asked Guy in a horrified whisper.
+
+"Only stunned," replied Canaris. "I struck him with the butt of my
+revolver. Quick now; bind and gag him while I find the key and open the
+gate."
+
+Guy hastily fastened the fellow's feet and arms and stuffed a roll of
+linen in his mouth.
+
+Melton stood looking on. His wound was beginning to give him some pain
+again.
+
+With a low exclamation of triumph Canaris pulled from the Nubian's waist
+a narrow belt on which hung a ponderous iron key. All rose to their
+feet. Guy dropped the unconscious guard under the shadow of the wall.
+The supreme moment had come. The great courtyard, white in the light of
+the moon, was empty. The heavy doors leading to the palace were shut.
+Behind the high prison walls all seemed quiet. The city was asleep.
+
+The first stage of the journey was accomplished in safety. The terrible
+passage through the town was before them now. With a hand that trembled
+slightly Canaris inserted the key in the lock. It turned with a harsh
+rattle, and at a touch of the hand the brazen gate swung outward.
+
+The Greek made a hasty survey and then stepped noiselessly outside. They
+were in a narrow side street which ran past the Emir's palace. The side
+toward the prison was in deep shadow. On the other side was a long stone
+building, with two or three narrow grated windows.
+
+"That is an Arab storehouse opposite," said Canaris. "We are safe for
+the present. Now follow me closely. Walk boldly and fearlessly and keep
+a few feet apart."
+
+He started off at a rapid gait, his white burnous tossing on his
+shoulders, and with fast-beating hearts Guy and Melton came close
+behind. In five minutes they turned into another narrow passage running
+at right angles, and, continuing along this for forty or fifty yards,
+made still another turn.
+
+The two streets they had just traversed had been lined for the most part
+with big warehouses and slave-markets. It was, in fact, the business
+part of the town, alive with people during the day, deserted at night.
+But now a crisis was at hand. Canaris halted his little party in the
+shadow of a building and pointed straight up the street.
+
+"Yonder lies the main avenue," he said. "We must cross it to reach our
+destination. Keep yourselves well under control, don't show any fear,
+and if any people are about don't look at them. If they address you make
+no reply."
+
+Guy marveled at the Greek's coolness under such terrible circumstances.
+Every moment was a torture to him as long as they remained in the midst
+of these bloodthirsty fiends.
+
+In five minutes they reached the main street. From the slight ridge on
+which they stood they could see stretching afar on either hand the
+moonlit roadway, spectered with the dark shadows of the houses. They had
+been traveling on three sides of a square. Fifty yards down the street
+the tower of the Emir's palace was visible, outlined faintly against the
+pale-gray sky.
+
+As they stepped from the shadows upon the open roadway, an Arab stalked
+from a doorway opposite, and without troubling himself to come nearer
+addressed Canaris in a strange tongue.
+
+Guy's heart seemed to leap into his throat as he nervously handled the
+revolver that stuck in his belt.
+
+Canaris coolly replied in a low voice. The Arab evinced no intention of
+coming any nearer, and in an instant more the fugitives had plunged into
+the gloom of another cross street.
+
+On all sides now were rude abodes, some of sandstone, others of clay,
+and at some places even tents were to be seen. Laughter and loud talking
+came from open windows. Two or three fierce looking Somali warriors
+stalked past in dignified silence, and an Arab sheik, wrapped closely in
+his garment, looked at them cautiously as he hurried by.
+
+Melton now walked with difficulty. His wound had broken out afresh and
+was bleeding. The weight of the rifle was too much for him, and he was
+compelled to abandon it in the road.
+
+"A little farther now," said Canaris encouragingly, "and we shall be
+safe."
+
+Melton tried to walk faster, leaning on Guy's arm, but at last, with a
+moan of pain, he sank to the ground.
+
+"Go on, leave me; save yourselves," he whispered feebly, as they bent
+over him and tried to lift him to his feet.
+
+"One more effort, my dear Melton," implored Guy in an agony, "only one
+more effort, and we shall be safe. We can carry you if you can't walk."
+
+"No," he gasped. "Go at once. You can escape. I would only keep you back
+and cause your capture; better one than three."
+
+Guy threw an appealing glance at Canaris. The Greek's features were
+immovable. He calmly waited the result of Guy's pleading.
+
+"My brave fellow," said Chutney, in a husky voice, kneeling down and
+clasping Melton's hand, "I refuse to accept your sacrifice. I shall
+remain here with you and we will meet our fate together. Canaris, save
+yourself while there is yet time. I will not desert my friend."
+
+The Greek paused irresolutely. The convulsive workings of his face
+showed the struggle going on in his mind. Suddenly Melton rose on one
+elbow and cried excitedly:
+
+"Go, go, I tell you."
+
+Guy shook his head. "No," he said decidedly. "I shall remain."
+
+"You are throwing your lives away," said Melton bitterly. "Here, help me
+up. I will make another effort."
+
+In an instant Guy and Canaris had gladly pulled him to his feet, and off
+they went again as rapidly as possible. All was quiet around them. A
+deep silence, broken only by the occasional low of a cow, had enwrapped
+the town. So far their escape had remained undiscovered.
+
+"Ah, here we are," said Canaris joyfully, turning down a dark, dirty
+passage, so narrow that the three could barely walk abreast. "In three
+minutes we shall reach the wall."
+
+Three minutes is not a long time, but it is long enough for many things
+to happen. They had traversed half the length of the street when Guy,
+moved by one of those sudden, unexplainable impulses, turned his head.
+
+Ten yards behind, crawling with soft and stealthy tread, was a grim,
+half naked Somali. How long he had been following in their track it was
+impossible to tell. But there he was, a stern Nemesis, the moonlight
+shining on spear and shield, and glowing on the dark, villainous
+features.
+
+Guy and Canaris wheeled round and stood with drawn revolvers. The Somali
+clutched his spear and drew up his shield. The silence remained
+unbroken.
+
+One single cry and a mad horde would rush forth like bees from a hive.
+The Somali made one step backward, then another, and then, opening his
+mouth, he gave a yell that was caught up in horrible echoes till the
+street fairly rang.
+
+"Malediction!" cried Canaris, in uncontrollable fury, "that's your last
+shout," and, taking quick aim, he pulled his revolver on the shouting
+Somali.
+
+A stunning report, a hollow groan, and down came the savage all in a
+heap, while the heavy shield bounded with a clatter over the stones.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+OVER THE WALLS.
+
+
+The crack of the revolver, following closely on the Somali's loud yell,
+had barely died away in echoes when the dark street seemed fairly to
+burst into life.
+
+The fugitives did not wait to see the result of the shot, but as they
+dashed madly forward they heard the people calling wildly to one another
+as they hurried from their dwellings.
+
+Even Melton kept up with wonderful endurance. The excitement had given
+him false strength, and he kept even pace with Guy and Canaris.
+
+Close at hand was the termination of the street, and as they were within
+ten yards of it a big Somali suddenly leaped out and barred the way.
+
+The fugitives were going at a rate of speed which it was simply
+impossible to check. Canaris was a foot in advance, and in an instant
+more he would have impaled himself on the savage's outpointed spear.
+
+It was too late to use the revolver which he still carried in his hand,
+but quick as a flash he hurled it with all his might, and with such
+correct aim that it landed plump on the fellow's head with an ugly
+crack.
+
+The Somali howled with agony, letting the spear drop from his nerveless
+hands, and just as it clattered to the ground Canaris was upon him with
+a rush, and down they went together, the Somali undermost.
+
+Canaris was up in a trice, and Guy and Melton, bounding on behind,
+trampled the half unconscious savage under their feet.
+
+"Go on," said Guy fiercely. "We will outwit them yet. Brace up, Melton;
+we'll soon be out of this hole."
+
+Forbes gritted his teeth to suppress a cry of pain.
+
+"I can't keep up much longer," he said. "I'll faint from loss of blood."
+
+The place they had just entered was the great trading locality and slave
+market of the town. At this time of year it was deserted, but the empty
+stalls and booths stood about in endless confusion.
+
+The wisdom of the route chosen by Canaris was now apparent, for this
+labyrinth of paths, which wove an intricate network through the stalls,
+offered just the opportunity they wanted; and, following the Greek's
+guidance, they twisted in and out in a tortuous line that gradually
+brought them toward the opposite side of the market.
+
+The outcry behind them had by this time swelled to a perfect tumult, and
+the night air bore it to their ears with startling distinctness.
+
+Fortunately for the fugitives, this vast court was surrounded by grim
+slave prisons, and they encountered no one in their flight. They reached
+the opposite side of the market in safety, and, plunging in among the
+mass of empty prisons, ran on, panting and breathless.
+
+The Greek's white burnous fluttered on ahead, turning angle after angle,
+diving into dark alleys and shooting across open spaces. At last he
+stopped and, too exhausted to speak, waved his hand in triumph at the
+frowning wall of the town that towered directly over their heads for
+twenty feet.
+
+Close by the wall was a circular stone tower, partly in ruins, and into
+this Canaris dived eagerly. It was an anxious moment to the two who
+waited on the outside, but at last the Greek reappeared in triumph with
+his hands full. The Jewish merchant had kept his promise.
+
+He paused a second or two to listen to the outcry in the town.
+
+"They are coming nearer," he said. "Keep cool and don't get excited.
+They will search every stall in the market before a man comes near us,
+and besides this is the last place they would look. They will never
+suspect us of any intention to scale the wall. Still we must lose no
+time," he added. "Now here is a box of shells apiece; put them in your
+pockets, buckle these sabers around your waists, take the rifles I
+bought. They are better, so you may throw the others away."
+
+"Forbes can't carry one," said Guy. "What shall we do with it?"
+
+"Leave it behind," replied Canaris. "We have burden enough. I had the
+Jew put up the stuff in three oilcloth bags. We must divide it into two
+loads."
+
+He turned the contents of all on the ground.
+
+"Yes, everything is here," he said. "Crackers, dates, figs, two lamps, a
+box of candles, matches, and two flasks of palm oil. Now, then, for the
+final move."
+
+He divided the stuff into two bags, and then, going back into the guard
+tower, came out with a bunch of long ropes.
+
+"Hurry up," said Guy. "Do you observe how close the sounds are coming?"
+
+"They are searching the market," said Canaris calmly. "They take us for
+a party of drunken Arabs out on a lark."
+
+"Then they don't suspect the truth?" asked Guy.
+
+Canaris laughed.
+
+"If it were known that the Emir's English prisoners had escaped," he
+said, "the fiends up yonder would be making more noise than the surf
+that breaks on the rocks at Bab el Mandeb."
+
+The ropes had at one end a rude iron hook, and, taking one of them,
+Canaris threw it over the wall, retaining the other end in his hand.
+
+He pulled it in a yard or two, and then the rope became suddenly taut.
+The hook was secure. He took a sharp glance around him, measured with
+his ear the hoarse shouts that still rose from the slave market, and
+then went nimbly up the rope, hand over hand. He reached the top in
+safety.
+
+"Now fasten the stuff on," he whispered down; "put the other ropes in
+the bag."
+
+Guy obeyed instructions, and Canaris rapidly drew the string up. He then
+speedily hooked a second rope to the wall and dropped it down.
+
+"Fasten Forbes to one rope, and come up the other yourself," he called
+out to Chutney.
+
+Here a difficulty arose. Melton was, of course, unable to climb the
+rope, and if a noose were slipped under his arms the wound would be torn
+and lacerated by the strain.
+
+"It's no use, Chutney," he said. "I foresaw this. You must get off
+without me."
+
+Guy was in despair. He was just on the point of bidding Canaris make his
+escape alone, when a happy thought struck him.
+
+"I have it, Melton," he cried joyfully. "Have you much power in your
+arms?"
+
+"Yes," said Melton, "but not enough to go up that rope."
+
+"That's all right. I don't want you to go up the rope," returned Guy.
+"Here, put your feet together and stand straight."
+
+Hastily noosing the rope, he drew the knot tightly about Melton's legs
+just above the knee.
+
+"You take a good grip with your hands," he added. "There won't be much
+strain on your wound and we'll have you on the top in a jiffy."
+
+Melton obeyed instructions, and Guy pulled himself speedily to the top.
+
+"Crouch down," said Canaris; "don't you see that watch-tower?" and he
+pointed to a dim mass rising from the wall some distance off. "That is
+the nearest tower," he added. "I hardly think they can see us, but it is
+better to take precautions."
+
+The other two ropes were already dangling on the outer side of the wall.
+Canaris had planned everything for an emergency.
+
+Guy took a hasty glance at the roofs and battlements spread before them
+on one side, the moonlit landscape on the other, and then he whispered
+down, "All right, Melton?"
+
+"Yes, go ahead," came the faint reply.
+
+"Quick, they are coming!" cried Canaris in sudden excitement, and as he
+spoke a yell went up close at hand, and three or four dark figures
+turned the corner of the nearest slave-prison.
+
+A big Somali was in the lead, and, spying Melton, he raised his spear.
+
+"You fiend!" cried Guy, and, lifting a loose stone from the wall, he
+hurled it down.
+
+It struck the spear from the rascal's hand, and, before he could recover
+himself, Guy and Canaris had dragged Melton to the top of the wall by a
+prodigious effort.
+
+"Down, down!" cried Canaris, and as they crouched low three or four
+spears went over their heads and a hoarse shout of rage went up from the
+baffled Somalis that was caught up and repeated far back into the town.
+
+"Keep cool," cautioned Canaris; "the ropes are up; they can't reach us.
+Five minutes more, and----" The words froze on his lips. Loud above the
+shouts of the savages rose a harsh, metallic sound that vibrated in
+shuddering echoes through the night air. It was the beating of the
+tomtom at the Emir's palace.
+
+An electric circuit could not have more speedily roused the town. A
+vast, sullen roar went up instantly, and then, mingled with the clang of
+the tomtom and the tumult of the people, rang out a harsh rattle of
+alarm-drums that swelled and spread until every oval watch-turret on the
+town walls was sounding the tocsin announcing to the subjects of Rao
+Khan the escape of the hated Englishmen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE PURSUIT.
+
+
+"Now for it," cried Canaris. "Don't be scared. In two minutes we'll be
+out of reach of these fiends."
+
+His appearance belied his words, for he was trembling with fright. The
+rope about Melton's legs had not been loosened, and he was instantly
+lowered on the other side. In less time than it takes to tell, Guy and
+Canaris had joined him, and all three felt the solid earth beneath their
+feet again.
+
+The situation was now extremely critical. The tomtom still rang out from
+the palace, and the drums were beating in the watch-towers, though their
+volume of sound could be heard but faintly above the constantly
+increasing roar of the maddened people.
+
+The fugitives had scaled the wall at a point on the western side of the
+city very close to the southern angle; the western gate was still more
+remote, and from these gates the pursuit must come.
+
+That it would come quickly no one could doubt, for the rabble of Somalis
+who had led the chase through the market-place had by this time reached
+the gates with the tidings of the fugitives' escape over the wall.
+
+Canaris took a bag and a rifle and Guy followed his example.
+
+Not a second of time was lost, but, turning to the southwest, they
+dashed down the long, slanting hill toward the valley that opened clear
+and distinct at their feet. Their ears rang with the horrid din and
+turmoil, and this spurred them on to greater efforts as they plunged
+forward with great strides.
+
+At the angle of the wall stood a watch-tower, and from this coign of
+vantage the guards saw the fleeing fugitives, outlined by the
+treacherous moonlight.
+
+Crack! crack! crack! rang their rifles, and the bullets whistled keenly
+through the air, but the flying figures went straight on and speedily
+vanished over the crest of the hill.
+
+The valley beneath the town was skimmed across, and then, scaling a low
+stone wall, they plunged into the shadow of a big plantation and ran on
+between rows of limes and coffee trees.
+
+Guy feared that the Arabs who owned these orchards would join in the
+pursuit, but Canaris assured him that there was little danger of that.
+An uproar in the town, he declared, was always the signal for the
+dwellers outside the walls to shut themselves in their houses.
+
+A danger from another source, however, threatened them, for with a
+furious growl a great dog came bounding on behind, and by his loud
+outcry made the location of the fugitives very plain to their enemies.
+
+The brute persistently followed them up, snapping at their heels, and
+baying loudly. No stones could be found, and to use firearms would only
+make matters worse. On the farther side of the plantation, however, the
+dog stopped and uttered a long-drawn howl that was caught up in echoes
+across the valley.
+
+"I'm giving out," cried Melton faintly. "You'll have to leave me."
+
+Canaris turned on him fiercely.
+
+"Do you hear the mad fiends howling behind us? They are scattering over
+the country, and if we are caught, good by," and he whipped his hand
+across his throat. "You must keep up, only half a mile more, and I'll
+hide you so securely that the fiends can never find us."
+
+"Year hear?" added Guy. "Only half a mile more, Melton, and then rest."
+
+But all this encouragement was of little use. Forbes was suffering now
+from the reaction, and his strength was almost gone. A sound of shouting
+suddenly rose from the valley, and taking Melton by the arms they fairly
+dragged him along.
+
+A hill now loomed up before them, and clutching stones and limbs of
+trees they made their way painfully to the summit.
+
+Looking toward the town they could see torches moving to and fro across
+the valley, and twinkling through the leafy avenues of the plantation.
+
+Their old enemy, the dog, began to howl again, but a rifle-shot speedily
+cut his career short.
+
+As they hastened down the western slope of the hill the sound of water
+broke on their hearing, and then the stream came in view, a swift and
+narrow torrent brawling over rocks and ledges.
+
+Guy ran ahead, and filling his helmet, offered it to Melton, who drank
+deeply.
+
+"I feel like a new man," he cried; "that was splendid."
+
+Canaris now led them down the stream for some distance until a shallow
+place permitted them to wade across. The valley had become a gorge. The
+sloping hills gave way to great frowning masses of rock so high and so
+close that no moonlight pierced the shadows. Finally the Greek stopped
+and pointed above his head.
+
+"We must climb the rocks," he said. "Are you equal to it?"
+
+Melton looked dubiously at the steep side of the gorge, but before he
+could reply Canaris started up, and he had no alternative but to follow.
+Guy came close behind to catch his friend if he should give out.
+
+The ascent, however, was not so bad as it looked. Canaris picked his
+way with great skill, winding along the face of the cliff in a zigzag
+manner. Had it been daylight dizziness would have caused them to lose
+their heads, for the gulf below grew deeper every moment, and at places
+the path was but a foot wide.
+
+At length Canaris climbed over a big rock that barred the way, and then
+assisted Melton and Guy to the top.
+
+"Here we are," he said cheerily, "and just as safe as though we were in
+the Acropolis at Athens."
+
+They stood on a small plateau, protected by a low parapet of jagged
+rocks that extended in a half circle. The top of the cliff was close
+over their heads, and behind them was a natural grotto scooped concavely
+out of the solid rock. It was a perfect hiding place and a splendid
+point of defense in case of an attack.
+
+Melton dropped feebly on the stone floor, and Guy and the Greek sat down
+against the parapet. Reaction had come to all of them. Now they were
+really safe, the terror and excitement of the flight was visible on
+their faces. Their clothes were soaking wet, and the perspiration rolled
+down their cheeks.
+
+"Look," exclaimed Canaris, leaning over the parapet, "look down there!"
+
+He pointed into the gorge, and Guy, glancing down, saw torches flaring
+against the rocky walls, revealing in their glow dark, swiftly-moving
+figures, and weird shadows dancing on the waters of the torrent.
+
+Canaris observed Guy's expression of alarm, for he said calmly: "Don't
+fear. We are perfectly safe; try and sleep some; you need rest badly."
+
+Canaris stretched himself out flat, and, after making sure that Melton
+was sleeping--for the poor fellow's weariness was greater than the pain
+of the wound--Guy, too, lay down on the hard rock, and fell instantly
+asleep.
+
+Dawn had been very near when they reached their hiding place. Through
+the early hours of the morning they slept on, heedless of the loud
+cries, the sounds of anger and wrath that floated up from the shadows of
+the gorge, and when the sun was past its meridian, Guy awoke. Canaris
+stretched himself and sat up at the same time.
+
+Their first thought was of Melton. He was still sleeping, but it was a
+restless, uneasy slumber, for he tossed about and moaned.
+
+The heat was now very great, and they suffered terribly from thirst. Far
+below they could hear the water rushing over its stony bed, and the
+sound was maddening.
+
+Even had one dared to attempt that perilous descent in the broad light
+of day, there would have been danger from another source, for all that
+afternoon Somalis and Arabs in large and small parties passed up and
+down the gorge, even scanning at times the rocky sides of the cliff, but
+never for a moment suspecting the close proximity of those they sought.
+
+At last Melton awoke. He was weak and feverish. His wound had opened,
+and his clothes were heavy with stiffened blood. He complained bitterly
+of thirst, and talked at times in a rambling, excited manner.
+
+"He's in a bad way," said the Greek. "We must leave here as soon as
+night comes, and as he is too ill to walk, he must be carried."
+
+"What do you propose to do?" asked Guy.
+
+"Well," rejoined Canaris, "we shall travel only at night. If all goes
+well, we will be fifty miles distant in four or five days, and on the
+fifth night we shall reach our journey's end."
+
+"Our journey's end?" queried Guy.
+
+"Yes; of our land-journey at least, for we shall then be at the entrance
+to the underground river."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+BESIEGED.
+
+
+The African sun had gone down, leaving only a reddish tinge against the
+western horizon, when the three fugitives left their refuge and climbed
+to the top of the cliff. In the dim twilight it was impossible to make
+out the country which lay vaguely outspread at their feet.
+
+Canaris made a rude stretcher of branches, and, arranging Melton as
+comfortably as possible, they started away. The top of the gorge sloped
+on this side into a valley, and following this for some distance they
+finally reached more open country.
+
+No trace of their pursuers was seen. They had all gone back to Harar,
+for none ever remained outside the walls at night, Canaris declared.
+
+Soon a small stream was reached, where they lunched and quenched their
+thirst. Canaris washed Melton's wound, and bound it up in soft, wet
+bandages. After a while the moon came out, and they could see for some
+distance on either side.
+
+It seemed strange to reflect that they were now traveling through a vast
+and absolutely unexplored part of Africa. All was wild and desolate, for
+Harar and its vicinity once left behind, no villages or habitations were
+found.
+
+The cries of various animals echoed from the forest, and once a lion
+roared loudly; but without molestation from man or beast our little
+party toiled on painfully until dawn.
+
+They carried Melton every step of the way, and when they halted in a
+glade close to a pool, he was sleeping soundly.
+
+Either the fresh water or the long rest had helped him, for when night
+came again he was able to walk, and day by day he grew better.
+
+For three nights they journeyed to the southward, sleeping all day in
+secluded spots.
+
+The wisdom of night travel was plainly seen, for they often discovered
+camp fires gleaming on each side of them, and on one occasion nearly ran
+into a wandering group of Gallas, while from their hiding place during
+the day they saw caravans and hordes of natives journeying to and fro.
+
+The night had its disadvantages too, for twice they were attacked by
+howling animals, and on one occasion had to climb trees while a herd of
+elephants went trumpeting past. Fortunately, more dangerous beasts kept
+their distance.
+
+The third night's journey led them through a most unusually rich and
+fertile country, miles of mellow pasturage watered by many streams, bits
+of forest land, and meadows clumped with bushes and patches of trees,
+while on both sides were the dark profiles of huge mountains.
+
+That day they slept on the side of a hill among great rocks, and when
+they were preparing to start at sundown, Canaris said briefly:
+
+"We ought to reach our journey's end before morning."
+
+Of the stores they had brought along there now remained but a handful of
+crumbs. Guy was deeply concerned over the question of supplies for their
+voyage in case the underground river was discovered, but Canaris bade
+him not to worry until the time came.
+
+With feelings which it would be difficult to describe, they resumed
+their night-march. An unknown future, full of terrors and fears, yawned
+before them.
+
+It is hard to say what guided Canaris in the direction he took. He had
+once been over the ground, but it was scarcely possible that he could
+remember the road so well. He strode on full of confidence, however, his
+rifle over his shoulder and his revolver ready for use in his right
+hand. Guy and Melton followed behind in single file.
+
+They made slow progress, for Canaris led them in among mountain gorges,
+and they were compelled to ford streams and clamber painfully over big
+stones.
+
+At last they emerged again on more open ground and traveled through
+patches of waving grass and scrub, keeping parallel all the while with
+two mountain ranges that lay to the right and left. The land was full of
+rolling swells like ocean waves, and as they passed over the crest of
+one of these ridges a sudden gleam of moonlight shining on water some
+distance off riveted their attention.
+
+As they descended into the hollow it was hidden from view. Several times
+the Greek halted and scrutinized his surroundings closely. He was not
+altogether satisfied, for he no longer strode on confidently, but walked
+with a hesitating step. Guy and Melton shared his anxiety.
+
+"What's wrong?" inquired the former. "Have you missed the way, Canaris?"
+
+"I don't know," replied the Greek. "We must stop soon and wait for
+daylight. We ought to be close to the stone kraal by this time."
+
+While conversing they had crossed another slight swell, and they were
+half way down the hollow when a hoarse cry from Melton brought them to a
+halt.
+
+The scene before them was enough to appall the stoutest heart. Twenty
+yards away lay a broad pool of water and along its sandy edge were
+grouped half a dozen great lions, some lapping up the water greedily,
+others sitting lazily on their haunches, waiting no doubt for some fat
+deer to pass that way.
+
+A low chorus of growls greeted the approach of the travelers, and made
+them shiver from head to foot.
+
+"Shall I fire?" whispered Guy excitedly.
+
+"No, for your life, no," retorted Canaris. "Back up the hill as silently
+as possible. Don't shoot unless we are attacked."
+
+With arms in readiness they moved backward step by step. The lions began
+to pace up and down the strip of sand, tossing their shaggy heads toward
+the frightened men, and then the leader, a monstrous fellow with a mane
+that swept the ground, advanced a few paces and uttered a tremendous
+roar that seemed to shake the earth.
+
+Guy cocked his rifle, but at the sharp click Canaris turned on him
+fiercely.
+
+"Don't shoot," he whispered. "Don't shoot. If we can get over the ridge
+we may escape. I don't think they will attack us."
+
+In a moment more they reached the crest of the slope. The lions were
+still down by the pool.
+
+"Look," exclaimed Canaris, pointing to the right. "Do you see those
+rocks! We must make a run for them."
+
+The spot referred to was a dim mass rising out of the plain some fifty
+yards distant. Whether they really were rocks or not it was hard to
+tell.
+
+Another fearful roar put an end to indecision, and they ran at the top
+of their speed toward the hoped-for refuge. No one glanced behind. In
+imagination they felt the hot breath on their necks and heard the soft
+patter through the grass.
+
+Then the refuge was before them, a tall column of rock rising from a
+clump of jungle grass and some low, stunted timber.
+
+It towered up in ledges and in a trice Canaris had sprung upon the first
+platform, and extended a helping hand to his companions.
+
+With frantic haste they climbed another jutting ledge and pulled
+themselves to the top. None too soon, for as they turned to look, the
+big lion sprang into the air and landed with a roar of baffled rage on
+the ledge beneath.
+
+He rose instantly for another spring, but as he reared upward Guy
+brought down the butt of his rifle on the massive head, and the beast
+rolled down into the grass at the foot of the rock.
+
+Another lion loomed up in the shadows, and together the two paced about,
+lashing their tails and growling with fury.
+
+"That was a narrow escape," said Guy. "A moment more and we would have
+been caught."
+
+"We're not altogether safe yet," replied Canaris. "Those are hungry
+looking brutes, and it's hard to tell what they may do. We must remain
+quiet and watch them closely."
+
+The two lions continued to prowl up and down, licking their chops and
+occasionally glancing at the top of the rock. Suddenly they halted in
+the middle of their beat, and, pricking up their ears, assumed an
+expectant attitude.
+
+"They hear something," said Guy. "I wonder what it can be."
+
+For a full minute the two noble beasts stood like bits of statuary, not
+a muscle quivering, their tails slowly waving to and fro. Then with a
+couple of bounds they vanished in the high grass.
+
+"The siege is raised," exclaimed Guy, breathing a low sigh of relief.
+
+"Hush," replied Canaris, "not a sound, not a whisper for your lives.
+Down, down, crouch low; throw yourselves flat!"
+
+His voice was tremulous with sudden fear, and his hand shook as he
+pointed one nerveless finger in the direction taken by the lions.
+
+"Look, look!" he muttered with chattering teeth. "One sound and we are
+doomed."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A CLOSE SHAVE.
+
+
+The Greek's extreme terror sprang from no insignificant cause. Over the
+crest of a ridge some thirty yards distant came a large body of men. It
+was very evident that they would pass close to the rock, and the three
+fugitives, crouching on its flat surface in the gloom, may well be
+pardoned for believing that the enemy were on their track.
+
+As the advance guard drew still closer, Canaris thrust his face against
+the stone. Melton did the same; but Guy, whose curiosity fairly mastered
+his fear, ventured to raise his head slightly, and a single glance
+showed him that the strange foe had no intention of halting.
+
+They passed within ten yards of the rock, it is true, but not a man
+looked to right or left, and they moved at a rapid and steady pace.
+
+Guy's amazement grew deeper as the long procession went by in constantly
+increasing numbers, for even to his unskilled eyes it was plain that
+these men were neither Arabs nor Somalis.
+
+The dim light revealed their powerful stature, the dark faces crowned
+with turbans, the linen cloaks that were flung carelessly on their
+shoulders, and the various arms, comprising shields, swords, spears, and
+even guns.
+
+At intervals the stalwart figure of a man towered above the rest,
+mounted high on a camel or an elephant.
+
+Melton and Canaris ventured to raise their heads in response to a nudge
+from Guy, and all three witnessed the passing of this strange
+procession, which comprised nearly a hundred men.
+
+As the rear guard vanished over a ridge to the south, Canaris, without a
+word, swung himself nimbly to the ground and picked up some glittering
+object that lay in the path.
+
+"Look," he exclaimed in a tone of wonder, as Guy and Melton followed him
+down, "do you recognize this workmanship? But no, how could you?" he
+resumed, without waiting for an answer. "This weapon is of Abyssinian
+make, and those men were Abyssinians."
+
+"But what are they doing here, so far from their own country?" demanded
+Guy.
+
+"It is a war party," said Canaris, "and we are not so far from the
+borders of Abyssinia, after all. It is no uncommon thing for them to
+raid on the Gallas."
+
+The dagger passed from hand to hand, and was inspected with much
+curiosity, until Canaris pointed toward the east and said: "Morning has
+come, and the sun will soon be up. Let us climb the rock and make a
+survey of the country."
+
+Daylight came on with marvelous rapidity, and as the range of vision
+gradually became clear for a distance of several miles, the Greek rose
+to his feet and scanned the surroundings with a sweeping gaze.
+
+His countenance expressed first perplexity, then delighted surprise, and
+turning to his companions he cried:
+
+"We have reached our destination. See! There is the stone kraal, those
+scattered columns of rock to the south that rise from the jungle. Yes,
+the old Englishman was right, for yonder lies the Elephant Peak and the
+Lion's Head."
+
+It was indeed as the Greek said. The broad valley was dotted with a
+curious rock formation that bore a strong likeness to a native village
+of huts, and on either side of the valley, from the rugged chains of
+mountains, rose two lofty peaks, one fashioned like a recumbent
+elephant, the other a perfect semblance of a lion's shaggy head.
+
+A murmur of surprise burst from the trio as they gazed along on this
+strange verification of their hopes.
+
+The mountain peaks were at least four miles distant, for the breadth of
+the valley was about eight.
+
+For the moment the recent passage of the warlike Abyssinians was
+forgotten. Then a very significant occurrence recalled it forcibly to
+their minds.
+
+From the base of the Lion's Head suddenly rose a column of yellow
+smoke, and two or three gun shots echoed distinctly across the valley.
+
+"The Abyssinians have attacked the town of the Gallas," cried Canaris.
+"It lies at the foot of that peak, and is the same kraal at which the
+Englishman was kept in slavery when he discovered the underground
+river."
+
+"I hope they'll eat each other up like the Kilkenny cats," observed Guy
+coolly.
+
+"But you don't understand," cried the Greek in strange excitement. "They
+will scatter over the valley, they will flee to those rocks yonder for
+protection, and unless we find the entrance to that river at once we are
+lost."
+
+"Canaris is right," spoke up Melton. "We must make immediate search for
+the rock with the cross. It is our only hope."
+
+"Yes, our only hope," echoed the Greek. "Come quickly, there is no time
+to lose."
+
+He slipped to the ground and led his companions rapidly down the valley
+toward the stone village.
+
+They hastened on among the scattered rocks for a quarter of a mile or
+more, until the extreme southern edge was reached, and then Canaris
+stopped.
+
+"This is the south side," he said; "we must search the rocks for one
+with a cross."
+
+They scattered, Guy toward the west, Melton to the east. It was a time
+of peril, for the yellow smoke was curling up over the Lion's Head in
+heavier columns, and the firing was more distinct, as though the
+conflict were spreading toward them across the valley.
+
+"The rock with the cross, on the south side of the stone kraal." A
+simple enough direction on the face of it, and yet the eager searchers,
+as they hurried from stone to stone, scrutinizing every side and angle,
+failed to discover the faintest trace of anything resembling a cross.
+
+Canaris wrung his hands in dismay when they came together after the
+fruitless search.
+
+"We are lost, we are lost!" he groaned. "What will become of us? Go,
+make another search; inspect the base of every stone; the hidden
+entrance must exist."
+
+Guy shook his head.
+
+"That cross was made twenty years ago," he said. "In that time the
+storms could have destroyed all trace of it unless the Englishman carved
+it very deep, and in that event we should have discovered it already."
+
+"It must be found," persisted Canaris in his terror. "Hark! The firing
+is coming nearer. In half an hour the valley will swarm with savage
+foes. Go! Go! Go!"
+
+He fairly shrieked out the last words, and threw himself in despair down
+amid the jungle grass.
+
+The Greek did not exaggerate the danger. A startling confirmation of his
+fears was at hand.
+
+Warned in time by a commotion in the bushes, Guy and Melton dropped
+flat, as a savage, spear in hand, and bleeding from a wound in the head,
+burst out of the jungle twenty yards distant and made full speed for a
+rock a few yards to the north of that by which the Englishmen lay
+concealed.
+
+All unconscious of the three pairs of eyes watching his movements, he
+stooped, flung the tangled grass madly aside, and, rolling a loose stone
+from the base of the rock, revealed a dark cavity in the smooth side.
+
+He threw a frightened glance in the direction he had come, and, dropping
+his spear and diving into the hole, pulled the stone back in place from
+within.
+
+All this happened in less time than it takes to tell.
+
+"Saved!" burst thankfully from Guy's lips as he sprang to his feet.
+
+"Saved!" echoed Melton and Canaris.
+
+Snatching up their baggage, they dashed across the narrow space that
+divided the two great boulders. Guy tore the rock from the entrance,
+and, as the imprisoned savage within uttered a hoarse cry, he pointed
+his rifle at the opening.
+
+"Go ahead," called out Melton; "he's unarmed; he can't harm you."
+
+Guy hesitated for an instant, and then crawled into the forbidding
+cavern on hands and knees.
+
+A distant sound of scuffling and rattling of stones told that the savage
+was retreating into the bowels of the earth.
+
+Melton handed in the rifles and the baggage, and crawled in after them.
+Canaris was the last to enter, and with Melton's aid the stone, which
+was round in shape, was pulled back against the entrance, and all was
+darkness, save for one crevice an inch or two wide.
+
+The Greek peered sharply through this, and then exclaimed in a low
+whisper: "We are just in time. A party of Abyssinians are approaching
+through the jungle in pursuit of the Galla fugitive.
+
+"Hush!" he added; "don't make a sound; they are coming directly toward
+the rock."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE UNDERGROUND RIVER.
+
+
+A moment of terrible suspense followed the Greek's announcement. From
+without could be plainly heard a chorus of angry shouts as the
+Abyssinians searched for their missing prey.
+
+Then the sounds grew fainter and Canaris said quietly: "They have gone
+on past the rock. We had better strike a light and see what has become
+of that black rascal. I cannot understand how he knew anything about
+this place. It may not be the proper entrance after all."
+
+One of the bronze lamps was filled with palm oil and lighted, and Guy
+undertook to lead the way into the depths of the cavern.
+
+The passage was amply large enough to hold two or three men standing up,
+but it led downward at a very sharp angle. The journey was performed in
+silence, and after traveling ten or fifteen minutes Guy stopped.
+
+A vast empty space was before him, and at his feet lay a sharp slope of
+loose earth. Here were seen the tracks of the savage, and without
+hesitation Guy began the descent, and half crawling, half sliding,
+reached firm ground a few yards below.
+
+Melton and Canaris were close behind, and together they went up into
+the vast expanse of the cavern. Under foot was hard, compact sand, and
+in a moment more the glare of the lamp was reflected on running water,
+and they stood on the brink of the mysterious underground river.
+
+"We have found it!" exclaimed Canaris exultingly. "The Englishman was
+right."
+
+It was impossible to judge of the width of the stream. It might be very
+narrow and it might be very broad. The flowing water made not a sound,
+and yet the current was swift, for a bit of paper that Melton tossed in
+was snatched from sight immediately.
+
+As they gazed on this strange sight with emotions that it would be
+impossible to describe, a vague, shadowy object passed down the stream
+and vanished in the darkness.
+
+"There goes that fellow," cried Guy. "He has escaped in a canoe," and
+hastening up along the shore, waving the lamp in front of him, he
+uttered a cry of astonishment that echoed through the cavern and brought
+his companions quickly to his side.
+
+Drawn back a few yards from the water lay two long, heavy canoes, and a
+sharp furrow in the sand leading to the river's edge showed that a third
+canoe had recently stood beside the others. Half a dozen rude paddles
+were strewn on the sand. The savage had evidently been in such haste to
+escape that the thought of turning the other canoes adrift, and thus
+eluding pursuit, never entered his head.
+
+Beyond the canoes, further progress was blocked by masses of earth.
+
+"This was the abode of that strange race of natives," said Guy solemnly,
+"and under those stones they have lain buried since the earthquake years
+ago."
+
+He turned and led the way down the stream.
+
+Fifteen yards below lay another jutting mass of earth. This was the
+extent of the cavern, a beach fifty yards long running back to the
+narrow passage and terminated by walls of earth; beyond was darkness and
+the river, running none knew where.
+
+Yet the only hope of seeing home and friends, vague and uncertain as it
+was, rested with this mysterious, cavernous stream. It might lead to the
+coast and safety, but far more likely death and destruction awaited
+anyone daring enough to trust himself to its treacherous current.
+
+"The sea is hundreds of miles away," said Guy gloomily, as he sat down
+on the sand and placed the lamp carefully beside him. "How are we going
+to live through such a journey as that? Even now our last bit of food is
+gone, and where shall we get more?"
+
+Canaris pondered a moment before he ventured to reply.
+
+"I see but one plan," he said finally. "At nightfall we must visit the
+burned village. The enemy will have gone by then, and we may discover
+abandoned provisions."
+
+"If we could shoot any game----" began Melton, but Guy interrupted him.
+
+"The fighting has scared everything away from the vicinity," he
+remarked.
+
+"Yes, that is true," said the Greek. "The animals have fled to the
+mountains, and, besides, Oko Sam and his tribe of Gallas keep the game
+well thinned out."
+
+"What did you say?" cried Guy, springing to his feet in excitement. "Is
+this Oko Sam's village yonder that the Abyssinians have raided?"
+
+The Greek nodded assent.
+
+"Yes, Oko Sam is the chief."
+
+"Then Sir Arthur Ashby and Colonel Carrington are close at hand,"
+exclaimed Guy.
+
+"And Momba," added Melton fervently. "All may be saved yet."
+
+"And was it to Oko Sam your comrades were sold as slaves?" cried
+Canaris. "Why did you not mention his name before? I could have told you
+this long ago."
+
+"I never thought of it," rejoined Guy. "I gave them up as lost forever.
+Alas! they are probably in the hands of the Abyssinians now."
+
+"Either that or dead," said the Greek, "but undoubtedly the former, for
+Menelek, the Abyssinian king, is fond of white captives, and their lives
+would be spared if they fell into the hands of the raiding party."
+
+"And how shall we find out?" demanded Guy. "I will not embark on this
+river until uncertainty about their fate is removed."
+
+"When darkness comes we will leave the cavern," replied Canaris. "It is
+possible we shall learn something. Until then have patience."
+
+The hours of tedious waiting were a little relieved by a discovery that
+Melton made.
+
+In some of the canoes he found a couple of rude bone fishhooks. This
+seemed pretty fair proof that fish existed in the underground river, and
+as Guy happened to have a roll of cord, three strong lines were
+constructed and laid away for possible future use.
+
+When, to the best of their judgments, evening was close at hand, they
+started back through the passage and reached the entrance shortly before
+ten o'clock.
+
+Darkness soon came on, and as all seemed quiet they ventured to roll
+back the stone and crawl out. Far across the valley a faint glow was
+visible against the somber sky, probably from the smoldering embers of
+the burned village, while directly north of the cavern, in the vicinity
+of the pool of water where the lions had been encountered the previous
+night, a number of camp fires were twinkling merrily through the
+scattered boulders.
+
+"This is the camp of the Abyssinians," declared Canaris without
+hesitation. "One of us must spy into it and see if your friends are
+prisoners; another must go to the village for provisions, and a third
+man should remain here at the mouth of the cavern."
+
+This proposed division of the forces did not please Guy and Melton.
+
+"Why must a man remain at the cavern?" demanded Chutney.
+
+"To mark the place in case one of us is pursued and loses his bearings
+in the darkness," was the Greek's calm reply.
+
+Guy saw the advisability of this and made no further objection. After
+brief discussion it was decided that he should remain on guard, while
+Canaris visited the village and Forbes reconnoitered the Abyssinian
+camp. Without any delay they started off on their respective missions,
+and Guy was left alone.
+
+For a while he paced up and down before the cavern, his rifle in the
+hollow of his arm, and then sitting down on the round stone he reflected
+over his perilous situation and the strange train of events that had led
+up to it. The stars shining down on him from the blackness of the
+African sky seemed to whisper of his far-away English home and the
+friends he would probably never see again.
+
+Then he thought of his comrades in India and the expedition he had so
+fondly hoped to join, that even now was fighting its way through the
+hills of Chittagong. His reverie was broken by a sharp "hist!" and
+Forbes glided swiftly out of the gloom.
+
+"No, they have not been captured," he whispered in response to Guy's
+eager inquiries. "I was around the camp on all sides. The Abyssinians
+have secured some Galla prisoners, and among them the chief himself, Oko
+Sam, but none of our friends are there. I am terribly afraid they have
+been massacred, Chutney."
+
+"We will know when the Greek returns," replied Guy, who did not care to
+admit his belief that Melton was right.
+
+They sat down together by the rock and conversed in low tones. An hour
+passed and then another.
+
+"Canaris should be here by this time," said Guy uneasily. "Can anything
+have happened to him, I wonder?"
+
+Almost as he spoke a muffled trampling sound was heard, two huge objects
+loomed out of the darkness ahead, and as Guy's hand trembled on the
+trigger of his rifle the Greek's familiar voice uttered a low
+exclamation and he advanced slowly, leading two big camels loaded down
+with trappings.
+
+"Well by Jove----" began Guy, but Canaris checked him instantly.
+
+"Not so loud. I picked up these animals only a quarter of a mile back.
+They have strayed away from the Abyssinian camp."
+
+"But tell me, what have you discovered?" exclaimed Guy. "And you have
+brought no food. Must we starve, then?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A DARING EXPEDITION.
+
+
+"I have discovered this," replied Canaris. "The Gallas are preparing for
+an attack; fresh men have come in from distant towns. They are encamped
+at the edge of the burned village, and in a small hut, which is
+surrounded by guards, your friends, I am confident, are confined. The
+struggle was a severe one, for the ground is strewn with dead, both
+Gallas and Abyssinians. I could find no food, and what we are to do I
+cannot tell. To attempt a rescue would be madness, and yet our
+sufferings would only end the sooner. Without food we can make no use of
+the river, and escape in any other way is equally impossible."
+
+Canaris threw himself on the ground and buried his face in his hands.
+Guy stood in silence, his face stern and set, a silence that remained
+unbroken for five minutes. In that space of time his fertile mind had
+sought a way out of the difficulty and grasped an expedient so daring,
+so preposterous, that he hesitated to frame it in words.
+
+His face betrayed something of his emotions, for Forbes and Canaris
+exclaimed eagerly: "What is it, Chutney? You have thought of something,
+have you?"
+
+"Yes," said Guy. "I have. As you say, the case is desperate. If my plan
+fails we can be no worse off. What I have resolved to do is this: Forbes
+will remain at the cavern. You and I, Canaris, will stain our faces to
+pass for Portuguese, and mounted on these camels, we will ride boldly
+into the camp of the Gallas and proclaim ourselves messengers from Makar
+Makalo at Zaila. We will say that the English are pressing the town
+hard, that they agree to withdraw on condition that the English
+prisoners are returned safe and sound, and that Makar has sent us to
+bring them to the coast. We will add, furthermore, that we came as far
+as yonder mountains with a caravan bound for Harar, and to allay any
+suspicions they may have, we will ask for an escort of two men to
+accompany us to Zaila and receive the money which Makar will pay for the
+safe delivery of the Englishmen. If all goes well they will give up our
+friends and load us with provisions for a long journey. The escort we
+can easily dispose of, and then for the river and freedom!"
+
+Guy snapped his fingers exultantly as he concluded the recital of his
+daring plan and waited to see how his friends would receive it.
+
+"Marvelous!" cried Forbes, drawing a long breath.
+
+"Yes, it is marvelous," added the Greek, "truly marvelous. If it
+succeeds it will be a miracle indeed. But suppose they have received
+recent news from Zaila, or that our disguise is penetrated?"
+
+"As for that," replied Guy coolly, "we must take the chances. I should
+fear recognition most from Oko Sam, but he is fortunately a prisoner
+among the Abyssinians. Make up your minds quickly. Do you agree to my
+proposal or not? Perhaps you can devise a better plan."
+
+"We will try it," said Canaris, decidedly. "It must be done at once, for
+at daybreak the Gallas will advance to attack the Abyssinians. Make your
+preparations and we will be off." Stepping up to the camels, which were
+quietly grazing on the jungle grass, he proceeded to remove every part
+of their trappings which would betray its Abyssinian make, until only
+the simple covering remained. With a cry of delight he held up two white
+burnouses that had been fastened to the saddle bags, and said:
+
+"With these on and our faces darkened it will take a clever man to
+penetrate our disguise in the night time."
+
+It was not such an easy matter to stain their faces, but with the
+application of a little moist earth from the mouth of the cavern, it was
+finally accomplished to their satisfaction, and after a hasty review of
+their plans and a code of instructions for Melton's guidance during
+their absence, the two daring adventurers mounted their camels and rode
+slowly off into the darkness toward the hostile camp of the Gallas.
+
+It was very near midnight, and as they trotted briskly across the
+desert, sounds of mirth floated on the air from the camp where the
+Abyssinians were making merry over their victory, serenely ignorant of
+the surprise that dawn was to bring them.
+
+The distant glow ahead seemed to come nearer and nearer with every
+stride of the camels, and Guy could hardly believe that nearly four
+miles had been traversed when Canaris pointed out the camp just in front
+of them.
+
+It was too late to think of retreat now, for already the approach of the
+camels was detected and a host of dark figures were visible moving
+across the still glowing embers.
+
+Fearful of an attack, Canaris shouted out loudly, "Makar Makalo! Makar
+Makalo!" and then, lashing his beast, they galloped into the very center
+of a turbulent throng, who crowded around them with blazing torches.
+
+Canaris knew barely enough of the language to request an interpreter and
+the head man of the tribe, and the savages, awed for a moment by the
+fierce manner in which he made these demands, fell back a little, and
+Guy had opportunity to observe his surroundings.
+
+He was in a corner of the village which seemed to have escaped the
+worst of the fray, for a dozen or more huts were standing, and the
+largest of these was encircled by a dozen heavily armed men. His heart
+beat fast at the thought that Sir Arthur and Colonel Carrington were
+confined within.
+
+Just then a huge savage, wearing a leopard skin about his waist,
+advanced through the crowd, which fell back at his approach. He was
+accompanied by a small, weazened Arab who at once demanded if the
+newcomers could "spik Inglis?"
+
+"Go ahead now," whispered Canaris, "and luck be with you. That big
+fellow is the head man."
+
+For a moment Guy could find no voice, and failure stared him in the
+face.
+
+The horrified expression on the Greek's countenance broke the spell, and
+raising his voice he said clearly and distinctly:
+
+"Tell your master we are Portuguese who have come from Zaila at the
+bidding of Makar Makalo, the ruler."
+
+The Arab communicated this piece of news in a loud tone that drew a
+murmur of surprise from the people, but brought no response from the
+chief, who merely stared impudently.
+
+"The English have made an attack on Zaila by land and sea," Guy went on
+in a louder voice. "The town is at their mercy. They have promised Makar
+to withdraw on condition that the British governor of the town and his
+friend, who were taken and sold into slavery, be delivered up to them
+safely. Therefore Makar Makalo has sent us to demand of you the two
+Englishmen, a supply of food for the journey, and an escort back to
+Zaila. For this he agrees to reward you well. We came as far as yonder
+mountain with a caravan bound for Harar, and as there is great need of
+haste we would start on our return at once."
+
+This long speech the Arab likewise proclaimed aloud, and with the utmost
+anxiety Guy and Canaris watched its effect on the people.
+
+They heard it in ominous silence, and the chief spoke a few words to his
+interpreter, who instantly turned to Guy and announced, in very
+imperfect English, that nothing could be done until Oko Sam was released
+from his captivity. He told briefly of the attack on the village, of
+their plan of surprising the Abyssinians at daybreak, and concluded by
+inviting them to dismount and await the result of the fight.
+
+It was evident at least that nothing was suspected. So far they had
+played their part to perfection. But here was an unexpected hindrance.
+The leader refused to act without the sanction of Oko Sam, and a delay
+would be fatal.
+
+"Insist on it," whispered Canaris hurriedly; "it is our only chance."
+
+"Tell your master we cannot wait," replied Guy, in well feigned anger.
+"Every moment is precious, and we must hasten back to Makar Makalo. Give
+us the Englishmen at once or we will go away without them and tell Makar
+Makalo how you have treated his messengers."
+
+This bold declaration had its effect.
+
+The chief withdrew to a little distance and held a long conference with
+half a dozen of his companions.
+
+Guy and Canaris remained calm and motionless on their camels, haughtily
+scanning the sea of threatening black faces that hemmed them in on all
+sides.
+
+Their only ground for hope rested in the fear which Makar Makalo, by his
+summary dealings with these tribes, had inspired in them.
+
+The single motive which in all probability hindered the head man from
+acceding at once to their demands was the dread of Oko Sam's displeasure
+in case that despotic monarch were rescued in the morning.
+
+The eager confab was still going on as strenuously as ever when a tumult
+arose from the outskirts of the throng, and presently, amid hoarse
+cheering and applause, a man broke through the parted ranks of the
+people and limped feebly into the open space.
+
+It was Oko Sam!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+BY A HAIR'S BREADTH.
+
+
+A nervous shiver passed through Guy as he recognized the repulsive face
+of his old enemy, and instinctively he pulled his burnouse closer around
+his head. Oko Sam darted a curious glance at the two motionless figures
+on the camels and then advanced to meet the head man, who broke off the
+conference and greeted his newly arrived chief in a most servile manner.
+
+"Don't despair," whispered Guy; "those infernal Abyssinians have become
+drunk and allowed their captive to slip away just at this critical time,
+but all may go well yet."
+
+It took but a short time to make Oko Sam acquainted with the facts of
+the case. He strode up to the camels, and gazed long and haughtily at
+the two strangers. Then, apparently satisfied with his scrutiny, he
+addressed a few words to the weazened Arab, and, turning to his people,
+jabbered away volubly for two or three minutes. When he ceased, half a
+dozen men started off in different directions, and the interpreter
+proceeded to communicate the decision to Guy, who, in spite of his calm
+exterior, was greatly agitated.
+
+"Oko Sam say yes," began the Arab. "He friend of Makar Makalo; he no
+want Makar lose Zaila; he give plenty food for journey; he give six,
+ten, twenty men go long, so bring back much gift from Makar. You say
+Makar give much, hey?"
+
+"Yes," replied Guy, repressing with difficulty his extreme joy, "Makar
+will give big rewards to Oko Sam."
+
+The Arab turned aside with a grunt of satisfaction as half a dozen
+natives came up, bearing leathern sacks of provisions, which were handed
+up, one at a time, to Guy and Canaris, and slung across the necks of
+their camels.
+
+This proceeding was barely over, when, to Guy's amazement and disgust, a
+band of Gallas, fully armed, and bearing each a supply of food strapped
+on their backs, advanced into the open space.
+
+This was Oko Sam's promised escort! Instead of two men there were
+twenty.
+
+"These good fellows here go long," said the Arab. "They no have camels;
+they go on foot one day's journey, then reach other tribe, where find
+plenty camel."
+
+This statement relieved Guy considerably. It would not be so difficult,
+after all, to get rid of the troublesome escort if they were on foot.
+
+And now came the crisis. At a signal from Oko Sam the guards about the
+hut flung open the entrance, and in a moment two emaciated, half
+starved figures were led forth, whom it was actually difficult to
+recognize as the pompous Sir Arthur Ashby and brave Colonel Carrington.
+
+They still wore their uniforms, but the cloth hung in folds about their
+shrunken limbs, and their faces were pitifully thin and distressed.
+
+Guy's heart beat fast with indignation as he gazed on this melancholy
+sight, and then he purposely half turned his face away, lest the
+prisoners should recognize him and unconsciously cause the failure of
+the whole plan.
+
+The people drew back as the little group reached the camels. The two
+Englishmen were lifted up behind the supposed Portuguese--Sir Arthur
+with Canaris, the colonel beside Chutney--and so weak and helpless were
+they that it was necessary to partially strap them in their places.
+
+All was now ready. Guy and Canaris were prepared to start, the prisoners
+were in their possession, and the armed escort were exchanging farewells
+with their comrades.
+
+At this supreme moment, when the fullest success seemed assured, a
+startling diversion occurred.
+
+A big Arab, a new arrival evidently, pushed his way forward, and as his
+glance fell on the Greek he started with surprise, and exclaimed aloud,
+"Canaris!"
+
+With wonderful self possession the Greek looked at him in mute
+ignorance; but the Arab, who had probably but just come from Harar,
+pressed forward, and, joining Oko Sam a few paces away, began to talk
+excitedly in a low voice.
+
+"We are lost, Chutney," whispered Canaris in tones of despair.
+
+At the mention of this name, Guy felt the colonel's arms clasp his waist
+in a convulsive thrill.
+
+"Not a sound, Colonel Carrington," he muttered under his breath, "as you
+value your freedom."
+
+The tightened grasp instantly relaxed, and Guy turned his head slightly
+to obtain a clearer view of Oko Sam.
+
+This action hastened the climax, for his burnous caught on the button
+of Colonel Carrington's coat and fell to the ground. A glaring torch
+passing at the moment completed the catastrophe, and the keen eyed
+Galla chief uttered a howl of rage and amazement as he recognized
+his old enemy of the market place at Berbera.
+
+Never did Captain Chutney's quick wits do him a better service than at
+that moment.
+
+In one glance he took in the whole situation, the astounded chief and
+his counselors, the swarthy mass of savages ready for instant action,
+the armed escort that stood between him and the edge of the encampment.
+
+More speedily than words can tell it, his determination was reached.
+With a warning cry to Canaris, a hasty injunction to Colonel Carrington
+to hold fast, he snatched a short dagger from his waist and plunged it
+an inch or more into the flank of the Greek's camel, and then into that
+of his own animal.
+
+The frightened and agonized beasts pranced madly for a second or two and
+then plunged desperately forward, trampling the amazed guards right and
+left.
+
+It was over in a moment; a howl from the infuriated chief, a terrific
+uproar from the vast throng, and then, spurred to greater efforts by the
+tumult in their ears, the valiant camels thundered out into the desert,
+heedless of the scattered rifle-fire, the volley of whizzing spears.
+With tremendous strides they bore their precious burdens toward safety
+and freedom, while the silence of the African night was rent by the
+venomous cries of their bloodthirsty pursuers.
+
+For the moment they were safe, but in that long four mile race that lay
+ahead many perils might be encountered, and it was even within the realm
+of possibilities that the fleet-footed Gallas would overtake the
+heavily-burdened camels.
+
+It was no time for conversation or explanation. A fervent "Thank God!"
+burst from Colonel Carrington's lips as he realized that he had fallen
+into the hands of friends, while Sir Arthur, feebly beginning to
+comprehend what had happened, ejaculated several times, "Bless my soul,"
+as he clung with might and main to the Greek's waist.
+
+Faster and faster they sped over the plain, until the tumult behind them
+was lost in the muffled tramp of the camels' hoofs. They rode side by
+side, with arms ready for instant use, but no foe appeared in front or
+behind, and at last, with a glad cry, Canaris pointed to the distant
+gleam of the Abyssinian camp.
+
+"We are safe now," exclaimed Guy. "The Gallas feared to pursue us any
+further lest their anticipated attack on the Abyssinians should be
+spoiled."
+
+"Yes," replied Canaris, "either that or they have circled round, hoping
+to cut us off at yonder gap in the mountains where the road breaks
+through to the coast. And now the rock must be close by. Ha! What does
+that mean?"
+
+Bang! went a rifle shot directly ahead, and a brief red flash pierced
+the gloom.
+
+"It is Forbes!" cried Chutney. "He is in danger. Quick, quick, to the
+rescue."
+
+A loud shout followed closely on the heels of the report, and
+recognizing Melton's voice, Guy, lost to all sense of prudence, cried
+aloud:
+
+"Don't give in Forbes; we are coming."
+
+An answering hail came distinctly back, followed immediately by a second
+shot.
+
+The agony of suspense was brief. A moment later the rock loomed into
+view, and the panting camels came to a halt before the entrance to the
+cavern.
+
+"Oh, you've come back safe?" exclaimed Melton coolly, as he came forward
+with a smoking rifle in his hand. "I've had a brush with a party of
+Abyssinians. They were hunting their camels, I suppose, and took me by
+surprise. I dropped one of the rascals, and----Look out! There they are
+again."
+
+All dodged to the ground as a shower of spears fell about the rock. With
+a hollow groan one of the camels dropped heavily over, pierced in the
+throat by a short spear, and his huge bulk formed a natural barrier
+before the cavern. Melton's rifle cracked sharply and a howl of pain
+attested the accuracy of his aim.
+
+"Into the cavern, all of you," cried Guy. "The Abyssinians are coming in
+force; the firing has attracted them to the spot."
+
+Already a shadowy mass was visible some hundred yards off, and the sound
+of voices was distinctly heard.
+
+The Greek hastily motioned Sir Arthur and the colonel into the cavern,
+and hurriedly tossed in the provisions bag by bag.
+
+The enemy were now quite close, and as Canaris stowed away the last bag
+they came on with a wild rush.
+
+From behind the dead camel Guy and Melton poured in a hot fire that
+checked their impetuous advance instantly, and before they could rally
+for another charge, both had bolted into the gloomy hole, and the stone
+was deftly rolled into place.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+CUT OFF FROM THE OUTER WORLD.
+
+
+The lamp was lit instantly, and without a moment's delay Guy led the
+party at full speed down the corridor until the descent was reached.
+
+"Now hurry down, all of you," he cried. "You have a flask of powder
+about you, Canaris. Give it to me."
+
+"What are you going to do, Chutney?" asked Melton in alarm.
+
+"Put an end to all pursuit," was the stern reply; and, seizing the
+flask, he placed it on the ground, and pouring a little powder on a
+strip of linen torn from the lining of his blouse, he deftly rolled a
+fuse and inserted one end in the mouth of the flask.
+
+His intentions were apparent. The roof and walls of the passage were of
+loose earth and stone. A blast would bring them down in an avalanche.
+
+Canaris attempted to expostulate, but Guy drove them all down the slope
+and applied a match to the fuse.
+
+It was high time, for up the passage shone the gleam of torches. The
+enemy had effected an entrance.
+
+Guy joined his companions on the shore of the river, and almost
+instantly a terrific explosion took place. It seemed to rend the earth.
+A tremendous crash and rumbling noise followed, and then all was quiet.
+
+The concussion put out the lamp, but as soon as it was lighted again Guy
+ran up to see the result of his attempt.
+
+No trace of the passageway existed. In its place was a grim wall of
+earth.
+
+The full significance of what he had done now flashed into Guy's mind
+and he gazed blankly into the faces of his comrades.
+
+"We are buried alive," said Melton bitterly. "We are as dead to the
+world as though we were in our coffins."
+
+"We have simply burned our ships behind us, that is all," replied
+Chutney. "Now for the river and freedom."
+
+They went back and sat down beside the swiftly-flowing water.
+
+"Bless me if I know whether I am on my head or my feet," said Sir
+Arthur. "What on earth does this mean?"
+
+"It means that these brave fellows have saved us from a fate worse than
+death," cried the colonel; "that is all I care to know at present."
+
+"I will explain all," said Guy.
+
+He straightway related everything that had happened from the time they
+were separated on the way to Harar to the discovery of the underground
+river and the daring plan for the rescue of the prisoners.
+
+The colonel could scarcely repress his astonishment as he listened to
+the wonderful story, and at its conclusion he embraced his rescuer
+warmly.
+
+"We owe you our lives," he said fervently. "Never was a braver deed
+attempted, never was a rescue more marvelously carried out. Ah, I can
+never repay the debt. A grateful country will reward you, Captain
+Chutney. England shall know of your heroism."
+
+"Yes, you are right, colonel," put in Sir Arthur, with a touch of his
+old pomposity; "the government shall know how its representative was
+delivered from the hands of these impious fiends. But bless me, I don't
+see that we are so much better off, after all. How are we going to get
+out of this beastly hole?"
+
+"And what has become of Momba, and Captain Waller, and the Hindoos?"
+exclaimed Forbes, who had suddenly recollected the missing members of
+the party.
+
+"Lost--all lost," replied the colonel sadly. "They were sold to a
+distant tribe in the interior two days after we arrived at the village.
+You see our condition. They have made us work from sunrise to sunset. We
+fell ill, and, being of use no longer, they deliberately tried to
+starve us to death. It was horrible, horrible!"
+
+"It was a diabolical outrage," interrupted Sir Arthur. "The whole
+civilized world will shudder when it knows that the governor of Zaila
+was fed on tainted meat and spoiled rice, and very little of that, too.
+If England fails to resent this outrage, I'll cast off my allegiance to
+the crown, sir, and become a citizen of some other country. I will, by
+Jove!"
+
+Sir Arthur might have gone on indefinitely with the tale of his
+grievances, but Guy cut him short by calling general attention to their
+present grave situation.
+
+The supply of provisions was at once overhauled, and the inspection
+proved very satisfactory.
+
+Six large bags had been loaded on the camels. Two of these held jerked
+beef, probably buffalo or deer meat, one contained rice, another a
+peculiar kind of hard cakes made from native corn, and the two remaining
+were filled to the top with dates and figs.
+
+"We are assured of food for some time to come," said Guy; "that is one
+consolation. I wish I could feel as certain of light. We have two lamps,
+and to supply these two big flasks of palm oil, not nearly enough,
+however, to last us on a long journey. When that is gone, I don't know
+what we shall do."
+
+"When we stop for rest we shall have to do without light," suggested
+Melton. "If we find any places to stop," he added.
+
+"It's beastly chilly in here," observed Sir Arthur, with a shiver. "Two
+days in a hole like this will give us all rheumatism."
+
+"Ah," said Melton, "but I have provided for that. See, here are the
+trappings from the camels which I brought in while waiting for you." And
+he held up one by one half a dozen richly embroidered rugs and skins,
+which had belonged to the leaders of the Abyssinians.
+
+This pleasing discovery put them all in better spirits, and it was
+presently supplemented by another, which went far to remove the most
+formidable obstacle to their journey, for while the canoes were being
+examined Guy found in a far corner of the cavern a great pile of
+torches, made from some highly resinous wood. These had evidently
+belonged to the natives who formerly dwelt here, and were used by them
+instead of lamps on their journeys to the coast. They were fifty or
+sixty in number.
+
+"This is a fortunate discovery," said Guy. "With these and the lamps we
+may have sufficient light to last out our trip."
+
+"Yes; that removes the last obstacle," rejoined Forbes; "and now I
+propose that we take some refreshment. We have eaten nothing for nearly
+two days."
+
+This was true. The excitement had almost banished hunger from their
+thoughts, but Melton's words roused their dormant appetites, and,
+sitting down beside the canoes, they made a hearty meal and washed it
+down with water from the river, which was quite fresh and cold.
+
+"Well," said Guy, when they had all finished and the provisions were
+tied up and put aside, "it will do us no good to remain here any longer.
+The river, as you all know, is our only salvation, and the sooner we
+start on our cruise the better. The natives who once dwelt here are
+reported to have made journeys down this stream in boats. Is it not so,
+Canaris?"
+
+"Yes," replied the Greek. "I have heard from the Arabs at Harar that it
+was their annual custom to go down to the coast in large rafts or boats
+with trading goods, and then return by land."
+
+"But where does this underground river empty?" asked the colonel. "Does
+anyone know?"
+
+"It is supposed to reach the Juba," replied Guy, "but whether near the
+mouth of that river or not I cannot say."
+
+"Ah! but that is a very important thing," said the colonel. "I possess
+some acquaintance with the geography of this part of Africa. Are you
+aware that the river Juba is nearly eight hundred miles in length? Its
+source, which as yet remains undiscovered, lies only a hundred miles or
+more to our west, and it flows to the southeast. This stream before us
+appears to head in a southwesterly direction as near as I can judge. It
+is possible then that it joins the river Juba at a distance less than
+two hundred miles from here. In that event our journey does not appear
+so formidable."
+
+"Pardon me, sir," said Canaris quickly, "but from what I have been able
+to learn this river reaches the Juba at a point, I have heard stated,
+midway between Bardera and the coast."
+
+"Bardera!" cried the colonel sharply. "Why, Bardera is only two hundred
+miles from the sea. According to that, we have a journey before us of
+nearly eight hundred miles--a journey underground and on unknown waters.
+Who can tell what dangers lie before us?"
+
+"We will never get out alive," groaned Sir Arthur. "Never in the world,
+Carrington. What a blawsted idiot I was to let the government send me to
+that beastly hole!"
+
+"And is it impossible to escape by land?" asked the colonel, unheeding
+this interruption.
+
+"You forget that we have destroyed our only communication with the outer
+world," ventured Forbes. "The river is our sole hope."
+
+"Yes, I had forgotten it, it is true," replied the colonel.
+
+"And were the communication now open," exclaimed Guy, "escape would
+still be hopeless. This river is navigable, and the existence of those
+canoes proves what I say. I have been in tight places like this before,
+and if you will trust to my guidance I will do my best to bring you
+through in safety. If we fail, it shall be through no fault of mine."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.
+
+
+Guy's stirring speech was just what was needed to rouse the flagging
+spirits of the party, for the colonel's graphic description of the
+contemplated journey had produced a very depressing effect.
+
+Preparations for the start were begun at once. The two canoes were first
+tested and found to be absolutely seaworthy. Then the provisions, the
+torches, the lamps, the oil flasks, and the rugs were divided into two
+parts and stowed away.
+
+It was decided that Guy should be accompanied by Forbes and Sir Arthur
+in the first boat, and that Canaris and the colonel should follow in the
+second. For economy one torch was to be used for illuminating their way,
+and this Sir Arthur was to hold in the rear of the canoe. Eight paddles
+had been found in the cavern, thus providing an extra supply in case of
+possible loss.
+
+It was difficult to believe that the sun was shining brightly outside.
+No ray of light pierced the blackness of the cavern, and the dead
+silence was unbroken by the first sound, though at that very moment the
+Gallas and the Abyssinians were probably waging a bloody battle almost
+overhead. Henceforth day and night were one, all trace of time would be
+lost, and whether any of that imprisoned band would ever see the light
+of day again or breathe the free, open air, the future alone could tell.
+
+It was a solemn and impressive moment, and Guy's voice had a touch of
+huskiness in it as he ordered the canoes to be carried to the water.
+
+A last survey of the cavern was made to see that nothing was forgotten,
+and then all took their places in silence, the canoes swung slowly out
+from shore, and, caught by the current, shot off into the gloom on the
+first stage of the most awful journey ever made by Englishmen.
+
+Guy sat slightly in front of the stern, keeping the canoe straight with
+an occasional touch of the paddle, for the velocity of the current made
+labor unnecessary, and close behind him was Sir Arthur, holding the
+flaring torch that lit up the water for a short distance ahead and
+served to guide the second canoe, which was only a few yards behind.
+
+"If this current continues all the way," observed Forbes, "eight hundred
+miles will be nothing at all."
+
+"Yes, if no bad rapids are encountered," replied Guy. "There are
+certainly none very near, or we could hear them plainly."
+
+"I don't think we need fear that very much," called out the colonel from
+the rear canoe. "The altitude of this part of Africa is not so high
+above the sea. The valley overhead is a pretty deep one, and this river
+is some distance beneath. Moreover, those natives would hardly have made
+an annual cruise down the river if the channel were very dangerous."
+
+"It was their custom to start at the close of the rainy season," said
+the Greek, "when the river was high and swollen."
+
+"Don't mention rapids, I beg of you," cried Sir Arthur. "It makes me
+nervous. I can't stand it at all."
+
+For an hour or more they traveled on in almost unbroken silence. On
+either side the shore was invisible, and overhead the glare of the torch
+revealed only black, empty space. The same intense silence prevailed,
+not even the faintest murmur of the river being audible.
+
+This peaceful monotony, however, was rudely shattered. A low humming
+sound was heard in the distance, which rapidly increased in volume, and
+left no room to doubt that a course of rapids was below. At Guy's
+suggestion Forbes relieved Sir Arthur of the torch, and scarcely had
+this change been effected when the current carried them into a swirling
+mass of spray.
+
+Both canoes grated and bumped against rocks, and then, before the
+frightened occupants could realize that it was over, the sullen roar was
+fading away in the distance, and the smooth current was bearing them
+rapidly ahead.
+
+This little episode considerably relieved their minds. If no more
+dangerous water than that lay before them, there was little cause for
+apprehension. A skilled eye and a strong hand would overcome the
+difficulty.
+
+Presently, for the first time, rocky walls appeared, now on one side,
+now on the other, but they fell sheer to the water, and gave no
+opportunity for landing. The atmosphere of the cavern was pure and
+fresh, a fact not readily accounted for, since no glimmer of daylight
+was anywhere visible.
+
+Guy began to grow sleepy, a sensation which was shared by his
+companions, for it was many hours since they had had any rest. It was
+impossible to tell how long or how far they had traveled. All passage of
+time was lost, and the periods for eating and sleeping must be regulated
+by their own feelings. Instinct goes wrong in such cases; yet there was
+little doubt that the night had come.
+
+A sharp lookout was kept on the shores, but, as the current swept them
+past the same monotonous ledges without a break, it began to look as
+though they would be compelled to take turns at sleeping in the bottom
+of the canoes.
+
+They were paddling close along the right shore when a sudden cry from
+Canaris, who was almost abreast of the other boat, and farther out in
+the current, attracted general attention, and peering out on the river
+they saw a dim object some yards away.
+
+The current bore them past it, but by dint of hard paddling the canoes
+were headed diagonally up stream, and a few moments later a landing was
+made on the lower end of a small spit of white sand, ten or fifteen
+yards in diameter.
+
+It sloped gently to the water's edge, and in the center was a cluster of
+smooth, water-worn stones.
+
+It was a perfect haven of refuge to the weary and exhausted voyagers,
+and with thankful hearts they hauled the canoes upon the strip of beach
+and spread out the rugs in readiness for a few hours' sleep.
+
+They ate sparingly of crackers and dates, for Guy had assumed charge of
+the commissary department and dispensed supplies with no liberal hand,
+the wisdom of which was readily acknowledged by all.
+
+The torch had been stuck end up in the sand, and its cheerful glow threw
+a radiance over all the little island and caused the silvery white sand
+to sparkle brilliantly.
+
+They stretched themselves out on the rugs near the center of the island,
+and as soon as they were arranged comfortably Guy rigorously
+extinguished the torch and hunted his place in the darkness.
+
+No thought of fear entered their mind. On all sides was the deep and
+rapid river. Whence could an enemy come? In five minutes not a man was
+awake. Even Sir Arthur was snoring profoundly, dreaming perhaps of the
+snug quarters in the residence at Zaila, from which he had been so
+rudely ousted a few short weeks before.
+
+Guy was dreaming, too, but far different were the visions that coursed
+through his brain. For the twentieth time he was living over again his
+awful experiences of the previous year. Once more he was a prisoner in
+the rajah's fortress, and Nana Sahib's cannons were awaiting their
+victim on the massive stone platform. Now he was being led out to die in
+the midst of his companions, the fiendish faces all about him, the
+Hindoos stood by the touch-holes with lighted torches. Now they were
+binding him, the gaping muzzle was pressing his back----
+
+Then he woke and sat up, trembling from head to foot, the dank
+perspiration standing in beads on his forehead. Thank God it was only a
+dream. The rajah's fortress was thousands of miles away.
+
+Suddenly a faint sound reached his ear, so indistinct that he could
+hardly be sure he heard anything at all. He listened a moment, but it
+was not repeated.
+
+"Some of the fellows stirring in their sleep," he muttered, and giving
+the matter no further thought, he lay down again.
+
+But as soon as his head touched the sand the sound was repeated, and
+this time it was more definable--a steady, rustling noise, with an
+occasional low splash that seemed to come from the water.
+
+It was caused by none of his companions, for they all lay on his left,
+while the alarming noise seemed to come from the right.
+
+Guy was a brave man, but in his nervous condition, resulting from the
+recent dream, this new alarm was too much, and he felt a cold chill run
+down his spine.
+
+Giving Forbes, who was next him, a gentle shake, he drew himself to his
+feet, and taking a match from his pocket, rubbed it with a trembling
+hand across the front of his trousers.
+
+It struck fire instantly, and as the sudden flare lit up the whole
+extent of the island the match dropped from Guy's nerveless fingers and
+he started back with a cry of horror that echoed horribly through the
+gloomy recesses of the cavern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+A WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
+
+
+Guy had presence of mind enough to strike a second match and ignite the
+torch, which was fortunately within reach of his hand, and as his
+companions, roused from their sleep by his sharp cry of alarm, sprang
+excitedly to their feet, the flaming glare revealed to their astonished
+gaze a monstrous serpent coiled half on land, half in the water, at the
+edge of the island.
+
+The flat, ugly head, with its wicked eyes, was darting angrily to and
+fro, and the body was as thick as a man's leg above the knee.
+
+"Great Cæsar, it's a sea-serpent!" cried Forbes, making a dash for his
+rifle, while Sir Arthur, with a dismal groan, dropped down on his knees
+and had to be dragged forcibly away by the colonel.
+
+The glare of the torch seemed to anger the monster, for it advanced a
+yard or more up the island, and spattered the water furiously with its
+great tail.
+
+A general rush was made for the canoes, and it would have been no
+difficult matter to have slipped quickly away and left the hideous
+monster in undisputed possession of the island.
+
+Unluckily Forbes was bent on resistance. He seized his rifle, made sure
+that it was ready for use, and started forward just as Guy hurried to
+his assistance.
+
+"Come away, Melton," he cried; "it will only make things worse if you
+wound it."
+
+"But I don't intend to wound it," replied Melton. "I'm going to put a
+ball through that ugly head. Stand back, Chutney; stand back."
+
+As he spoke he advanced recklessly until the muzzle of his rifle was
+within two feet of the serpent's head, and, taking a quick aim, pulled
+the trigger.
+
+The stunning report shook the cavern; then, as Forbes turned to flee,
+the enraged monster, with blood streaming from a hole in his neck, threw
+his slimy coils forward in convulsions of agony, and, before the eyes of
+his horrified companions, Melton was pinned to the ground.
+
+He struggled to his knees, fighting desperately to loosen the tightening
+coils, and uttering heartrending appeals for help.
+
+Then, with a mighty hiss, the serpent flapped wildly toward the water,
+dragging his victim with him, and with a terrific splash and a
+resounding slap of the great tail on the moist sand, both disappeared in
+the gloom.
+
+With a terrible cry Guy ran to the water's edge and shouted again and
+again.
+
+No response came back. The black river flowed as smoothly and calmly as
+before.
+
+"Lost! Lost!" he cried hoarsely, and staggering backward he fell heavily
+on the sand.
+
+The colonel ran to his assistance, and at that moment a single cry came
+distinctly from a point below the island.
+
+"Listen!" exclaimed Canaris. "What is that?"
+
+"Help! Help!" rang mournfully through the recesses of the cavern.
+
+It was Melton's voice surely, and the familiar tones reached Guy's ears
+and brought him to his feet in an instant.
+
+"It's Forbes!" he shouted wildly. "The canoe, quick," and snatching the
+heavy craft, he fairly threw it into the river and sprang in.
+
+Canaris leaped after him, and seizing paddles they drove the canoe
+swiftly toward the distant sound.
+
+"We are coming, Melton; we are coming," cried Guy. "We'll save you yet."
+
+In their haste the lighted torch had been left behind, but fortunately
+the Greek had matches, and in an instant another torch was lit and
+flaring cheerfully over the water.
+
+"This way, Chutney," came a feeble voice below them. "Hurry up. I'm
+nearly exhausted."
+
+A few rapid strokes of the paddle brought them within sight of a
+struggling object on the surface of the water, and as the canoe ran
+skilfully alongside, Guy dropped his paddle, and, leaning out, seized
+the drowning man by the collar. With almost superhuman strength he
+dragged him into the canoe without assistance.
+
+"Thank God!" he cried, "he's safe. Speak to me, Forbes. Are you hurt?"
+
+But Melton lay white and helpless in the bottom of the boat, too
+exhausted to reply.
+
+"He's all right," said Canaris. "Don't make him talk. Take your paddle,
+Chutney. We'll have a struggle to make the island."
+
+The Greek was right. Far above them shone the flickering torch, and the
+current was bearing them further away.
+
+"I can't paddle and hold the torch at the same time," said Canaris. "We
+must be guided by the light on the island."
+
+And they bent to the paddles with a will, shouting from time to time to
+encourage the colonel and Sir Arthur. It was even a harder task than
+they had feared--to force the canoe through that fierce rush of water.
+And for a time it seemed as though they were losing instead of gaining.
+
+But at last the distant light grew brighter, and soon their friends
+could be seen standing on the edge of the island.
+
+Ten minutes' more labor brought the canoe to the small eddy behind the
+island, and then the colonel hauled it gently upon the sand. They
+climbed wearily out and bore Melton tenderly up the slope. His clothes
+were foul and slimy from the serpent's embrace, but he did not seem to
+be injured.
+
+A few drops of stimulant would have had a good effect, but as this was
+out of the question they did the next best thing under the
+circumstances. His wet clothes were stripped off and wrung out. Then he
+was wrapped snugly in three or four big rugs and laid in one of the
+canoes, which was emptied for the purpose. This heroic treatment had a
+speedy effect, and the patient, much to the relief of all, recovered
+from his prostration and insisted on sitting up.
+
+"No, I don't think I'm hurt," he said, in response to Guy's inquiries.
+"It was the closest shave I ever had in my life, though. You may imagine
+how I felt when the monster dragged me into the river. I gave myself up
+for lost at once. He dived straight down, and then shot through the
+water like a streak. One coil was still around my body, and hard as I
+struggled I couldn't tear loose. My ears began to sing, and I knew I
+would have to drown. Then I felt the coil grow a little looser, and with
+one desperate struggle I tore away and came to the top. The first thing
+I saw was the light away up on the island, and I shouted for help as
+loud as I could. I was terribly afraid you would not hear me, and all
+the time I was growing weaker and weaker, and the current was dragging
+me farther and farther away. Then I saw your torch almost beside me, and
+that is all I remember. I would have gone to the bottom in another
+minute, I know. It was horrible, Chutney. It makes me faint to think of
+it," and Melton closed his eyes with a little shudder.
+
+There were tears in the eyes of all as they listened to the marvelous
+story of his escape, and a sterner realization came to them of the
+unknown and unseen dangers that encompassed them.
+
+Further sleep was out of the question, and yet they could not well leave
+the island until Melton's clothes were partially dry.
+
+"Suppose we try some fishing," suggested Guy. "I have lines, and we can
+bait the hooks with bits of dried meat."
+
+"That would be an agreeable change in our bill of fare," said the
+colonel. "I second the motion."
+
+"Gentlemen, I beg of you, don't harass my feelings by talking of fish,"
+protested Sir Arthur, who was gradually recovering from his severe
+fright. "It makes me think of white-bait dinners at Greenwich. I dined
+there two days before I sailed for Africa."
+
+"And you will dine there again, many a time," replied the colonel. "Only
+keep up your spirits, Ashby."
+
+"I hope so, I'm sure," groaned Sir Arthur, with a dismal shake of the
+head that belied his words.
+
+Meanwhile Guy had been preparing the lines, and handing one to the
+Greek, they cast them in the eddy below the island. In less than five
+minutes Guy landed a trumpet, a fish of a deep purple color, a foot in
+length. Canaris hauled one out at the same time, and within an hour they
+had caught more than a dozen, all of the same species and of about the
+same length.
+
+"We'll take them along with us," said Guy. "We may find driftwood enough
+to build a fire and cook them."
+
+"And if we don't find any," cried Canaris, "we can cook them by holding
+them in the flame of the torch."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+SIR ARTHUR WAKES AT THE RIGHT TIME.
+
+
+At this point Forbes positively insisted on getting up, and, in spite of
+the slight dampness that still lingered about his clothes, he pulled
+them on and announced himself ready to start. All were glad to leave the
+spot which was connected with such a horrible event, and soon the island
+was far in the rear.
+
+The second stage of the journey was monotonous and uneventful. A few
+slight rapids were encountered, but for the most part the river was
+swift and smooth.
+
+The character of the shores now began to change, and instead of the
+sharp ledges falling sheer to the water, sandy beaches skirted the edge,
+and from the canoes they could make out gloomy holes and passages that
+pierced the sides of the cavern.
+
+They were strongly tempted at times to stop and explore these unknown
+mysteries, but the reflection that every moment thus wasted would
+prolong their stay on this underground stream always checked the
+impulse.
+
+A flat, rocky ledge served for their next resting-place. It extended
+back ten yards to a steep wall of rock, and here, in a hollow cavity,
+Canaris found a mass of driftwood that was dry enough to burn.
+
+The fish were cooked rudely over a fire, but without salt they were
+unpalatable and no one cared to eat them.
+
+The luxury of a camp fire was enjoyed while they slept, and, although no
+watch was kept, the night--if night it really was--passed without alarm.
+
+Colonel Carrington had managed to retain during his captivity a small
+note-book and pencil. In this he kept a record of the journey, jotting
+down each night the incidents of the day's cruise, and a page from this
+diary will convey to the reader a clear idea of the uneventful manner in
+which the first week passed away--a week in long-to-be-remembered
+contrast to the dreadful period that followed.
+
+_Third stage._--Traveled all day on smooth water. Rocky shores. Camped
+on an island. Could find no wood and slept in the dark.
+
+_Fourth stage._--Today we passed rocky islands in great profusion. Once
+far overhead we saw a single gleam of light shining in from a crevice.
+So far our calculation is correct. Day is day, and night is night.
+
+_Fifth stage._--Nothing important. Ran a few rapids and camped on the
+right shore on a sandy beach.
+
+_Sixth stage._--All goes well. We are making many miles a day. The
+current continues strong. Camped on flat rock in midstream.
+
+_Seventh stage._--Current still good. River very wide and obstructed
+with rocks. Narrowly missed an upset several times.
+
+_Eighth stage._--Traveled rapidly. Camped on a big spit of sand on right
+shore. Vast cavern behind us. Too sleepy to explore it.
+
+Here the peaceful monotony of the colonel's record ended. On this
+sloping, sandy beach began the first of that string of adventures which
+to their last moment will send a shudder through those who participated
+in them.
+
+As the colonel stated, they were so weary from the long day's journey
+that no investigation was made of the vast cavern that lay behind them.
+
+Guy advanced a few yards with his blazing torch.
+
+"It probably terminates with a rocky wall," he said carelessly: "It's no
+use looking into it tonight."
+
+Sir Arthur suggested that it would be well to make sure that no danger
+lurked in its darkness, but Guy handed him the torch and bade him go
+satisfy himself. He very promptly declined the honor.
+
+A meager supper was eaten, for already the stock of food showed a
+perceptible diminution, and by common consent Guy began from that time
+to serve out short rations.
+
+A quantity of driftwood had been brought in the canoes from a previous
+camping-place, and with this a small fire was built. In its cheerful
+flickering glow they fell asleep, and an hour later a faint gleam from
+the charred embers was all that relieved the darkness of the cavern.
+
+When Sir Arthur Ashby turned uneasily on his rugs some time afterward,
+even this feeble light was gone. The ex-governor was consumed with a
+burning thirst. He had an undeniable craving for champagne and iced
+claret, but in the unavoidable absence of these drinks water would have
+to do.
+
+As he sat up, a faint noise reached his ears from the direction of the
+canoes, and supposing it to be Canaris, who had performed similar favors
+for him before, he called out loudly:
+
+"My good fellow, fetch me a drink, will you? I'm deucedly dry."
+
+The noise instantly ceased and was not repeated, though Sir Arthur
+waited breathlessly for a full minute.
+
+Once he fancied he heard a slight rippling of water, but that, too,
+ceased at once.
+
+Then Sir Arthur uttered a loud shout, which speedily wakened his
+companions.
+
+"What's wrong?" cried the colonel anxiously. "Did some one call? I
+surely heard a noise."
+
+"I want a drink, that's all," said Sir Arthur. "I heard someone down at
+the canoes and supposed it was Canaris. Was it you, Carrington?"
+
+"No, certainly not," exclaimed the colonel, now thoroughly awake. "Here,
+Chutney, Forbes, pass me a match, quick. I have none about me."
+
+They were all on their feet instantly, and Guy lost no time in lighting
+the torch which he kept always by his side.
+
+Holding it over his head he led the way to the shore, and the first
+brief glance showed only too plainly what was the matter.
+
+"_One canoe is missing!_" he cried despairingly.
+
+"What, you don't mean it!" exclaimed Forbes. "How can that be possible?"
+
+"It's gone," said Guy blankly. "No doubt of it. Here is the mark of the
+keel leading down to the water. That's not the worst of it, though. Half
+our provisions are gone with it, and one lamp and an oil-flask as well."
+
+"By Jove, Chutney, it's that savage who has done this," cried Melton.
+"It can be accounted for in no other way. We forgot all about the
+scoundrel's presence in the cavern."
+
+"But how could he have lived all this time without food?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Melton. "He must have managed it in some way,
+though. These Gallas are tough, wiry fellows and can stand a good deal
+of hardship."
+
+The circumstances all seemed to confirm Melton's supposition.
+Unfortunately the fact that this Galla warrior was also making the
+cruise of the river had been overlooked, and now, as a result of this
+negligence they had lost a canoe and half of their supplies.
+
+"We have one thing to be thankful for," said Guy. "If Sir Arthur had not
+wakened when he did we would undoubtedly have lost all. His shout scared
+the rascal, and he did not wait to make off with the other canoe."
+
+"Yes, here is the mark of a third boat," announced the colonel, who had
+been making an investigation on his own account, "and footprints are
+visible on the sand. The scoundrel must have been here when we landed."
+
+"I wanted you to make a search," said Sir Arthur, "but my advice was
+disregarded. You see the result."
+
+"Prepare to start at once," interrupted Guy sharply. "We must pursue the
+thief and recover our canoe."
+
+In less than five minutes they embarked and pushed away from the shore.
+
+"Put out the torch," said Guy. "If the rascal sees the light he can get
+out of our way and we will pass him unperceived."
+
+"But how will we capture him in the dark?" asked Melton.
+
+"We must depend on our hearing," was the reply. "We will push ahead
+quietly and listen at intervals for the stroke of his paddle."
+
+Under these circumstances the recovery of the canoe was very doubtful,
+but there was plainly no other course, so they proceeded to carry out
+Guy's plan as carefully as possible.
+
+Five paddles were all that remained, one for each of them, and with
+quick, noiseless strokes they moved rapidly down the river, keeping the
+canoe headed with the current as far as possible, and pausing at times
+to listen for any trace of the thief.
+
+Thus they journeyed for an hour or more, but no sound of any kind
+reached their ears, and it began to look very much as though the Galla
+had been passed unseen in the darkness.
+
+"He could hardly have kept ahead of us for such a distance," said
+Forbes. "I'm afraid we have missed him, Chutney."
+
+Guy made no reply. The canoe at that instant grated harshly on some
+obstacle, and throwing out his arms, Melton discovered that the current
+had carried them against one of the steep, rocky shores. He was about to
+shove the canoe forcibly away with his paddle when Guy whispered
+sharply:
+
+"Hold tight to the rock. I hear something above us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE JOURNEY ON THE LAKE.
+
+
+In the deep silence all heard distinctly the low, steady dip of a
+paddle.
+
+"Be ready with a match," whispered Guy. "When the canoe comes opposite,
+light the torch and I will cover the fellow with my rifle."
+
+The sound grew louder and plainer, and Melton's finger was already
+trembling on the match when a terrific splash echoed over the water,
+followed instantly by a most awful and heartrending wail of agony, that
+caused every one to shudder from head to foot.
+
+Perfect silence ensued, and the dip of the paddle was no longer heard.
+With nervous haste Forbes lit the torch, and the sudden light revealed
+an empty canoe floating bottom up a few yards out in the stream.
+
+They paddled quickly alongside, and leaning over Guy turned the drifting
+boat right side up.
+
+It was empty, of course. The contents had gone to the bottom, and near
+the center the frail sides, seen plainly in the torchlight, were
+actually crushed inward like a shattered egg-shell.
+
+Where was the occupant of a moment before? What tremendous force had
+wrought this havoc?
+
+The current carried them on and on, but no one spoke; no one dared utter
+the thoughts that were in his mind.
+
+At last Guy said in faltering tones, "Nothing but a serpent could have
+inflicted that injury to the canoe."
+
+"That was the meaning of the splash," replied Melton. "The huge coils
+must have been thrown around it. The poor fellow had only time for one
+cry when he was dragged out."
+
+"Then the serpent must have been following us down the river," cried the
+colonel. "I supposed he was dead after that bullet lodged in his neck."
+
+"_That_ serpent is dead," said Forbes solemnly, "or I should never have
+escaped from his coils. This is another serpent. The river must be the
+abode of many like them."
+
+This alarming statement was unfortunately only too likely to be true.
+Sir Arthur was terribly distressed, and prophesied a speedy reappearance
+of the monster and a fate similar to that of the poor savage in store
+for them all.
+
+His anxiety was shared by his companions, though not expressed as
+openly, and all possible haste was made to get away from the horrible
+spot.
+
+A brief search was carried on in hopes of finding the lost provision
+bags, but, with the exception of a single floating paddle, nothing was
+picked up. The bags must have sunk with the lamp and oil-flask.
+
+Nothing was seen of the other canoe--the one originally taken by the
+savage--and they came to the conclusion that it had been purposely
+abandoned farther up the river.
+
+The balance of that day they traveled with a dread sense of impending
+danger. The terrible scene so recently witnessed had left an
+ineffaceable impression and by tacit consent they paddled in silence,
+afraid of the sound of their own voices.
+
+The river had suddenly become narrow, and ran with dizzy speed between
+two rocky walls that reflected on both sides the glow of the torch which
+Sir Arthur carried in the stern.
+
+Half a dozen times they dashed through brawling rapids, but no mishap
+occurred, and, as their increasing drowsiness warned them that night was
+close at hand, they succeeded in finding a landing-place on the left
+shore which offered some protection until morning.
+
+A small quantity of wood still remained, and with this a fire was kept
+burning all night, while they took turns at guarding the camp, for after
+the recent events they no longer dared to sleep unprotected and in utter
+darkness.
+
+The scant amount of food now remaining was a source of great uneasiness,
+but Chutney infused fresh hope into the party by the confident
+prediction that if the present daily rate of speed were maintained the
+supply would last until the end of the journey.
+
+Already the pure air of the cavern had done wonders for Sir Arthur and
+the colonel, and they had nearly recovered their usual health and
+strength. The one canoe held them all very comfortably, and they seemed
+to make better progress than when they had been divided into separate
+parties.
+
+That night nothing occurred to cause any alarm, and they resumed the
+cruise in fairly good spirits. The river still continued narrow and the
+current swift. No dangerous water was encountered, and everything was
+going on satisfactorily when Guy suddenly shouted with all his might,
+"Back water! Quick! quick!" and looking ahead they saw a steep rocky
+promontory, against which the current split and swung off into two
+channels, one to the right, the other to the left.
+
+In spite of their utmost efforts they continued to float down inch by
+inch.
+
+Which was the proper channel? It was a puzzling problem on which perhaps
+hung life and death. There was no time for consideration, and under the
+circumstances Guy adopted the only possible course.
+
+"Head the canoe straight for the center of the rock and let her drift,"
+he cried. "The current shall decide for us."
+
+This was instantly done and they drifted with perfect accuracy straight
+for the splitting point in the stream.
+
+For a moment it looked as though they would be flung against the rocks
+and upset, but as the canoe reached the turning-point it trembled an
+instant in the balance and then darted headlong into the channel to the
+right.
+
+"A good omen," cried the colonel. "The river Juba lies on our right.
+This must be the proper channel."
+
+It was a very narrow channel, at all events, and a very swift one, too,
+for the rocky walls on either side were almost close enough to touch
+with the paddles, and they were moving at a dizzy rate of speed.
+
+"There are rapids below us," said Forbes. "I can hear them dimly."
+
+Melton's hearing was unusually acute, for as yet the rest could hear
+nothing, but in a few seconds the distant roar was audible to all, and
+it grew ominously louder with every second.
+
+They grasped the sides of the canoe in anxious suspense--for it was
+useless to paddle--and the angry waters were almost in sight, when Sir
+Arthur dropped his torch, and instantly they were plunged in total
+darkness.
+
+No time remained to strike a fresh light. The sullen crash of the waters
+drowned the sound of their voices, and the canoe blindly took its own
+course and they felt the chill spray spattering their faces.
+
+"Bump, bump, bump," went the quivering boat, grinding and crashing on
+loose rocks, and then with one terrific lurch, that sent them sprawling
+on their knees, the violent tossing subsided and the choppy waves
+smacked the bottom of the canoe.
+
+With some difficulty Guy lit a fresh torch, and its light revealed a
+strange condition of things.
+
+No shore was visible on either side, and overhead was empty space
+instead of the low lying roof that always met their gaze.
+
+"We are no longer moving," cried the colonel in astonishment.
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed Guy, but on putting his hand in the water all
+doubt was instantly removed. The canoe was stationary.
+
+They paddled on to the right, to the left, in every direction, but the
+dark water lay calm and sluggish on all sides.
+
+"We are on a lake," said Guy. "There is no doubt of it; a vast
+underground lake."
+
+"There must be an outlet on the other side, though," replied Melton.
+"All we need do is to paddle across and find it."
+
+"But which is the proper side?" said Canaris. "Are we headed straight
+now?"
+
+"By Jove, I don't believe we are," replied Guy. "I'm afraid we are
+completely mixed up. We will paddle until we reach the shore, and then
+follow it till we come to the outlet."
+
+"Yes, that will do very well," said the colonel. "The lake cannot be so
+very large. I wish we had time to complete a survey of it. I should like
+to make a report to the Royal Geographical Society."
+
+"I wish the honorable members of the R. G. S. could change places with
+us," said Sir Arthur, with a groan. "I have no doubt some of those
+lunatics would enjoy this beastly hole. There is no accounting for
+taste, Carrington."
+
+The colonel made no reply. He was keeping stroke with Chutney's paddle,
+sharing with him the outlook ahead. The minutes passed on, but still no
+signs of any shore.
+
+"It's a pretty fair-sized lake after all," said Guy.
+
+"And we are the first white men to navigate its waters," remarked the
+colonel solemnly. "This is a wonderful discovery. Our fame as great
+explorers will be assured if we ever get back to England."
+
+"Land ahead!" shouted Guy suddenly, and snatching the torch from Sir
+Arthur, he stood erect as the canoe shot gently toward a dim object that
+rose from the gloom twenty yards distant. Amid breathless silence the
+keel nicked the sandy beach and Guy sprang out.
+
+One brief second he held the flaming torch aloft.
+
+Then he turned and tottered with trembling limbs towards the canoe. He
+tried to speak, but no words came, and his face was pallid and
+horror-stricken.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE ISLE OF SKELETONS.
+
+
+Believing that some terrible danger threatened, Forbes was in readiness
+to push the canoe back into the lake, but Guy stopped him with a wave of
+the hand.
+
+"I'll be all right in a moment. My nerves went back on me; that's all."
+
+He glanced toward the shore with a shudder, and then filled the palm of
+his hand with water and drank it.
+
+"Come on," he said bravely; "don't be alarmed. It's nothing that can
+harm us."
+
+His companions followed him timidly up the sandy slope. The torch threw
+a bright light on the scene, and every one of them shuddered as Guy
+stopped and pointed before him.
+
+On a flat, rocky plateau, three or four feet above the level of the
+lake, lay a gleaming mass of bones, all dried and whitened by age.
+
+"Human skeletons, by gracious!" burst from the colonel, and it was easy
+to see that he spoke the truth.
+
+Human skeletons they were, but instead of being joined together, skulls,
+arms, and legs lay scattered about in awful confusion.
+
+"This is horrible," said Forbes. "Who were these unfortunates, and what
+could have caused such mutilation?"
+
+Guy advanced to the center of the plateau, flashing the torch around
+him, and turning to his companions, he cried: "This is an island; there
+is water all around it."
+
+"Look here," exclaimed Canaris eagerly; "here lies a raft of logs, half
+buried in the sand."
+
+This new discovery promised some light on the mystery, and they crowded
+hastily around the Greek, who was bending over the rude structure.
+
+It lay half way up the beach, and over the lower extremities of the logs
+a thick layer of sand had been washed. Close by were half a dozen coarse
+sacks, which proved on inspection to contain skins of leopards and
+tigers, bright colored feathers, coffee, and aromatic gums. All were in
+fairly good condition.
+
+"Here is something else," cried Forbes. "Arms, by Jove! Spears and axes,
+torches and paddles. Well, by gracious, what does this mean?"
+
+An inkling of the truth flashed upon them simultaneously, and they
+stared at each other in frightened silence.
+
+"This was the last load of natives to go down the river," said Canaris
+quietly. "Here is their raft, their trading goods. Yonder lie their
+bones. Their journey ended here."
+
+"And why did it end here?" demanded the colonel.
+
+"Yes, why?" echoed Chutney, and then no one spoke for a full minute.
+
+"What was to prevent them from continuing on their way?" resumed the
+colonel finally. "They had a raft and paddles; the water was all around
+them. What caused their death?"
+
+"Starvation," suggested the Greek.
+
+"It was not starvation that killed them," exclaimed Guy, who had turned
+back to the center of the island. "Here is a bag of dates and dried meat
+all shriveled and moldy. They met their death in some horribly sudden
+fashion, that is certain. How do you account for their skeletons being
+torn apart and the bones flung together? Could starvation do that?"
+
+"It was serpents," said the Greek; and that brief sentence made their
+blood run cold.
+
+"Yes," continued Canaris, observing the doubt in their faces; "they must
+have been surprised in the night and crushed to death. That alone can
+account for their broken bones. But, remember, all this was thirty years
+ago or more."
+
+"Yes, you are right, Canaris," said Chutney. "I believe, upon my word,
+what you say is true. The monstrous serpents of the cavern devoured
+them."
+
+Sir Arthur beat a rapid retreat to the canoe, and the rest were not slow
+in following his example.
+
+"Let us get away from this horrible spot as quickly as possible," said
+the colonel; "and, besides, we are losing precious time on this lake. We
+must seek the outlet at once and resume the journey."
+
+They paddled gladly away from the Isle of Skeletons, as the colonel
+insisted on naming it, and steered as straight a course as possible.
+
+Under the pressure of four paddles the canoe maintained a rapid speed,
+but in spite of this it was fully an hour, and probably much more,
+before they found the shore of the lake. They rested a little while
+beside the perpendicular wall of rock, uncertain which way to turn.
+
+"It won't make much difference," said Guy; "either course must bring us
+to the outlet. Suppose we try the right."
+
+This proposition met with favor, and off they started once more, taking
+care to keep the shore constantly in sight, lest they should lose their
+bearings again.
+
+In less than half an hour the sound of running water was heard in the
+distance, and they paddled faster than ever in their intense longing to
+escape from the lake.
+
+Louder and louder grew the roar of the water, until they seemed to be
+almost upon it, and just when they were preparing for a dash into the
+rapids Chutney rose in the canoe with a cry of surprise, and the
+torchlight showed plainly a fierce body of water running, not out of,
+but into the lake.
+
+They had come back to the starting point. It was here they had entered
+the lake, and now all must be done over again.
+
+"Back water," cried the colonel. "Don't get into the current. It may
+sweep us out and we shall lose our bearings. Turn the canoe and we will
+go back the way we came."
+
+There was no help for it. It only remained to atone for the lost time by
+paddling as rapidly as possible.
+
+With difficulty the canoe was snatched from the influx of the current
+and headed this time to the left.
+
+"It will be a lengthy paddle," said Guy. "The lake is by no means a
+small one."
+
+"I'm hungry," exclaimed Sir Arthur. "Isn't it about time for lunch?"
+
+"Your suggestion is eminently proper, Sir Arthur," declared the colonel.
+"On a full stomach we shall travel faster, Chauncey. Do you concur with
+our views?"
+
+Guy evidently did, for a supply of dates and crackers was forthwith
+produced, and while they were eating the canoe was permitted to remain
+stationary.
+
+They started away in somewhat better spirits, Chutney in the bow keeping
+a sharp watch for danger ahead, while Sir Arthur held his torch from the
+stern, lighting the water for some yards around.
+
+The dreary monotony of the journey was most trying. The shore presented
+an unbroken perpendicular wall of stone falling sheer to the water, damp
+and slimy with drippings, while overhead was empty space, a dome of vast
+height, to judge from the echo of their voices.
+
+They paddled on and on, pausing occasionally to rest their weary arms,
+then dashing away with more vigor than ever. Not for an instant did they
+lose sight of the shore. It was their only guide. At last Sir Arthur's
+arm dropped feebly, and it was seen that he was half asleep. Canaris
+took the torch from his hand, and sinking into the bottom of the canoe,
+the ex-governor fell instantly into a deep slumber.
+
+"I'm actually getting drowsy myself," confessed the colonel. "It must be
+night. Surely we ought to be halfway round the lake by this time."
+
+Guy admitted that he, too, was beginning to grow sleepy, and as Forbes
+and Canaris alone professed to be as fresh as ever, it was decided that
+they should navigate the canoe for a time and allow the others an
+opportunity to rest.
+
+Chutney and the colonel stretched themselves on the rugs and Melton
+paddled slowly forward, while Canaris held the torch from the stern.
+
+Hours passed, and still they continued to follow the rocky shore amid
+silence, broken only by the swish of the paddle, for neither Forbes nor
+Canaris cared to converse.
+
+Wrapped in their own gloomy reflections they crouched in the stern,
+keeping silent vigil over their sleeping companions.
+
+An intense desire for sleep now laid hold on Melton, and with great
+reluctance he woke Guy and the colonel. It required a dash of cold water
+to bring them to their senses.
+
+"Are we still on this horrible lake?" exclaimed Chutney. "How long have
+we been asleep?"
+
+"Several hours at least," replied Melton.
+
+"Several hours? Whew! What a lake this is! We must surely be near the
+outlet now. But you are sleepy and worn out, Melton, and so is Canaris.
+Look, he can hardly keep his eyes open. Go lie down, both of you. The
+colonel and I will see to the canoe, and you will wake up twenty miles
+down the river."
+
+Melton handed over his paddle to Guy, and the colonel relieved the Greek
+of the torch.
+
+Canaris was asleep almost instantly, and Melton was just arranging the
+rugs to make himself a comfortable spot, when Chutney cried gladly, "I
+can hear water running. I'm sure of it. Do you hear it, too, colonel?"
+
+"Yes," said the colonel, after a pause. "I do hear something, that's a
+fact. We are approaching the outlet of the lake, no doubt of it."
+
+Melton's drowsiness vanished, and he sprang up.
+
+"It would be advisable to waken Canaris and Sir Arthur," suggested the
+colonel. "No one ought to sleep at a time like this. All hands may be
+needed."
+
+A slight touch woke the Greek, but it required a severe shaking to rouse
+Sir Arthur.
+
+"Waiter, a deviled kidney and a pint of Pommery Sec," he cried drowsily,
+as Chutney pulled him to a sitting position. And then opening his eyes
+he groaned dismally, "Bless me, I thought I was dining at Gatti's. Why
+didn't you let me sleep?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+ALL HOPE VANISHES.
+
+
+"We are approaching the outlet of the lake, Sir Arthur," said Guy. "It
+is better that all should be awake in case we encounter bad water."
+
+"Yes, yes; very true. You want me to hold the torch, I suppose. Gad!
+what a dream I had! I was dining with Lord Balsover. I'd give my title
+and fortune to be back in London this minute."
+
+"Hold your torch straight," said the colonel dryly, and then under the
+regular strokes of four paddles the canoe moved swiftly toward the
+distant sound of running water.
+
+Every instant it grew louder and more distinct, and soon their voices
+were almost drowned in the roar.
+
+It was a period of terrible anxiety. That it was the outlet of the lake
+they were approaching no one for an instant doubted. Their chief concern
+was for a safe passage into the river beyond, for the angry splash of
+the water told plainly its turbulent and dangerous nature.
+
+"Keep a little off from the shore," cried Guy. "It won't do to make too
+sharp a curve or we shall upset. We must strike the current fairly in
+the center and keep the canoe straight as an arrow. Whatever happens,
+don't drop the torch," he added warningly.
+
+Close as they now were to the outlet, no signs of any current were yet
+visible. The colonel called attention to this strange fact, but Guy
+explained it by remarking that the current probably passed directly
+through the center of the lake and that dead water continued to the very
+edge.
+
+"I can see a white gleam ahead," he cried suddenly; "now paddle off from
+shore a little more and head the canoe as I tell you."
+
+His orders were obeyed in silence. Straight out from the shore the canoe
+shot deftly. A couple of quick strokes forward and backward and its bow
+faced the angry waters that raged and foamed thirty yards distant.
+
+The radius of the torch cast a faint gleam on the very edge of the
+glistening spray. It seemed to beckon them onward.
+
+"Now give way," cried Guy. Four paddles dipped and rose as one, the
+shining drops rolled from their blades like so many diamonds in the
+torch-glare, and then Guy sprang to his feet with a loud cry.
+
+The paddles wavered in mid-air. "Go ahead," he shouted fiercely. "Paddle
+with all your strength."
+
+Once more they dipped the water, the canoe moved slowly--with an
+effort, and as the paddles a second time paused in air, the canoe shot
+swiftly--not forward to the embrace of the angry waters, but back--_back
+at dizzy speed into the dark and dismal recesses of the lake_.
+
+Even then the awful, unspeakable horror of the situation never flashed
+upon them, Guy alone perhaps excepted.
+
+"We've blundered again," cried the colonel in hollow tones. "We have
+returned to the starting point. In some manner we have missed the
+outlet, and now all must be done over again."
+
+"Could the canoe have been turned completely about during our journey?"
+exclaimed Forbes.
+
+"Impossible," said the colonel. "I can prove it instantly. When we
+started away from the spot where the river enters on our trip around the
+lake, the shore was on our right. When we arrived here just now it was
+still on our right, whereas, had we unconsciously turned the canoe about
+and reversed our course, the shore would be on our left. We have
+circumnavigated the lake and returned to our starting point, and in some
+way missed the outlet."
+
+"No," cried Chutney in tones that chilled his hearers with horror. "We
+did not miss the outlet."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried the colonel.
+
+"I say we did not miss the outlet," continued Guy, "because there was
+no outlet to miss. No exit from the lake exists. We are entombed forever
+and ever. None of us will ever see the light of day again. We shall die
+here in the bowels of the earth, and the serpents will mangle us as they
+mangled those poor unfortunates yonder on the island. Better to know the
+truth now than later. It is useless to hope. I tell you we are doomed
+men and----" Here Guy's voice faltered, and sinking down into the canoe,
+he covered his face with his hands.
+
+Sir Arthur uttered a heartrending cry and fell back in a faint. He lay
+unnoticed. The torch dropped from the Greek's nerveless hands and
+expired with a hiss. In darkness and silence they floated on and on
+until the roar of the inflowing water became fainter and fainter. Then
+it died out entirely and all was intensely quiet.
+
+The darkness was grateful to their stricken hearts. They wanted time to
+realize the awful misfortune that had fallen so suddenly and heavily
+upon them.
+
+It was impossible to grasp the truth in a moment, especially when that
+truth meant utter hopelessness and a terrible death. So they drifted in
+silence under the great vault of the cavern, living-dead in a living
+tomb.
+
+Long afterward--it might have been an hour and it might have been a day,
+for all passage of time was lost--Chutney rose to a sitting posture.
+
+His brain was dizzy and reeling. The aching misery lay heavy on his
+heart, and yet one faint spark of hope lingered amid the black despair,
+the natural buoyancy of his nature that refused even to submit to the
+decrees of the inevitable.
+
+It was he who had first spoken the words of doom to his companions, and
+now he told himself he would show them the way to safety. He fumbled in
+his clothes for a match, and striking it deliberately, lit a fresh
+torch.
+
+The pale, haggard faces that looked into each other as the bright light
+shone over the water were ghastly and unnatural. Abject misery and
+hopelessness were stamped on each one.
+
+The colonel and Forbes faced Guy calmly. Canaris looked up with a
+shudder and then dropped his head again. Sir Arthur lay among the rugs
+as though asleep.
+
+At that instant the canoe struck some obstacle with a slight tremor and
+stopped.
+
+The colonel with a slight gesture pointed to the right, and there before
+them lay the _Isle of Skeletons_. A strange fatality had drifted them a
+second time to this awful spot.
+
+Guy shuddered, but the colonel rose, and brushing past him stepped on
+shore.
+
+Forbes followed him in silence, and then Canaris staggered blindly
+past.
+
+After a brief hesitation Guy stepped out, and dragged the canoe half way
+up the sand. Sir Arthur never moved. He was sleeping and no one dared
+disturb him. They sat down in a row on the sand.
+
+"It's as good a place as any to die," said Forbes hoarsely. "The bones
+will soon have company."
+
+He paused, frightened at his own voice, and no one replied. For a while
+they sat in silence.
+
+Guy stuck the torch in the sand and it blazed away with a merry light.
+Somehow or other the ray of hope that had animated him a little while
+before had vanished, leaving only a dull despair, a reluctance to face
+the horror of the situation.
+
+"Is there no--no chance--for us?" he ventured to say timidly.
+
+"Absolutely none," replied the colonel, in a firm voice. "You told us a
+while ago, Chutney, that our doom was sealed. I have faced the situation
+as calmly and clearly as possible from every conceivable aspect, and I
+now tell you on my own responsibility that we will never leave this
+cavern. The fatal error was made when we took the right-hand channel of
+the two, or rather when the current led us to the right. That was not
+our blunder, of course. We were in the hands of destiny. We are now, as
+you know, on the bosom of a vast lake. Water of an unknown depth is
+beneath us. Overhead is a vaulted dome of great height, probably the
+hollowed interior of a mountain; on all sides are massive and
+perpendicular walls of rock, impregnable and insurmountable.
+
+"The lake is undoubtedly ten miles or more in circumference, and, as you
+know well, there is no surface outlet. There is an entrance, but we can
+no more force our way back through that entrance than we could swim up
+through the Falls of Niagara or ride the Nile Cataracts in a Rob Roy
+canoe. As long as our provisions last we shall live. When we no longer
+have anything to eat we shall die, and the next explorer who enters this
+lake will find our bones mingled with those lying behind us."
+
+"And what will _he_ do?" asked Guy.
+
+"Perish like those before him," said the colonel. "This death trap
+caught many a victim and will catch many more. The light of day will
+never pierce this gloom."
+
+The colonel spoke as though he were demonstrating a problem in Euclid or
+laying down plans for a campaign.
+
+"I don't call myself a philosopher," he went on, "nor am I a fatalist,
+but I think that most men can face the inevitable with a certain
+calmness that is only born of absolute despair. Did you ever see a man
+hanged? I did once. He walked to the gallows as coolly and deliberately
+as though he were going to breakfast. A week before he had been
+defiant, blustering, terror-stricken. When he realized that he had
+absolutely no loophole of escape, he faced the inevitable with steady
+nerves. When you realize your position fully, you will be like that man.
+You will accept your fate."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A DESPERATE FIGHT.
+
+
+The colonel rose, and going down to the canoe helped himself to a
+handful of crackers and some figs. He came back to his seat and began to
+munch them very contentedly.
+
+"The most merciful thing we could do would be to cast our provisions
+into the lake," he said finally. "It would cut short the agony of
+waiting, but I don't suppose you would look at it in that way."
+
+"No, no; don't do that," cried Chutney. "Who knows what may happen yet?"
+
+"Ah! there you are again," said the colonel; "still clinging to hope of
+life; still unable to realize the truth. You are only making it so much
+the harder for yourself."
+
+"But there is surely some outlet to this vast body of water?" said
+Melton.
+
+"Yes," was the colonel's reply. "Undoubtedly, but it must be at the
+bottom of the lake; it certainly is not on the surface. Do you suppose
+those poor savages would have perished here if an outlet had existed?
+They, too, must have been carried by accident into the wrong channel,
+and no doubt they circumnavigated the lake, as we have done. Realizing
+that they were lost, they either slew themselves to end their
+sufferings or they fell victims to the serpents without much
+resistance."
+
+While Melton and the colonel were carrying on this conversation, Guy
+rose and went down to the water, with the intention of gathering some
+food, for he, too, was hungry.
+
+The canoe was pulled partly on shore, and as it leaked a little the
+water had all collected in the stern, where Sir Arthur still lay in
+merciful sleep, thus wetting the rugs.
+
+Guy noticed this, and with a view to making the sleeper more
+comfortable, he slid the canoe down until it lay flat in the water. It
+still retained a slight hold of an inch or two on the sand.
+
+A sudden cry from the Greek brought him back in a hurry to the top of
+the island.
+
+His companions were staring out on the lake, and Canaris was pointing
+with a trembling hand at some unseen object.
+
+"What is the matter?" cried Guy. "What do you see?"
+
+"Hush," said the colonel, holding up a warning finger. "Something is
+moving out on the lake. Do you hear it splashing in the water?"
+
+As yet nothing could be seen, but the noise was very plain and distinct,
+a steady swish! swish! not unlike the beating of a little steamer.
+
+A chilling fear grew on them as they listened to this strange,
+mysterious sound.
+
+"Whatever it is, it is moving in a circle round the island," said Guy,
+"and keeping an equal distance from the shore."
+
+"You are right, Chutney," said the colonel, after a pause. "The sound
+was on our left a moment ago. Now it is on our right."
+
+The Greek was correct. The surface of the lake was violently agitated,
+though not a breath of air was stirring, and a steady flow of ripples
+was breaking on the sandy beach like tiny ocean waves.
+
+The unknown navigator, whatever it was, had nearly completed the circuit
+of the island now, and was very near the spot where they had first heard
+it.
+
+"It must be a serpent," cried Guy. "Heaven grant that it doesn't
+approach the island."
+
+He hurriedly picked up the torch and ran with it to the shore. The
+radius of light thus thrown over the water illumined a space twenty
+yards ahead, and revealed a long, dark object moving in graceful
+undulations over the surface. It was beyond doubt a huge serpent, and,
+as though angered by the light, the monster suddenly changed its course,
+and with a terrific splash headed directly for the shore. The huge head
+was in plain view, and the eyes flashed back fire from the reflected
+glare of the torch.
+
+For an instant all seemed paralyzed with horror, and no one moved.
+
+Chutney was the first to recover himself.
+
+"We must kill him before he reaches the island," he cried, staggering
+back a pace or two. "Get the guns. Quick! quick! or it will be too
+late!"
+
+He turned to flee across the island toward the canoe, but as he gained
+the ridge a cry of horror broke from his lips, and as his companions
+hurriedly reached the spot a single glance showed them what was the
+matter.
+
+The canoe was no longer on the shore. The swell caused by the approach
+of the serpent had washed it from its slight support, and now it was
+twenty yards distant, and drifting farther and farther away with every
+second.
+
+"The guns! The guns!" shrieked Chutney. "They are all in the boat. We
+are left at the mercy of the serpent. Sir Arthur! Sir Arthur!" he
+shouted with all his might, but no response came from the sleeping man,
+and the canoe continued to recede into the gloom.
+
+At this terrible moment it was Forbes who brought a ray of hope into
+their despair.
+
+Springing forward he snatched up an armful of the native weapons,
+spears, and axes, and distributed them to his companions.
+
+"We must fight the monster with these," he cried; "and while we are
+keeping him off, you, Canaris, run to the shore and keep on shouting to
+Sir Arthur. He may wake and get here in time to save us yet."
+
+"He must be in a faint," exclaimed the colonel, "or the noise would
+surely have wakened him. Come on, Chutney, the serpent is halfway to the
+shore. We may keep him off with these arms."
+
+The torch was hastily placed in the sand near the water's edge, and,
+grasping their weapons firmly, they prepared to check the advance of the
+monster. Fortunately the spears and axes were of hard iron and fitted
+with strong handles which the long storage in the cavern seemed to have
+toughened.
+
+Meanwhile the air echoed with the Greek's loud cries, but at that moment
+none thought of Sir Arthur or of the canoe, for the serpent was within
+half a dozen yards of the island and his great body was undulating
+through the water for thirty feet behind him.
+
+"Keep cool," said Chutney. "Aim well for the head and make every stroke
+tell."
+
+The sight of the glaring eyes and the blood-red fangs was enough to
+appall the stoutest heart. They shrank back in uncontrollable fear, as
+the long neck rose four feet in air and the body sank under the water.
+
+The monster uttered an angry hiss, but before he could spring Forbes
+cast a spear with all his might and the sharp point pierced the
+serpent's body a foot below the head.
+
+"Back for your lives," he cried, and as they darted up the island the
+monster uttered a fearful sound, part hiss, part bellow, and flung half
+his length in contortions on the sand.
+
+Guy sprang forward and launched another spear that entered the slimy
+body near the center, but neither wound was mortal and the great serpent
+came on unchecked.
+
+In one respect they had the advantage of him, as Guy accidentally
+discovered, for the wicked eyes blinked in the torchlight and the
+monster's actions showed that his powers of sight were limited to
+darkness.
+
+He was wonderfully quick and agile, however, for a sudden convulsive
+leap carried him almost to the feet of his antagonists, and again they
+scattered in alarm.
+
+The serpent's whole body was now on shore, with the exception of the
+tail, which was lashing the water to a milky foam.
+
+Seizing another spear Guy circled to one side, and boldly approaching
+the trembling coils, with one terrific blow he planted his weapon into
+the serpent's body so deeply that the spear pinned the monster firmly to
+the ground.
+
+A cry of horror burst from his companions as the huge head swung round
+with awful quickness, but it missed Guy by barely an inch as he sprang
+aside.
+
+The serpent's contortions were now frightful to see, as he squirmed and
+twisted to tear loose from the weapon. "Now let him have it," cried Guy;
+and in an instant the remaining spears, half a dozen in number, were
+driven deeply into the venomous coils.
+
+The struggle was now at its crisis. With axes in hand they were dodging
+about the writhing monster, seeking a chance to reach the head, when an
+awful shriek echoed through the cavern, apparently from some distance
+out on the lake, and then the Greek's voice was raised in a loud and
+urgent appeal for help. What new disaster threatened?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+GUY SAVES SIR ARTHUR.
+
+
+This new alarm, coming just at the uncertain period of their struggle,
+was quite enough to strike despair to the hearts of all.
+
+"That was Sir Arthur's voice we heard first," exclaimed Forbes. "And it
+is Canaris who is shouting for help. What are we going to do about it?"
+
+"Tell him to hold out for a moment," cried Guy. "I'll wind up this
+affair pretty quick."
+
+Raising the axe, he made a sudden dart forward and buried the blade deep
+in the serpent's head. It was a clever stroke and so forcible that the
+axe was jerked from his hand.
+
+The colonel dragged him hastily back, but the danger was over. The
+monster was thrashing the blood-stained sand in his death agonies,
+powerless to do further harm.
+
+Canaris was still calling for help, and, leaving their dying antagonist,
+the others plunged across the island. The Greek was running up and down
+the strip of sand, and far out on the lake the canoe was visible in the
+radius of light, with Sir Arthur standing erect in the bow.
+
+"He won't take the paddle!" exclaimed Canaris. "He says there is
+something splashing in the lake beyond him. He's a dead man if he
+doesn't get back to the island."
+
+"Sir Arthur," shouted the colonel, "come back; paddle for your life. Do
+you hear me?"
+
+The only response was a cry of fright. Sir Arthur was plainly too dazed
+to be capable of action. He had just wakened, and the horror of his
+situation was too much for him.
+
+"Save me! Save me!" he cried. "The serpent is coming; I can hear it
+splashing the water."
+
+"Take the paddle," shouted Guy, "and steer for the island. If you don't
+you are lost."
+
+This seemed to arouse the imperiled man to action. He snatched up a
+paddle and, dropping to his knees, drove the canoe forward with frantic
+strokes.
+
+His companions encouraged him with cheering words as he came nearer. The
+island was barely twenty yards distant when the paddle slipped from his
+grasp. He turned round, apparently to pick up another, and then threw
+himself with a dismal cry to the bottom of the canoe.
+
+The cause of his new and sudden fright was readily seen. On the edge of
+the gloom, not many yards beyond the canoe, a violent agitation of the
+water was visible. There undoubtedly was another large serpent in
+pursuit, and at that moment it looked very much as though Sir Arthur
+was doomed.
+
+In spite of all the frantic shouts and directions of his friends he
+continued to utter piteous appeals for help from the bottom of the
+canoe. When at length he _did_ recover enough self-control to take hold
+of another paddle, a serpent's head and body were actually in sight,
+approaching at a rapid speed.
+
+Not only was Sir Arthur's life now at stake, but, in addition, guns,
+canoe, and all would be lost, thus leaving the rest of the party unarmed
+on the island, at the mercy of the ravenous serpents who appeared to
+swarm in the lake.
+
+One of those sudden impulses common to his nature now flashed into Guy's
+mind, and, without giving himself a second for deliberation, he flung
+off jacket and shoes, and before anyone could raise a hand to restrain
+him, dived headforemost into the lake.
+
+He came to the surface within ten yards of the canoe, which was making
+but feeble progress under Sir Arthur's erratic strokes.
+
+Swimming hand over hand, Guy reached the bow and quickly drew himself
+over the side, just as the pursuing serpent came within seven or eight
+yards of the stern of the canoe.
+
+His original intention to paddle for the island was instantly abandoned.
+Bidding Sir Arthur work lustily, he snatched up his rifle and took a
+careful aim at the approaching monster, who was snorting and hissing in
+a truly frightful manner.
+
+The sharp report came at once, producing a thousand echoes through the
+hollow vault of the cavern, and under cover of the drifting smoke, which
+for the moment concealed the result of the shot, Guy sprang to Sir
+Arthur's aid with another paddle.
+
+Half a dozen of his powerful strokes brought the canoe within a yard of
+the shore. A terrific splashing in his rear, as well as the loud shouts
+of his friends, warned Guy of the imminence of danger.
+
+Fairly pushing Sir Arthur out of the canoe into the water, waist deep,
+he tossed the provisions far out on the island, caught up the guns, and
+made a frantic leap. He landed on the edge of the sand, and was
+instantly caught by eager arms, and pulled far up the beach. He turned,
+to realize with a shudder the narrowness of his escape.
+
+Made furious by the bullet hole which Guy had put in his spotted skin,
+the monster threw himself on the abandoned canoe, which they had been
+unable to save, and with a sickening crunch it was shivered to a
+shapeless mass of fragments, under the pressure of the mighty coils.
+Then, as the serpent flung himself on shore, they realized that it was
+time to act. A blazing torch in the Greek's hand lit up the scene as
+Guy cocked his rifle and awaited an opportunity for a shot.
+
+It was not slow in coming. As the long neck and head darted forward, Guy
+fired, and the bullet tore its way through the reptile's throat.
+
+There was no necessity for a second shot. The death-agony began right
+there, and in its convulsive throes the serpent flung himself back into
+the water, and with a final quiver disappeared in the depths of the
+lake, leaving a trail of blood on the silvery white sand.
+
+With expressions of gratitude for their escape, all hurried down to the
+broken canoe.
+
+"A hundred men could never put this together again," said Guy, as he
+pulled a couple of floating fragments from the water.
+
+The torches and rugs were easily procured, and laid away to dry, but the
+lamp and the oil-flask could not be found. They were probably at the
+bottom, but no one cared to dive after them.
+
+"That was the closest shave I ever saw," said the colonel. "I gave you
+both up for lost, and as for that daring act of yours, Chutney, I cannot
+find words to express my admiration. You saved Sir Arthur's life."
+
+Guy modestly made no reply. He calmly pulled on his jacket and shoes,
+and suggested that they cross the island and take a look at the other
+serpent.
+
+The reptile was found to be quite dead, and little wonder, after all the
+spears that had entered his coils. As near as they could judge, he was
+between thirty and forty feet long, with a body as thick as a small keg.
+The skin was repulsive and slimy, of a dirty green color.
+
+"It's a regular sea-serpent," said Melton. "What a sensation a monster
+of this kind would make if he were put on exhibition at the Zoo."
+
+"And the other one was fully as large," added Guy. "That makes no less
+than four we have already encountered. There must be a great many in the
+river and lake."
+
+One glimpse of the creature sickened Sir Arthur. He turned away and sat
+down on the edge of the raft.
+
+Up to this moment the excitement had banished all else from their minds.
+They had fought a desperate fight for life and conquered. At the very
+flush of their success the shadow of certain death returned, blacker and
+more forbidding than ever, and in a moment their triumphant feelings
+were changed to deepest melancholy.
+
+A short time before, under the influence of the colonel's philosophical
+words, they had felt in some manner resigned to a fate that nothing
+could avert. Now it was ten times more horrible and loathsome to
+contemplate, ten times harder to realize.
+
+Absurd as it seemed, fresh hope sprang up in their hearts, and they
+tried to reason themselves into the belief that some unlooked-for chance
+of escape would offer itself yet.
+
+Even the colonel's mood had changed, and it was easy to see that he was
+struggling with some terrible emotion.
+
+The desire for life that was strong within him suggested to Guy a new
+plan; nothing, indeed, that offered any hope of escape, but merely a
+solution to his curiosity.
+
+He remembered that on each occasion when their canoe had been caught by
+the influx of the river it had been carried direct to this island, a
+fact which seemed to prove the existence of a sluggish current through
+the center of the lake.
+
+Did this current continue on past the island, and if so, whither did it
+lead?
+
+A solution to these two problems Guy was curious to obtain.
+
+It served to occupy his mind, to keep his thoughts from dwelling on the
+horrible fate that was in store for him.
+
+It was more than likely, he told himself, that whirlpools would be found
+in the center of the lake. Well, drowning would be an easy death
+compared to the lingering tortures of starvation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+A STRANGE DISCOVERY.
+
+
+Guy's explanation of his intentions was received without comment.
+Presently the colonel said, "You forget that we no longer have a canoe,
+Chutney. We are prisoners on this island."
+
+"But we have a raft," replied Guy, "and a good one, too. It would be
+much more convenient and comfortable to travel on."
+
+"Suppose we try it," said Forbes. "Anything to get away from this
+place."
+
+"We can't get into a worse hole, that's true," added the colonel. "I
+believe you are right about the current, Chutney, though it can only
+land us on the edge of some whirlpool."
+
+Sir Arthur was as eager as the rest to get away. He had passed through
+so many horrors, he said, that he had become accustomed to them, and it
+mattered little what the future held in store for him. The raft was dug
+out from the sand and found to be in perfect condition. It was fastened
+together with twisted withes of some flexible wood. It was no easy task
+to get it into the water, but by all working together, and using the
+guns and paddles as levers, it was finally pushed into the lake and
+floated lightly on the surface.
+
+The rugs, provisions, and what torches remained were carried on board,
+and with a final look round the island to see that nothing of importance
+had been forgotten, they quietly embarked, and Guy, with a shove of the
+paddle, sent the raft out on the lake. The object of the journey they
+hardly knew themselves. They were leaving behind them a spot associated
+with dreaded memories, and that was all they cared to know.
+
+"Don't do that," said Guy, as Canaris picked up a paddle and began to
+use it vigorously. "We must drift entirely with the current."
+
+The torch was placed securely in a crevice of the logs, and in a very
+short time it was proved beyond a doubt that some current did exist. The
+island faded slowly from view.
+
+Still reluctant to face their situation they grouped together and
+discussed various things. The Greek gave a long account of his curious
+wanderings and adventures. Guy and Melton spoke of their thrilling
+experiences in Burma only the previous year, and Colonel Carrington
+entertained them with the tale of his participation in the bombardment
+of Alexandria in '82.
+
+So the hours passed on, and still they chatted of the outside world,
+forgetting for the moment the hopelessness of their present situation,
+the living tomb that had cut them off forever from the light of day.
+
+"This reminds me of something I read a few months ago," said Sir Arthur,
+who was facing the situation with surprising calmness. "Some person
+mailed me from London _Blackwood's Monthly_ containing an installment of
+a story by the fellow who wrote that deucedly clever book, 'King
+Solomon's Wives.' Ah! what was the name now--aw, yes, Haggard--Rider
+Haggard----"
+
+"Beg pardon, Sir Arthur," interrupted the colonel, "but the title was
+'King Solomon's Mines,' not his wives."
+
+"Aw, that so, Carrington? Very well; doesn't make much difference.
+However, the hero of the story was traveling, as we are, on a lake, only
+it was in the open air, and the outlet was slightly beneath the surface.
+The water ran under a high wall of rock, and sucked the poor fellows and
+the canoe under. It would be funny if this lake had the same sort of an
+arrangement."
+
+"Well, it hasn't," replied the colonel. "We went all around the walls in
+a canoe, and if any such place as that had been in existence we would
+not be here now, that's all."
+
+"No, I suppose not," said Sir Arthur. "I'm going to take a nap. Wake me
+if anything turns up, will you?" And making a pillow of one of the
+rugs, he was soon snoring.
+
+"It will be a mercy if he never wakes," said Chutney in a husky voice.
+"Not much danger of that, however. We have food enough to last us a
+couple of weeks yet, and unless we take your suggestion, colonel, and
+toss it into the lake, we are good for that length of time, I suppose."
+
+"Yes," rejoined the colonel, "unless we get sucked into a whirlpool or
+the serpents attack the raft in force."
+
+After that nothing was said for an hour or more. Their fate stared them
+in the face with all its awful realism.
+
+But even under these circumstances they grew drowsy, and dropped off one
+by one among the rugs, except Guy, who declared his intention to stay
+awake and be on the lookout for any danger that might threaten.
+
+His was a solemn and lonely vigil. He envied his companions their power
+to sleep, as the canoe drifted on through the gloom. The torch burned
+slowly out, and he replaced it with a fresh one. His loaded rifle lay
+within reach, but nothing happened to arouse his fear.
+
+Sad and bitter were the reflections that surged into his mind. As the
+events of his life rose up before him with wonderful clearness time
+passed unheeded, and at last his brain grew weary, and rolling over on
+the rugs he fell instantly into a deep slumber.
+
+Strangely enough he was the first to awake. He had slept a long while,
+he saw at a glance, for the torch was burnt almost to a cinder. The rest
+were still sleeping.
+
+"We must have been drifting for at least twelve hours," he said half
+aloud. "We should be across the lake by this time."
+
+He picked up a fresh torch and lit it from the expiring flame of the
+other. As he stuck it in the crevice the glare suddenly revealed a wall
+of rock a few yards distant, and in a very short time the raft struck
+the shore with a harsh rattle that proved the impulse of the current
+beyond a doubt.
+
+The concussion failed to rouse the sleepers, and Guy was hesitating
+whether he ought to do so or not when a faint sound came indistinctly to
+his ear.
+
+At first he could scarcely believe the evidence of his own senses. He
+fancied it must be a delusion, a buzzing in his ears. The strangest part
+of it was that the sound actually resembled running water.
+
+He listened a while longer, and then quietly woke the Greek, who sat up,
+rubbing his eyes.
+
+"Canaris," he whispered, "do you hear anything?"
+
+An interval of silence followed, inexpressibly painful to Guy, and then
+the Greek cried excitedly, "Yes, I hear running water. It comes from the
+other side of the cliff."
+
+"Then I am not mistaken," was Guy's joyful exclamation. "We both hear
+it. It can be no delusion."
+
+Then his heart sank as he thought of the wall of rock before them.
+
+"It is the outlet of the river," he said bitterly, "only a few yards
+distant, and it might as well be a thousand miles."
+
+Remembering what Sir Arthur had told them, he looked anxiously at the
+surface of the lake, but the water was calm and quiet, and the raft hung
+motionless.
+
+"The outlet is far beneath the surface," said Canaris. "You can tell
+that by the sound. If it were near the top we would be instantly sucked
+under."
+
+Impelled by an irresistible impulse Guy seized the torch and held it
+above his head.
+
+"Look! Look!" he cried, in a voice that trembled with excitement. "The
+cliff slants at an angle. There are crevices to hold one's hands and
+feet. Make no noise, Canaris; don't wake the rest, but help me to reach
+that ledge yonder and I will see where this leads."
+
+The cliff slanted indeed, but at an almost imperceptible angle. The raft
+tilted slightly as Canaris pushed Guy up the face of the rock, but the
+latter succeeded in reaching a small ledge six feet above the water.
+
+"All right," he whispered. "I can see plenty of places to catch hold of
+beyond me. Now fasten a torch to one of the paddles, Canaris, and hold
+it as high as you can."
+
+This was a clever suggestion. The Greek fortunately had a bit of cord
+about him, and in a moment the torch was throwing a dull light far up
+the rugged slope of the rock.
+
+Guy continued to climb higher and higher, keeping a cool head in spite
+of his excitement, and testing well each crevice or projecting ledge
+before trusting his weight to it, and at last, with a throb of joy that
+nearly took his strength away, he pulled himself out upon the flat
+summit of the rock.
+
+Seventy feet below him was the raft and its occupants, glowing in the
+torchlight. Guy crawled forward on his hands and knees, and soon reached
+the verge of the rock on the other side. The running water was below
+him, much farther, indeed, than the level of the lake, but the roar of
+the torrent was loud and distinct to the ear.
+
+He turned and crawled back.
+
+"Canaris," he whispered down, "I have reached the top of the cliff.
+There is running water on the other side. Waken the rest as quickly as
+possible, and send some one up with a torch. I forgot to bring one with
+me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+A TERRIBLE BLUNDER.
+
+
+From his gloomy perch on top of the rock Guy could see all that happened
+plainly.
+
+Canaris woke his companions as speedily as possible. Their astonishment
+at finding Guy missing was very great, and at first they seemed scarcely
+able to comprehend the Greek's explanation.
+
+Then they glanced eagerly overhead; and hailed Guy with shouts of joy.
+
+"Here, hoist me up," cried the colonel. "I'll take him up the torch."
+
+"No, I'll go!" exclaimed Forbes. "I'm a pretty expert climber, colonel,
+and won't run any risk."
+
+"Bless me!" ejaculated Sir Arthur. "Did that young man Chutney walk up
+the face of that wall? Why, he's a freak."
+
+Canaris solved the matter by picking up one of the leathern bags and
+tearing it open.
+
+"Look!" he shouted up to Guy. "It was fortunate we kept these. Here are
+the ropes and hooks by which we scaled the walls of Harar."
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Chutney. "Just the thing! I had forgotten about them."
+
+"Now," continued the Greek, "both of you can go up the rock and I will
+remain here with Sir Arthur."
+
+He dragged out the four ropes, spliced two of them together to make the
+required length, and then, giving the end to Forbes to hold, he threw
+the iron hook skillfully toward Guy. It landed on top of the cliff, and
+Guy fastened it securely to a crevice.
+
+"Now you can come up," he shouted down.
+
+Placing a torch in each pocket, Forbes began the ascent, and speedily
+reached the top. The colonel followed with equal dexterity.
+
+"All right?" called the Greek.
+
+"Yes," replied Chutney; "all right. We will return as soon as possible.
+If anything happens fire your gun."
+
+Guy lit a torch, and the glare revealed only the narrow ledge on which
+they stood. Beneath and overhead was empty space.
+
+They paused a moment to listen to the sound of the running water.
+
+"It is far beneath us," said the colonel; "possibly a hundred feet, but
+it is the outlet of the lake, I am sure. Upon my word, Chutney, I
+believe we will get out of this scrape yet."
+
+"Come on," said Guy briefly; and he led the way along the narrow path.
+
+They traveled in silence for five minutes, until the light from the raft
+had nearly vanished, and then Guy halted suddenly. A wall of rock,
+steep and smooth, prevented further advance.
+
+"Come, let us go back," he said; they retraced their steps until they
+were near the starting point.
+
+Under foot were loose fragments of stone. Guy picked up one of these and
+tossed it over the edge. A faint splash was distinctly heard a few
+seconds later.
+
+"The river is directly beneath us," said the colonel.
+
+He picked up another stone, and moving off a few yards, cast it down.
+This time it struck something hard after the same interval.
+
+"There must be a shore to the river," he said. "What shall we do now?
+Follow the top of the cliff in the other direction?"
+
+"No," said Guy. "We must scale the precipice right here."
+
+"Impossible!" declared Forbes. "Our ropes are not long enough."
+
+"Canaris has two more," replied Guy; "go and get them."
+
+Melton hurried off at once.
+
+The raft was close at hand, and in five minutes he was back.
+
+"Here are the ropes," he said. "Canaris tied them together and tossed up
+one end."
+
+Guy skillfully made one continuous rope about eighty feet long. In
+breathless silence he let the hook drop over the edge, paying out the
+line yard by yard.
+
+Seventy-five feet from the top the strain slackened.
+
+"It has reached the bottom," cried Guy joyfully.
+
+"We had better make sure," said Forbes. "Haul up the rope again."
+
+As the hook came over the top Melton grasped it.
+
+"Are the ropes securely tied?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; they won't part," replied Guy.
+
+"All right, then. Hold the end tightly. Here goes."
+
+He flung the hook far into the air, and the next instant Guy felt a
+sharp jerk.
+
+"The hook is swinging in air," he cried in wonder.
+
+"I was right," said Melton; "that was only a ledge it struck before. The
+bottom may be a hundred feet or more distant."
+
+Guy hurriedly pulled the rope back and fastened the hook to the top of
+the cliff. He made a noose in the other end and placed it under his
+shoulders.
+
+"Now let me down," he said coolly. "If I miss the ledge you can haul me
+up again."
+
+No one made any objections.
+
+It was perilous, of course, but some one had to do it, and why not
+Chutney?
+
+They lowered him into the darkness foot by foot, and at last the strain
+slackened.
+
+"All right," came the welcome cry from below. "I'm on the ledge. It's
+two or three feet wide. Now come down hand over hand, one of you."
+
+"I'll go," said Forbes. "You will have to remain here, colonel, to help
+us again."
+
+Meanwhile Guy had lit a torch, and when Melton began the descent the
+yellow glare was visible far below.
+
+The face of the cliff, though sheer, was full of rough projections for
+his feet, and in a short time he stood beside Chutney on the ledge.
+
+Wrapping the end of the rope about his arm, Guy called loudly, "Throw
+the hook far into the air, colonel. Do you understand?"
+
+"All right," was the immediate response, and in a moment, as the rope
+swung over their heads, a heavy sound was heard beneath.
+
+"It reaches the bottom," cried Guy joyfully. "The rope is slack."
+
+He hauled on it eagerly, until ten yards or more lay in coils at his
+feet. Then it became taut. The bottom of the cliff was fifty feet below.
+
+The roar of the water was now loud and fierce, but it lay more to one
+side. Directly beneath them was solid ground.
+
+With a trembling hand Guy pulled at the hook and secured it to the
+ledge. Claiming the right to go first, he let himself over the verge,
+and a joyful hail announced that he had reached the bottom in safety.
+
+Melton stuck his torch in a crevice of the rock and started after him.
+As his feet touched the ground Guy lit a fresh torch and the light
+revealed a level space of white sand, strewn with rocks.
+
+Overhead was the glow of Melton's torch on the ledge, and far beyond on
+the dizzy summit of the cliff twinkled the light that the colonel held.
+
+"We are on the bottom," shouted Guy, with all his might.
+
+His voice echoed again and again through the cavern. A reply came back,
+but it was almost lost in the roar of the unseen waters.
+
+With feelings that it would be difficult to describe they now advanced
+along the sand, bearing the torches high over their heads.
+
+With each step the sound grew louder. It was not the harsh, spasmodic
+roar of water dashing among sunken rocks, but resembled rather the swift
+outpour of a torrent gliding over a smooth, unbroken bed.
+
+"Here we are," cried Chutney. "I nearly stepped in the water without
+seeing it."
+
+He held his torch out with one hand, and its glowing radius revealed a
+strange sight.
+
+Twenty yards to their left a rapid, unbroken sheet of water burst with
+terrific force from a dark archway in the very face of the smooth
+cliff. It was the outlet of the lake.
+
+In width it was about forty feet, though the opposite side of the river
+was shrouded in darkness. On the spot where they stood a reflux current
+had worn an inlet into the sandy shore, and here a stretch of
+comparatively calm water was circling in swirling eddies, a startling
+contrast to the furious sweep of the torrent beyond.
+
+Yes, there was no doubt of it, here was the continuation of the
+underground river, the way that led to safety and hope.
+
+With strange emotions they watched in silence the dark flood pouring
+from its natural archway in the face of the cliff. To their right the
+sandy shore seemed to spread away smoothly into the darkness, but before
+they could scrutinize their surroundings more closely a strange, sharp
+sound echoed through the vaulted roof of the vast cavern, succeeded by a
+faint shout.
+
+"It was the report of the Greek's rifle," exclaimed Melton, in
+horror-stricken tones, "and it was Carrington who shouted. Some calamity
+has happened."
+
+Staggering with fear, they hastened back to the edge of the cliff.
+Melton clutched the dangling rope.
+
+"Stop!" cried Guy, in tones of agony. "My heavens, Melton, we are lost,
+doomed to the most horrible of deaths. What blind, desperate fools we
+were. We can never get back to the lake, and our companions can never
+reach us here. We could not be more widely separated were the world
+itself rolling between us."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Forbes. "Are you mad, Chutney?"
+
+"Mad? No. I wish I were. You are blind, Melton. _How can we get that
+rope up the seventy feet stretch from the ledge to the summit of the
+cliff?_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+GOOD-BY TO THE LAKE.
+
+
+Melton dropped the rope and staggered back from the cliff, his face
+deadly pale.
+
+"Yes," he said hoarsely, "you--you are right, Chutney. How could we have
+done such a foolish thing? From that narrow width of the ledge one could
+not throw a rope twenty feet in air. We are hopelessly cut off from our
+companions."
+
+"Hullo, down there!"
+
+It was Carrington hailing them from the top of the cliff, and they could
+make out his figure dimly in the torchlight.
+
+"What is the matter?" shouted Guy lustily, making a trumpet of his
+hands.
+
+In a moment the reply came distinctly to their ears.
+
+"Canaris hears a strange cry from the lake. You had better come up."
+
+"We are cut off," Guy shouted back. "We cannot get the rope back to the
+top of the cliff. Go tell Canaris"--his voice sank to a whisper, and he
+dropped on the sand beside Melton.
+
+The colonel did not answer. The torch moved off along the cliff and then
+stopped, no doubt directly above the raft.
+
+"He has gone to aid Canaris," said Guy. "I would like to know what is
+taking place on the lake."
+
+"Ah!" said Forbes, "here he comes back now."
+
+The torch moved along until it was directly over their heads, and then
+the colonel called down:
+
+"Come up to the ledge. I have a way to save you."
+
+Guy and Melton sprang to their feet in amazement. They could hardly
+believe they had heard aright.
+
+"What can he mean?" cried Guy.
+
+He seized the rope and started up hand over hand, placing his feet on
+the rough places in the wall.
+
+Melton joined him on the ledge a moment later. The torch he had left
+there was still burning, and its light showed the colonel where they
+were.
+
+"Watch sharp below there," he cried, and almost instantly Guy felt
+something dangling before his face. He put out his hand and clutched a
+thin cord.
+
+"By Jove, Melton, it's the fishing lines!" he exclaimed. "The colonel
+has tied them together."
+
+No directions were needed to tell them what to do next. Guy loosened the
+hook and fastened the line to it securely.
+
+"Go ahead," he shouted to the colonel, and the rope instantly began to
+ascend.
+
+In less than five minutes, though it really seemed an hour, the colonel
+signaled down that all was ready.
+
+It was a perilous undertaking to go up the face of the cliff with
+nothing but a smooth rope to hold to, but at Guy's bidding Forbes made
+the attempt.
+
+A great load seemed lifted from Guy's mind when he heard his friend's
+voice at the top, and without a moment's hesitation he started up
+himself.
+
+Had the face of the rock been perfectly smooth he could never have
+reached the summit, and even by the aid of the rough places he found it
+a terribly difficult task. Two or three times he swung helpless in
+mid-air, and just when he felt that he could go no farther he was pulled
+to the top without any effort of his own, and fell over from sheer
+exhaustion. He was all right in a moment or two and, hauling up the
+rope, they hurried back to the raft.
+
+Canaris and Sir Arthur hailed them gladly. It was the work of a moment
+to attach the hook to the top of the ledge, and one by one they slid
+down to the raft.
+
+Here a startling surprise awaited them. Among the rugs lay a
+dark-skinned savage, half naked and frightfully emaciated, while on the
+end of the raft rested a canoe much worn and battered.
+
+"What on earth does this mean?" exclaimed Chutney. "Where did you get
+that fellow? Is he dead?"
+
+"No, he lives," replied Canaris. "I heard a strange cry out on the
+lake. That was the time I fired my rifle. Then I saw this canoe drifting
+toward the raft, and when it came near enough for me to catch hold of I
+found this poor fellow lying in the bottom. Nothing else was in the
+canoe, not even a paddle. Just before you came I was talking to him. I
+know a little of the language, and he managed to tell me that he belongs
+to Oko Sam's tribe of Gallas. His name is Bildad, and he is the same
+native who was pursued into the cavern by the Abyssinians."
+
+"But how did he get away from the serpent?" asked Forbes.
+
+"I don't know," replied Canaris. "When he gets a little stronger I will
+find out. I gave him some food and he devoured it like a wild beast. He
+was terribly afraid we would kill him, and I could hardly make him
+believe otherwise."
+
+"And what have _you_ discovered?" exclaimed Sir Arthur, who was bursting
+with impatience. "Must we die in this horrible place or is there hope of
+escape?"
+
+Chutney hurriedly related their adventures and the great discovery that
+had been made.
+
+"Yes," he concluded fervently, "we have every reason to hope. If all
+goes well we shall resume our journey down the river in a few hours."
+
+"Chutney," cried the colonel solemnly, "I fear you are deceiving us and
+yourself with false hopes. The outlet of the lake is found, it is true,
+and by means of this rope we can reach it, but how are we to travel on
+down the river? Can you carry this raft over the cliff yonder?"
+
+"Yes," said Guy, with a confident smile. "I can take the raft over the
+rocks. It can be taken apart, and one by one the logs can be hauled to
+the top of the cliff and let down on the other side. To put it together
+again will prove no difficult matter."
+
+"A splendid plan, Chutney," cried the colonel. "I retract what I said.
+And how about the canoe? Can we take that along also?"
+
+"Yes," answered Guy, "we will take it with us on the raft. It may prove
+of use; but the raft, I think, will be safer for us to travel on. And
+now let us set about the task without losing any time. The
+transportation of the raft will be a difficult and arduous undertaking."
+
+"The first thing in order is to get Bildad to the top of the cliff,"
+said Canaris.
+
+This was not accomplished without some difficulty, for the poor fellow
+was in a pitiable state of weakness; but finally, by putting a noosed
+rope under his arms, Chutney and the colonel, who had gone up ahead,
+drew him in safety to the top and placed him on a couple of rugs.
+
+Then one by one the bags of provisions, the torches, the paddles, and
+the arms were tied to the rope and pulled up. Sir Arthur was sent up
+last, and Forbes and the Greek were left alone on the empty raft.
+
+After some consideration they decided on the following plan: Forbes and
+Canaris would take the raft apart and fasten the rope to the logs. Sir
+Arthur and the colonel would draw them up, pull them along the top of
+the cliff, and lower them gently to Chutney on the other side, who would
+receive them on the ledge, loosen the rope, and throw them down the
+remaining fifty feet to the ground, where the soft sand would receive
+them without injury.
+
+Guy was speedily lowered to the ledge, where the torch was still
+burning. Three more stuck in the crevices served to illuminate the top
+of the cliff.
+
+Down in the lake Melton and Canaris quickly severed the withes that
+bound the raft together, and in a short time the first log was swung
+gently down to Guy, who stood it endwise on the ledge, loosened the
+noose, and pushed it over the brink. It fell with a dull crash.
+
+In half an hour the raft was lying at the bottom of the cliff, and then
+several alterations were made. Chutney exchanged places with Forbes, and
+Sir Arthur, who found himself unequal to the task of pulling the heavy
+logs to the top of the cliff and dragging them along the summit, took
+the Greek's place, and went down to assist Chutney with the raft.
+
+Sir Arthur and Guy transferred themselves to the canoe as the raft grew
+smaller, and when the last log went up they noosed the rope about the
+center of the canoe itself and went up hand over hand and joined the
+others.
+
+The canoe was pulled up with some difficulty, and lowered to Guy, who
+allowed it to remain on the ledge, which, though narrow, was ten or
+twelve yards long. The baggage was next lowered, and then, one at a
+time, Bildad going first, they descended to the platform where Guy was
+awaiting them.
+
+Forbes was the last one down, and, with a dexterous jerk, he threw the
+hook loose from above, and it but narrowly missed their heads as it
+cleared the ledge and struck the ground. It was dragged back and hooked
+in place.
+
+The final descent was not free from accident, for the canoe slipped from
+the noose and fell with a crash, but with no other mishap all reached
+the solid earth, and with the casting off of the rope from the ledge was
+severed the last link that connected them with the underground lake and
+its horrors.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+A TERRIBLE RIDE.
+
+
+Their first act showed the true character of these brave men.
+
+"Let us thank God for our deliverance," said Guy solemnly, and kneeling
+on the wet sand--an example that was followed by all--he offered a
+simple and fervent prayer.
+
+Renewed hope was visible on their faces when they rose to their feet in
+the dim light of the torch.
+
+"We will put the raft together," said Guy, "and then have something to
+eat before we start."
+
+It was but a short distance to the water's edge, and by all working
+industriously the logs were soon lying on the sandy beach, and Forbes
+was fastening them together as before.
+
+Bildad, from the warmth of the rugs, watched these proceedings with a
+look of mute wonder on his dusky features.
+
+As soon as the raft was ready the baggage was placed on it.
+
+"Take the canoe along," said Forbes. "It is too badly shattered by the
+fall to use, but it will furnish us with torches and firewood."
+
+There was room to spare, so the boat was placed on one end of the raft,
+and then sitting on the sand they made a hearty meal of crackers and
+figs.
+
+"I don't admire the appearance of that river very much," remarked the
+colonel. "It comes through the cliff as though shot by a cannon. No
+wonder, though, when you think of the terrible pressure from above."
+
+"We will make up for lost time by rapid traveling, then," said Forbes.
+
+"Ah, you think so?" cried Sir Arthur. "Bless me, I hope we will. I have
+an engagement to dine with Lord Balsover at the Hotel Bombay at Aden on
+the 10th at six o'clock in the evening. He touches there on his way to
+India, and I can't disappoint him, you know."
+
+"Drop him a few lines, Ashby, and postpone the engagement a couple of
+weeks," remarked the colonel dryly.
+
+"Bless me! Can I do that?" ejaculated Sir Arthur.
+
+The laugh that followed was cut short by Guy's short, decisive voice:
+"Get ready, it's time to start."
+
+The raft lay partly in the water, and with a hearty shove from all it
+was pushed clear of the shore. Forbes and Canaris held it while it
+tossed up an down in the swirling eddies.
+
+"Get on board," directed Guy, setting the example himself, and assisting
+Bildad.
+
+Forbes remained on shore, holding the corner of the raft till all had
+passed on board. It trembled fiercely in his grasp, as though eager to
+be off on the journey.
+
+Far overhead the abandoned torch was glowing dimly on the summit of the
+cliff, a patch of brightness that made the gloom round about all the
+blacker by contrast. For the first time a sudden realization of the
+unknown perils that lay before them flashed into the minds of the little
+party.
+
+"Let go, Forbes," said Guy in a firm voice.
+
+Melton sprang nimbly on board and grasped a paddle. The raft quivered a
+moment and then shot, swift as an arrow, toward the turbulent stretch of
+water beyond.
+
+Then came a tremendous lurch, a riotous dash of spray that took away
+their breath, and with a dizzy speed that was simply indescribable the
+trembling craft was whirled down the torrent.
+
+The first sensation was one of uncontrollable fear, and they hung with
+all their might to the logs, expecting every instant to be tossed into
+the water. Round and round spun the raft in dizzy revolutions, until
+their heads were dizzy and aching. Then the harsh roar subsided, and in
+a little while the raft became quiet and rested on the surface of the
+water with hardly a quiver.
+
+And now they ventured to sit up. They appeared to be moving with the
+velocity of a railroad train.
+
+On both sides, a few yards from the raft, smooth walls of rock were
+visible. Overhead was empty space.
+
+"If this could continue," said Guy, "we should reach the end of the
+river in a few days."
+
+"It won't last," said Forbes gloomily. "We'll soon run across some bad
+water."
+
+His fears were shared by the rest, but as time passed on and they
+continued to speed smoothly between the rocky walls, they began to feel
+less apprehensive of danger.
+
+"Bildad seems to be feeling quite chipper," said Guy. "Suppose you ask
+him how he tricked that serpent, Canaris."
+
+"Well, I'll try him," was the reply.
+
+The conversation commenced, and the harsh jabber which they carried on
+was very interesting to the rest of the party.
+
+"Bless me; you'd think the Greek was talking in his own tongue,"
+remarked Sir Arthur. "Reminds me of our old Greek professor at Balliol
+College, Oxford. He loved the language of the Athenians so much that he
+hated to use the English tongue at all. Worst of it was he expected all
+of us to be as fluent as himself. Made us all talk Greek in the
+class-room. I'll never forget how we got even with him. Lord Somebody or
+other--I can't recall the name now, but it was some celebrated
+man--visited the college. I don't suppose he knew Greek from Hottentot,
+but we made the professor believe it was a famous Greek scholar who was
+coming, one who had been making excavations on the site of old Troy
+during the past four years, and who, strangely enough, was then in
+England and expected on a visit to Oxford. The professor prepared an
+elaborate address in pure Greek, and when the visitor entered the
+class-room he delivered it in the most eloquent manner.
+
+"'What's that fool talking about?' asked the visitor.
+
+"'Oh,' says young Ormsby, who was sitting near me, 'he's lecturing the
+class on 'Political Economy in Ancient Athens.' He'll be through in a
+moment and able to receive you.'
+
+"The visitor left the room highly insulted, and the professor, when he
+discovered the truth a day or two later, nearly took apoplexy."
+
+As the laughter that greeted this little reminiscence of Sir Arthur's
+ceased, Canaris finished his conversation with Bildad.
+
+"It is difficult to converse with him," he reported, "but from what I
+can learn he dived from the very embrace of the serpent, and succeeded
+in swimming to the other canoe, which he had turned adrift only a
+moment or two before. Without paddles or food he floated behind us into
+the lake."
+
+"It's a miracle that he escaped the serpents," said the colonel,
+"floating about on the lake all the time."
+
+"But how did he know anything about the entrance to the river?"
+exclaimed Guy. "Did you ask him that, Canaris?"
+
+"Yes," said the Greek. "He says he discovered it himself a year or two
+ago just as the old Englishman must have done."
+
+"Well, it's a lucky thing for Bildad that he ran across us," was Guy's
+comment; and Bildad, to judge from his contented expression, seemed
+thoroughly to appreciate this fact.
+
+As the river continued swift and smooth, with no signs of danger ahead,
+all went to sleep except Canaris and the colonel, who were intrusted
+with the care of the raft. Several hours later they were relieved by
+Chutney and Forbes, and thus all secured a fair night's rest.
+
+A scanty share of food was doled out for breakfast, as the supply was
+getting very low. Some time afterward a faint roar was heard in the
+distance, and almost before they could prepare for danger a violent
+cross current struck the raft, tossing it about most perilously, and
+they caught a glimpse of a furious body of water issuing from a narrow
+passageway.
+
+"That was the other channel, the one we should have taken in the first
+place," exclaimed Guy. "We are now on the main river again."
+
+"They travel separately for quite a distance," remarked the colonel.
+"The lake must be seventy or eighty miles in our rear. We are making
+splendid time."
+
+Little did they imagine at that moment how great a change was close at
+hand. The river glided smoothly between its massive walls with scarce a
+murmur.
+
+An hour later Forbes held up a warning finger. An ominous sound was
+heard far below that increased in volume with every second.
+
+"Cling to the raft for your lives," shouted Chutney.
+
+The first words were audible; the last were drowned in the mighty roar
+of the water, so sudden was its approach. By the torchlight they saw for
+an instant the billows of tossing spray. Then the raft plunged madly
+like a thing of life, a great wave broke over it with stunning force,
+and all was darkness.
+
+None could remember clearly what happened after that. Plunging over the
+crests of enormous waves, whirling round and round in dizzy
+revolutions, drenched by icy showers of spray, grinding and crashing on
+countless rocks, the raft went on its way through that awful stretch of
+rapids, holding together by nothing short of a miracle. A full hour it
+lasted, though it must have seemed like days to the wretched voyagers.
+
+Then the wild pitching and tossing subsided, the crash of the furious
+water grew fainter, and all was calm and peaceful as before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+MORE MISERY.
+
+
+Perceiving that the danger was over, Guy ventured to sit up. His clothes
+were dripping wet, but fortunately he kept his matches in a tin box, and
+striking one cautiously, he lit a torch which had been lying partly
+under his body, and was not too damp to burn.
+
+His companions were still sprawled out on the raft, holding to the logs
+with all their strength. When Guy assured them that all danger was past
+they sat up, looking very pale and dazed.
+
+"That was awful," said the colonel. "It's a miracle the raft lived
+through such a ride."
+
+"The canoe is gone," exclaimed Forbes. "Washed clear off the deck,
+and----Why, hello, what's the matter, Chutney?"
+
+Guy was looking about the raft with a ghastly and fear-stricken
+countenance, holding the torch over his head.
+
+"A terrible calamity has happened," he cried in a voice that was
+strangely unnatural. "I fear we are lost men. Where are the provisions?
+Where are our torches?"
+
+"By gracious, they are gone!" declared the colonel. "Clean gone!"
+
+It was truly a terrible situation in which they found themselves. The
+provisions and the torches had been washed off the raft. If they did not
+reach the open air in two or three days starvation was certain.
+
+"No," cried the Greek suddenly, "all hope is not gone. Look! here is a
+bag that was lying partly under me. It is half full of crackers."
+
+"And I have three torches in my pocket," added Sir Arthur. "Bless me if
+I know how they got there but here they are, anyhow."
+
+"That scant supply of food may last us to the journey's end, if used in
+moderation," said Guy solemnly. "God grant us a speedy passage to the
+mouth of the river."
+
+In spite of Chutney's brave attempts to cheer them up, the spirits of
+the party sank very low.
+
+That meager bag of crackers must feed six mouths until they reached the
+end of the cavern. That event might be in a week, and it might be in a
+month. The uncertainty and the suspense were terribly trying.
+
+It was some consolation to discover that the river was still flowing
+very rapidly. The possibility of encountering more rapids they now
+dreaded but little, for it was very improbable that worse places could
+exist than that which the raft had navigated so stanchly.
+
+"We must travel night and day," said Guy, "and in darkness. We have four
+torches left. Only when we hear the sound of rapids dare we light one of
+them."
+
+He emphasized his words by putting out the torch that was burning, and
+instantly they were plunged in total darkness.
+
+This marked the commencement of a period in which all trace of time was
+lost. Huddled together on the few remaining rugs, they drifted on and on
+with the current, alternately asleep and awake.
+
+At certain intervals a torch was lit for a few moments while they ate
+the pitiful scraps of food that Guy distributed with rigorous
+impartiality.
+
+The short periods of light were taken advantage of by the colonel to
+record in his diary the brief incidents of the journey.
+
+A few extracts from it, made with his permission, will make sufficiently
+clear to the reader in what gloomy monotony that part of their cruise
+was spent which began with the departure from the lake and terminated
+abruptly in a misfortune remarkable for the utter despair that followed
+on its track:
+
+_First stage._--This is the second day since leaving the lake. We
+received three crackers apiece. Twice a torch was lit to aid us in
+passing rapids. They proved to be insignificant.
+
+_Second stage._--We slept by turns. Had three crackers apiece. All
+complain of hunger. Bildad clamors for food. Current still good. Plenty
+of small rapids.
+
+_Third stage._--We now sleep most of the time. Chutney has cut down the
+rations to two crackers apiece. Bildad is ill. Drinks water incessantly
+and demands food. We are compelled to hide the bag.
+
+_Fourth stage._--Current not so rapid. All in low spirits. We are
+tortured by hunger. Sir Arthur dreams of banquets in his sleep. Harrows
+our feelings by his accounts of them. Bildad very ill. No longer wants
+food.
+
+_Fifth stage._--Alas! worse and worse! Bildad and Sir Arthur ill.
+Chutney is a hero. He tries to cheer us all. Gave half his share of food
+to Sir Arthur. Thinks I don't know. Bildad raving. Had to tie him to the
+raft.
+
+_Sixth stage._--Bildad and Sir Arthur very weak. Today a gleam of hope.
+Canaris, after many trials, caught a fish a foot long. We devoured it
+raw with the utmost greed. Our strength is fast leaving us.
+
+_Seventh stage._--Chutney still hopeful. Bildad and Sir Arthur in a bad
+way. Provisions for three days still remain. We _must_ reach the mouth
+of the river by that time. Canaris fished, but caught nothing.
+
+_Eighth stage._--The outlook is dark. I fear none will ever read these
+pages. The river begins to run sluggishly. Bildad shrieks and raves
+continually. Sir Arthur is better. They are all asleep now. Forbes and
+I were put on guard, but Forbes has gone to sleep, and I am afraid I
+shall do the same without knowing it. A dizzy weakness is coming over
+me, and----
+
+At this point the writer appears to have dropped his book and pencil and
+fallen asleep.
+
+Just what space of time was covered by the above quoted entries from the
+colonel's book is uncertain. A week would probably be a fair guess. The
+misery of these unfortunate voyagers during that period can hardly be
+imagined. They suffered continually from the pangs of hunger. They
+traveled in utter darkness, and, to add to the horror of it all, two
+sick men had to be ministered to. Under these circumstances we again
+take up the thread of the story.
+
+It is not to be wondered at that Forbes and the colonel were so derelict
+as to fall asleep at their post of duty. To remain awake in their
+condition was simply impossible. It was terribly unfortunate that it
+should be so, as what follows will prove.
+
+The raft encountered no rapids during the time that all were sleeping,
+and as far as personal danger was concerned it mattered not whether any
+one was on guard or not.
+
+Forbes and Chutney awoke about the same time. As was Guy's usual habit
+after sleeping, he lit a torch to see how the current was running. The
+light woke Canaris and the colonel almost immediately, while Sir Arthur
+turned on his rug and asked feebly for something to eat.
+
+The very mention of food brought a hungry glare to their eyes, and Guy
+turned round to reach the bag. It was not in its accustomed place, and
+he staggered to his feet in astonishment.
+
+"It's gone," he cried savagely. "The bag is gone. Who has taken it?"
+
+They glared at each other with fierce mistrust.
+
+"Ah, look! look!" shrieked Canaris suddenly. "The black wretch!" and
+springing across the raft he flung himself on Bildad and grasped him
+with both hands savagely by the throat.
+
+Melton and Guy tore him away by main force and there beside the African
+lay the bag--empty.
+
+Bildad's lips were full of crumbs, and half a cracker was still clutched
+in one grimy hand.
+
+"Kill him. Throw him in the river!" shrieked the Greek, who was fairly
+beside himself with rage and hunger.
+
+"He is out of his mind," said Guy gravely. "He took them in his
+delirium. Not one is left;" as he shook the bag in the air.
+
+Sir Arthur made another piteous appeal for food, and Guy took the half
+cracker from Bildad's hand and gave it to him.
+
+"None left!" repeated the colonel blankly. "What are we going to do?
+We'll starve in two days. I feel now as if I were on fire inside."
+
+"All our rifles are gone, too," said Guy suddenly. "Bildad has thrown
+them overboard. The crafty scoundrel feared we would shoot him for
+stealing the crackers, and he threw away the guns on purpose. There was
+method in his madness, after all."
+
+"The fiend!" hissed Canaris between his teeth. "And it was I who saved
+his life for this. If I only had known! If I only had left him to perish
+in the lake!"
+
+"Hark! I hear rapids or something ahead," said Guy at that instant.
+
+For the moment this diverted their attention from poor Bildad, who lay
+in a half stupor unconscious of all that was taking place.
+
+The sound that Guy had heard was close at hand, and in a moment the raft
+was flung heavily upon a sand bar and remained there motionless.
+
+The channel made a sudden, sharp turn, and the current, being too swift
+to round the sharp angle, dashed with a sullen splash against the shore.
+
+Guy grasped the torch and staggered forward on the beach. It was the
+first time his feet had touched land for more than a week.
+
+"Here is shore and rocks beyond it," he exclaimed. "I see a cavern,
+too, in the face of the cliff."
+
+He continued to move forward with uplifted torch. Suddenly he paused
+and uttered a loud cry. A terrible roar echoed from the cavern a second
+later, and then with a single bound a great tawny beast sprang out of
+the shadows, and striking Guy to the earth with one blow of his mighty
+paw, threw himself furiously on the prostrate body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+BILDAD DRINKS NEW LIFE.
+
+
+The stricken man had no time to utter another cry. The lion--for such it
+proved to be--paused a moment, with uplifted head, snarling angrily. The
+torch had been flung back a yard or more toward the water, and was
+spluttering on the damp sand.
+
+Guy's companions were helpless with fear and dread. Forbes alone had
+self-possession enough to remember that he had a revolver. It was not
+loaded, and he trembled so much that he could scarcely draw the shells
+from his pocket.
+
+"Hurry! Hurry!" whispered the colonel. "The brute may tear him apart any
+moment."
+
+Meanwhile Guy lay white and motionless in the grasp of the lion. Not a
+muscle quivered, and his eyes were closed.
+
+Suddenly, as Forbes was nervously ramming the shells into the revolver,
+the beast turned on his prey with a vicious growl and seized Guy's arm
+loosely in his mighty jaws. In another instant Chutney would have been
+dragged off, but help was to come from an unlooked-for source.
+
+With a single bound Bildad sprang out upon the sand, brandishing a huge
+spear that Canaris had brought with him from the lake.
+
+Another leap carried him within a yard or two of the lion, and the
+amazed spectators had a brief vision of the enraged beast quivering for
+a spring at the audacious African.
+
+Then the spear flashed in the torchlight, and as Bildad sprang to one
+side, the lion, with a mighty roar, toppled over on the sand--dead. The
+spear had pierced his heart.
+
+For an instant no one realized what had happened. The lion in his fall
+had cleared his victim entirely, and before any one thought of moving
+forward Guy pulled himself to his feet and staggered feebly toward the
+raft. Melton ran forward just in time to catch him in his arms.
+
+"Thank God," he exclaimed fervently. "You are not hurt, Chutney?"
+
+"No, I think not," was Guy's response; "only stunned and bruised a
+little. It was a close call."
+
+"Close! I should say it was. It's the first time I ever saw a lion
+killed in that way. Bildad saved your life, for Melton could never have
+killed the brute with that toy he has there."
+
+A strange sound suddenly diverted their attention to Bildad.
+
+The savage was ripping open the dead lion's throat with a spear, and
+throwing himself on his knees, he lapped up greedily the red blood as it
+flowed from the wound.
+
+It was a horrible and fascinating sight. He drank long and deeply, and
+when at length he rose from his savage feast the ferocity of the lion
+seemed actually to have flowed into his own veins, so horrible and
+demon-like was the expression on his dusky face.
+
+Shaking the blood-stained spear, he shouted two or three times in a
+frenzied manner, and then tottering to the raft, flung himself among the
+rugs.
+
+"We are saved," cried Forbes with sudden inspiration. "There lies meat
+in plenty."
+
+Melton's words caused a speedy revulsion of feeling. The colonel shouted
+for very joy, and Canaris sprang toward the dead lion with drawn knife.
+
+"Cut off as much of the meat as you can," said Guy. "Here, give me my
+saber. Let me help."
+
+He turned to reach it, but a sudden weakness came over him, and he was
+compelled to lie down on the rugs. The colonel, in deep alarm, made a
+hasty examination to see if he had sustained any injury, but with the
+exception of a severe bruising and a slight laceration of the left arm,
+caused by the lion's teeth, he appeared to be all right.
+
+Melton and Canaris were just on the point of cutting into the dead lion
+with their sabers, the only weapons that remained to them, when a fierce
+roar echoed through the cavern, repeated two or three times in rapid
+succession, and in the gloom they could see a pair of shining eyes.
+
+"Run for the raft," cried the Greek; and, as they reached the shore, a
+superb lioness bounded forward and stood by the body of her mate.
+
+"See!" cried the colonel, pointing a trembling finger. "Two more lions
+coming out of the cavern. Push the raft into the water at once or we
+shall be devoured."
+
+The danger was indeed imminent, and yet, in their starving condition, it
+was hard to leave all that meat behind. Forbes, impelled by some mad
+impulse, pointed his revolver at the angry lioness, but Guy grasped his
+arm before he could pull the trigger. Two more lions were now in plain
+view, stalking slowly out of the shadows.
+
+"The pistol is useless," said Guy. "We dare not resist. We must get away
+as silently as possible."
+
+The raft had been tossed but lightly upon the beach, and with but little
+effort it was pushed free of the shore and trembled on the water.
+
+A loud roar close at hand caused them to fall on board in frantic haste,
+and as the swift current whirled them away the three lions trotted down
+to the water's edge and howled in concert.
+
+"We may be thankful we got away with whole skins," said Chutney. "It was
+a great misfortune to have to abandon all that meat, but a delay or an
+attempt at resistance would have cost us our lives."
+
+"It means starvation," said Melton bitterly. "Those lions came down from
+the open air to drink. That hole in the rocks led out of the cavern, I
+have no doubt, and we could have followed it up and perhaps found food,
+or we might even have abandoned the cavern entirely and finished our
+journey on top of ground. We must be close to the coast now."
+
+This statement of what "might have been" sent their spirits down to the
+lowest ebb. They realized that Melton was undoubtedly right. Safety had
+actually been within their grasp, but the lions had driven them off, and
+now they were doomed to almost certain death by starvation. Even had
+they chosen to go back and risk the chances it was too late, for the
+current had taken them far from the spot, and the sandy shores had given
+way to perpendicular walls of rock.
+
+The torch continued to burn brightly, a piece of extravagance that
+called forth no rebuke.
+
+The journey continued amid unbroken silence. Sir Arthur and Bildad were
+both asleep, though it was no peaceful slumber, to judge from their
+restless tossings.
+
+Sir Arthur's illness had now lasted a week. It was more of a nervous
+attack than anything else, but without food it was hopeless to look for
+recovery. He was extremely weak, and lay most of the time in a stupor.
+
+The painful bruises Guy had sustained kept him awake much longer than
+the rest, but at last he too fell asleep.
+
+Thus several hours passed away, and they awoke in utter darkness. The
+torch had burnt out during the night, but Guy recklessly lit another.
+
+The river was flowing rapidly among scattered rocks, and as the raft
+approached a jagged ledge that cropped up from the water, a dark object
+was seen clinging to it.
+
+"Why, it is our lost canoe," said Forbes as they drew near. "Help me
+catch it, Chutney. We will pass close to it."
+
+The raft struck the edge of the rocks, and as it swung round with the
+current they grasped the end of the canoe and pulled it on board.
+
+"It will do for firewood," said Guy. "We won't have to travel in the
+dark any more."
+
+"Yes, yes; build a fire," said Sir Arthur feebly, sitting up among the
+rugs. "I'm cold, Chutney; icy cold. Have we come to the end of the
+cavern yet?"
+
+"He seems a little better," whispered the colonel, coming close up to
+Guy. "Do you know, Chutney, I've been thinking for the last hour that we
+must surely be near the end of the river. Since first we entered this
+cavern we have traveled eight hundred miles. Calculate the rate of speed
+at which the current flows, and you must see that I am right. Moreover,
+we cannot be very far beneath the surface of the earth. Those lions do
+not dwell in the cavern. They only came down for water."
+
+"I believe you are right," said Guy. "Two more days will tell. If we
+don't reach the open air in that time--well, it won't matter after that
+whether we reach it or not. I can hardly stand on my feet, and as for
+the torments of hunger, I need not speak of that. You know them
+yourself."
+
+"Yes, I do indeed know what it is," said the colonel bitterly, "but we
+must endure it a while longer. For myself I do not care so much, but Sir
+Arthur is in a bad way, and as for Bildad, we may have to bind him hand
+and foot. He sleeps now, but no one can tell what he may do when he
+awakes."
+
+"We will watch him closely," said Guy. "Canaris is splitting up the
+canoe for firewood, and it will no longer be necessary to travel in
+darkness."
+
+"See!" cried the Greek, pausing with uplifted axe. "The shores have
+disappeared. Has the river become wide or is this another lake?"
+
+"There is still a strong current," said Guy. "The channel has suddenly
+become broad. That is all."
+
+A cheerful fire was soon blazing, and the ruddy reflection stained the
+water far and near, as the raft drifted on with the current. Sir Arthur
+fell asleep again, and Bildad lay among the rugs as one dead, glutted
+with his savage feast, and his lips and hands still red with clotted
+blood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+BILDAD TURNS CANNIBAL.
+
+
+All through that day--for such we shall call it--they floated on without
+a single glimpse of the shores, though a good current still existed.
+
+Their sufferings had now reached a point that was almost unendurable.
+The emptiness at the stomach and the pangs of hunger had given way to
+the fierce pains and the appalling weakness that come to those perishing
+of starvation.
+
+For two days, it must be remembered, they had eaten nothing, and for a
+week previous three dry crackers apiece had been their daily allowance.
+
+Chutney, with marvelous endurance, retained his strength and affected a
+hopefulness he was far from feeling, though, if the truth were known, a
+share of his food for a week past had been secretly given to Sir Arthur,
+whose illness had roused his compassion.
+
+The colonel was almost too weak to stand--for his previous captivity had
+undermined his constitution, while Melton and the Greek made no efforts
+to conceal their sufferings.
+
+Bildad, instead of becoming violent, woke up very weak, and lay helpless
+on his rug.
+
+It was pitiful to see how they all turned their pockets inside out and
+drove their fingers into the crannies of the logs, hoping to discover a
+stray crumb. It was useless to fish, for they had nothing to put on the
+hook.
+
+After nightfall, as near as Guy could guess, the river became very
+narrow and the current increased perceptibly in speed. The steep and
+rocky shores seemed scarcely ten yards apart, and overhead hung masses
+of stalactite almost close enough to strike with the paddle.
+
+"We are near the end," said Guy, making an effort to speak calmly in
+spite of his sufferings. "Hold out a little longer. I feel sure that
+we shall be saved."
+
+"Yes, we are near the end," said the colonel, "very near, Chutney. Our
+sufferings will soon be over. You deserve a better fate. I wish----"
+
+"No, no, don't talk that way," cried Guy. "You will live to see the
+sunlight again--I am sure of it."
+
+The colonel turned over on his side without making a reply.
+
+"If we don't reach the mouth of the cavern in twenty-four hours, I for
+one will never see the light of day," said Melton huskily. "I'd hate to
+die in this place. It wouldn't be so hard out under the open sky."
+
+"Water! water!" moaned Sir Arthur feebly, and crawling to the edge of
+the raft Guy filled his helmet and put it to the sick man's lips. He
+drank deeply and sank back on the rugs.
+
+Guy crept cautiously forward to the front of the raft again--for every
+motion was a torture--and resumed his watch ahead, straining his eyes to
+catch the first glimpse of light that he felt sure must come before
+long.
+
+Faster and faster ran the current now and the shores flitted past like
+dim specters. The channel became more turbulent and rocky, and the raft
+tossed and trembled as it swept over brawling rapids and grated over
+unseen obstructions.
+
+When Guy turned toward his companions again they seemed to be all
+sleeping, and he envied them their merciful oblivion.
+
+Bildad was muttering excitedly in his own tongue, and as Guy watched him
+he tossed his arms and sat bolt upright. The ugly face was frightfully
+distorted and the fever-stricken eyes shone with a baleful light. With
+an apprehension that he took no pains to disguise Guy watched him
+sharply. There was no telling what this savage might do in the delirium
+of illness--a delirium aggravated tenfold by the tortures of hunger.
+
+Guy noted with secret uneasiness that no weapon was lying anywhere near.
+Melton alone had a revolver, and he was half inclined to waken him and
+ask him for it.
+
+Bildad, however, made no attempt to leave his place on the rugs. He kept
+on talking to himself at intervals, his eyes staring vacantly out on the
+river.
+
+A dingy leopard skin was still bound around his loins, and suddenly
+seizing the end of it he began to chew it greedily.
+
+Then he noticed the blood still sticking to his fingers, and placing his
+hand in his mouth he sucked it with a hollow noise that made Guy sick.
+
+Suddenly his eyes became fixed and glaring, his hands dropped to his
+side, trembling nervously, and his lips parted in a wolfish expression,
+that displayed two rows of glistening teeth.
+
+A thrill of horror ran through Guy from head to foot as he saw what had
+unmistakably fascinated Bildad's gaze. Two yards distant, facing the
+savage, lay Sir Arthur, propped up slightly among the rugs. His head was
+thrown back, and in the perspiration, caused probably by his slight
+fever, he had torn loose the fore part of his flannel shirt, so that the
+throat and part of the breast were fully exposed, and shone clearly in
+the soft glow from the fire.
+
+To Chutney Bildad's wolfish gaze admitted of no misconstruction. The
+sight of the white flesh had roused the savage's fiercest instincts.
+_At that moment Bildad was a cannibal at heart!_
+
+No words can describe Guy's feelings as he realized the awful truth.
+
+At first a deadly faintness threatened to deprive him of all
+consciousness. Then came a thrill of strength, and his quick mind sought
+some plan of action. There was no weapon within reach. He must waken the
+Greek.
+
+"Canaris," he muttered in a low voice, but the word stuck in his throat
+and died away in a whisper.
+
+The sound, slight as it was, drew Bildad's attention. A glance at Guy's
+frightened countenance told him his horrible design was discovered. His
+thick lips parted in a glare of ferocious hatred--the blind fury of a
+madman.
+
+He thrust his hand to his side, drew out a long, gleaming knife, and
+with a demoniacal laugh sprang at Sir Arthur, brandishing his weapon.
+
+At the first flash of the steel Guy uttered a shout that might have
+wakened the seven sleepers, and threw himself across the raft. He fell
+short of the African, and staggered to his knees with another wild cry.
+
+The glittering blade wavered a second in mid-air, not ten inches from
+Sir Arthur's heart, and then, his eyes flashing and his face distorted
+with passion, Bildad turned and threw himself on the man who had
+thwarted him.
+
+Guy staggered to his feet in time to meet the shock, and they fell
+together with a crash, the madman on top. As he blindly threw out his
+arms in self protection he grasped Bildad's wrist, arresting the course
+of the descending knife. Before the fiend could snatch the knife with
+the other hand he twisted the brawny wrist till the bone cracked. The
+knife dropped from the nerveless fingers, and Bildad shrieked with rage
+and agony. Guy tried to shout, but the savage's uninjured arm clutched
+his throat, and he felt himself jerked violently along the raft. He
+struggled and kicked in vain. A mist swam before his eyes, and he felt
+the agonies of suffocation. With both hands he tore at the brawny arm,
+but the grip only seemed to tighten, and then he realized that he was on
+the edge of the raft. He was powerless. He wondered vaguely why the rest
+did not come to his assistance. He felt his head and shoulders slip over
+the edge, and then opening his eyes he saw the madman's leering face,
+flushed with rage and triumph, staring into his own. His eyes closed
+with a shudder as he seemed to feel the icy waters close over him. Then
+the grasp on his throat suddenly relaxed, and he knew nothing more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When Guy opened his eyes some minutes later, and saw with wonder the
+familiar faces of his friends bending over him, he felt as a man might
+who had come back from the grave. He tried to rise, but a firm hand
+pushed him gently back, and the colonel's voice said softly, "No; lie
+down. Not a word until you are better."
+
+Gradually memory came back as he rested, and he knew why his throat felt
+so queer. In the firelight he saw Bildad lying motionless across the
+logs. The ugly face was smeared with blood, and Forbes and Canaris were
+binding the brawny arms and legs.
+
+And there lay the knife, flashing back the light from its polished
+steel.
+
+"You came as near to death, Chutney, as any man can come," said the
+colonel a little later, when Guy was able to sit up and lean against the
+fragments of the canoe. "Forbes saved you on this occasion. He got awake
+just in time, and crawling over the logs--for he was unable to walk--he
+brought down the butt of the revolver on the fiend's head. He first
+tried to shoot, but his weapon missed fire."
+
+"Is he dead?" asked Guy.
+
+"No," replied the colonel; "more's the pity. He seems to be only
+stunned. We've tied him up securely, so he can't do any more harm. But
+what started him, anyhow?"
+
+Guy, with many a shudder, related the events that led to the attack, and
+his audience were horror-stricken at the terrible tale. The strangest
+part of it was that Sir Arthur had slept through it all and was still
+sleeping.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+THE END OF THE CAVERN.
+
+
+After that Guy himself fell asleep--a deep, heavy slumber that caused
+his friends some uneasiness as they listened to his labored breathing
+and saw the red flush that mounted over his pallid face.
+
+Later on he struggled back to a wretched consciousness of his misery. He
+made an effort to rise, but such keen pains darted through his body that
+his head dropped back on the rug. The least movement was an agony, and
+his head was aching with a fierce intensity that he had never known
+before.
+
+"I _will_ rise," he muttered between his clinched teeth, and summoning
+all the power of his iron will he sat up.
+
+The remaining half of the canoe was just behind him, and dragging his
+body a foot or more over the raft he fell back against it with a groan
+of agony.
+
+The glowing embers of the fire shed a dim light over the scene. On his
+right lay Sir Arthur, white and motionless. On the left was Bildad, his
+arms and legs drawn up about his body in the throes of suffering. Near
+the front of the raft lay the colonel, face downward on the logs, and
+close by was the Greek, his white features turned toward the firelight.
+
+One alone showed any signs of life. Melton was leaning over the edge
+apparently drinking, and presently he raised his head and crawled feebly
+toward the fire.
+
+"How long have I slept?" asked Guy in a hoarse whisper.
+
+Melton turned in astonishment as though frightened by the sound of a
+human voice.
+
+"I don't know," he said, speaking with a great effort. "Hours, Chutney,
+hours. A day and a night must have passed since I cracked that fellow
+there on the head. I hoped you would never wake. This is like dying a
+thousand times over. It won't last long now. A few hours at the
+most--and then--"
+
+"But tell me," interrupted Guy, "the rest, are they--are they----?"
+
+"Dead?" said Melton. "No, I think not. Very near the end, though. They
+can't move. They can't even reach the edge of the raft to drink. Water
+has kept me up a little."
+
+Crawling inch by inch, he drew himself beside Guy and propped his back
+against the canoe. They sat side by side, too exhausted to speak,
+mercifully indifferent to their fate.
+
+It is doubtful if they realized their position. The last stages of
+starvation had blunted their sensibilities, thrown a veil over their
+reasoning faculties.
+
+Presently Guy observed that the raft had entered upon a most turbulent
+stretch of water. At frequent intervals he heard dimly the hoarse roar
+of rapids and felt the logs quiver and tremble as they struck the rocks.
+The shores appeared almost close enough to touch as they whirled past
+with a speed that made him close his eyes with dizziness, and the jagged
+roof seemed about to fall and crush him.
+
+He saw these things as a man sees in a dream. He could no longer reason
+over them or draw conclusions from the facts. The increasing roar of the
+water, the cumulative force of the current, told him dimly that a crisis
+was approaching.
+
+So they drifted on, lost to all passage of time. Presently the last
+embers of the fire expired with a hiss as a dash of spray was flung on
+them, and all was dark.
+
+Guy whispered Melton's name, but a feeble groan was the only response.
+He reached out a trembling arm and found that his friend had slipped
+down from the canoe and was lying prostrate on the rugs. He alone
+retained consciousness, such as it was.
+
+Bildad was jabbering in delirium, and Guy could catch broken sentences
+muttered at intervals by Carrington or the Greek.
+
+He felt that his own reason was fast going, and he conceived a sudden
+horror of dying in darkness.
+
+A torch was lying under his hand and he had matches.
+
+The effort of striking the light was a prodigious one, but at last he
+succeeded and the torch flared up brightly over the raft and its
+occupants.
+
+The sudden transition from darkness to light had a startling effect on
+the very man whom Guy supposed to be past all feeling. Sir Arthur
+suddenly sat straight up, his white face lit with a ghastly light.
+
+"Ha, ha!" he shouted, waving his shrunken hands. "The light, the light!
+We are saved! Do you see it, Carrington; do you see it?"
+
+Then the wild gleam faded from his eyes, and in a quavering voice--a
+mere ghost of his old pompous manner--he exclaimed:
+
+"To the Guards' Club, Waterloo Place! Do it in twenty minutes, driver,
+and the half sovereign is yours. Go by way of Piccadilly; it's the near
+cut."
+
+A moment later he added: "I'll be late. What beastly luck!"
+
+Then a swift change passed over his face.
+
+"Ha! ha! There's the light again," he cried exultantly. "Look,
+Carrington, look----" His lips trembled over the unfinished sentence,
+and without another word he dropped back on the logs and lay there
+perfectly motionless.
+
+This was the last thing that Guy remembered.
+
+The torch still burned beside him, and the raft plunged on its dizzy
+course, but his mind was wandering far away, and the past was being
+lived over again.
+
+He was riding through London streets, dining with his old friends at the
+club, pulling a skiff over the placid current of the Thames, shooting
+quail on his brother's estate, dancing at a ball at Government House,
+Calcutta, marching through Indian jungles at the head of his men,
+plotting the capture of the Rajah, Nana Sahib, in far-away Burma--thus
+the merciful past stole his mind away from the horrors of the present,
+and he alternately smiled or shuddered as he recalled some pleasant
+association or stern reminiscence of peril.
+
+So the hours passed on. The torch faded and dimmed, burned to a charred
+ember, and then went out.
+
+The water hissed and boiled, crashing on rocks and shoals, beating its
+fury against the barren shores, and rushing down the narrow channel at
+an angle that was frightful and appalling.
+
+Guided by an unseen power, the frail raft rose and fell with the
+current, whirling round and round like an eggshell, creaking, groaning,
+and straining at its bonds, like a fettered giant; but the wretched
+castaways, sprawled in careless attitude across the logs, heard nothing,
+knew nothing--simply lay with their pallid faces turned toward the
+blackness and the gloom overhead.
+
+Ah, how pitiful! If they could only have known what was close at hand,
+fresh life would have flowed into their wasted veins. They would have
+gone mad with joy.
+
+The roar of the water had now become softened and less violent. The
+rocks had disappeared, the river slipped like an avalanche through the
+fast narrowing channel, and at such a prodigious speed that a cold blast
+of air whistled about the raft.
+
+Chutney, still propped against the canoe, caught its full effect on his
+face. It stirred up the flickering spark of life within him and he
+opened his eyes; he thought he saw a faint gleam of daylight.
+
+Like the fabled giant that sprang from an uncorked phial, the gray
+streak expanded with marvelous celerity, growing longer and wider and
+brighter until it shone like burnished silver on the hurrying tide of
+the river.
+
+Guy saw it and that was all. It dazzled his eyes and he closed them.
+When he looked again the raft was trembling on the edge of the silvery
+sheet, and then, swift as the lightning flash, a flood of brightness
+sprang up and around it.
+
+He closed his eyes, but the fierce glare seemed to be burning into his
+very brain. He could not shut it out, though he thrust a trembling arm
+across his closed eyes.
+
+The next instant something rough and pliable struck his face with
+stinging force, and he felt the warm blood trickle down his cheeks.
+Instantly there came a second shock. The canoe was whirled forcibly from
+under him, and a heavy blow from some unseen object struck him with
+stunning violence to the hard logs.
+
+An icy wave dashed over the raft, and then another and another. Smarting
+with pain, the blood dripping from his lacerated face and hands, he
+staggered to his knees.
+
+He opened his eyes. At first he could see nothing for the dazzling light
+that was all around him. Then the blindness passed suddenly away, and he
+saw clearly.
+
+The glorious, entrancing light of day was shining on the raft, on the
+sparkling water, on his motionless companions--everywhere.
+
+The raft was dancing on the bosom of a vast and mighty stream that
+rolled in the blessed sunlight between shores of sparkling green. He saw
+sloping hillsides and mangrove jungles, wind-tossed patches of reeds and
+waving palm trees, mountains shooting their rugged peaks heavenward, and
+billows of forest land rolling off into the distant horizon, while
+overhead was the deep blue vault of the sky, that perfect sky that had
+haunted his memory in many a dream--the sky that he had never hoped to
+see again. The air was redolent with perfume and melodious with the
+sweet notes of countless birds.
+
+Flushed and trembling, Guy staggered, with new-found strength, to his
+feet.
+
+"Saved! Saved! Saved!" he cried aloud. "Thank God! Melton! Canaris! Do
+you hear? The blessed sunlight is shining around us. Why don't you
+answer? Why don't you shout for joy?"
+
+But no response came, and the five ghastly figures on the raft remained
+as stiff and motionless as before.
+
+A swift change passed over Guy's face.
+
+"Merciful heavens!" he cried. "Can it be? All dead!"
+
+He gasped for breath, beating the air with stiffened fingers, and then
+dropped like a log.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The warm sunlight still played on the raft, and the yellow tide of the
+river lapped the roughened logs with a soft and musical murmur.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+CAPTAIN BECKER LOSES A WAGER.
+
+
+"No, no, gentlemen. I respectfully beg leave to differ with you. Africa
+never gives up her white slaves."
+
+Captain Lucius Becker emphasized his words by bringing his fist down
+heavily on the frail table before him, and replacing his meerschaum
+between his lips, he glared defiantly at his two companions.
+
+It was a hot and sultry afternoon in March--such a March as only
+tropical Africa knows--and the place was the German military station of
+New Potsdam, on the left bank of the river Juba, a few miles from its
+mouth, in eastern Africa.
+
+On the broad bosom of the river the sun was beating fiercely, and the
+mangrove jungles and lofty palm trees drooped motionless in the dead
+calm. Upon the flat roof of the little station, however, the refining
+touches of civilization had done much to mitigate the severity and
+discomfort of the heat. An awning of snowy canvas, shaded by the
+projecting clusters of a group of palms, made a cool and grateful
+shelter, and under this the three officers had been dining.
+
+Captain Becker continued to blow out great clouds of white smoke as
+though he had completely squelched all further argument on the subject
+under discussion.
+
+The silence was broken at last by Dr. Moebius Goldbeck.
+
+"My dear captain," he said, in slow, measured tones, as he adjusted his
+eyeglass, "I cannot agree with you. Africa has passed through many
+changes of late years. These men will surely be heard from again, and
+may even be freed eventually."
+
+"Yes, yes, you are right, doctor; your views are eminently sound," said
+Lieutenant Carl von Leyden.
+
+Captain Becker removed his meerschaum from his lips, and shook himself
+in his chair until his sword clanked on the floor.
+
+"Now listen," he cried. "These men of whom we speak, the governor of
+Zaila, the English colonel, the captain of the Aden steamer, and the
+other two unfortunate Englishmen, not one of these men will ever come
+out of Africa alive, I will wager a hundred thalers."
+
+"Done!" cried Lieutenant von Leyden.
+
+"Done!" echoed Dr. Goldbeck.
+
+Hardly had the echoes of their voices died away when the sentry wheeled
+about hastily and said: "Captain, something comes down the river. It has
+just rounded the bend. It looks too large for a boat."
+
+Captain Becker rushed down below, hurried back with a pair of glasses,
+and took a long survey.
+
+"It is a raft," he cried, turning to his companions. "Men are lying on
+it; whether dead or alive I cannot tell. Man a boat at once. The current
+runs swift, and we will have barely time to reach it."
+
+The boat was ready almost as soon as they reached the ground, and under
+the steady movement of four pairs of oars they shot swiftly out on the
+yellow tide of the Juba.
+
+In silence they approached the drifting object, the boat's prow cutting
+sharply the opposing waves.
+
+Now it was twenty yards away--ten yards--five yards--then the boat
+bumped gently on the logs and Dr. Goldbeck boarded the raft, followed
+quickly by his two companions.
+
+"_Mein himmel!_" he cried. "What can this mean? Six dead bodies!
+Horrible! horrible!"
+
+He turned pale for a moment. Then, as his professional instinct asserted
+itself, he knelt beside the motionless forms, and one by one tore the
+breast covering away and applied his hand to the heart.
+
+"Ach!" he cried joyfully, rising to his feet, "they still live; there
+still remains a spark of life! To the shore, quick! lose no time, or all
+will die!"
+
+A rope was speedily hitched to the raft, and the men began to pull
+lustily for the bank.
+
+"Captain Becker," exclaimed Lieutenant von Leyden, suddenly smacking
+his knee, "you are two hundred thalers out of pocket. There lie the lost
+men now. That is Sir Arthur Ashby with the sandy beard, and the others
+are no doubt his companions."
+
+"_Tausend donner!_ that is true!" cried the doctor. "You are right,
+Carl. It is miraculous!"
+
+Captain Becker smiled grimly, but said nothing.
+
+A severe pull of ten minutes brought the raft to the little wharf, and
+in the strong arms of the German soldiers the rescued men were borne
+tenderly into the garrison-house and placed on cots that had been made
+up in readiness for them.
+
+Never did Dr. Goldbeck have a more arduous task, but with medicine chest
+at his side, and two able assistants to carry out his instructions, he
+toiled unceasingly for hours.
+
+Then success crowned his efforts, and the patients came slowly back to
+consciousness. For nearly a week they hovered between life and death,
+but finally all were pronounced out of danger except Bildad, who was
+struggling in a high fever.
+
+At first they knew nothing, could remember nothing, but gradually memory
+returned, and they realized the full measure of their wonderful escape.
+
+Guy was the first to rally, and Sir Arthur was the last, but ten days
+after their rescue all were able to sit up, and after that they gained
+strength rapidly.
+
+The marvelous tale of their adventures was discussed over and over with
+their new friends--for most of the Englishmen could speak German--and
+from Captain Becker they learned the latest news from Zaila, which was
+to the effect that the place had been retaken by the English after a
+brief but desperate struggle. This information had been brought to the
+station by a German gunboat six weeks before.
+
+Guy was very curious to know how far they had drifted down the Juba
+before they were rescued, but of course it was impossible to tell.
+
+"It's my opinion," said Captain Becker, "that the exit from that
+underground river is somewhere in the vicinity of the big falls, fifty
+miles above here. I have heard that there are caverns along the bank
+from which the water pours furiously."
+
+"That is probably the place, then," returned Guy, "for the bushes hung
+so low that they dragged the canoe from the raft and tore the skin from
+my face. I have a dim recollection of all that, but I remember nothing
+more."
+
+Guy's companions, however, could not remember even this. The struggle
+with Bildad was the last tangible recollection. After that all was a
+blank. Although they had regained a fair share of strength, the awful
+experiences of the cruise down the underground river had left indelible
+traces of suffering. Colonel Carrington's hair had turned white, and
+even Chutney and Forbes had gray locks sprinkled through their dark
+ones. Their faces were hollow, their bodies lean and emaciated, and, in
+fact, they were changed beyond all power of recognition. Contrary to
+expectation, Bildad was now also convalescent.
+
+As soon as their recovery was assured, Captain Becker had very
+courteously sent to the chief station on the Durnford River, some miles
+south of the Juba, to obtain, if possible, a steamer; and one morning,
+four weeks after their arrival at New Potsdam, a noble vessel steamed up
+the river and anchored before the station.
+
+It was the German steamer Rhine Castle, and was at the disposal of Sir
+Arthur, who had assumed the expense of chartering it on behalf of his
+government.
+
+The commander of the vessel, Captain Wassman, brought a piece of news
+that made Sir Arthur desperately anxious to get back to Zaila, and very
+considerably stirred up the rest of the party.
+
+A certain Portuguese, he said, was in high favor at Zaila on account of
+services rendered in retaking the town from the Arabs and Somalis, and
+it was rumored that the government intended to bestow upon him an
+influential post.
+
+"That must be Manuel Torres," remarked Sir Arthur to Chutney. "Bless
+me, we'll make it hot for the scoundrel!"
+
+With many regrets they parted from Captain Becker and his friends, and a
+few hours after the German flag on the garrison house faded from view
+the Rhine Castle was beating swiftly up the eastern coast of Africa on
+her two-thousand-mile trip.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+On a warm, sultry evening in the latter part of May the Arabs and
+Somalis who hovered about the outskirts of Zaila, keeping well out of
+reach of the newly-erected fortifications which bristled with guns and
+British soldiery, heard the sweet strains of "Rule Britannia" and "God
+Save the Queen" floating over the desert.
+
+It was the regimental band of the Ninth Lancers playing in the square of
+the town on the occasion of the installation of the new governor of
+Zaila--Colonel Conyers Gordon.
+
+It was Colonel Gordon who had conducted the assault on the town some
+weeks previous, and in recognition of his valor--for the enemy had made
+a desperate stand--he was now the newly commissioned governor.
+
+The official documents had arrived that day, and the town was _en fete_,
+if we may use the expression; for, in addition to the native population
+and the soldiery, a number of visitors had come across from Aden to do
+honor to the brave commandant.
+
+As the band ceased playing, Colonel Gordon appeared on the steps of the
+residency and briefly addressed the expectant people in a few
+well-chosen words.
+
+"The tragedy of a few months ago," he concluded, "is still fresh in our
+minds. I had the honor to know Sir Arthur Ashby, an honor which many of
+you likewise enjoyed, and the sad fate of that brave man and his
+companions comes vividly to our minds tonight. I trust that I shall be
+enabled to discharge the duties of my office with the same unswerving
+fidelity."
+
+Colonel Gordon sat down, and the band played "Rule Britannia."
+
+At that moment the Rhine Castle was dropping anchor in the harbor.
+
+As the band ceased Colonel Gordon rose again, and the people instantly
+became quiet. By his side was a short, thickset man with dark, sallow
+features.
+
+"I beg to call your attention," began the colonel, "to one who has
+played an important part in our recent struggle--Mr. Manuel Torres, a
+Portuguese, of whom I can say nothing better than that he deserves to be
+an Englishman. At the risk of his own life he tried to save Sir Arthur
+Ashby, and after suffering much at the hands of the enemy, he finally
+escaped in time to do us valuable service in retaking the town. As a
+recognition of his aid, I propose to appoint him Assistant Political
+Resident."
+
+Mr. Torres bowed profoundly, and as the people evinced a decided desire
+to hear from him, he cleared his throat and began to speak in sleek,
+oily tones.
+
+He related, with many gestures, a thrilling tale of his captivity among
+the Arabs, the desperate attempts he had made to save Sir Arthur and the
+Englishmen from slavery, and how finally he had effected his own
+marvelous escape.
+
+At this point a sudden commotion on the outskirts of the crowd
+temporarily interrupted the speaker.
+
+"It grieves me deeply," he went on, "to reflect on the sad destiny of my
+dear friend, Sir Arthur Ashby, and of those brave men, for whom I had
+the highest honor and regard. I risked my life to save them. I
+interceded with the Arab leader, Makar Makalo, but in vain. He was
+obdurate. To bring them back from slavery I would willingly lay down my
+life this minute. I would gladly----"
+
+What else Mr. Manuel Torres was willing to do no one ever knew or will
+know. He ceased speaking abruptly, and his sallow face assumed a ghastly
+look.
+
+Through the opening ranks of the people advanced a group of pale and
+haggard men, led by a ghastly figure with sandy side whiskers in a faded
+uniform that hung about his shrunken limbs.
+
+"Bless my soul!" exclaimed this odd-looking stranger. "It's that
+rascally Portuguese, Manuel Torres!"
+
+A great silence fell on the people. For one second the Portuguese
+trembled like a leaf, then he turned and bolted through the residency
+door, shoving Colonel Gordon roughly aside in his mad haste.
+
+"Stop him! Stop him!" roared the stranger. "A thousand pounds to the man
+who takes him alive. He's the ringleader of the insurrection!"
+
+Colonel Gordon hurried down the steps in bewildered amazement.
+
+"What does this mean?" he demanded. "Who are you?"
+
+"Who am I?" shouted he of the sandy whiskers. "Why, blast your
+impudence, I'm Sir Arthur Ashby, the governor of Zaila. Who the deuce
+are you?"
+
+The scene that followed baffles all description. The air rang with
+frenzied shouts and cheers, soldiers, natives, and visitors surged madly
+round the little band, and the musicians, quick to grasp the situation,
+struck up the inspiring strains of "Lo, the Conquering Hero Comes!"
+
+Sir Arthur shook himself loose from the embrace of his enthusiastic
+friends.
+
+"The Portuguese!" he roared. "The rascal will escape. Pursue him!
+Capture him!"
+
+Now the people comprehended for the first time. A furious rush was made
+for the residency, the door was jammed in an instant with a struggling
+crowd of troops and civilians, and then they swept on through the broad
+hallway in pursuit of the wretched fugitive.
+
+In five minutes the town was in an indescribable uproar. The vessels in
+the harbor fired showers of rockets, and the alarm guns boomed hoarsely
+from the fortifications.
+
+Manuel Torres, however, overthrown at the very moment of his greatest
+triumph, made good his escape. He bolted through the back door of the
+residency, evaded the sentries at the town wall, and fled to the desert.
+
+That same night, after a sumptuous repast, Guy Chutney, at Sir Arthur's
+request, modestly related the story of their adventures to the most
+interested audience that ever graced the walls of the residency. A
+breathless silence greeted the speaker as he showed the damnable proofs
+of Manuel Torres' guilt and treachery, and described with thrilling
+effect the awful journey through the bowels of the earth. When he
+concluded the tale that made him a hero in spite of himself, a burst of
+applause fairly made the residency tremble.
+
+Then Sir Arthur rose to his feet.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, in a voice which quivered with emotion, "I deem
+this to be a fitting time to express my--to express _our_--admiration of
+my young countryman. All my comrades, I am glad to say, displayed a
+heroism, during our days of trial and suffering, which has never been
+surpassed by any men in any clime. But, if one man is worthy of special
+mention for cool bravery, for dogged perseverance, for unflinching,
+unwavering fortitude and unselfishness, that man is Guy Chutney.
+Gentlemen," he continued, raising his glass, "I ask you to drink with me
+to the health of the bravest man I ever met--Guy Chutney."
+
+Again a frantic outburst of applause shook the building, and the toast
+was drunk with indescribable enthusiasm. But Guy strove to make himself
+heard above the uproar.
+
+"It is unfair," he said earnestly, when quiet had been partially
+restored, "of Sir Arthur to credit me with what I am aware is far more
+than my just due. Truthfully, it should be said that no one of us
+surpassed his fellows in displaying the qualities Sir Arthur has just
+enumerated. Such an experience is enough for a lifetime, but if I am
+ever again called upon to face such perils as we encountered while under
+Africa, may God grant that I have for comrades such true-hearted, loyal
+friends as these."
+
+Carrington, Forbes, and Canaris each spoke briefly in turn; and Bildad,
+under the undue excitement of some wine he had managed to secure,
+attempted to perform a Galla war-dance on the table, and was promptly
+relegated to the guard-house to sober up.
+
+At midnight a steamer left Zaila for Aden with the glad news, and
+twenty-four hours later the streets of London were blocked with crowds
+of people reading the amazing telegram that the newspapers had posted on
+their bulletin boards.
+
+Colonel Conyers Gordon, of course, was not governor of Zaila at all, and
+though it must have been a sore disappointment to the brave old soldier,
+he readily and gladly installed Sir Arthur in the residency and assumed
+his former command of the troops.
+
+Sir Arthur, however, had very different views. "Do you mean to say,
+Gordon," he demanded, "that the government actually gave me up for lost,
+and had no intention of sending an expedition after me at all?"
+
+Colonel Gordon hesitatingly admitted that such was the case.
+
+"Then," cried Sir Arthur, "I wash my hands of such a government. I will
+go home to England, and may the infernal Arabs hang, draw, and quarter
+me if I ever set foot on African soil again."
+
+"I trust, Sir Arthur," argued Colonel Gordon, "you will not act hastily
+in this matter. You will admit that the government was somewhat
+justified in believing your case a hopeless one. The fate of you and
+your brave companions was thought by everybody to have been nothing
+short of death. I am sure, had the authorities had the slightest idea
+that you were living, an expedition would have been sent out. No stone
+would have been left unturned to rescue you."
+
+"Well," said Sir Arthur, somewhat mollified, "I cannot deny that things
+pointed to our demise. We expected to see you again as little as you
+expected to see us, probably."
+
+"I am glad," said Colonel Gordon, "that you have decided to take a more
+reasonable view of the matter. Will you not reconsider your
+determination of resigning your post? Let no consideration for me stop
+you, I beg of you. I should, of course, be glad to accept the position,
+but yours is undoubtedly the prior right, and your previous experience
+has amply proven your ability."
+
+"Colonel," Sir Arthur replied solemnly, "I'm going back to England. I'm
+sick of Africa. I've had a little more than a genteel sufficiency during
+the past few months, and I'm pining for a sight of dear old England. I'm
+going home."
+
+Sir Arthur kept his word. On the same day he mailed his resignation, and
+handed the reins of office to Colonel Gordon.
+
+After careful consideration, Colonel Carrington decided to accept the
+post of Assistant Political Resident that Gordon offered him, subject,
+of course, to the wishes of the Foreign Office.
+
+Chutney had at first intended going on to India, but letters from home
+informing him of the serious illness of his brother decided his return
+to England, and he sailed from Aden a week later, in company with Sir
+Arthur and Melton Forbes, who had been recalled by his paper as soon as
+they learned of his wonderful journey.
+
+Canaris accompanied them as far as Port Said, where he changed to a
+vessel bound for Rhodes. He was eager to see Greece after his long
+captivity among the Somalis, and at last accounts he was the proprietor
+of a celebrated cafe at Athens, having inherited a tidy sum of money
+from a deceased relative.
+
+Bildad expressed a desire to go back to the Galla country, and Colonel
+Gordon finally succeeded in obtaining safe passage for him with a
+caravan bound for the interior.
+
+Manuel Torres met the fate his treachery duly merited. Two days after
+his escape from Zaila he fell into the hands of a party of prowling
+Arabs, and was conveyed by them to Makar Makalo, who determined that he
+should receive fitting punishment for his renegade conduct. Accordingly
+he sent him under strong escort to Harar, and Rao Khan very obligingly
+carried out his friend Makar's wishes by cooking the wretched Portuguese
+in a caldron of boiling oil.
+
+A remarkable thing occurred in the fourth month of Governor Gordon's
+rulership at Zaila.
+
+A bronzed Englishman arrived one day with a caravan from the interior.
+
+He was speedily recognized as Captain Waller, and he told a strange
+story of his adventures.
+
+Mombagolo, the Burman, who, in company with the captain and the Hindoos,
+had been taken into slavery by a tribe of Gallas who dwelt far to the
+west, had been chosen chief of this tribe on the death of its king,
+probably on account of his stature and strength.
+
+His first royal act was to effect the deliverance of Captain Waller by
+sending him to the coast. The Hindoos had chosen to remain where they
+were. Captain Waller eventually returned to England, and Forbes was
+deeply grieved to learn that he would never see Momba again, though it
+was some consolation to know that, instead of a slave, he was an African
+monarch.
+
+Guy reached England barely in time to see his brother before he died. As
+Sir Lucius Chutney was unmarried, Guy succeeded to the titles and
+estates.
+
+As a landed proprietor, his duties very plainly lay at home, so he
+resigned his commission and settled down on the Hampshire estate.
+
+He spends much of his time in London. He and Sir Arthur Ashby are
+members of the same club, and the two baronets invariably dine
+together.
+
+"Chutney," Sir Arthur said one day, as he lit his cigar after dinner,
+"have you ever felt any desire to leave England and resume an
+adventurous life?"
+
+Chutney puffed a moment in silence.
+
+"Sometimes," he said finally. "Sometimes I feel as though I should enjoy
+laying aside home comforts, and, gun in hand, enter the trackless
+forests once more. Somehow civilization palls on a man after years of
+campaigning. Don't you find it so, Ashby?"
+
+"That," replied Sir Arthur, "is just what I was getting at. Generally I
+feel a placid contentment with things in general, but once in a while a
+sort of fever stirs my blood, and I long to get out and rough it
+somewhere. I tell you, a wild life has a certain charm about it that
+dies out reluctantly when the fever once gets into a man's blood. Some
+day I really believe I'll return to Africa, or some other wild land, for
+big game. I should enjoy it."
+
+Chutney grasped his hand.
+
+"When you do, old fellow, I'm with you," he said. But so far they have
+not decided on any definite arrangements. They talk it over frequently,
+but continue to dine at the club.
+
+Sometimes Forbes drops in, and then from soup to the wine the
+conversation is sure to cling with unwavering fidelity to that topic of
+deepest interest--the strange and thrilling things that befell them when
+they were under Africa.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A PIPE OF MYSTERY.
+
+
+A jovial party were gathered round a blazing fire in an old grange near
+Warwick. The hour was getting late; the very little ones had, after
+dancing round the Christmas-tree, enjoying the snap-dragon, and playing
+a variety of games, gone off to bed; and the elder boys and girls now
+gathered round their uncle, Colonel Harley, and asked him for a
+story--above all, a ghost story.
+
+"But I have never seen any ghosts," the colonel said, laughing; "and,
+moreover, I don't believe in them one bit. I have traveled pretty well
+all over the world, I have slept in houses said to be haunted, but
+nothing have I seen--no noises that could not be accounted for by rats
+or the wind have I ever heard. I have never"--and here he paused--"never
+but once met with any circumstances or occurrence that could not be
+accounted for by the light of reason, and I know you prefer hearing
+stories of my own adventures to mere invention."
+
+"Yes, uncle. But what was the 'once' when circumstances happened that
+you could not explain?"
+
+"It's rather a long story," the colonel said, "and it's getting late."
+
+"Oh! no, no, uncle; it does not matter a bit how late we sit up on
+Christmas Eve, and the longer the story is, the better; and if you don't
+believe in ghosts how can it be a story of something you could not
+account for by the light of nature?"
+
+"You will see when I have done," the colonel said. "It is rather a story
+of what the Scotch call second sight, than one of ghosts. As to
+accounting for it, you shall form your own opinion when you have heard
+me to the end.
+
+"I landed in India in '50, and after going through the regular drill
+work marched with a detachment up country to join my regiment, which was
+stationed at Jubbalpore, in the very heart of India. It has become an
+important place since; the railroad across India passes through it and
+no end of changes have taken place; but at that time it was one of the
+most out-of-the-way stations in India, and, I may say, one of the most
+pleasant. It lay high, there was capital boating on the Nerbudda, and,
+above all, it was a grand place for sport, for it lay at the foot of the
+hill country, an immense district, then but little known, covered with
+forests and jungle, and abounding with big game of all kinds.
+
+"My great friend there was a man named Simmonds. He was just of my own
+standing; we had come out in the same ship, had marched up the country
+together, and were almost like brothers. He was an old Etonian, I an old
+Westminster, and we were both fond of boating, and, indeed, of sport of
+all kinds. But I am not going to tell you of that now. The people in
+these hills are called Gonds, a true hill tribe--that is to say,
+aborigines, somewhat of the negro type. The chiefs are of mixed blood,
+but the people are almost black. They are supposed to accept the
+religion of the Hindus, but are in reality deplorably ignorant and
+superstitious. Their priests are a sort of compound of a Brahmin priest
+and a negro fetish man, and among their principal duties is that of
+charming away tigers from the villages by means of incantations. There,
+as in other parts of India, were a few wandering fakirs, who enjoyed an
+immense reputation for holiness and wisdom. The people would go to them
+from great distances for charms or predictions, and believed in their
+power with implicit faith.
+
+"At the time when we were at Jubbalpore there was one of these fellows
+whose reputation altogether eclipsed that of his rivals, and nothing
+could be done until his permission had been asked and his blessing
+obtained. All sorts of marvelous stories were constantly coming to our
+ears of the unerring foresight with which he predicted the termination
+of diseases, both in men and animals; and so generally was he believed
+in that the colonel ordered that no one connected with the regiment
+should consult him, for these predictions very frequently brought about
+their own fulfillment; for those who were told that an illness would
+terminate fatally, lost all hope, and literally lay down to die.
+
+"However, many of the stories that we heard could not be explained on
+these grounds, and the fakir and his doings were often talked over at
+mess, some of the officers scoffing at the whole business, others
+maintaining that some of these fakirs had, in some way or another, the
+power of foretelling the future, citing many well-authenticated
+anecdotes upon the subject.
+
+"The older officers were the believers, we young fellows were the
+scoffers. But for the well-known fact that it is very seldom indeed that
+these fakirs will utter any of their predictions to Europeans, some of
+us would have gone to him to test his powers. As it was, none of us had
+ever seen him.
+
+"He lived in an old ruined temple, in the middle of a large patch of
+jungle at the foot of the hills, some ten or twelve miles away.
+
+"I had been at Jubbalpore about a year, when I was woke up one night by
+a native, who came in to say that at about eight o'clock a tiger had
+killed a man in his village, and had dragged off the body.
+
+"Simmonds and I were constantly out after tigers, and the people in all
+the villages within twenty miles knew that we were always ready to pay
+for early information. This tiger had been doing great damage, and had
+carried off about thirty men, women, and children. So great was the fear
+of him, indeed, that the people in the neighborhood he frequented
+scarcely dared stir out of doors, except in parties of five or six. We
+had had several hunts after him, but, like all man-eaters, he was old
+and awfully crafty; and although we got several snap shots at him, he
+had always managed to save his skin.
+
+"In a quarter of an hour after the receipt of the message Charley
+Simmonds and I were on the back of an elephant which was our joint
+property; our shikaree, a capital fellow, was on foot beside us, and
+with the native trotting on ahead as guide we went off at the best pace
+of old Begaum, for that was the elephant's name. The village was fifteen
+miles away, but we got there soon after daybreak, and were received with
+delight by the population. In half an hour the hunt was organized; all
+the male population turned out as beaters, with sticks, guns, tom-toms,
+and other instruments for making a noise.
+
+"The trail was not difficult to find. A broad path, with occasional
+smears of blood, showed where he had dragged his victim through the long
+grass to a cluster of trees a couple of hundred yards from the village.
+
+"We scarcely expected to find him there, but the villagers held back,
+while we went forward with cocked rifles. We found, however, nothing but
+a few bones and a quantity of blood. The tiger had made off at the
+approach of daylight into the jungle, which was about two miles distant.
+We traced him easily enough, and found that he had entered a large
+ravine, from which several smaller ones branched off.
+
+"It was an awkward place, as it was next to impossible to surround it
+with the number of people at our command. We posted them at last all
+along the upper ground, and told them to make up in noise what they
+wanted in numbers. At last all was ready, and we gave the signal.
+However, I am not telling you a hunting story, and need only say that we
+could neither find nor disturb him. In vain we pushed Begaum through the
+thickest of the jungle which clothed the sides and bottom of the ravine,
+while the men shouted, beat their tom-toms, and showered imprecations
+against the tiger himself and his ancestors up to the remotest
+generations.
+
+"The day was tremendously hot, and, after three hours' march, we gave it
+up for a time, and lay down in the shade, while the shikarees made a
+long examination of the ground all round the hillside, to be sure that
+he had not left the ravine. They came back with the news that no traces
+could be discovered, and that, beyond a doubt, he was still there. A
+tiger will crouch up in an exceedingly small clump of grass or bush, and
+will sometimes almost allow himself to be trodden on before moving.
+However, we determined to have one more search, and if that should
+prove unsuccessful, to send off to Jubbalpore for some more of the men
+to come out with elephants, while we kept up a circle of fires, and of
+noises of all descriptions, so as to keep him a prisoner until the
+arrival of the re-enforcements. Our next search was no more successful
+than our first had been; and having, as we imagined, examined every
+clump and crevice in which he could have been concealed, we had just
+reached the upper end of the ravine, when we heard a tremendous roar,
+followed by a perfect babel of yells and screams from the natives.
+
+"The outburst came from the mouth of the ravine, and we felt at once
+that he had escaped. We hurried back to find, as we had expected, that
+the tiger was gone. He had burst out suddenly from his hiding-place, had
+seized a native, torn him horribly, and had made across the open plain.
+
+"This was terribly provoking, but we had nothing to do but follow him.
+This was easy enough, and we traced him to a detached patch of wood and
+jungle, two miles distant. This wood was four or five hundred yards
+across, and the exclamations of the people at once told us that it was
+the one in which stood the ruined temple of the fakir of whom I have
+been telling you. I forgot to say that as the tiger broke out one of the
+village shikarees had fired at and, he declared, wounded him.
+
+"It was already getting late in the afternoon, and it was hopeless to
+attempt to beat the jungle that night. We therefore sent off a runner
+with a note to the colonel, asking him to send the work-elephants, and
+to allow a party of volunteers to march over at night, to help surround
+the jungle when we commenced beating it in the morning.
+
+"We based our request upon the fact that the tiger was a notorious
+man-eater, and had been doing immense damage. We then had a talk with
+our shikaree, sent a man off to bring provisions for the people out with
+us, and then set them to work cutting dry sticks and grass to make a
+circle of fires.
+
+"We both felt much uneasiness respecting the fakir, who might be seized
+at any moment by the enraged tiger. The natives would not allow that
+there was any cause for fear, as the tiger would not dare to touch so
+holy a man. Our belief in the respect of the tiger for sanctity was by
+no means strong, and we determined to go in and warn him of the presence
+of the brute in the wood. It was a mission which we could not intrust to
+anyone else, for no native would have entered the jungle for untold
+gold; so we mounted the Begaum again, and started. The path leading
+towards the temple was pretty wide, and as we went along almost
+noiselessly, for the elephant was too well trained to tread upon fallen
+sticks, it was just possible we might come upon the tiger suddenly, so
+we kept our rifles in readiness in our hands.
+
+"Presently we came in sight of the ruins. No one was at first visible;
+but at that very moment the fakir came out from the temple. He did not
+see or hear us, for we were rather behind him and still among the trees,
+but at once proceeded in a high voice to break into a sing-song prayer.
+He had not said two words before his voice was drowned in a terrific
+roar, and in an instant the tiger had sprung upon him, struck him to the
+ground, seized him as a cat would a mouse, and started off with him at a
+trot. The brute evidently had not detected our presence, for he came
+right towards us. We halted the Begaum, and, with our fingers on the
+triggers, awaited the favorable moment. He was a hundred yards from us
+when he struck down his victim; he was not more than fifty when he
+caught sight of us. He stopped for an instant in surprise. Charley
+muttered, 'Both barrels, Harley,' and as the beast turned to plunge into
+the jungle, and so showed us his side, we sent four bullets crashing
+into him, and he rolled over lifeless.
+
+"We went up to the spot, made the Begaum give him a kick, to be sure
+that he was dead, and then got down to examine the unfortunate fakir.
+The tiger had seized him by the shoulder, which was terribly torn, and
+the bone broken. He was still perfectly conscious.
+
+"We at once fired three shots, our usual signal that the tiger was dead,
+and in a few minutes were surrounded by the villagers, who hardly knew
+whether to be delighted at the death of their enemy, or to grieve over
+the injury to the fakir. We proposed taking the latter to our hospital
+at Jubbalpore, but this he positively refused to listen to. However, we
+finally persuaded him to allow his arm to be set and the wounds dressed
+in the first place by our regimental surgeon, after which he could go to
+one of the native villages and have his arm dressed in accordance with
+his own notions. A litter was soon improvised, and away we went to
+Jubbalpore, which we reached about eight in the evening.
+
+"The fakir refused to enter the hospital, so we brought out a couple of
+trestles, laid the litter upon them, and the surgeon set his arm and
+dressed his wounds by torchlight, when he was lifted into a dhoolie, and
+his bearers again prepared to start for the village.
+
+"Hitherto he had only spoken a few words; but he now briefly expressed
+his deep gratitude to Simmonds and myself. We told him that we would
+ride over to see him shortly, and hoped to find him getting on rapidly.
+Another minute and he was gone.
+
+"It happened that we had three or four fellows away on leave or on staff
+duty, and several others laid up with fever just about this time, so
+that the duty fell very heavily upon the rest of us, and it was over a
+month before we had time to ride over to see the fakir.
+
+"We had heard he was going on well; but we were surprised, on reaching
+the village, to find that he had already returned to his old abode in
+the jungle. However, we had made up our minds to see him, especially as
+we had agreed that we would endeavor to persuade him to do a prediction
+for us; so we turned our horses' heads towards the jungle. We found the
+fakir sitting on a rock in front of the temple, just where he had been
+seized by the tiger. He rose as we rode up.
+
+"'I knew that you would come to-day, sahibs, and was joyful in the
+thought of seeing those who have preserved my life.'
+
+"'We are glad to see you looking pretty strong again, though your arm is
+still in a sling,' I said, for Simmonds was not strong in Hindustani.
+
+"'How did you know that we were coming?' I asked, when we had tied up
+our horses.
+
+"'Siva has given to his servant to know many things,' he said quietly.
+
+"'Did you know beforehand that the tiger was going to seize you?' I
+asked.
+
+"'I knew that a great danger threatened, and that Siva would not let me
+die before my time had come.'
+
+"'Could you see into our future?' I asked.
+
+"The fakir hesitated, looked at me for a moment earnestly to see if I
+was speaking in mockery, and then said:
+
+"'The sahibs do not believe in the power of Siva or of his servants.
+They call his messengers impostors, and scoff at them when they speak of
+the events of the future.'
+
+"'No indeed,' I said. 'My friend and I have no idea of scoffing. We have
+heard of so many of your predictions coming true, that we are really
+anxious that you should tell us something of the future.'
+
+"The fakir nodded his head, went into the temple, and returned in a
+minute or two with two small pipes used by the natives for
+opium-smoking, and a brazier of burning charcoal. The pipes were already
+charged. He made signs to us to sit down, and took his place in front of
+us. Then he began singing in a low voice, rocking himself to and fro,
+and waving a staff which he held in his hand. Gradually his voice rose,
+and his gesticulations and actions became more violent. So far as I
+could make out, it was a prayer to Siva that he would give some glimpse
+of the future which might benefit the sahibs who had saved the life of
+his servant. Presently he darted forward, gave us each a pipe, took two
+pieces of red-hot charcoal from the brazier in his fingers, without
+seeming to know that they were warm, and placed them in the pipes; then
+he recommenced his singing and gesticulations.
+
+"A glance at Charley, to see if, like myself, he was ready to carry the
+thing through, and then I put the pipe to my lips. I felt at once that
+it was opium, of which I had before made experiment, but mixed with some
+other substance, which was, I imagine, hasheesh, a preparation of hemp.
+A few puffs, and I felt a drowsiness creeping over me. I saw, as through
+a mist, the fakir swaying himself backwards and forwards, his arms
+waving and his face distorted. Another minute, and the pipe slipped from
+my fingers, and I fell back insensible.
+
+"How long I lay there I do not know. I woke with a strange and not
+unpleasant sensation, and presently became conscious that the fakir was
+gently pressing, with a sort of shampooing action, my temples and head.
+When he saw that I opened my eyes he left me, and performed the same
+process upon Charley. In a few minutes he rose from his stooping
+position, waved his hand in token of adieu, and walked slowly back into
+the temple.
+
+"As he disappeared I sat up; Charley did the same.
+
+"We stared at each other for a minute without speaking, and then Charley
+said:
+
+"'This is a rum go, and no mistake, old man.'
+
+"'You're right, Charley. My opinion is, we've made fools of ourselves.
+Let's be off out of this.'
+
+"We staggered to our feet, for we both felt like drunken men, made our
+way to our horses, poured a mussuk of water over our heads, took a
+drink of brandy from our flasks, and then, feeling more like ourselves,
+mounted and rode out of the jungle.
+
+"'Well, Harley, if the glimpse of futurity which I had is true, all I
+can say is that it was extremely unpleasant.'
+
+"'That was just my case, Charley.'
+
+"'My dream, or whatever you like to call it, was about a mutiny of the
+men.'
+
+"'You don't say so, Charley; so was mine. This is monstrously strange,
+to say the least of it. However, you tell your story first, and then I
+will tell mine.'
+
+"'It was very short,' Charley said. 'We were at mess--not in our present
+mess-room--we were dining with the fellows of some other regiment.
+Suddenly, without any warning, the windows were filled with a crowd of
+Sepoys, who opened fire right and left into us. Half the fellows were
+shot down at once; the rest of us made a rush to our swords just as the
+niggers came swarming into the room. There was a desperate fight for a
+moment. I remember that Subadar Pirán--one of the best native officers
+in the regiment, by the way--made a rush at me, and I shot him through
+the head with a revolver. At the same moment a ball hit me, and down I
+went. At the moment a Sepoy fell dead across me, hiding me partly from
+sight. The fight lasted a minute or two longer. I fancy a few fellows
+escaped, for I heard shots outside. Then the place became quiet. In
+another minute I heard a crackling, and saw that the devils had set the
+mess-room on fire. One of our men, who was lying close by me, got up and
+crawled to the window, but he was shot down the moment he showed
+himself. I was hesitating whether to do the same or to lie still and be
+smothered, when suddenly I rolled the dead Sepoy off, crawled into the
+anteroom half-suffocated by smoke, raised the lid of a very heavy
+trapdoor, and stumbled down some steps into a place, half-storehouse
+half-cellar, under the mess-room. How I knew about it being there I
+don't know. The trap closed over my head with a bang. That is all I
+remember.'
+
+"'Well, Charley, curiously enough my dream was also about an
+extraordinary escape from danger, lasting, like yours, only a minute or
+two. The first thing I remember--there seems to have been something
+before, but what, I don't know--I was on horseback, holding a very
+pretty but awfully pale girl in front of me. We were pursued by a whole
+troop of Sepoy cavalry, who were firing pistol-shots at us. We were not
+more than seventy or eighty yards in front, and they were gaining fast,
+just as I rode into a large deserted temple. In the center was a huge
+stone figure. I jumped off my horse with the lady, and as I did so she
+said, "blow out my brains, Edward; don't let me fall into their hands."
+
+"'Instead of answering, I hurried her round behind the idol, pushed
+against one of the leaves of a flower in the carving, and the stone
+swung back, and showed a hole just large enough to get through, with a
+stone staircase inside the body of the idol, made, no doubt, for the
+priest to go up and give responses through the mouth. I hurried the girl
+through, crept in after her, and closed the stone, just as our pursuers
+came clattering into the courtyard. That is all I remember.'
+
+"'Well, it is monstrously rum,' Charley said, after a pause. 'Did you
+understand what the old fellow was singing about before he gave us the
+pipes?'
+
+"'Yes; I caught the general drift. It was an entreaty to Siva to give us
+some glimpse of futurity which might benefit us.'
+
+"We lit our cheroots and rode for some miles at a brisk canter without
+remark. When we were within a short distance of home we reined up.
+
+"'I feel ever so much better,' Charley said. 'We have got that opium out
+of our heads now. How do you account for it all, Harley?'
+
+"'I account for it in this way, Charley. The opium naturally had the
+effect of making us both dream, and as we took similar doses of the same
+mixture, under similar circumstances, it is scarcely extraordinary that
+it should have effected the same portion of the brain, and caused a
+certain similarity in our dreams. In all nightmares something terrible
+happens, or is on the point of happening; and so it was here. Not
+unnaturally in both our cases our thoughts turned to soldiers. If you
+remember, there was a talk at mess some little time since as to what
+would happen in the extremely unlikely event of the Sepoys mutinying in
+a body. I have no doubt that was the foundation of both our dreams. It
+is all natural enough when we come to think it over calmly. I think, by
+the way, we had better agree to say nothing at all about it in the
+regiment.'
+
+"'I should think not,' Charley said. 'We should never hear the end of
+it; they would chaff us out of our lives.'
+
+"We kept our secret, and came at last to laugh over it heartily when we
+were together. Then the subject dropped, and by the end of a year had as
+much escaped our minds as any other dream would have done. Three months
+after the affair the regiment was ordered down to Allahabad, and the
+change of place no doubt helped to erase all memory of the dream. Four
+years after we had left Jubbalpore we went to Beerapore. The time is
+very marked in my memory, because, the very week we arrived there, your
+aunt, then Miss Gardiner, came out from England, to her father, our
+colonel. The instant I saw her I was impressed with the idea that I knew
+her intimately. I recollected her face, her figure, and the very tone of
+her voice, but wherever I had met her I could not conceive. Upon the
+occasion of my first introduction to her I could not help telling her
+that I was convinced that we had met, and asking her if she did not
+remember it. No, she did not remember, but very likely she might have
+done so, and she suggested the names of several people at whose houses
+we might have met. I did not know any of them. Presently she asked how
+long I had been out in India?
+
+"'Six years,' I said.
+
+"'And how old, Mr. Harley,' she said, 'do you take me to be?'
+
+"I saw in one instant my stupidity, and was stammering out an apology,
+when she went on:
+
+"'I am very little over eighteen, Mr. Harley, although I evidently look
+ever so many years older; but papa can certify to my age; so I was only
+twelve when you left England.'
+
+"I tried in vain to clear matters up. Your aunt would insist that I took
+her to be forty, and the fun that my blunder made rather drew us
+together, and gave me a start over the other fellows at the station,
+half of whom fell straightway in love with her. Some months went on, and
+when the mutiny broke out we were engaged to be married. It is a proof
+of how completely the opium-dreams had passed out of the minds of both
+Simmonds and myself, that even when rumors of general disaffection among
+the Sepoys began to be current, they never once recurred to us; and
+even when the news of the actual mutiny reached us we were just as
+confident as were the others of the fidelity of our own regiment. It was
+the old story, foolish confidence and black treachery. As at very many
+other stations, the mutiny broke out when we were at mess. Our regiment
+was dining with the 34th Bengalees. Suddenly, just as dinner was over,
+the window was opened, and a tremendous fire poured in. Four or five men
+fell dead at once, and the poor colonel, who was next to me, was shot
+right through the head. Everyone rushed to his sword and drew his
+pistol--for we had been ordered to carry pistols as part of our uniform.
+I was next to Charley Simmonds as the Sepoys of both regiments, headed
+by Subadar Pirán, poured in at the windows.
+
+"'I have it now,' Charley said; 'it is the scene I dreamed.'
+
+"As he spoke he fired his revolver at the subadar, who fell dead in his
+tracks.
+
+"A Sepoy close by leveled his musket and fired. Charley fell, and the
+fellow rushed forward to bayonet him. As he did so I sent a bullet
+through his head, and he fell across Charley. It was a wild fight for a
+minute or two, and then a few of us made a sudden rush together, cut our
+way through the mutineers, and darted through an open window on to the
+parade. There were shouts, shots, and screams from the officers'
+bungalows, and in several places flames were already rising. What
+became of the other men I knew not; I made as hard as I could tear for
+the colonel's bungalow. Suddenly I came upon a sowar sitting on his
+horse watching the rising flames. Before he saw me I was on him, and ran
+him through. I leapt on his horse and galloped down to Gardiner's
+compound. I saw lots of Sepoys in and around the bungalow, all engaged
+in looting. I dashed into the compound.
+
+"'May! May!' I shouted. 'Where are you?'
+
+"I had scarcely spoken before a dark figure rushed out of a clump of
+bushes close by with a scream of delight.
+
+"In an instant she was on the horse before me, and, shooting down a
+couple of fellows who made a rush at my reins, I dashed out again. Stray
+shots were fired after us. But fortunately the Sepoys were all busy
+looting, most of them had laid down their muskets, and no one really
+took up the pursuit. I turned off from the parade-ground, dashed down
+between the hedges of two compounds, and in another minute we were in
+the open country.
+
+"Fortunately, the cavalry were all down looting their own lines, or we
+must have been overtaken at once. May happily had fainted as I lifted
+her on to my horse--happily, because the fearful screams that we heard
+from the various bungalows almost drove me mad, and would probably have
+killed her, for the poor ladies were all her intimate friends.
+
+"I rode on for some hours, till I felt quite safe from any immediate
+pursuit, and then we halted in the shelter of a clump of trees.
+
+"By this time I had heard May's story. She had felt uneasy at being
+alone, but had laughed at herself for being so, until upon her speaking
+to one of the servants he had answered in a tone of gross insolence,
+which had astonished her. She at once guessed that there was danger, and
+the moment that she was alone caught up a large, dark carriage rug,
+wrapped it round her so as to conceal her white dress, and stole out
+into the veranda. The night was dark, and scarcely had she left the
+house than she heard a burst of firing across at the mess-house. She at
+once ran in among the bushes and crouched there, as she heard the rush
+of men into the room she had just left. She heard them searching for
+her, but they were looking for a white dress, and her dark rug saved
+her. What she must have suffered in the five minutes between the firing
+of the first shots and my arrival, she only knows. May had spoken but
+very little since we started. I believe that she was certain that her
+father was dead, although I had given an evasive answer when she asked
+me; and her terrible sense of loss, added to the horror of that time of
+suspense in the garden, had completely stunned her. We waited in the
+tope until the afternoon, and then set out again.
+
+"We had gone but a short distance when we saw a body of the rebel
+cavalry in pursuit. They had no doubt been scouring the country
+generally, and the discovery was accidental. For a short time we kept
+away from them, but this could not be for long, as our horse was
+carrying double. I made for a sort of ruin I saw at the foot of a hill
+half a mile away. I did so with no idea of the possibility of
+concealment. My intention was simply to get my back to a rock and to
+sell my life as dearly as I could, keeping the last two barrels of the
+revolver for ourselves. Certainly no remembrance of my dream influenced
+me in any way, and in the wild whirl of excitement I had not given a
+second thought to Charley Simmonds' exclamation. As we rode up to the
+ruins only a hundred yards ahead of us, May said:
+
+"'Blow out my brains, Edward; don't let me fall alive into their hands.'
+
+"A shock of remembrance shot across me. The chase, her pale face, the
+words, the temple--all my dream rushed into my mind.
+
+"'We are saved,' I cried, to her amazement, as we rode into the
+courtyard, in whose center a great figure was sitting.
+
+"I leapt from the horse, snatched the mussuk of water from the saddle,
+and then hurried May round the idol, between which and the rock behind
+there was but just room to get along.
+
+"Not a doubt entered my mind but that I should find the spring as I had
+dreamed. Sure enough there was the carving, fresh upon my memory as if
+I had seen it but the day before. I placed my hand on the leaflet
+without hesitation, a solid stone moved back, I hurried my amazed
+companion in, and shut to the stone. I found, and shot to, a massive
+bolt, evidently placed to prevent the door being opened by accident or
+design when anyone was in the idol.
+
+"At first it seemed quite dark, but a faint light streamed in from
+above; we made our way up the stairs, and found that the light came
+through a number of small holes pierced in the upper part of the head,
+and through still smaller holes lower down, not much larger than a
+good-sized knitting-needle could pass through. These holes, we
+afterwards found, were in the ornaments round the idol's neck. The holes
+enlarged inside, and enabled us to have a view all round.
+
+"The mutineers were furious at our disappearance, and for hours searched
+about. Then, saying that we must be hidden somewhere, and that they
+would wait till we came out, they proceeded to bivouac in the courtyard
+of the temple.
+
+"We passed four terrible days, but on the morning of the fifth a scout
+came in to tell the rebels that a column of British troops marching on
+Delhi would pass close by the temple. They therefore hastily mounted and
+galloped off.
+
+"Three-quarters of an hour later we were safe among our own people. A
+fortnight afterwards your aunt and I were married. It was no time for
+ceremony then; there were no means of sending her away; no place where
+she could have waited until the time for her mourning for her father was
+over. So we were married quietly by one of the chaplains of the troops,
+and, as your story-books say, have lived very happily ever after."
+
+"And how about Mr. Simmonds, uncle? Did he get safe off too?"
+
+"Yes, his dream came as vividly to his mind as mine had done. He crawled
+to the place where he knew the trapdoor would be, and got into the
+cellar. Fortunately for him there were plenty of eatables there, and he
+lived there in concealment for a fortnight. After that he crawled out,
+and found the mutineers had marched for Delhi. He went through a lot,
+but at last joined us before that city. We often talked over our dreams
+together, and there was no question that we owed our lives to them. Even
+then we did not talk much to other people about them, for there would
+have been a lot of talk, and inquiry, and questions, and you know
+fellows hate that sort of thing. So we held our tongues. Poor Charley's
+silence was sealed a year later at Lucknow, for on the advance with Lord
+Clyde he was killed.
+
+"And now, boys and girls, you must run off to bed. Five minutes more and
+it will be Christmas Day. So you see, Frank, that although I don't
+believe in ghosts, I have yet met with a circumstance which I cannot
+account for."
+
+"It is very curious anyhow, uncle, and beats ghost stories into fits."
+
+"I like it better, certainly," one of the girls said, "for we can go to
+bed without being afraid of dreaming about it."
+
+"Well, you must not talk any more now. Off to bed, off to bed," Colonel
+Harley said, "or I shall get into terrible disgrace with your fathers
+and mothers, who have been looking very gravely at me for the last
+three-quarters of an hour."
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+    A second story, A PIPE OF MYSTERY, appears after the end of
+    Guy in the Jungle in the publication of the book from which
+    this transcription has been made. The page numbering does
+    not continue from the first story, indicating that perhaps
+    plates from a different book may have been used, possibly
+    from "Among Malay Pirates--A Tale of Adventure and Peril"
+    by G. A. Henty, published also by M. A. Donohue & Company.
+
+    The words "weazened" and "dhoolie", alternative spelling
+    for burnous/burnouse, and alternative hyphenation in
+    today/to-day and eggshell/egg-shell have been retained as
+    they appear in the original publication.
+
+    Changes have been made as follows:
+
+    Page 3
+
+    Copyrighted 1890 _changed to_
+    Copyrighted 1890,
+
+    Page 7
+
+    to old friends, and, to attend to _changed to_
+    to old friends, and to attend to
+
+    Page 9
+
+    and to distingussh, if possible, _changed to_
+    and to distinguish, if possible,
+
+    Page 10
+
+    is a remarkably fine day, sir," _changed to_
+    is a remarkably fine day, sir."
+
+    Page 11
+
+    "Well, Mr. Torres" he said _changed to_
+    "Well, Mr. Torres," he said
+
+    Page 12
+
+    but my name in Chutney." _changed to_
+    but my name is Chutney."
+
+    Page 18
+
+    gold-dust,aromatic spices, _changed to_
+    gold-dust, aromatic spices,
+
+    Page 21
+
+    while the blood dripped down frrm _changed to_
+    while the blood dripped down from
+
+    Page 31
+
+    we proced to Zaila _changed to_
+    we proceed to Zaila
+
+    Page 36
+
+    and were delayed by an acident _changed to_
+    and were delayed by an accident
+
+    Page 42
+
+    but no hostile demnostration was _changed to_
+    but no hostile demonstration was
+
+    Page 45
+
+    Kakar's investing this bloody outbreak _changed to_
+    Makar's investing this bloody outbreak
+
+    Page 46
+
+    who suddenly appearedover the sand,hills _changed to_
+    who suddenly appeared over the sand-hills
+
+    Page 49
+
+    and Markar is his servant. _changed to_
+    and Makar is his servant."
+
+    know what was coming _changed to_
+    knew what was coming
+
+    Page 50
+
+    prayers would aiike be _changed to_
+    prayers would alike be
+
+    Page 53
+
+    In the original publication, the following paragraph appeared
+    as:
+
+    The caravan was now ready to start. At the last filed at a slow
+    trot over the sandy plain in a southerly minute Makar Makalo
+    passed carelessly by Guy and whispered, "Keep good heart. Makar
+    no forget." Then he vanished in the crowd, and, with a loud cheer
+    to speed them on their way, the line of camels direction.
+
+    and has been _changed to_:
+
+    The caravan was now ready to start. At the last minute Makar
+    Makalo passed carelessly by Guy and whispered, "Keep good heart.
+    Makar no forget." Then he vanished in the crowd, and, with a loud
+    cheer to speed them on their way, the line of camels filed at a
+    slow trot over the sandy plain in a southerly direction.
+
+    Page 55
+
+    layind hold of Sir Arthur _changed to_
+    laying hold of Sir Arthur
+
+    Page 61
+
+    with, hatred that fanaticism alone _changed to_
+    with hatred that fanaticism alone
+
+    Page 71
+
+    resisting the invaders., _changed to_
+    resisting the invaders.
+
+    Page 106
+
+    we'll be out of reach of these fiends. ages." _changed to_
+    we'll be out of reach of these fiends."
+
+    Page 112
+
+    Arican sun had gone down _changed to_
+    African sun had gone down
+
+    Page 128
+
+    "We have found it?" _changed to_
+    "We have found it!"
+
+    snatched from sight immediately _changed to_
+    snatched from sight immediately.
+
+    Page 129
+
+    where shall ge get more _changed to_
+    where shall we get more
+
+    Page 134
+
+    Must we starve, then" _changed to_
+    Must we starve, then?"
+
+    Page 136
+
+    Makaol at Zaila _changed to_
+    Makalo at Zaila
+
+    Page 141
+
+    declaration had it seffect _changed to_
+    declaration had its effect
+
+    Page 156
+
+    groaned Sir Arthus _changed to_
+    groaned Sir Arthur
+
+    Page 174
+
+    peaceful montony of the colonel's record _changed to_
+    peaceful monotony of the colonel's record
+
+    Page 183
+
+    "Melton's hearing was unusually _changed to_
+    Melton's hearing was unusually
+
+    Page 226
+
+    Melton huried off at once _changed to_
+    Melton hurried off at once
+
+    Page 243
+
+    "Oh,' says young Ormsby _changed to_
+    "'Oh,' says young Ormsby
+
+    Page 253
+
+    I see a cavern, _changed to_
+    "I see a cavern,
+
+    Page 263
+
+    Hold out a little longer. "I _changed to_
+    Hold out a little longer. I
+
+    Page 292
+
+    and was conveyed by them to Makar Makolo _changed to_
+    and was conveyed by them to Makar Makalo
+
+    Page 293
+
+    Mombagolo, the burman _changed to_
+    Mombagolo, the Burman
+
+    Page 213 in the second story, A PIPE OF MYSTERY
+
+    half-storehouse half cellar, _changed to_
+    half-storehouse half-cellar,
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Guy in the Jungle, by William Murray Graydon
+
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Guy in the Jungle, by William Murray Graydon
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+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Guy in the Jungle, by William Murray Graydon
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Guy in the Jungle
+       A Boy's Adventure in the Wilds of Africa
+
+Author: William Murray Graydon
+
+Release Date: May 11, 2010 [EBook #32329]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUY IN THE JUNGLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><a name="contents" id="contents"></a>Contents</h2>
+
+<table summary="Contents">
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr"><small>Chapter</small></td>
+<td class="tdr2" colspan="2"><small>Page</small></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdl">PROLOGUE.</td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#prologue">5</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">I.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Stolen Despatches.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#i">9</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">II.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Strange Meeting.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ii">16</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">III.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Arab's Warning.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iii">23</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">IV.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Alarm.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iv">30</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">V.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Night on the Roof.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#v">38</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">VI.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Fate Worse Than Death.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vi">44</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">VII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sold into Slavery.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vii">51</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">VIII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Separation.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#viii">57</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">IX.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Close Shave.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ix">62</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">X.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Slave Prison.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#x">68</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XI.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Canaris Unfolds a Tale.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xi">76</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Daring Move.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xii">83</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XIII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Flight Through the Town.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiii">91</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XIV.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Over the Walls.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiv">99</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XV.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Pursuit.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xv">106</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XVI.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Besieged.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvi">113</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XVII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Close Shave.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvii">120</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XVIII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Underground River.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xviii">127</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XIX.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Daring Expedition.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xix">135</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XX.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By a Hair's Breadth.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xx">142</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXI.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Cut off from the Outer World.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxi">150</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">An Unwelcome Visitor.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxii">158</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXIII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A wonderful Escape.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiii">165</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXIV.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sir Arthur Wakes at the Right Time.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiv">172</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXV.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Journey on the Lake.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxv">179</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXVI.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Isle of Skeletons.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxvi">187</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXVII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">All Hope Vanishes.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxvii">195</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXVIII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Desperate Fight.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxviii">203</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXIX.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Guy Saves Sir Arthur.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxix">210</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXX.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Strange Discovery.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxx">217</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXI.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Terrible Blunder.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxi">224</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Good-by to the Lake.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxii">232</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXIII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Terrible Ride.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxiii">238</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXIV.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">More Misery.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxiv">247</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXV.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Bildad Drinks New Life.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxv">255</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXVI.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Bildad Turns Cannibal.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxvi">262</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXVII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The End of the Cavern.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxvii">270</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXVIII.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Captain Becker Loses a Wager.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxviii">278</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">XXXIX.</td>
+<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Conclusion.</span></td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxix">285</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdl">A PIPE OF MYSTERY.</td>
+<td class="tdr2"><a href="#pipe">199</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr />
+
+
+
+<h1>GUY <i>in the</i><br />
+JUNGLE</h1>
+
+<hr class="hr3" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="400" height="615" alt="Cover" title="" />
+<span class="caption">GUY <i>in the</i> JUNGLE<br />
+Wm. MURRAY GRAYDON</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i001.jpg" width="400" height="633" alt="Frontispiece" title="" />
+<span class="caption">THEN THE SPEAR FLASHED IN THE TORCHLIGHT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/tp.jpg" width="400" height="522" alt="Title Page" title="" />
+<span class="caption" style="display: none;"><i>Guy in the Jungle</i><br />
+<br />
+OR<br />
+<i>A Boy's Adventure in the<br />
+Wilds of Africa</i><br />
+<br />
+BY<br />
+<br />
+<i>William Murray Graydon.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Author of "Jungles and Traitors", "In Barracks and<br />
+Wigwam", "The Camp in the Snow", Etc.</i><br />
+<br />
+CHICAGO:<br />
+<span class="smcap">M. A. Donohue &amp; Co.</span></span><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr" />
+
+<h5>Copyrighted <a name="comma" id="comma"></a><ins title="added comma">1890,</ins>,<br />
+by <span class="smcap">Frank A. Munsey</span><br />
+<br />
+Copyrighted, 1902,<br />
+by <span class="smcap">Thompson &amp; Thomas</span></h5>
+
+
+
+<hr class="hr3" />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>
+The River of Darkness.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><a name="prologue" id="prologue"></a>PROLOGUE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>It was November in London. The great city was buried under a dank,
+yellow fog. Traffic was temporarily checked; foot passengers groped
+their way by the light of the street lamps, and the hoarse shouts of the
+link boys running before cabs and carriages with blazing torches rang at
+intervals above the muffled rumble of countless wheels.</p>
+
+<p>In the coffee-room of a quiet hotel on the Strand a young man stands by
+the window, looking pensively out on the misty street. He is quite
+young, with light hair that falls half over his forehead, and a
+drooping, golden mustache, and in rather startling contrast to these a
+deep-bronzed complexion that tells of foreign lands and tropical suns.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Chutney, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>It is a hotel servant, with a big blue envelope in his hand, and, as the
+young man wheels round, he reveals the uniform and bright facings of a
+captain of hussars.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am Captain Chutney," he replies to the servant. "Thank you,"
+and, taking the blue document, he stands for a moment in deep
+thoughtfulness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>Well may he hesitate to break that official seal which glares up at him
+so broadly. Were the gift of futurity his, and could he see mirrored
+before him the dread panorama of events that are inevitably linked with
+that innocent-looking missive, he would fling it with horror-stricken
+hands into the coal-fire that burns on the grate beside him.</p>
+
+<p>But no disturbing thought enters his mind. The future looks bright and
+cheerful enough just at present, and ripping open the end of the
+envelope without breaking the seal, he pulls out a folded paper and
+reads:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Colonial Office, Downing Street, S. W.</span></p>
+<p class="noi"><span class="smcap">To Captain Guy Chutney:</span></p>
+<p>Your immediate presence is requested on urgent affairs.</p>
+<p class="right">(Signed)      &mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash;<br />
+<span class="smcap">Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs.</span></p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Chutney looks with some surprise at the famous signature attached with a
+bold hand. He places the letter in his pocket, pushes open a swinging
+door at the left, and vanishes up a broad stairway.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes he reappears, clad in a big mackintosh, and, calling a
+cab, he rattles off westward through the fog.</p>
+
+<p>He is not in the best of humors. He had made other plans for the day,
+for his furlough is up, and tomorrow he leaves for India to rejoin his
+regiment. He had come up yesterday from the country, where he had put in
+a week at grouse hunting with his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> brother, Sir Lucas Chutney, and today
+he intended bidding good-by to old friends, <a name="comma2" id="comma2"></a><ins title="removed comma">and to</ins> attend to the
+making of a few purchases.</p>
+
+<p>Downing Street is not far away, and presently the cab rolls into
+Whitehall and draws up before the big granite building.</p>
+
+<p>Guy makes his way through the spacious corridors thronged with clerks,
+civilians, foreigners from every part of the globe, and at last reaches
+the private apartments of the chief.</p>
+
+<p>The Right Honorable Lord is deeply engaged, but his private secretary
+receives Chutney cordially, and, leading him back into a still more
+secluded and stately apartment, motions him to a soft chair and sits
+down opposite him.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Chutney," he begins abruptly, "you leave for India tomorrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"India Mail, eight o'clock in the morning," Guy replies briefly.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. We are going to intrust you with a very important
+commission. You will stop off at Aden, cross the Gulf of Aden in the
+semi-weekly steamer, and present these documents to Sir Arthur Ashby,
+the Political Resident of Zaila, the fortified town of the Somali Coast
+Protectorate."</p>
+
+<p>The secretary hands Guy two bulky envelopes, stamped and sealed with the
+government seal.</p>
+
+<p>"They relate to affairs of importance," he continues.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> "Your gallant
+record justifies us in intrusting the papers to your care. You can
+return in time to take the next steamer. Perhaps I had better tell you
+this much in confidence," the secretary adds:</p>
+
+<p>"We have received from certain sources information to the effect that
+the Emir of Harar, on the southern harbor of Abyssinia, contemplates at
+no distant date an attack on Zaila. Our garrison there is weak, and, as
+you probably know, the Somali country is treacherous and unreliable.
+These papers contain necessary instructions for the Political Resident."</p>
+
+<p>The secretary rises, and Guy gladly follows his example.</p>
+
+<p>"I will see that the papers are delivered," he says earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," the secretary responded. "I am sure that you will. I wish
+you a safe voyage, Captain Chutney, and fresh Burmese laurels, for you
+will no doubt take part in the Chittagong expedition."</p>
+
+<p>They shake hands warmly, and in five minutes Guy is rattling cityward
+again through the increasing fog. Long afterward he looks back on that
+morning as the most memorable day of his life. At present his commission
+sits lightly on his mind. He attends to all his duties in London,
+catches the India Mail, and two days later is steaming across the
+Mediterranean on board the P. and O. steamship Cleopatra.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+<a name="i" id="i"></a>CHAPTER I.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE STOLEN DESPATCHES.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Steadily the Cleopatra had traversed the Mediterranean, passed through
+the Suez Canal, plowed the burning waters of the Red Sea, and now, on
+this bright, sultry day, Aden was left behind, and with smoking funnels
+she was heading swiftly and boldly for the Indian Ocean.</p>
+
+<p>A smaller steamer, a mere pigmy beside this gigantic Indian liner, had
+left the harbor of Aden at the same time, and was beating in a
+southwesterly direction across the gulf with a speed that was rapidly
+increasing the distance between the two vessels.</p>
+
+<p>On the upper deck stood Guy Chutney, straining his eyes through a pair
+of field-glasses to catch a last glimpse of the Cleopatra, and to
+<a name="distinguish" id="distinguish"></a><ins title="original has distingussh">distinguish</ins>, if possible, the figures grouped under the
+white awnings. He had only arrived at Aden last night, and now he was
+bound for the dreary African coast, while all the gay friends he had
+made on board the Cleopatra were steaming merrily off for Calcutta
+without him.</p>
+
+<p>It was by no means a comforting state of affairs, and Guy's spirits were
+at their lowest ebb as the steamer finally faded into the horizon. He
+put up the glasses and strode forward. From the lower deck came a
+confused babel of sounds, a harsh jabbering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> of foreign languages that
+grated roughly on his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a remarkably fine day, <a name="comma3" id="comma3"></a><ins title="comma changed to fullstop">sir.</ins>"</p>
+
+<p>It was the captain who spoke, a bluff, hearty man, who looked oddly out
+of place in white linen and a solar topee.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a grand day," said Guy. "May I ask when we are due at Zaila?"</p>
+
+<p>"At Zaila?" repeated the captain, with a look of sudden surprise. "Ah,
+yes. Possibly tomorrow, probably not until the following day."</p>
+
+<p>It was now Guy's turn to be surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to tell me," he said, "that it takes two or three days to
+cross the Gulf of Aden?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied the captain briskly. "You are surely aware, my dear sir,
+that we proceed first to Berbera, and thence up the coast to Zaila."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have deceived me, sir," cried Guy hotly. "You told me this
+morning that this steamer went to Zaila."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I did," replied the captain. "You didn't ask for any more
+information, or I should have told you that we went to Berbera first.
+The great annual fair has just opened at Berbera, and I have on board
+large stores of merchandise and trading properties. On other occasions I
+go to Zaila first, but during the progress of the fair I always go
+direct to Berbera and unload. I supposed that fact to be generally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
+understood," and, turning on his heel, the captain walked off to give
+some orders to his men.</p>
+
+<p>Guy was half inclined to be angry at first, but on reflection he
+concluded he was just as well satisfied. Besides, it would give him a
+chance to see that wonderful African fair, which he now remembered to
+have heard about on different occasions.</p>
+
+<p>But one other person was visible on the deck, a short, chunky man, with
+a dark complexion, and crafty, forbidding features.</p>
+
+<p>A Portuguese or a Spaniard Guy put him down for at once, and he
+instantly conceived a deep mistrust of him. The fellow, however, was
+inclined to be sociable.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, an Englishman," he said, coming up to Guy and holding out his hand,
+an action which Guy professed not to see.</p>
+
+<p>"You are going to Berbera, perhaps," he went on, nowise discomfited by
+the rebuff.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Guy shortly. "To Zaila."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, Zaila! You have friends there, perhaps? I, too, am acquainted.
+I know very well Sir Arthur Ashby, the governor at Zaila."</p>
+
+<p>His keen eyes scanned Guy's face closely, and noted the faint gleam of
+surprise at this information.</p>
+
+<p>But Guy was too clever to be thrown off his guard.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>"Yes," he said. "I know some people here. I have not the pleasure of Sir
+Arthur's acquaintance."</p>
+
+<p>He would have turned away at this point, but the man pulled a card from
+his pocket and presented it to him. Guy glanced it over with interest:</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">C. Manuel Torres</span>,<br />
+<i>Trader at Aden and Berbera</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"A vile Portuguese slave-hunter," he thought to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mr. <a name="comma4" id="comma4"></a><ins title="comma added">Torres,</ins>" he said. "I am sorry that I have no cards about me,
+but my name <a name="is" id="is"></a><ins title="original has in">is</ins> Chutney."</p>
+
+<p>The Portuguese softly whispered the name once or twice. Then, without
+further questioning, he offered Guy a cigar, and lit one himself.</p>
+
+<p>Manuel Torres proved to be quite an interesting companion, and gave Guy
+a vivid account of the wonders of the fair.</p>
+
+<p>As they went below at dinner time he pointed out on the corner of the
+dock a great stack of wooden boxes.</p>
+
+<p>"Those are mine," he said. "They contain iron and steel implements for
+the natives and Arabs."</p>
+
+<p>"They look like rifle cases," Guy remarked carelessly; and, looking at
+the Portuguese as he spoke, he fancied that the dark face actually
+turned gray for an instant. In a moment they were seated at the table,
+and the brief occurrence was forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>All that afternoon they steamed on across the gulf,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> overhead the blue
+and cloudless sky, beneath them waters of even deeper blue, and at
+sunset the yellow coast line of the African continent loomed up from the
+purple distance.</p>
+
+<p>Guy had been dozing under an awning most of the afternoon, but now he
+came forward eagerly to get his first glimpse of eastern Africa.</p>
+
+<p>To his great disappointment, the captain refused to land.</p>
+
+<p>It was risky, he said, to make a landing at night, and it would be dark
+when they entered the harbor. They must lie at anchor till morning.</p>
+
+<p>Most of the night Guy paced up and down the deck sleeping at brief
+intervals, and listening with eager curiosity to the strange sounds that
+floated out on the air from the shore, where the flickering glare of
+many torches could be seen.</p>
+
+<p>Stretched on a mattress, the Portuguese slept like a log, without once
+awakening.</p>
+
+<p>Before dawn the anchors were lifted, and at the captain's suggestion Guy
+hastened down to his cabin to gather up his scanty luggage, for most of
+his traps had gone on to Calcutta in the Cleopatra.</p>
+
+<p>He buckled on his sword, put his revolvers in his pocket, clapped his
+big solar topee on his head, and then reached down for the morocco
+traveling case which he had stored away for better security under his
+berth.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>A cry of horror burst from his lips as he dragged it out. The lock was
+broken, and the sides were flapping apart. For one brief second he
+stared at it like a madman, and then, with frantic haste, he fell on his
+knees, and, plunging his hands inside, began to toss the contents
+recklessly out upon the floor. Toilet articles, linen, cigars,
+writing-paper, jewelry, and various other things piled up until his
+finger nails scraped the bottom. He turned the case bottom up and shook
+it savagely, shook it until the silver clasps rattled against the sides,
+and then he sank back with a groan, while the drops of perspiration
+chased each other down his haggard cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>The precious despatches were gone.</p>
+
+<p>For the time being Guy was fairly driven out of his senses by the horror
+of the calamity. Ruin stared him in the face. What madness it was to
+leave those papers in his cabin! He had foolishly hesitated to carry
+them on his person for fear the perspiration would soak them through and
+through, and now they were hopelessly lost. The cabin door had been
+locked, too. The thief must have had a key.</p>
+
+<p>The first shock over, his manliness asserted itself, and he took a
+critical view of the situation. He hardly suspected any person as yet.
+The despatches must be recovered. That was the first step.</p>
+
+<p>He flew up the stairs, three at a time, and rushed panting and
+breathless upon deck.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>All about him was the hurry and bustle of preparation. The shore was
+close at hand, and the steamer was moving toward the rude wharf. Manuel
+Torres was leaning over the rail, coolly smoking a cigar. The captain
+stood near by, gazing intently at the shore. He looked up with wonder as
+Guy appeared, crying out in hoarse tones:</p>
+
+<p>"I have been robbed, captain, treacherously robbed. Documents of the
+greatest importance have been stolen from my cabin, and not a soul shall
+leave this steamer till every inch of it has been searched. I demand
+your assistance, sir!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+<a name="ii" id="ii"></a>CHAPTER II.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A STRANGE MEETING.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Torres looked up in apparent surprise from his cigar, and the captain's
+ruddy face flashed a shade deeper.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure, sir?" he cried. "This is a strange place for a robbery."</p>
+
+<p>Guy turned on him hotly.</p>
+
+<p>"A robbery has been committed, nevertheless, and the articles stolen are
+despatches for the governor of Zaila. They were intrusted to me for
+delivery, and I look to you to recover them."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Government despatches, were they?" said the captain. "Just step
+below and we'll look into the matter."</p>
+
+<p>They turned toward the cabin, leaving the Portuguese still gazing over
+the rail.</p>
+
+<p>At the foot of the steps the captain stopped.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, what's this?" he said, stooping down and pulling from under the
+lowest step a bunch of papers.</p>
+
+<p>"The stolen despatches!" cried Guy wildly. "But look! The seals have
+been broken."</p>
+
+<p>Together they inspected the documents. Each envelope had been opened,
+but the contents appeared to be all right. The thief had plainly been
+satisfied with their perusal.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>"Whoever stole them," said the captain, "was afraid to retain them lest
+a search should be made, and as he had no way to destroy them he tossed
+them down here where they could easily be found."</p>
+
+<p>"Who else had a key to my cabin?" Guy asked sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"The key to Torres' cabin will open yours," replied the captain, "and
+several of the crew also have keys."</p>
+
+<p>"Then Torres is the man," said Guy. "The scoundrel looks capable of
+anything."</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't advise you to accuse him," said the captain gravely. "He may
+cause trouble for you on shore. You must remember that British influence
+is little felt at Berbera. Your best plan is to say nothing, but relate
+the whole affair to the governor at Zaila. And now, as we may lie in the
+harbor here all day, you had better go on shore. You will see a strange
+sight."</p>
+
+<p>Guy put the recovered documents away in an inner pocket, and followed
+the captain on deck, in a very angry frame of mind. Torres had
+disappeared, but Guy felt that he had not seen the last of him.</p>
+
+<p>He half forgot his anger in the strange sight that now met his eyes, for
+the steamer was just approaching the wharf, and in a moment the
+gang-plank was dropped over the side.</p>
+
+<p>He waited until the eager, jostling crowd of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> Arabs had passed over, and
+then he made his way to shore. The spectacle before him was marvelous
+and entrancing.</p>
+
+<p>Extending apparently for miles up and down the yellow stretch of sand
+that fringed the coast was one great sea of canvas that fluttered under
+the African breeze.</p>
+
+<p>There were tents of every description, some old and dingy, some
+spotlessly white and shining, and others brilliant in many colors,
+barred with red and green and yellow, while here and there, from their
+midst, rose the sun-baked walls and towers of the original Berbera, for
+all this floating canvas belonged to the nomadic population who flock
+hither from the interior during the fair, and add twenty thousand to the
+perennial population of the town.</p>
+
+<p>Dazed as though in a dream, Guy moved forward, noting with wonder the
+strange people who thronged about him and regarded him with evident
+mistrust. Borne on by the crowd, he found himself presently in the main
+avenue of the fair, and his first amazed impression was that he had been
+transported to a scene in the "Arabian Nights."</p>
+
+<p>On either side of the narrow street stretched the sea of tents, and
+before them, on rude stalls, were ranged everything that the imagination
+could devise: sacks of coffee and grain, great heaps of glittering
+ivory, packets of <a name="space" id="space"></a><ins title="added space">gold-dust, aromatic</ins>
+spices, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> fragrant gums of all sorts, great bunches of waving ostrich
+plumes, bales of cotton and tobacco, tanned hides of domestic animals,
+tawny skins of lions, leopards, and panthers, oddly-woven grass mats,
+quaint arms, and bits of carving, fetish ornaments, and even live cattle
+and sheep tied to the poles of the tents.</p>
+
+<p>Standing guard over their wares were natives from all parts of Africa,
+Arabs from the Zambesi, savage-looking Abyssinians, crafty Somalis with
+greasy, dangling locks, and brawny, half-naked fellows from the
+interior, the like of whom Guy had never seen or heard.</p>
+
+<p>And up and down the narrow street moved in a ceaseless throng the
+traders who had come to purchase: Arabs from Aden and Suakim, Egyptians
+from Cairo, traders from Zanzibar, and a sprinkling of Portuguese and
+Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>Some of them bore their goods on camels, others had hired native
+carriers, who staggered under the heavy bales and cases, and the uproar
+was deafening and incessant as they wrangled over their bartering and
+dazzled the eyes of their customers with rolls of English and French
+silks, pigs of iron, copper, and brass, sacks of rice and sugar,
+glittering Manchester cutlery, American beads, and cans of gunpowder.</p>
+
+<p>The builders of the tower of Babel itself could not have produced such a
+jargon or variety of tongues,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> Guy thought, as he picked his way onward,
+now stopping to gaze at some odd-looking group, and now attracted by the
+harsh music and beating drums of a band of native musicians.</p>
+
+<p>He noted with secret satisfaction the occasional presence in the crowd
+of a dark-skinned soldier in British uniform, and he observed with some
+surprise the vast number of Abyssinian Arabs, whom he recognized by
+their peculiar dress.</p>
+
+<p>Finally a stranger sight than all arrested his steps. In a small
+inclosure, cordoned off by a rope, lay a dozen poor slaves shackled to
+stakes driven deep in the ground and exposed to the burning sun.</p>
+
+<p>Their owner, a brawny negro with a head-dress of feathers, a native of
+the Galla country, was disputing over their purchase with a gigantic
+Arab, whose powerful frame irresistibly fascinated Guy's attention.</p>
+
+<p>He wore a loosely-flapping cotton gown, confined at the waist by a belt
+that fairly bristled with knives and pistols, while a scarlet burnous
+was drawn over his head, affording a brilliant set-off to the glittering
+eyes, the tawny, shining skin, and the short chin-beard and mustache.</p>
+
+<p>Behind the group of slaves, chained to the pole of a spacious tent, lay
+a sleek and glossy leopard, sleeping in the sun as unconcernedly as
+though he were in the midst of his native desert. The Arab, unaware<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+probably of the beast's presence, walked slowly round the circle
+inspecting his prospective purchase.</p>
+
+<p>The leopard perhaps was dreaming of the days when he was wont to chase
+the deer through the jungle, for suddenly his spotted body quivered and
+his long tail shot out like a stiffened serpent. The Arab's sandaled
+foot came down on the tapering end, and with a scream of rage the beast
+sprang up.</p>
+
+<p>Overcome by a sudden fright, the Arab staggered backward a pace, and
+like a flash the leopard shot to the end of his chain, and fastening
+teeth and claws on the unfortunate man's neck, bore him to the ground.
+Panic-stricken, those who stood near made no move. The big negro danced
+wildly up and down, keeping well out of reach of his savage pet, and the
+slaves howled with fright.</p>
+
+<p>An instant's delay and the man was lost. Suddenly Guy drew his revolver
+and sprang forward.</p>
+
+<p>The negro uttered a howl and tried to push him back, but Guy forced his
+way past him, and pressing the revolver close to the brute's head pulled
+the trigger.</p>
+
+<p>It was a good shot. The leopard rolled over lifeless, and the Arab, with
+Guy's assistance, rose to his feet very dazed, while the blood dripped
+down <a name="from" id="from"></a><ins title="original has frrm">from</ins> his lacerated back.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the scene changed. The negro, angered at the death of his
+leopard, advanced menacingly on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> Guy with a drawn knife, and in response
+to his summons other negroes rallied to his aid.</p>
+
+<p>But the Arab, too, had friends in the crowd, and they, pressing forward
+in turn, made it seem as though a bloody conflict were inevitable.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the issue was trembling in the balance, a shout arose from the
+crowded street.</p>
+
+<p>"The white man! Make room for the white man!" and through the parted
+ranks Guy saw advancing a bronzed Englishman in white flannels and
+helmet.</p>
+
+<p>The stranger pushed right in through the sullen group of negroes until
+he reached the open space before the tent, and stood face to face with
+Guy.</p>
+
+<p>Their eyes met in one amazed glance that startled the wondering
+spectators, and then from Guy's lips burst a glad, hoarse cry:</p>
+
+<p>"Melton Forbes, or I am dreaming!"</p>
+
+<p>"Chutney, by Jove! My dear fellow, can it be possible?"</p>
+
+<p>All else forgotten in their deep joy of meeting, the two bronzed
+Englishmen fell into each other's arms, and the Arabs and negroes, dimly
+comprehending what it all meant, shouted in sympathy and lowered their
+arms.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+<a name="iii" id="iii"></a>CHAPTER III.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE ARAB'S WARNING.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>For a little while the British officer and the British newspaper
+correspondent could do nothing but stand off to look at each other, and
+then embrace again as though it were hard to believe that it was not all
+a dream.</p>
+
+<p>The Arabs and negroes had drawn to one side, and the big savage was
+wrathfully inspecting the body of the leopard.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said Melton, plucking Guy's arm, "we will find a quiet place
+where we can talk in peace."</p>
+
+<p>The crowd made way for them, but before they had taken half a dozen
+steps the big Arab staggered forward and seized Guy by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>"You brave man," he cried. "Makar never forget."</p>
+
+<p>He kept on with many protestations of gratitude until Guy tried to
+withdraw in embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait," said the Arab. "Come along. Me tell you something."</p>
+
+<p>He fairly dragged Guy back to the entrance of the tent where none could
+hear, and bending low he whispered in his ear:</p>
+
+<p>"Berbera no place for Inglis man this day. Better<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> go away, quick. Heed
+what Makar tell you. Now go."</p>
+
+<p>He fairly pushed Guy from him, and the latter, joining Melton, who had
+witnessed the scene with the greatest curiosity, led the way out into
+the street.</p>
+
+<p>A curious crowd followed them closely for some distance, and not a word
+was spoken until they had turned off into a side avenue lined with low
+mud buildings.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Melton quickly, "I need not tell you, my dear fellow, what a
+pleasant surprise this meeting has been, but all explanation must be
+deferred to a more suitable time. You have made a friend and an enemy
+today, for Makar Makalo is the most powerful Arab in the whole Somali
+country, while that big negro is Oko Sain, the head chief of all the
+Gallas who dwell two hundred miles back from the coast. What did Makar
+tell you?"</p>
+
+<p>Guy repeated the Arab's warning, and Melton stood for a moment in deep
+thought.</p>
+
+<p>"I suspected as much," he said finally. "Never before have there been so
+many Arabs and Somalis from the interior at Berbera. Only yesterday a
+caravan of two thousand camels arrived from Harar in the Galla country.
+Something is wrong, I have felt certain, and now Makar confirms my
+fears."</p>
+
+<p>A glimmering suspicion of the truth flashed over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> Guy's mind at this
+juncture, but he hesitated to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Now then," continued Melton, "this can mean nothing but a massacre. The
+only soldiers in the place are about sixty of the Bombay infantry, who
+were sent down here from Zaila, and as for the fortifications, they are
+nothing but a few mud walls. There they lie yonder," and he pointed to
+an English flag floating over the house-tops some distance away.</p>
+
+<p>"We are only wasting time here," he added. "We'll look about a little
+and then I'll decide what to do. I don't want to raise any false alarm."</p>
+
+<p>They turned back to the main avenue. The crowds still surged up and
+down, and the tumult seemed as harsh and discordant as ever, but the
+place had nevertheless undergone a change since they had left it a short
+time before. Little bartering was going on, and but few Arabs and
+Somalis were to be seen. Those on the street were mostly harmless
+traders from Aden and Cairo.</p>
+
+<p>"What has become of all the Arabs?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I want to know," said Melton; "I'll soon find out,
+though. Walk as fast as you can now, Chutney, and look as unconcerned as
+possible."</p>
+
+<p>Melton led the way down the street for a little distance, and, turning
+into a side passage, soon stopped before a low, one-story building.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>A dark-skinned fellow clad in ordinary Egyptian costume stood in the
+doorway, and with a cry of surprise Guy recognized Mombagolo, Forbes'
+trusty savage servant, who did much good service for them when they were
+in Burma together.</p>
+
+<p>Their greeting was brief and hasty.</p>
+
+<p>"I have work for you, Momba," said Melton. "Something is going on in the
+town, I don't know just what. You can go anywhere without being
+suspected. Find out what you can, and then come down to the wharf. Don't
+return here."</p>
+
+<p>The man hastened away at once, and then Guy and Melton started for the
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't give any alarm at the garrison," said Forbes, as they hurried
+along. "I'll wait till Momba reports. I don't suppose anything is
+contemplated before nightfall at the earliest, and, as the troops are
+scattered, it would only precipitate matters if I should have them
+called in."</p>
+
+<p>The last bale of goods was being unloaded from the steamer when they
+reached the wharf. The captain and officers were smoking cigars against
+the rail, and catching sight of Guy, the former called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't forget now. Six o'clock sharp."</p>
+
+<p>Guy nodded, and followed Melton to one side, where the two sat down on a
+bale of cotton. Melton briefly explained how he came to be at Berbera.
+After his return from Burma, he had been dispatched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> as war
+correspondent of the London <i>Post</i> to Suakim, which town was at that
+time threatened by the Mahdi.</p>
+
+<p>Mombagolo, or Momba as Melton now called him, had become his faithful
+servant, and a week ago, the war-scare at Suakim having subsided, Melton
+had come to Berbera to write up the great fair for his paper.</p>
+
+<p>Then Guy, in his turn, simply stated that he had stopped off on his way
+to India to execute a commission at Zaila. He made no reference to the
+dispatches, feeling doubtful whether it would be proper or not, for a
+government secret is a thing of weighty importance.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation drifted to their perilous adventures in Burma, and the
+time passed on unheeded.</p>
+
+<p>At last Melton glanced up.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you observe how quiet it is?" he exclaimed. "And look! There are but
+few people in sight."</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed quiet. A dead, oppressive calm had settled on the sea; not
+a breeze rustled, not a ripple broke the glassy surface of the water,
+and from the town, instead of the loud babel of cries, came only a low
+murmur like a distant waterfall. A strange calm indeed, the calm that
+serves as precursor to the unseen storm.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, with startling abruptness, a rifle-shot broke the silence with
+its shuddering echoes. Guy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> and Melton sprang to their feet. The
+officers on the steamer crowded to the rail, up in the town dark figures
+ran to and fro, a soldier in bright uniform was seen speeding toward the
+garrison, and now plunging madly toward the wharf came a white clad
+figure, pursued by a howling group of Somali warriors, who brandished
+long spears and daggers. A shot from Melton's pistol brought them to a
+sudden halt, and Momba, for it was indeed he, ran a few paces and fell
+breathless at his master's feet.</p>
+
+<p>"What fiendishness is this?" shouted the captain furiously, from the
+deck of the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>Momba staggered to his knees.</p>
+
+<p>"The Arabs!" he cried. "They are coming&mdash;they have rifles&mdash;the
+Portuguese&mdash;he broke open long boxes&mdash;and handed out guns&mdash;Makar's men
+all have them&mdash;the Somalis have them&mdash;they have plenty shells&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Guy ground his teeth.</p>
+
+<p>"The infernal scoundrel!" he cried. "So that's what those long boxes of
+his contained!"</p>
+
+<p>"You mean Torres?" exclaimed Melton. "I know the villain. He is a
+partner of Makar Makalo's. But come. We must fight our way to the
+garrison."</p>
+
+<p>Alas! too late! Bang&mdash;bang, bang&mdash;bang, a fusillade of rifle-fire rang
+out from the town, hideous yells of triumph mingled with cries of
+despair and agony, and over the garrison walls floated a constantly
+increasing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> cloud of white smoke. The firing deepened, and a hoarse yell
+arose as the English flag, shot from its staff, fluttered down into the
+curling smoke.</p>
+
+<p>"They are murdering the garrison!" cried Melton.</p>
+
+<p>He grasped a revolver in each hand, and would have gone madly forward,
+but at that moment a louder tumult burst forth close at hand, and
+swarming down the crooked street, curving in and out through the tents
+and heaped-up stalls, came a fierce and frantic horde of Arabs and
+Somalis, waving rifles and spears, and yelling like ten thousand fiends.</p>
+
+<p>"On board for your lives!" shouted the captain, and as Guy and Melton
+dashed over the gang-plank, followed by Momba, a kick from the captain
+sent it whirling down into the water.</p>
+
+<p>Providentially steam was up, slowly the engines started, the screw
+revolved, and just as the steamer moved lazily out into the harbor, the
+enraged mob swept to the very edge of the wharf. In futile rage they let
+fly showers of spears and a scattering rifle-fire that pierced and
+shattered the woodwork of the vessel, but fortunately without effect,
+for every man had got safely below.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+<a name="iv" id="iv"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE ALARM.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>They rushed upon deck again as soon as the steamer was beyond
+rifle-shot. A distant roar, like the blended shouts of thousands of
+people, floated across the water from the town, and at intervals a shot
+was fired.</p>
+
+<p>Smoke no longer hovered over the garrison. The last man had succumbed,
+and with the fall of the garrison the massacre seemed to have come to an
+end. The uprising had been directed against the British troops alone.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a terrible thing," said Melton, "and there is something back of
+it all. I can't understand it. Can it be possible the wretches have
+designs on Zaila, I wonder? It's a pity you interfered with that
+leopard, Chutney. If Makar Makalo had perished, this revolt might never
+have broken out. Makar is at the head of it, I know, and possibly he has
+influence behind him. He is an ally of that fanatical despot, Rao Khan,
+the Emir of Harar, who hates the English worse than poison, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Guy started at the mention of this name.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to see you a minute, Forbes," he cried excitedly; and, leading
+Melton to one side, he pulled out the despatches from his pocket, and
+said, "You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> have come closer to the truth than you imagine. I am going
+to confide a secret to you, and you can tell what had best be done.
+These papers were intrusted to me for delivery into the hands of Sir
+Arthur Ashby, at Zaila, and they contain instructions bearing on the
+very matter you have just mentioned. The authorities at the colonial
+office in London told me in secret that the Emir of Harar was supposed
+to be plotting the capture of Zaila, and these despatches contain Sir
+Arthur's orders in case of that emergency."</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove, that explains it!" cried Melton. "The emergency has come. I
+see it all. Makar had collected his Arabs and Somalis at Berbera by the
+Emir's orders, and they were only waiting the arrival of that villainous
+Portuguese with the rifles. They have put the garrison at Berbera out of
+the way, and now they will march on to Zaila."</p>
+
+<p>"Then what can be done?" demanded Guy. "Shall we <a name="proceed" id="proceed"></a><ins title="original has proced">proceed</ins> to
+Zaila, or get the captain to steam direct for Aden and collect all the
+available troops?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," groaned Forbes. "That would be useless. Zaila is sixty miles
+up the coast. We can beat the Arabs, and get there in time to prepare
+the town for defense. The garrison is wretchedly small, but they will
+have to hold out until assistance can come from Aden."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>Melton was still more astounded when Guy told him of the stealing of the
+despatches.</p>
+
+<p>"Then Torres knows their contents," he said, "and he will act
+accordingly. This is certainly a bad business, Chutney. Those papers
+must be delivered to Sir Arthur as soon as possible, though, to tell the
+truth, I fear Zaila is doomed. But we are losing precious time.
+Something must be done at once."</p>
+
+<p>They called the captain aside, and told him just enough to impress him
+with the danger threatening Zaila, and he readily fell in with their
+plans.</p>
+
+<p>Twilight was now falling, and by the time darkness had settled over the
+blue waters of the gulf the steamer was plowing her way steadily
+northward, Berbera but faintly visible in the rear by the glow of the
+burning torches.</p>
+
+<p>Hour after hour they steamed on. Neither Guy nor Melton could sleep, but
+sitting aft on camp stools they talked in whispers of the dread events
+they had witnessed, and of what might be before them.</p>
+
+<p>At midnight the steamer came to a sudden stop. The machinery, exerted to
+the highest pressure, had broken in some part. A delay was inevitable,
+the captain assured them, but in a couple of hours the repairs could be
+made.</p>
+
+<p>Morning came, revealing the distant yellow line of the African coast,
+but still the steamer lay at anchor,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> rocking gently in the early
+morning breeze. It may be imagined with what a fever of impatience Guy
+and Melton lived through those weary hours.</p>
+
+<p>It was nearly midday when the repairs were completed, and the vessel
+forged ahead again. For fear of fresh accidents, the captain refused to
+crowd on steam, and when at last the turrets and brown walls of Zaila
+came in view, it was late in the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>At a distance, all seemed peaceful; the English flag was floating from
+half a dozen different buildings of the town. In the harbor lay three or
+four Arab dhows and a neat little steamer, which the captain said
+belonged to the governor, and was used for transporting troops or
+despatches.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Waller anchored close by the town, and accompanied Guy, Melton,
+and Momba on shore in a small boat. So far, at least, all was well.</p>
+
+<p>A few Arabs and Somalis were sitting around lazily on the sand, and
+troops of the Bombay Infantry were seen moving about the streets.</p>
+
+<p>"Appear as unconscious as possible," whispered Melton. "Let nothing be
+suspected."</p>
+
+<p>A close observer might have detected traces of suppressed curiosity on
+the faces of the Arabs and Somalis, but they were evidently deceived by
+the careless manner of the new arrivals, for after a keen scrutiny they
+settled back into lazy attitudes.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like the looks of those fellows," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> Melton, "and another
+thing I don't like is the presence of those Arab dhows in the harbor.
+But look, Chutney, there is the residency ahead of us."</p>
+
+<p>They were approaching a low building of sun-baked brick, with Venetian
+awnings at the entrance and windows. Half a dozen sentries were on
+guard, and an officer came forward to meet the little party.</p>
+
+<p>Guy saluted.</p>
+
+<p>"I am the bearer of important despatches for the governor of Zaila," he
+said, "and must see him at once."</p>
+
+<p>The officer disappeared for a moment, and presently came back and
+announced that the governor would see them. They were ushered in through
+a wide hall, and, passing half along its length, they turned to the
+right, and found themselves in the presence of Sir Arthur Ashby. He was
+a very pompous looking man of middle age, with reddish mustache, and
+long side whiskers. He was seated on an easy chair beside an ebony
+table. Opposite him sat an English officer.</p>
+
+<p>They were smoking cigars, and on the table were glasses and champagne
+bottles packed in ice. Lamps were lit, for already twilight was falling.</p>
+
+<p>He half arose as his visitors entered, and then dropped back. Guy
+briefly introduced himself and party, and handed Sir Arthur the
+despatches, explaining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> how the seals came to be broken, but making no
+mention of Torres.</p>
+
+<p>The governor knit his brow as he read them over, and then, to his
+companion, he remarked lightly, "All nonsense, all nonsense. Another
+government scare, Carrington."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, Sir Arthur," said Guy, "but I was informed in London
+of the tenor of those despatches. Yesterday afternoon the Arabs at
+Berbera massacred the garrison to a man, and are doubtless now marching
+on Zaila. We barely escaped with our lives. Captain Waller and Mr.
+Forbes and his servant will confirm my statement."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur sprang to his feet with a sharp cry.</p>
+
+<p>"What is this you tell me?" he gasped. "Can it be true?"</p>
+
+<p>Guy repeated his account, with all the particulars, but the governor
+actually seemed incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Carrington," he cried, "how many troops have we?"</p>
+
+<p>"Five companies of the Bombay Infantry," replied the colonel in a hollow
+tone. "We had six yesterday, but if this account be true&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't delay a moment," shouted Sir Arthur; "prepare for the defense,
+colonel, and see that the steamer is ready in case it comes to the
+worst."</p>
+
+<p>The governor's condition was now truly pitiable. He was trembling with
+fright.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>"There is indeed but little time," said Guy. "There is danger at your
+very door. I see many Arabs and Somalis in the town."</p>
+
+<p>"True, true," groaned Sir Arthur, and, turning over the despatches with
+trembling hands, he added, "I am instructed to order troops from Cairo
+and Suakim. What madness! What madness!"</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur continued to talk in a rambling, excited way until Colonel
+Carrington assumed control of affairs.</p>
+
+<p>"Your steamer is here now?" he said to the captain. "Then you must make
+haste to Aden, and bring us what troops you can. I doubt, though, if we
+can resist a heavy attack for twenty-four hours. And you, gentlemen, you
+will return on the steamer?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, we will remain," Guy and Melton replied almost in one voice.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel glanced at them approvingly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are brave men," he said. "Stop!" he added suddenly. "You say you
+left Berbera at sunset last night, and were delayed by an
+<a name="accident" id="accident"></a><ins title="original has acident">accident</ins>. Were there any camels there?"</p>
+
+<p>"A caravan of two thousand arrived two days ago," replied Melton.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel's face paled.</p>
+
+<p>"Then the enemy are due here now," he said huskily. "On camels they
+could traverse the sixty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> miles in from fifteen to twenty hours. It is
+already dark," and he pointed out through the window.</p>
+
+<p>At this Sir Arthur groaned aloud, and tossed down three or four glasses
+of champagne in rapid succession.</p>
+
+<p>"To your steamer, quick!" cried the colonel, addressing Captain Waller;
+"and you, gentlemen, since you decide to throw your fate in with ours,
+come with me, and we will inspect the fortifications, and do what little
+we can."</p>
+
+<p>They had risen to their feet, and were giving a hasty look to their
+arms, when a bright flash lit up the gloom from without, followed by a
+sharp report, and at the same moment, from all quarters of the town,
+rose a continuous rifle-firing, a violent uproar and shouting, and a
+deep beating of drums.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur sprang to his feet, crying frantically, "To the steamer, to
+the steamer&mdash;it is our only hope;" but before he could take a step the
+outer doors were burst open, shouts were heard in the hall, and then,
+through the curtained entrance, staggered blindly an officer of
+infantry, his uniform torn and disheveled, and blood pouring from half a
+dozen wounds. He plunged forward, and rolled in a lifeless heap at the
+very feet of Colonel Carrington.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+<a name="v" id="v"></a>CHAPTER V.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE NIGHT ON THE ROOF.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The tragic scene described at the close of the preceding chapter,
+following on the very heels of the outbreak, was a fearful shock to all
+who saw it, and for an instant they could only stare at one another with
+mute, frightened faces.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Carrington broke the spell. With drawn sword he made a dash for
+the door, closely followed by the rest, but before they could cross the
+apartment a louder burst of firing came from the very courtyard, bullets
+whistled through the windows, and then a scuffle began in the hall, and
+angry voices were heard. It was over in a moment; a cry of pain, a low
+groan, followed by the sound of bars dropped in their sockets, and then
+into the room burst three Hindoo soldiers, grimy with blood and powder.</p>
+
+<p>"Sahib colonel," cried the foremost, "we are lost. The Arabs and Somalis
+have revolted. Hundreds of them surround the residency. Yonder in the
+hall lies a dead Somali. We have barred the doors, but they will soon be
+in."</p>
+
+<p>Even as he spoke the portals shook under a succession of thunderous
+blows.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>"The rear door," cried the colonel. "We may escape that way."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; the building is surrounded," rejoined the Hindoo. "There is no
+escape."</p>
+
+<p>He was right. Shouts were heard on all sides, the blows on the doors
+redoubled, and stray shots came in at the windows, both front and rear.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur lay prostrate in his chair.</p>
+
+<p>"The roof! the roof!" he groaned. "We must take to the roof."</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove, he's right," cried the colonel. "It's our last hope. Blow out
+the lights and come on, quick!"</p>
+
+<p>The lamps were out in a second, but a dim glare still shone into the
+room from the torches outside. With an effort, Sir Arthur staggered to
+his feet. Two of the soldiers assisted him, and then in great haste they
+hurried through the hall to a rear room.</p>
+
+<p>The building was of one story, and from this apartment a ladder led to
+an open trap overhead.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur was pushed up first, followed closely by the rest, and just
+as Momba brought up the rear and dragged the ladder after him, the great
+residency doors gave way with a crash, and a wild yell of triumph told
+only too plainly that the enemy had effected an entrance.</p>
+
+<p>Guy's quick eye observed a big flat stone lying near, a precautionary
+measure provided by some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> former governor, no doubt, and, calling on
+Momba to assist him, he dragged it over the trap.</p>
+
+<p>From below came a rush of footsteps and the sound of smashing furniture
+as the Arabs hurried to and fro in search of their prey.</p>
+
+<p>"We are safe for the present," said the colonel; "they can't possibly
+reach us, and they may not even discover where we are."</p>
+
+<p>The roof comprised the whole extent of the building, and was probably
+thirty feet square. It was surrounded by a stone parapet three feet in
+height, and from this parapet the little band of fugitives witnessed a
+scene that none forgot to his dying day.</p>
+
+<p>North and west of the residency the town seemed to be in comparative
+quiet and darkness, for only stray lights were to be seen at intervals.
+But off to the south lay the fortifications, and here a sharp conflict
+was waging.</p>
+
+<p>Through the darkness of the night the flash of every shot was seen, and
+all along the line blazed out three continuous sheets of flame as the
+beleaguered garrison poured their fire into the attacking parties that
+advanced from both sides.</p>
+
+<p>"They can't hold out an hour," said Melton. "The foe are too strong for
+them."</p>
+
+<p>A sharp cry from Captain Waller turned all eyes on the harbor, where the
+water was illumined by twinkling lights and the flash of rifles. The
+meaning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> of this was plain. The steamer had been attacked. No doubt
+those innocent looking dhows had been filled with armed Arabs, waiting
+for the signal, and now every escape was cut off. The firing was sharp
+and severe for a while, and then it gave way to loud cheers.</p>
+
+<p>The steamers had fallen into the hands of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>"There goes the last hope," said the colonel; "and look, even the
+garrison has succumbed."</p>
+
+<p>It was true. The firing had almost entirely ceased, and the few stray
+shots that still rang out were drowned in the vast roar that rose from
+all parts of the town.</p>
+
+<p>The residency was cordoned by a surging mass of wretches, intoxicated
+with triumph, and fresh hordes came pouring in, riotous from the
+slaughter of the garrison.</p>
+
+<p>"Some cunning fiend has planned all this," muttered Colonel Carrington,
+"and planned it infernally well, too."</p>
+
+<p>"The Arab, Makar Makalo, is the ringleader, sir," said Melton, "but he
+is only acting for Rao Khan, the Emir of Harar, who has long desired the
+port of Zaila."</p>
+
+<p>"A swift retribution will come," replied the colonel, "but it will come
+too late to aid us."</p>
+
+<p>No person seemed inclined to talk. Sir Arthur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> sat up against the
+parapet in a sort of stupor, the three Hindoos were grouped on one side,
+and Momba mutely followed his master from point to point, as with Guy
+and the colonel he made the circuit of the housetop.</p>
+
+<p>And now for the first time it became evident that the presence of the
+fugitives on the roof was known. Thousands of Arabs and Somalis
+surrounded the building, their dark faces plainly seen in the glare of
+the torches, but no hostile <a name="demonstration" id="demonstration"></a><ins title="original has demnostration">demonstration</ins> was made.
+They appeared to be waiting on something or someone. It was very evident
+that the whole population of the town was in revolt. It was equally
+plain, too, that they had been prepared for this uprising, for it had
+apparently broken out in all quarters of the town at once, and the
+expected signal had no doubt been the approach of the Arabs from
+Berbera, for the vast number of rifles used in the fight proved
+conclusively their arrival.</p>
+
+<p>Wonderful success had crowned their plans. Yesterday the garrison at
+Berbera had fallen to a man; and now Zaila was in their hands, and all
+that remained of the British possessors was the miserable band of
+fugitives on the residency roof.</p>
+
+<p>With bitter feelings Guy looked down on the sea of faces. He was
+wondering if he would ever see Calcutta or England again. But he had
+been in bad predicaments before, and, hopeless as it now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> seemed,
+something might turn up to save them yet.</p>
+
+<p>Melton was inclined to think that the Arabs were only waiting for
+daylight to make their attack, and yet they seemed to have no idea of
+abandoning their position, but encircled the building with a sea of
+torches, talking loudly and excitedly all the while.</p>
+
+<p>Once Guy ventured to peer down over the parapet, and to his surprise he
+saw Arab guards at the residency door, sternly keeping back the crowd.
+Then he pulled aside the stone from the trap. All was dark and quiet
+beneath. The solution to this mystery was close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Of a sudden a great hush fell on the vast crowd, the tumult died away to
+a low murmur, and from the outskirts came a strange sound, at first low
+and indistinct, and then louder and more vivid, like the tinkling of
+bells mingled with the trampling of hoofs.</p>
+
+<p>The Arabs and Somalis fell silently apart, leaving open a wide passage
+like a swath cut through a field of standing corn that led straight to
+the residency doors. Up this triumphal avenue trotted a dozen stalwart
+Arabs bearing lighted torches, and directly behind came a gigantic
+camel, decorated with gorgeous trappings and hung with strings of silver
+bells. And on the camel's back, gazing haughtily around him, sat the
+Arab, Makar Makalo.</p>
+
+<p>"Behold Makar Makalo, the new ruler of Zaila!" cried the heralds, and
+from the vast crowd burst one universal shout of satisfaction.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+<a name="vi" id="vi"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>At the sight of the daring Arab chief Guy could scarcely restrain
+himself. He would have drawn his revolver and shot him down then and
+there, but Colonel Carrington interfered.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't excite them," he said cautiously; "their punishment is sure in
+the end. How can they defend Zaila against the British gunboats that
+will be sent here? We have possibly a chance for our lives yet. Don't
+destroy that last chance."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel plainly had strong hopes. It is well enough in some cases to
+fight to the very last, and have your names printed in the army list as
+heroes who died at their post, but in this case the safety of Sir Arthur
+was plainly the important point, and any concession must be made to
+secure this. So all idea of making a fight of it was given up. Short and
+brief would have been the struggle for Guy and Melton, as the three
+Hindoos were the only ones armed, and they had but a scant supply of
+ammunition.</p>
+
+<p>Makar held a short conversation with three or four Arabs, and then,
+slipping down from his camel, he walked off a little from the residency
+and shouted loudly, "Inglis men, come down. You no be killed. You
+prisoners of war."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>The idea of <a name="Makars" id="Makars"></a><ins title="original has Kakar's">Makar's</ins> investing this bloody outbreak with all
+the dignity of legitimate warfare was ridiculous, and the colonel
+laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that about prisoners?" cried Sir Arthur, coming eagerly forward.
+"Will they spare our lives, I wonder? Let me talk to the fellow. I'll
+try to conciliate him."</p>
+
+<p>He walked pompously to the parapet and bent over. Perhaps the champagne
+he had drunk had affected his head. At all events he leaned a little too
+far, and, suddenly losing balance, he toppled over and fell with a thud
+plump on the heads of two Arab sentries at the door. All three came to
+the ground in a heap, and it was a great relief to the anxious watchers
+above to see Sir Arthur stagger to his feet apparently unhurt.</p>
+
+<p>The effect on the Arabs was electric. The remaining guards glanced up
+apprehensively, and very speedily changed their location.</p>
+
+<p>As for Makar, he evidently believed that Sir Arthur had come down
+expressly in response to his summons, for he waited for the rest to
+follow his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless my heart!" muttered Sir Arthur. "What a narrow escape!"</p>
+
+<p>He started toward Makar, but two Arabs laid hold of him and pulled him
+roughly to one side.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>"We'd better go down," said the colonel, and raising his voice he
+shouted,</p>
+
+<p>"Do you swear to preserve our lives if we come down?"</p>
+
+<p>"By the shades of Mohammed, I swear it. Come down," replied Makar.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to trust to his word," said the colonel. "Put the ladder in
+position."</p>
+
+<p>The ladder, with one end on the ground, failed to reach the top of the
+parapet by four or five feet. It was a ticklish business to drop down on
+the upper round, but one by one they accomplished it, and, descending to
+the ground, were speedily seized and relieved of everything on their
+persons.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps Makar doubted his ability to keep his word, for he hurried his
+prisoners into the residency, away from the turbulent crowd, and left
+them in the hall in custody of a dozen armed Arabs.</p>
+
+<p>They had not been here five minutes when a commotion was heard outside,
+and the shattered doors were pulled apart to admit half a dozen weary,
+blood stained soldiers of the garrison. They were the last survivors,
+and they told a fearful story.</p>
+
+<p>The fortifications had been attacked, they said, at the same time by the
+population of the town on one side, and on the south by a vast horde of
+Arabs and Somalis, who suddenly <a name="space2" id="space2"></a><ins title="added space">appeared over</ins> the
+<a name="sand" id="sand"></a><ins title="original has sand,hills">sand-hills</ins> mounted on camels. They alone had been made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+prisoners. All others had been shot, including the officers, the port
+surgeon, and the native assistant resident.</p>
+
+<p>This sad story brought tears to the eyes of all, and even Sir Arthur
+waxed terribly indignant and prophesied speedy retribution.</p>
+
+<p>But now the guards sternly forbade conversation. An hour or more passed
+on, during which time many persons indistinguishable in the gloom,
+passed in and out of the residency.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a summons to appear before the chief.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be alarmed," said Sir Arthur reassuringly. "We shall be sent
+across the gulf of Aden. This wretch will not dare do injury to her
+majesty's representatives."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur's sudden change of spirits was not shared by the rest.</p>
+
+<p>"Nerve yourself," Melton whispered to Guy. "I have an idea of what is
+coming," and before Guy could reply they were ushered into the very
+apartment which they had left so hastily a few hours before.</p>
+
+<p>It had undergone no change. The lamps had been relit, the wine bottles
+and glasses still stood on the table, and in Sir Arthur's chair of state
+sat Makar Makalo, very stern and dignified, while around him, squatted
+on the rugs, were four Arabs of superior caste and intelligence,
+comprising, no doubt, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> freshly formed cabinet of the great governor
+of Zaila.</p>
+
+<p>Makar waited until his captives had ranged themselves along the wall,
+and then, with great <i>sang froid</i>, he helped himself to a cigar from Sir
+Arthur's choice box of Partagas, lit it, and poured off a glass of
+champagne which he despatched at a gulp.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus proved beyond a doubt that he possessed all the chief
+qualifications of a British political resident, he settled back in his
+chair and surveyed his prisoners with lowering brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless my heart!" ejaculated Sir Arthur. "What most amazing impu&mdash;" a
+sudden rap on the head from one of the guards cut short his speech, and
+he relapsed into indignant silence.</p>
+
+<p>Makar was plainly a man of iron nerve, for he met calmly and even boldly
+the indignant, defiant glances that were turned upon him as he scanned
+the row of prisoners ranged before him.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing toward the windows he dispersed with a wave of his hand the
+dark swarm of faces peering eagerly within, and then at last he deigned
+to break the silence which had become so ominous.</p>
+
+<p>"I have promised ye your lives," he said. "Makar never breaks his word.
+Allah is great, and it is the will of Allah that Zaila should belong to
+the true followers of the prophet. Already has his will been fulfilled.
+The hated Inglis soldiers are dead. Rao<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> Khan is the ruler of Zaila, and
+<a name="Makar" id="Makar"></a><ins title="original has Markar">Makar</ins> is his <a name="quote" id="quote"></a><ins title="added closing quotation mark">servant."</ins></p>
+
+<p>He paused and helped himself to another glass of champagne. It was
+evident that Makar was not at heart a true follower of the prophet, for
+the Koran strictly forbids all intoxicants.</p>
+
+<p>Another impressive pause followed. Guy glanced at Melton and was alarmed
+to see the dead white pallor on his face. Melton alone perhaps
+<a name="knew" id="knew"></a><ins title="original has know">knew</ins> what was coming. On the rest the blow fell with crushing
+severity.</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not said that Makar's word is inviolate?" the Arab resumed,
+leaning forward and uttering each syllable sharply and distinctly.</p>
+
+<p>"Can Makar break his pledge?" and he turned to his solemn visaged
+ministers.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, no," they muttered in guttural accents, and solemnly shaking
+their heads.</p>
+
+<p>"Then hark ye all," Makar went on. "I have sworn on the Koran that
+whatsoever prisoners fell to my lot should be delivered over as slaves
+to the Somalis of the Galla country. I have spoken. It is Kismet. At
+daybreak ye start for the interior."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur staggered back against the wall with a dismal groan, the
+Hindoos fell on their knees begging piteously for mercy, Colonel
+Carrington seemed dazed, stupefied, Guy clinched his hands and made a
+desperate effort to bear up bravely, while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> Melton's face wore the same
+pale, hopeless expression.</p>
+
+<p>No one spoke. Supplications and prayers would <a name="alike" id="alike"></a><ins title="original has aiike">alike</ins> be useless.
+The Arab's stern, pitiless countenance spoke plainer than words. Mercy
+was an unknown word in his vocabulary.</p>
+
+<p>"Spare us, spare us!" moaned Sir Arthur, coming forward a pace or two
+and making as though he would fall on his knees.</p>
+
+<p>"I have spoken," cried Makar harshly. "Words will avail ye nothing."</p>
+
+<p>He made a signal to the guards, who at once closed in on the wretched
+captives and led them away.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+<a name="vii" id="vii"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>SOLD INTO SLAVERY.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The party were taken to a rear apartment of the residency and placed
+under strong guard. During the remainder of that night no one slept, of
+course, nor did they hold much conversation, for all instinctively
+avoided a subject which could only add to their wretchedness.</p>
+
+<p>Slavery among the Somalis was a fate worse than death. It was a living
+death indeed, for hope of escape there was none. Far better if Makar had
+ordered them to be shot at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>Guy spoke hopefully to Melton of the situation, counting somewhat on the
+claim he had on Makar; but Melton seemed to think that the Arab had
+ignored the affair, and would not interfere with Guy's fate.</p>
+
+<p>All too soon gray dawn came stealing into the residency, revealing the
+haggard faces of the captives, and with it came a summons from Makar to
+prepare for the journey. Food was brought and partaken of with some
+relish, for, under even the most distressing circumstances, men seem
+able to eat. Closely watched, they were led into the open air, and
+halted for a brief space in the court.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was not up yet, and the blue waters of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> the gulf stretched afar
+until lost in the pale mist. In the harbor lay the two steamers, but the
+British flag no longer floated over their decks.</p>
+
+<p>Finally they were led through a curious rabble of Arabs and Somalis to
+the outskirts of the town, where the caravan was in process of
+formation. It was no ordinary caravan. There were no bales of goods
+lying about, no camels laden down with burdens, but surrounded by many
+of the population drawn hither by curiosity were about fifty camels with
+simple trappings, and a group of Somalis and Arabs all heavily armed,
+the Arabs with rifles, the natives with long spears.</p>
+
+<p>Simultaneously with the arrival of the captives, Makar made his
+appearance with an armed escort and proceeded to hold a close
+conversation with the two Arabs who seemed to be the leaders of the
+caravan. He spoke earnestly for quite a while, making many gestures, and
+pointing from time to time at the prisoners. Then he turned away, and
+instantly all was excitement.</p>
+
+<p>The Arabs and Somalis quickly pulled themselves upon their camels, and
+with the aid of the guards the Englishmen were mounted in the same way,
+each man being hoisted up beside an Arab or a Somali.</p>
+
+<p>No resistance was made. The Hindoo soldiers were in a state of deep
+dejection, and poor Sir Arthur seemed hardly to realize his position.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>The caravan was now ready to start. At the <a name="line" id="line"></a><ins title="moved line to later in paragraph">last</ins> minute Makar Makalo
+passed carelessly by Guy and whispered, "Keep good heart. Makar no
+forget." Then he vanished in the crowd, and, with a loud cheer to speed
+them on their way, the line of camels <a name="line2" id="line2"></a><ins title="inserted text here">filed
+at a slow trot over the sandy plain in a southerly</ins>
+direction.</p>
+
+<p>Guy turned his head for a last look at Zaila and the harbor, now
+beginning to glimmer in the first rays of the sun, and then a stretch of
+sand-hills hid the town from view.</p>
+
+<p>Little did he realize that which he must pass through before he saw the
+coast again.</p>
+
+<p>From the ruined fortifications of the town an unseen observer watched
+the departure of the caravan. It was Manuel Torres. The crafty
+Portuguese was well pleased to see the hated Englishmen speeding away to
+their doom.</p>
+
+<p>He was a cunning knave, and had laid his plans well. Perhaps he feared
+the stability of the new government. If the English came into possession
+of Zaila again, he could invent some clever tale to disprove his
+connection with the Arab revolt; and who could bear witness against him?
+None, indeed, for the lips of those who alone knew his guilt would be
+hopelessly sealed. Africa never gives up her slaves.</p>
+
+<p>To the wretched captives that day's journey over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> the scorching desert
+was a fearful experience. Nothing is more painful to the novice than
+riding camel-back, and when at last a halt was made at sunset every man
+was aching from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>The heat, too, had been fearful, though the Arabs had provided them with
+big sun helmets before starting. No intercourse was permitted. The
+captives were kept rigorously apart. But little sleep was allowed. The
+caravan started again before dawn, and, as before, traveled rapidly and
+steadily until sundown.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the second day they had become in a measure accustomed to
+the motion of the camels, and no longer suffered so much. Yet in all
+this time no words had been exchanged. Each man was kept apart. The Arab
+with whom Guy rode could speak some English, and from him he learned
+that the chief object of the caravan was to carry to Rao Khan the news
+of the capture of Zaila. Further information the Arab refused to give.</p>
+
+<p>The caravan comprised a dozen Arabs and thirty or forty Somalis of the
+Galla country. It was to these crafty savages that the captives
+belonged. The Somalis had assisted Makar in the revolt, and these slaves
+were their reward. Their chief, who accompanied the caravan, was none
+other than Guy's vindictive enemy, Oko Sam.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon of the fifth day the caravan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> came to a sudden
+halt. In the distance were visible green hills and rolling plains
+covered with verdure. The desert seemed to have ended. It was evident
+that something of importance was about to happen.</p>
+
+<p>All dismounted, and while the Arabs and Somalis entered into an excited
+conversation, the captives were for the first time allowed to converse.</p>
+
+<p>Their hopeless situation was too well understood for discussion. Strange
+to say, Sir Arthur was the only one who had not abandoned hope.</p>
+
+<p>"The government will save us," he repeated gloomily. "They will send an
+army into the interior."</p>
+
+<p>No one ventured to dispute this assertion. They talked in low tones of
+their probable destination, and regarded with some uneasiness the
+conference going on among the Arabs, which had now assumed a more
+excitable phase.</p>
+
+<p>"They are quarreling over something," said Guy. "Why do you suppose they
+have stopped here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," replied Melton, "unless they intend to separate, the
+Arabs going on to Harar, the Somalis to their own country, which lies to
+the south of Harar."</p>
+
+<p>Melton's theory was very plausible, but before anyone could reply the
+conference terminated suddenly, and the Arabs, drawing apart, came
+quickly up to the captives, and, <a name="laying" id="laying"></a><ins title="original has layind">laying</ins> hold of Sir Arthur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+and the colonel, led them over to the Somalis.</p>
+
+<p>This was repeated with Momba, Captain Waller, and the Hindoo soldiers,
+but, to their surprise, Guy and Melton were ordered to remain where they
+were.</p>
+
+<p>Foremost among the Somalis stood Oko Sam, his leopard skin dangling
+about his loins, and a fiendish expression on his face.</p>
+
+<p>He advanced a step or two, talking fiercely, and pointing with his spear
+to Guy and Melton. The Arab leader strode out toward him, and cried in a
+loud voice, "Makar has ordered it. The two white men must go to Harar."</p>
+
+<p>Scarce had the words left his lips when the Somali chief poised his
+spear and hurled it forward with such force and accuracy of aim that it
+passed through the Arab's body and the point came out at the back. With
+a cry he dropped on the sand.</p>
+
+<p>A second of terrible suspense followed, and then snatching another spear
+from one of his followers, the maddened Somali leaped furiously at Guy,
+who unfortunately was standing directly in his path.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+<a name="viii" id="viii"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE SEPARATION.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>But help was at hand. Before Oko Sam could reach his victim, an Arab
+directly behind Guy fired, and the fellow stumbled blindly on the sand.</p>
+
+<p>A shout of rage burst from the Somalis, and, hastily pushing their
+captives to the rear, they advanced in a very ugly manner, shaking their
+long spears.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving the dead Arab and the wounded Somali where they had fallen, the
+Arabs moved back a short distance, taking Guy and Melton with them, and
+shouted to the Somalis to remain where they were.</p>
+
+<p>The Arabs were reluctant to fire, and would have avoided further
+bloodshed, but the enraged savages continued to press forward, and
+finally let fly a shower of spears that wounded one of the Arabs, and
+unfortunately killed a camel. The Arabs at once retaliated with a
+rifle-volley, and to such good effect that three or four of the Somalis
+were killed.</p>
+
+<p>This brought them to their senses. Their spears could not compete with
+the firearms of the Arabs. They moved back to their animals, and, with a
+few farewell shouts of vengeance, rode away to the south, while the
+Arabs hastily bestrode their camels, and, taking the two Englishmen with
+them, calmly resumed their journey to the southwest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>For a time the two caravans, moving on the sides of an acute angle, as
+it were, remained close together; but, gradually diverging, the sharp
+outlines of the Somalis began to fade into the twilight, and at last, as
+Guy and Melton strained their tear-dimmed eyes into the distance, the
+shadows obliterated the last traces of their captive friends. To Momba
+Melton had been deeply attached, and their separation was a hard blow.</p>
+
+<p>And now a terrible feeling of desolation came over them, and they were
+half inclined to wish that they, too, had been led away to share the
+fate of Sir Arthur and the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>Though it was now fast growing dark, the Arabs evinced no intention of
+stopping. With long, sweeping strides the unwearied camels swept over
+the sandy plain, and their riders from time to time spurred them to
+greater speed.</p>
+
+<p>Melton was back in the rear, but Guy rode in front, with the Arab who
+had assumed the leadership since the death of his companion.</p>
+
+<p>Guy ventured to address him, and was surprised to find him grown
+somewhat communicative. He explained to Guy in broken English that by
+Makar's orders he and Melton were to be delivered up to Rao Khan instead
+of being sent into slavery among the Somalis. Harar, he said, was a
+day's journey away, and by traveling all night they would arrive at
+sunrise.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> His account of Rao Khan, the Emir, was by no means reassuring,
+but Guy did not allow this to trouble him much. Makar's last words were
+still ringing in his ears, and he felt certain that their deliverance
+from the Somalis was the first step toward the fulfillment of Makar's
+promise.</p>
+
+<p>The little caravan moved on in silence. The Arabs were probably uneasy.
+They may have feared an attack from the Somalis or some other foe, for
+they kept a close watch, and held their rifles in constant readiness.
+But presently the moon came up in the east, casting a pale glamour over
+the desert, and tracing on the sand in weird, fantastic designs the
+shadows of the camels and their riders.</p>
+
+<p>As the night wore on the Arabs relaxed their caution, and, dropping
+their rifles to their sides, began to refresh themselves with crackers
+brought along from Zaila, together with dates and figs, which they
+washed down with water.</p>
+
+<p>The Arab with whom Melton was mounted now rode up beside the leader,
+and, to their great joy, Guy and Melton were permitted to converse.
+Though they had had no rest or sleep since the previous night,
+excitement had driven away all fatigue, and they looked forward with
+deep interest to their arrival at Harar.</p>
+
+<p>To Guy's surprise, Melton did not believe that he had been singled out
+to accompany Guy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>"No, no, Chutney," he said, "depend upon it, Makar has some other object
+in view. I believe now that he will effect your escape in some way, but
+don't be surprised to find yourself sent back to Zaila alone. Makar's
+clemency will be extended to no one but yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense," returned Guy. "I tell you he means to save you, too.
+However, we shall not be parted, Melton. I assure you of that. I will
+accept no deliverance that does not include you, too."</p>
+
+<p>Forbes made no reply, and for a time they rode on in silence. Absorbed
+in conversation, they had failed to observe that the aspect of the
+country had begun to change. They were now ascending a slight ridge, and
+from its crest could be seen the vague outline of mountains on both the
+right and the left, while all around them, in place of the dreary sand,
+were low bushes and vegetation. The camel's thorn and tamarisk shrub of
+the desert had disappeared. Once some huge animal glided across their
+path, and one of the Arabs half raised his rifle, but lowered it again.</p>
+
+<p>With feelings which they would have found it hard to express, Guy and
+Melton saw the dawn come creeping over the sky, and just as it became
+fully light, they rode over the crest of a hill and perceived in the
+distance a mass of walls and turrets stamped against the pale-gray sky.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>A pleasant breeze blew from the mountains which rose steep and rocky on
+all sides, while the valleys were richly wooded, and a silver thread,
+curving to and fro, marked the presence of a hillside stream.</p>
+
+<p>The little caravan now descended into a narrow gorge and traveled
+rapidly along the course of a brawling torrent for nearly an hour. Then,
+crossing the stream, they rounded a sharp spur of rocks, and the dreaded
+city of Harar was before them.</p>
+
+<p>Thirty years before the intrepid Burton had penetrated to that hotbed of
+fanaticism, and had by a miracle come back alive. From that day to this
+none had dared to emulate him.</p>
+
+<p>Well might the two young Englishmen shrink from meeting that detestable
+despot, Rao Khan, who ruled his people by the sword, and hated all
+Christians <a name="comma5" id="comma5"></a><ins title="removed comma">with hatred</ins> that fanaticism alone can breed.</p>
+
+<p>The caravan ascended the hill, and across the brow of the ridge
+stretched the massive, irregular wall of the town. The great brazen
+gates were closed, and in the oval turrets that rose sentinel-like above
+the wall appeared no sign of life or motion.</p>
+
+<p>Then with startling suddenness came a trumpet blast and the quick, sharp
+roll of drums; and from the town burst a tumult and volume of sound, and
+then over the walls, and peering curiously from the turrets, appeared a
+swarm of dark, repulsive faces.</p>
+
+<p>The tumult deepened and changed to one vast murmur as the caravan moved
+in dignified state up to the very gates of the ancient city of Harar.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+<a name="ix" id="ix"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A CLOSE SHAVE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>A brief pause, then the gates swung on creaking hinges, and the caravan
+filed in between the dingy walls that had reared themselves for
+centuries from the summit of that hill.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant a hush of curiosity fell on the multitude within, as the
+caravan appeared; but as the Arab leader suddenly trailed in the dust
+the English flag that had once floated from the fortifications of Zaila
+a great shout arose, so that the very air seemed to tremble, and the
+people pressed tumultuously on the caravan from all sides.</p>
+
+<p>"Zaila has fallen! Zaila has fallen!" they cried, and with wild joy they
+beat their arms in the air, while those in the rear sought the
+house-tops, so as better to see the new arrivals.</p>
+
+<p>In the first excitement Guy and Melton had escaped notice, but now they
+were suddenly espied, and the sight of the two hated Englishmen roused
+the passions to the highest pitch of ferocity. The foreigners' presence
+in the town was a sacrilege, an insult, and with threats and angry cries
+the mob surged round the group. At last, so great was the crush, the
+camels were forced to halt.</p>
+
+<p>"Kill the infidels! Kill the dogs of unbelievers!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> howled the
+multitude, and waxing more furious with every shout, they drew daggers
+and knives and raised their spears.</p>
+
+<p>The Arabs had quietly closed round Guy and Melton, forming with their
+camels a protective circle, and this alone saved the Englishmen from
+death. But every instant the situation was becoming more critical. The
+mob grew bolder, and even tried to force the group apart in spite of the
+protestations of the Arabs, who had begun to point their rifles
+threateningly. Hundreds of savage faces glared unutterable hatred at the
+two strangers, hundreds of wretches were thirsting for their blood, and,
+finally roused to uncontrollable fury, the crowd swept impetuously
+against the caravan from all sides.</p>
+
+<p>The frightened camels pranced and reared, and the cordon of defense
+suddenly broken, a dozen savages rushed on Guy and Melton. A long spear
+pierced Forbes under the arm and down he went beneath the camels.</p>
+
+<p>A burly wretch dashed at Guy with a dagger, but the Arab brought down
+the butt of his rifle on the fellow's head just in time, as he dropped
+like a log.</p>
+
+<p>A man behind hurled his spear, but his aim was poor, and, instead of
+striking Guy, it entered the poor camel's neck; the beast, plunging
+madly forward, hurled Guy and the Arab to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>This alone saved their lives. As Guy staggered to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> his feet, cries of
+quite a different nature burst from the mob, and in fright and panic
+they began to scatter in all directions. The rattle of musketry broke
+out some distance ahead, and the Arabs, joining in eagerly, began to
+empty their rifles into the fleeing mass.</p>
+
+<p>The Englishmen were saved. A compact body of men in linen tunics and
+leopard skin caps came sweeping forward. They were armed with rifles,
+and as they ran they kept shooting into the struggling crowd which was
+shrieking and groaning with agony.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes the place was deserted, and the stony ground was
+literally covered with bodies. It was a terrible example of Rao Khan's
+despotic rule.</p>
+
+<p>Melton was lifted up, and to Guy's deep sorrow it was seen that he had
+received an ugly thrust along the side, not of a serious nature, but
+ragged and painful.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the Emir's troopers, for such they proved to be, carried him, for
+he was unable to walk or ride.</p>
+
+<p>Guy and the Arab mounted a fresh camel, first putting the wounded animal
+out of his misery, and then, preceded by the Emir's guard, the caravan
+resumed its march up the street.</p>
+
+<p>The first sight of Harar was novel and interesting. Before them was a
+long avenue, fully a mile in length, at the extreme end of which could
+be dimly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> seen the northern wall of the town. This avenue was like a
+barren mountain road, strewn with rubbish and heaps of rocks, and the
+dwellings, which rose on all sides to the height of two stories, were,
+many of them, constructed of sandstone and granite, cemented with a
+reddish clay. They were impressively gloomy and dingy.</p>
+
+<p>The terrible scene just enacted had terrorized the people. Many Arabs
+came flocking across the streets and exchanged greetings with the
+newcomers, but very few Somalis or Gallas were to be seen. The sight of
+the Emir's guard seemed to have stricken the town like a palsy. The
+shops and booths were closed and deserted. The curtains of the houses
+were closely drawn; here and there at the doors lay goods that had been
+dropped in the sudden panic, and at one place a man lay dead across the
+threshold, still clutching in his stiffened fingers a bunch of brightly
+colored rugs.</p>
+
+<p>But now the scene became animated and lively; people flocked out from
+their houses, among them many women, whom Guy regarded curiously, for
+they seemed to be of quite a different type from the men, and passably
+good-looking. They made no demonstration, however, but very quietly
+followed the caravan.</p>
+
+<p>The center of the town was now close at hand, and a short distance
+ahead, on the left-hand side,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> rose a more imposing abode than those
+around it. It was built of granite, and above the flat roof rose a
+square tower with circular windows. It boasted a spacious courtyard,
+inclosed by a low stone parapet, and within this space were a dozen
+armed guards, clad in leopard skin caps, and bearing brightly polished
+rifles.</p>
+
+<p>It was the palace of the Emir. As the caravan drew up to the gates the
+escort sounded a blast of trumpets, and almost immediately the doors
+were opened and a grave and dignified Arab came slowly out.</p>
+
+<p>He spoke a few words to the leader of the caravan, who dismounted at
+once, and bidding Guy follow him, entered the courtyard. Close behind
+him came Melton, borne by the soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>Passing between the guard, they entered a narrow vestibule hung with
+rich curtains, and in a moment more were ushered into the dreaded
+presence of Rao Kahn.</p>
+
+<p>The Emir was seated on a low dais at the further side of a spacious
+apartment. The first glance struck terror to Guy's heart. Rao Khan was a
+short, thick-set man, with a round, smooth face. His eyes were sunken
+deeply under the forehead, and the expression of his face was a strange
+blending of brutality, avarice, and treachery. He was simply clad in
+white linen, with a great sword at his side, and on his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> head was a
+leopard skin cap, so constructed that the tail of the leopard hung down
+his back.</p>
+
+<p>Before him squatted four solemn-faced Arabs. The floor was spread with
+rugs and the skins of various animals, and on the heavily curtained
+walls hung a dazzling array of every description, bronze and copper
+shields, and strips of oddly-woven tapestry. At sight of the English
+flag which the Arab now produced, the Emir's eyes sparkled, his face lit
+up with fiendish joy, and he began to talk wildly in a strange tongue.</p>
+
+<p>The Arab replied, giving him no doubt an account of the insurrection,
+for the names Berbera, Zaila, and Makar Makalo were frequently
+mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>Guy, from his position at Melton's side, who had been placed on a soft
+lion skin, watched the strange scene with wonder. He was more worried at
+present about Melton than anything else. The spear wound had not yet
+been dressed, and the poor fellow was in too much pain even to talk.</p>
+
+<p>At last the Arab turned round, and, pointing to the Englishmen, spoke in
+a low tone to the Emir, who half rose from his seat and looked sharply
+at the captives.</p>
+
+<p>Guy met his gaze calmly and steadily. In a moment the suspense would be
+over, and their fate would be decided one way or the other.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+<a name="x" id="x"></a>CHAPTER X.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE SLAVE PRISON.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The Emir's reply was brief and apparently forcible. He clapped his
+hands, and half a dozen soldiers appeared instantly. He addressed them
+with a word or two, but before they could execute his orders, Guy
+hastened forward and said to the Arab, "I pray you have my friend's
+wound dressed. He is suffering much pain."</p>
+
+<p>The Arab addressed the Emir, pointing to the wounded man, and then,
+turning to Guy, he said, "It is well. Rao Khan will see to the Inglis
+man."</p>
+
+<p>Guy would have sought more information, but the soldiers now came
+forward and picking Melton up motioned Guy to follow them. They passed
+out of the apartment by a rear door, and traversing a long hall, entered
+a big courtyard.</p>
+
+<p>On the right and left were high stone walls, and directly opposite was a
+low, gloomy sandstone structure, with one narrow door opening on the
+court.</p>
+
+<p>Here were standing more armed guards, who obsequiously opened the door
+for the approaching captives.</p>
+
+<p>As they passed through the gloomy portal Guy's heart sank. His eyes at
+first could see nothing but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> darkness, and he blindly followed his
+conductors until they came to a stop. A heavy door was closed and bolted
+behind him, and then all was silent.</p>
+
+<p>In a few seconds he was able to see his surroundings. He was in a square
+dungeon, lighted by a narrow aperture high up in the wall. The floor was
+of stone, strewn with straw. Melton sat up and leaned against the wall.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are we, Chutney?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," answered Guy; "in some sort of prison, I suppose.
+Why&mdash;hello, Melton, here are iron rings sunk in the floor all along the
+side."</p>
+
+<p>"That settles it, then," rejoined Melton. "This is Rao Khan's slave
+prison. I don't suppose there are many inmates now while the fair is
+going on."</p>
+
+<p>Approaching footsteps put an end to the conversation, and in a moment
+the door opened to admit a tall Arab, followed by a native with bandages
+and a basin of water.</p>
+
+<p>The Arab quietly loosened Melton's shirt and coat, and, washing the
+wound, wrapped bandages spread with some soft ointment round his body.
+He did the work speedily and dexterously, and then departed as silently
+as he had come. He had barely gone, however, when a soldier entered with
+a tray containing dates, figs, and a peculiar kind of cakes, which he
+placed before the prisoners. They ate with relish, and then, overcome by
+weariness, they lay down on the straw and fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>It was some hours later when Guy awoke. Night had come, for no light
+shone through the aperture. He lay for some time listening to Melton's
+deep breathing and thinking of their terrible situation.</p>
+
+<p>He was not without hope of deliverance, for he placed a great deal of
+faith in Makar's promise; yet even then the chances were against them.
+Perhaps at this very moment Zaila had been retaken, and Makar was killed
+or a prisoner. If this should happen they were lost. Guy shuddered to
+think of Rao Khan's vengeance under such circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>Presently he became aware of vague noises somewhere in the distance. He
+fancied he heard shots fired and a loud tumult of voices.</p>
+
+<p>He thought it might be imagination, but suddenly the sounds increased,
+and once or twice footsteps hurried past the dungeon. The noise now woke
+Melton, and together they listened, convinced that it was a presentiment
+of coming evil. The strange sounds rose and fell, at times nearly dying
+away and then bursting out with renewed violence.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't understand it at all," said Guy. "It can't be a rejoicing over
+the capture of Zaila, for they are plainly cries of anger."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll know pretty soon what it means," returned Melton; "it concerns
+us, you may be sure."</p>
+
+<p>In his excitement he arose and began to pace the floor. His wound was
+giving him no pain, he said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> adding that he really felt pretty well
+again.</p>
+
+<p>At last the shouts seemed to come a little nearer, and before long the
+fierce, angry cries were heard close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>"They are surrounding the prison," said Guy, huskily.</p>
+
+<p>He was right. A howling mob was on all sides of them now, and it was
+quite clear that they were beginning to attack the walls of the
+courtyard, for suddenly half a dozen shots were fired as though the
+guards were resisting the <a name="comma6" id="comma6"></a><ins title="deleted comma">invaders.</ins></p>
+
+<p>It was a period of terrible suspense. The shouts increased, the firing
+grew heavier, powder-smoke drifted into the prison; but just when they
+expected to see their dungeon door torn open by a mad swarm of fanatics
+the uproar suddenly ceased.</p>
+
+<p>A full minute of silence followed, and then on the night air rose a howl
+of triumph, so savage, so vindictive, that Guy and Melton shivered from
+head to foot. For some reason the attack had been suddenly abandoned.
+What that reason was they could only surmise.</p>
+
+<p>The silence continued. The invaders had dispersed. Sleep was impossible,
+and they passed the time in conversation until a streak of light,
+flickering through the opening, showed that morning had come.</p>
+
+<p>Food and drink were brought in. The prisoners<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> ate sparingly. The shadow
+of a great calamity was overhanging.</p>
+
+<p>"I am just as sure," said Melton, "that something will shortly happen,
+as I am that you and I are in Rao Khan's slave prison at Harar."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," answered Guy.</p>
+
+<p>Footsteps approached. The door creaked and opened, and a man entered.
+With a cry of wonder Guy and Melton sprang to their feet. The new-comer
+was bronzed and burnt, he had light hair, a mustache and a soft blond
+beard, but he wore trousers and a tunic of white linen.</p>
+
+<p>The surprise was mutual. The stranger scanned them closely from head to
+foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" cried Guy hoarsely. "Can it be possible that you are an
+Englishman&mdash;an Englishman in Harar?"</p>
+
+<p>The man paused a moment, and then said quietly: "I am a Greek. My name
+is Canaris Mataplan. At present I am an interpreter to Rao Khan, the
+Emir."</p>
+
+<p>"But your English?" cried Melton. "It is perfect."</p>
+
+<p>"I was a cafe-keeper at Cairo for seven years," replied the Greek. "I
+learned English there."</p>
+
+<p>An embarrassing pause now occurred. It was certain that the Greek was
+the bearer of tidings from the Emir. No one dared speak. At last the
+Greek said quietly: "You are truly unfortunate. Tell me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> how you came
+here. I know that Zaila has fallen into the possession of Rao Khan's
+emissaries. I know nothing else."</p>
+
+<p>Guy briefly told the tale, and Canaris listened quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Fools!" he said. "The English will be in Zaila again in a month."</p>
+
+<p>"And you?" rejoined Guy. "What brought you to Harar?"</p>
+
+<p>"I left Cairo for Calcutta," said Canaris. "The steamer was lost off
+Cape Guardafui; ten of us reached shore in a boat; the Somalis
+slaughtered all but myself. I was sold to the Arabs and came ultimately
+to Harar. I was useful to Rao Khan in many ways, and my life was spared.
+I have been here two years, two long years. I shall never see Greece
+again," he added gloomily. "I am a slave to the Emir for life."</p>
+
+<p>"Is escape then impossible?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"Absolutely. Between here and the coast is the desert. To the south are
+the bloodthirsty Gallas. No, no; one can never escape from Harar."</p>
+
+<p>The tramp of the guard was heard in the corridor, and a sudden change
+passed over the Greek's face.</p>
+
+<p>"I have come from Rao Khan," he said in a low voice. "He sends me with a
+message."</p>
+
+<p>He paused.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>"Go on," said Guy; "we are listening." He was breathing heavily.</p>
+
+<p>"Two hours after you arrived here yesterday morning," resumed Canaris,
+"Rao Khan despatched the Arabs to Zaila again, in company with two
+hundred of his best soldiers, who will assist in holding the town. They
+had scarcely gone when an insurrection broke out. The people were
+angered at the slaughter done by the Emir's troops when they rescued you
+from the crowd. It is an ancient law in Harar that every Christian
+stranger who enters her gates must die. Englishmen are most detested of
+all. The populace became maddened and furious; from all quarters of the
+town they came, clamoring, demanding your lives. When Rao Khan called
+out his remaining troops they refused to fire. The people, they said,
+were right. A very few remained faithful to the Emir. The mob surrounded
+the palace and the prison; they tried to scale the walls; the guards in
+the court fired on them. Then Rao Khan appeared and spoke to the angry
+crowd. He begged them to wait. He told them that you belonged not to
+him, but that Makar Makalo had sent you here for safe-keeping, that you
+were the slaves of Makar Makalo. The people only howled in derision.
+They became more angry and infuriated, and refused to listen any longer.
+'The Englishmen must die!' they cried. Rao Khan was fearful in his
+anger. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> he was powerless. He feared the destruction of the palace,
+the loss of his own life." Here Canaris paused and looked with infinite
+pity at the Englishmen.</p>
+
+<p>Guy tried to speak, but the words stuck in his throat. Melton laid his
+hand on the Greek's arm. "Go on, go on," he whispered hoarsely. "We are
+men, not cowards. Let us know the worst."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+<a name="xi" id="xi"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br />
+<br />
+<small>CANARIS UNFOLDS A TALE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>"Well," said Canaris, "I will tell you. Rao Khan has promised your lives
+to the people. It was his only hope, and now, his word once given, he
+will not dare to break it."</p>
+
+<p>Melton covered his face with his hands, and Guy staggered backward.</p>
+
+<p>"When?" he cried huskily. "Today?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Canaris, "not today. The Emir bids me tell you that you will
+have four days yet to live. On the fifth day you will die by the
+executioner, in the square of the town."</p>
+
+<p>They shuddered as these dreadful words fell from the Greek's lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no hope, then, at all?" said Melton. "Let us know the worst at
+once and be done with it."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris made no reply for a moment. His eyes were fixed on the floor,
+and he seemed to be thinking deeply. When he looked up the expression of
+his face was changed. A strange light shone in his eye, a mixture of
+triumph and fear.</p>
+
+<p>"I can tell you nothing now," he said hastily. "Tonight you shall have
+an answer. But tell me, how is your wound?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>"Better," replied Melton. "I can scarcely feel it at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said Canaris. "Now do just as I tell you. Lie down on the straw;
+pretend that you are much worse; moan loudly from time to time, and when
+I come tonight I shall have something to impart to you."</p>
+
+<p>With this strange admonition, Canaris hastily left the dungeon and the
+guard rebolted the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the fellow crazy?" said Melton. "What can he mean to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Crazy?" rejoined Guy. "No; I have a strange faith in that man, Melton.
+Do just as he tells you and see what turns up tonight."</p>
+
+<p>With much grumbling Melton assumed the part of a very sick man. He
+rather overdid the thing, in fact, for twice the guard opened the door
+and looked in. About noon food was brought, and from that time no one
+came near them.</p>
+
+<p>The minutes dragged along like hours. They tried to forget the awful
+fate that stared them in the face, but in spite of the Greek's
+encouraging words the future looked very black.</p>
+
+<p>At last the feeble light in their dungeon began to fade away, and soon
+they were in darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"The fellow will never come back," said Melton bitterly. "It's all up
+with us, Chutney, so don't try to raise any more false hopes."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>But Guy refused to give up, and his faith was rewarded. Quick footsteps
+approached the dungeon, the bolts rattled, and Canaris entered with a
+rude lamp and a leather case, which he placed carefully on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Then he pulled a paper from his pocket and waved it gleefully.</p>
+
+<p>"See," he cried, "a permit from Rao Khan, admitting me to the prison at
+all times. I told him that your wound was very bad, that the Arab doctor
+had failed to help you, and that I knew enough of English surgery to
+cure you if he would allow it. Rao Khan reluctantly consented, and here
+I am."</p>
+
+<p>He listened intently for a moment, glanced round the dungeon, and then
+went on in a low, excited tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Get close together. I have something important to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>They squatted down in a group on the straw, and with a strange, exultant
+sparkle in his eyes, Canaris began:</p>
+
+<p>"When I came to Harar two years ago this very cell held a white slave,
+like yourselves an Englishman. He was an old man, with long white hair
+and beard, and had been so long in slavery that he had forgotten his own
+name and could scarcely speak the English tongue.</p>
+
+<p>"My duties then were to carry food and drink<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> to the slaves, and before
+long I was on intimate terms with the old Englishman. He was very ill,
+and the Arab doctors made him no better. Perhaps it was old age that was
+the trouble, but at all events he died two months after I came. At
+different times he had told me the story of his life, and that is what I
+am going to tell you now.</p>
+
+<p>"He had been thirty years in slavery. How and where he had been captured
+he could no longer remember. His mind was a blank on that point. But one
+thing he told me that is important. For twenty years he had lived among
+the Gallas in a village fifty miles to the south of Harar, and it was a
+few years after he had been brought there that he nearly succeeded in
+making his escape.</p>
+
+<p>"He had often heard from the natives of an underground river that was
+said to exist, and which emptied either into the River Juba or into the
+sea. The tales concerning the river were many and strange, but the chief
+of the Gallas assured him that at one time a tribe of natives had lived
+in the mouth of a huge cavern which gave access to the river."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard something of that myself," interrupted Melton. "An Arab at
+Zanzibar told me, but I never had any faith in the story."</p>
+
+<p>"That river exists," said Canaris solemnly. "The Englishman found it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>"What!" cried Guy and Melton in one breath. "He found the underground
+river?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he discovered it," resumed Canaris. "He found it one day while
+hunting in a concealed cavern. He ventured down and came to a great
+sandy beach, past which flowed swiftly a broad stream. On the beach lay
+half a dozen strong canoes with paddles. All this he saw by the light
+that streamed in from narrow crevices overhead. He went back to the
+village and began to lay aside provisions for the journey, for he
+intended making his escape by the river. In a week all was ready. He had
+concealed near the cavern supplies for a long voyage. The very day fixed
+for his escape he was sold to a Galla chief who lived twenty miles
+distant. In the years that followed he made many attempts to escape, but
+on every occasion was captured and brought back. At last he was given as
+tribute to the Emir by this Galla chief, and here in this dungeon, on
+the spot you are sitting on now, he breathed his last."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris paused and helped himself to a glass of water.</p>
+
+<p>"A strange story, indeed," said Guy; "but what has it got to do with
+us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you," responded Canaris, with a slight tremor in his voice.
+"It may have nothing to do with any of us, and it may be of the greatest
+importance to us all."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>"Did the old man tell you where to find the cavern?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered Canaris, "but before he died he gave me this," and,
+pulling a folded bit of linen from his pocket he handed it to Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you read that?" he asked in strange excitement. "I have never been
+able to make anything out of it."</p>
+
+<p>Guy pulled it carefully open and gazed with interest on the faded
+characters that had apparently been written in blood.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he said after a pause, "I can read it. It is French."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," said Canaris. "Tell me quickly what it is."</p>
+
+<p>"It translates as follows," rejoined Guy:</p>
+
+<p>"Half way between Elephant Peak and the Lion's Head. The south side of
+the stone kraal. The rock with the cross."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris sprang to his feet and staggered back against the wall of the
+dungeon.</p>
+
+<p>"It was Providence that brought you here," he cried. "It is wonderful,
+wonderful!"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" said Guy. "How can this aid us?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is the secret of the cave," replied Canaris. "The stone kraal is a
+curious formation of rocks that lie between the two mountains that bear
+those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> names. Close by is the village of the chief of all the Gallas."</p>
+
+<p>"But how under the sun can this discovery benefit us?" repeated Guy,
+half angrily. "Can you open our prison for us, Canaris?"</p>
+
+<p>The Greek threw a cautious glance toward the door and then whispered in
+a voice that trembled with emotion: "Nothing is impossible; hope for the
+best. But stay," he added in sudden fear; "I must have money, or all is
+lost. Alas! you have none, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>For answer Guy hastily rose, and, loosening his clothes, unhooked a
+small buckskin belt. He tore open the end and dropped a stream of golden
+sovereigns into his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is money!" he cried. "The Arabs overlooked this when they searched
+me."</p>
+
+<p>The Greek's eyes glittered.</p>
+
+<p>"Give me twenty," he said. "That will be plenty."</p>
+
+<p>He stowed the coins away in his clothes and picked up the lamp.</p>
+
+<p>"I must leave you now," he said. "I will return in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>He would have added more, but steps were heard in the corridor. The
+dungeon door clanged behind him, and Guy and Melton were left in
+darkness, half stupefied by the strange story they had just heard and by
+the hope of escape which the Greek so confidently held out to them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+<a name="xii" id="xii"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A DARING MOVE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>When daylight came the captives could scarcely believe that the events
+of the preceding night had not been all a dream. There was the document,
+however, to prove their reality, and Guy was deeply studying its faded
+characters when the Greek arrived.</p>
+
+<p>His face was radiant with happiness, an expression which quickly gave
+way to deep sadness as a big Somali entered with a platter of food. The
+latter had barely closed the door when Canaris held up a warning finger
+and motioned the Englishmen to draw near.</p>
+
+<p>"It is well," he said softly. "I will tell you what I have done. Near
+the palace lives a Jewish merchant whom I know well. To him I went last
+night and by the aid of your gold made a good bargain. On the western
+side of the city, close by the wall, is a deserted guard-house that was
+once used before the watch-towers were built. Here the Jew promised to
+take for me the goods I purchased&mdash;namely, a supply of dates, figs, and
+crackers, three revolvers, three rifles with boxes of shells, three
+sabers, two ancient bronze lamps with flasks of palm oil, a box of
+English candles, and four long ropes with iron hooks on the end."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>"He will betray you to the Emir," said Guy in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," returned Canaris, "no danger of that. I know a little secret
+concerning my Jewish friend that would put his head above the town walls
+in an hour's time. The things are even now hidden in the deserted house,
+you may rely on that."</p>
+
+<p>"But how are we going to get out of this infernal dungeon?" asked Guy.
+"And how can we pass through the streets to the edge of the town?"</p>
+
+<p>For answer the Greek opened the leather case that he had brought with
+him and took out three revolvers, three boxes of shells, a coil of rope,
+and a sharp knife.</p>
+
+<p>"These are my surgical instruments," he said. "I will put them under the
+straw," and he suited the action to the word.</p>
+
+<p>"Affairs outside have changed somewhat," he continued. "The people are
+sullen and restless. They mistrust the Emir, and fear they will be
+cheated of the pleasure they are looking forward to."</p>
+
+<p>Guy turned pale. "Then we are lost!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"No, you are saved," said Canaris. "That very fact works for your
+salvation. The Emir is alarmed; he fears for himself, not for you. His
+troops are few since he despatched the caravan to Zaila, and at night,
+for better security, he takes guards from the prison courtyard and
+stations them before the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> palace. This leaves three guards to contend
+with; one watches in the corridor, one stands before the prison door,
+and the third guards the gateway that opens from the prison yard on to a
+dark avenue of the town. If all goes well you will be free men at
+midnight. I must hurry away now. Listen well to my instructions, and do
+just as I tell you.</p>
+
+<p>"You," and he turned to Melton, "must pretend that your wound is bad.
+Refuse to eat and lie on the straw all the time. It will be better if I
+do not return today. I fear that even now Rao Khan grows suspicious. The
+Arab doctor is angered because I have assumed his duties. At midnight,
+if you listen sharply, you will hear the guard relieved by a new man.
+Soon after that knock on the door, and when the guard looks in show him
+the wounded man, who will then feign to be very bad. I sleep in a rear
+apartment of the palace. The guard will send for me, and I will come.
+Otherwise my visiting you at that time of night would be looked upon
+with suspicion. The rest I will tell you then. Don't despair. All will
+be well; till midnight, farewell."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris glided from the dungeon, and the prisoners were alone. They
+passed the long hours of that day in a strange mixture of hope and fear.
+The difficulties to be overcome seemed insurmountable. They must escape
+from the prison, pass through the very midst of their bloodthirsty
+enemies, scale the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> wall, and then&mdash;where were they? Hundreds of miles
+from the coast, surrounded by barbarous and savage people, and their
+only hope that mysterious underground river which in itself was a thing
+to be feared.</p>
+
+<p>But, on the other hand, speedy death awaited them in the dungeon of Rao
+Khan. The chances were truly worth taking.</p>
+
+<p>They followed instructions closely when the guard brought them food at
+noon, and in the evening Melton tossed on the floor as though in pain.
+The thrice-welcomed darkness came at last, and the light faded out of
+their dungeon. Once a horrible thought entered Guy's mind. What was to
+prevent the Greek from making his escape alone, and abandoning the
+Englishmen to their fate? It was but momentary, however, and then he
+dismissed the suspicion with a feeling of shame. He had already learned
+to trust the Greek implicitly.</p>
+
+<p>Crouched by their dungeon door, they listened by the hour, and at last
+their patience was rewarded. Voices were heard, steps approached and
+died away, and then all was silent.</p>
+
+<p>The time for action had come.</p>
+
+<p>Melton threw himself on the straw and moaned. Guy rapped sharply on the
+door and waited in suspense. Almost instantly it opened, and the guard,
+a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> tall Nubian, pushed his lamp into the doorway and followed it up with
+head and shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris, Canaris!" said Guy earnestly, pointing to Melton, who uttered
+at that moment a most unearthly groan.</p>
+
+<p>The guard drew back and shut the door. His soft tread echoed down the
+corridor, and all was still.</p>
+
+<p>The suspense of the next five minutes Guy will never forget as long as
+he lives. It seemed to his excited imagination as though an hour had
+passed by, when suddenly sounds were heard in the corridor, and in an
+instant more Canaris stood before them, his leather case at his side, a
+lamp in his hand. He closed the door, opened the case, and drew out two
+wide linen tunics and two long jackets such as the Emir's troops wore.</p>
+
+<p>"Put these on," he whispered. "You can wear your helmets; there are many
+of them in Harar."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he drew an Arab burnous over his head, shading entirely his
+light hair and mustache. He next pulled the revolvers and shells from
+under the straw, distributed them around, and with the knife cut the
+rope in a dozen parts. By this time Guy and Melton had donned their
+disguises and were ready for action.</p>
+
+<p>Up to this point Guy had supposed that Canaris had bribed the guards and
+paved the way out of prison.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>"You are sure the guards will let us pass?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris looked at him in wonder, and then a smile rippled over his face.</p>
+
+<p>"You thought I had bribed the guards," he said. "Ten thousand pounds
+could not tempt them. They would only lose their heads in the morning.
+It matters little," he added. "They will lose them anyhow. But our time
+has come; be ready now to assist."</p>
+
+<p>He motioned Guy and Melton behind the door, and then, pulling it partly
+open, uttered a few words in a strange tongue.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the powerful frame of the big Nubian entered, and as he stood
+for one second on the dungeon floor, sudden mistrust in his ugly
+features, Canaris leaped at his throat and bore him heavily to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick!" he cried, and in an instant Guy and Melton had seized the
+struggling man's arms and feet.</p>
+
+<p>Still pressing the fellow's windpipe with one muscular hand, Canaris
+thrust a gag into the gaping mouth, and in two minutes their captive was
+lying bound and helpless on the straw.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you tell him?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"I said our lamp was going out," Canaris replied. "And now for the man
+at the prison door. I must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> get him inside, for the post is in plain
+view of the guard at the gate."</p>
+
+<p>A solution of this puzzling problem was closer at hand than anyone
+imagined. The creaking of a door was heard, followed by approaching
+footsteps.</p>
+
+<p>"Here he comes now!" said Canaris in an excited whisper. "He has grown
+suspicious, and has determined to investigate. Quick!"</p>
+
+<p>Canaris darted to the other side of the doorway, and then ensued another
+period of chilling suspense.</p>
+
+<p>The tread came nearer, and at last another stalwart Nubian blocked the
+doorway with his massive bulk. His look of wonder was comical as he saw
+his comrade gagged and bound on the dungeon floor, but before the half
+articulated exclamation could escape his lips Canaris had him by the
+throat, and down they came. The fellow uttered one cry, and then, as his
+head struck the edge of the door in falling his struggles lessened, and
+with no trouble at all he was gagged and bound.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris tore the ammunition from their belts, handed Guy and Melton
+their rifles, and then, blowing out the lamp, he pushed them into the
+corridor and bolted the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Two heads will be off in the morning," he remarked grimly. "One more
+victory and we are out of prison."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>He blew out the light that stood in the corridor and led the way through
+the darkness till he reached the door. He pulled it open, a crack
+revealing the moonlit courtyard, and took a long, careful survey.</p>
+
+<p>"There is the man we want," he whispered, pointing across the court, and
+putting his eyes to the crevice Guy saw against the massive prison wall
+a dark shadow leaning grimly on a rifle.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+<a name="xiii" id="xiii"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE FLIGHT THROUGH THE TOWN.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>It was a critical situation for the three fugitives, crouching behind
+the heavy prison door. That grim sentry over yonder by the gate must be
+noiselessly and effectually overpowered, and that at once. Any moment
+guards might come from the palace, and then&mdash;oh, it was horrible! The
+public square, the executioner's gleaming knife, the roar of the
+populace!</p>
+
+<p>Guy's brain whirled at this appalling panorama, and he clutched the door
+for support.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't we rush on him?" asked Melton.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris laughed grimly.</p>
+
+<p>"Before we could take three steps from the door," he said, "the fellow
+would see us and alarm the palace. If I go alone the chances are that
+before you can reach me he would succeed in making an outcry. Our only
+hope lies in getting away from the town before our escape is
+discovered."</p>
+
+<p>"But what are you going to do, Canaris?" asked Guy excitedly. "We are
+losing precious time."</p>
+
+<p>"Keep cool," replied the Greek. "I will fix him in five minutes. Stay
+where you are and don't make a sound. When I wave my hand, then come."</p>
+
+<p>He removed his burnous and stuffed it under his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> tunic. Then he calmly
+opened the door and walked straight across the court toward the guard,
+who looked up carelessly at his approach. With their eyes glued against
+the cracks of the door Guy and Melton waited in terrible suspense.</p>
+
+<p>A short conversation ensued. Canaris turned and pointed toward the
+prison. The guard replied with many gestures, and finally in his
+eagerness placed his rifle against the wall. What followed was so swift
+and dexterous that it seemed like a dream.</p>
+
+<p>The Greek's right hand shot out from his bosom clasping some glittering
+object. It struck the astonished guard on the forehead with a sharp
+click that echoed across the courtyard, and without a sound he dropped
+on his knees and then rolled over on the stone pavement.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris waved his hand, and then the two captives dashed breathlessly
+across the courtyard.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he dead?" asked Guy in a horrified whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Only stunned," replied Canaris. "I struck him with the butt of my
+revolver. Quick now; bind and gag him while I find the key and open the
+gate."</p>
+
+<p>Guy hastily fastened the fellow's feet and arms and stuffed a roll of
+linen in his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>Melton stood looking on. His wound was beginning to give him some pain
+again.</p>
+
+<p>With a low exclamation of triumph Canaris pulled from the Nubian's waist
+a narrow belt on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> which hung a ponderous iron key. All rose to their
+feet. Guy dropped the unconscious guard under the shadow of the wall.
+The supreme moment had come. The great courtyard, white in the light of
+the moon, was empty. The heavy doors leading to the palace were shut.
+Behind the high prison walls all seemed quiet. The city was asleep.</p>
+
+<p>The first stage of the journey was accomplished in safety. The terrible
+passage through the town was before them now. With a hand that trembled
+slightly Canaris inserted the key in the lock. It turned with a harsh
+rattle, and at a touch of the hand the brazen gate swung outward.</p>
+
+<p>The Greek made a hasty survey and then stepped noiselessly outside. They
+were in a narrow side street which ran past the Emir's palace. The side
+toward the prison was in deep shadow. On the other side was a long stone
+building, with two or three narrow grated windows.</p>
+
+<p>"That is an Arab storehouse opposite," said Canaris. "We are safe for
+the present. Now follow me closely. Walk boldly and fearlessly and keep
+a few feet apart."</p>
+
+<p>He started off at a rapid gait, his white burnous tossing on his
+shoulders, and with fast-beating hearts Guy and Melton came close
+behind. In five minutes they turned into another narrow passage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> running
+at right angles, and, continuing along this for forty or fifty yards,
+made still another turn.</p>
+
+<p>The two streets they had just traversed had been lined for the most part
+with big warehouses and slave-markets. It was, in fact, the business
+part of the town, alive with people during the day, deserted at night.
+But now a crisis was at hand. Canaris halted his little party in the
+shadow of a building and pointed straight up the street.</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder lies the main avenue," he said. "We must cross it to reach our
+destination. Keep yourselves well under control, don't show any fear,
+and if any people are about don't look at them. If they address you make
+no reply."</p>
+
+<p>Guy marveled at the Greek's coolness under such terrible circumstances.
+Every moment was a torture to him as long as they remained in the midst
+of these bloodthirsty fiends.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes they reached the main street. From the slight ridge on
+which they stood they could see stretching afar on either hand the
+moonlit roadway, spectered with the dark shadows of the houses. They had
+been traveling on three sides of a square. Fifty yards down the street
+the tower of the Emir's palace was visible, outlined faintly against the
+pale-gray sky.</p>
+
+<p>As they stepped from the shadows upon the open roadway, an Arab stalked
+from a doorway opposite,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> and without troubling himself to come nearer
+addressed Canaris in a strange tongue.</p>
+
+<p>Guy's heart seemed to leap into his throat as he nervously handled the
+revolver that stuck in his belt.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris coolly replied in a low voice. The Arab evinced no intention of
+coming any nearer, and in an instant more the fugitives had plunged into
+the gloom of another cross street.</p>
+
+<p>On all sides now were rude abodes, some of sandstone, others of clay,
+and at some places even tents were to be seen. Laughter and loud talking
+came from open windows. Two or three fierce looking Somali warriors
+stalked past in dignified silence, and an Arab sheik, wrapped closely in
+his garment, looked at them cautiously as he hurried by.</p>
+
+<p>Melton now walked with difficulty. His wound had broken out afresh and
+was bleeding. The weight of the rifle was too much for him, and he was
+compelled to abandon it in the road.</p>
+
+<p>"A little farther now," said Canaris encouragingly, "and we shall be
+safe."</p>
+
+<p>Melton tried to walk faster, leaning on Guy's arm, but at last, with a
+moan of pain, he sank to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, leave me; save yourselves," he whispered feebly, as they bent
+over him and tried to lift him to his feet.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>"One more effort, my dear Melton," implored Guy in an agony, "only one
+more effort, and we shall be safe. We can carry you if you can't walk."</p>
+
+<p>"No," he gasped. "Go at once. You can escape. I would only keep you back
+and cause your capture; better one than three."</p>
+
+<p>Guy threw an appealing glance at Canaris. The Greek's features were
+immovable. He calmly waited the result of Guy's pleading.</p>
+
+<p>"My brave fellow," said Chutney, in a husky voice, kneeling down and
+clasping Melton's hand, "I refuse to accept your sacrifice. I shall
+remain here with you and we will meet our fate together. Canaris, save
+yourself while there is yet time. I will not desert my friend."</p>
+
+<p>The Greek paused irresolutely. The convulsive workings of his face
+showed the struggle going on in his mind. Suddenly Melton rose on one
+elbow and cried excitedly:</p>
+
+<p>"Go, go, I tell you."</p>
+
+<p>Guy shook his head. "No," he said decidedly. "I shall remain."</p>
+
+<p>"You are throwing your lives away," said Melton bitterly. "Here, help me
+up. I will make another effort."</p>
+
+<p>In an instant Guy and Canaris had gladly pulled him to his feet, and off
+they went again as rapidly as possible. All was quiet around them. A
+deep<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> silence, broken only by the occasional low of a cow, had enwrapped
+the town. So far their escape had remained undiscovered.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, here we are," said Canaris joyfully, turning down a dark, dirty
+passage, so narrow that the three could barely walk abreast. "In three
+minutes we shall reach the wall."</p>
+
+<p>Three minutes is not a long time, but it is long enough for many things
+to happen. They had traversed half the length of the street when Guy,
+moved by one of those sudden, unexplainable impulses, turned his head.</p>
+
+<p>Ten yards behind, crawling with soft and stealthy tread, was a grim,
+half naked Somali. How long he had been following in their track it was
+impossible to tell. But there he was, a stern Nemesis, the moonlight
+shining on spear and shield, and glowing on the dark, villainous
+features.</p>
+
+<p>Guy and Canaris wheeled round and stood with drawn revolvers. The Somali
+clutched his spear and drew up his shield. The silence remained
+unbroken.</p>
+
+<p>One single cry and a mad horde would rush forth like bees from a hive.
+The Somali made one step backward, then another, and then, opening his
+mouth, he gave a yell that was caught up in horrible echoes till the
+street fairly rang.</p>
+
+<p>"Malediction!" cried Canaris, in uncontrollable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> fury, "that's your last
+shout," and, taking quick aim, he pulled his revolver on the shouting
+Somali.</p>
+
+<p>A stunning report, a hollow groan, and down came the savage all in a
+heap, while the heavy shield bounded with a clatter over the stones.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+<a name="xiv" id="xiv"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br />
+<br />
+<small>OVER THE WALLS.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The crack of the revolver, following closely on the Somali's loud yell,
+had barely died away in echoes when the dark street seemed fairly to
+burst into life.</p>
+
+<p>The fugitives did not wait to see the result of the shot, but as they
+dashed madly forward they heard the people calling wildly to one another
+as they hurried from their dwellings.</p>
+
+<p>Even Melton kept up with wonderful endurance. The excitement had given
+him false strength, and he kept even pace with Guy and Canaris.</p>
+
+<p>Close at hand was the termination of the street, and as they were within
+ten yards of it a big Somali suddenly leaped out and barred the way.</p>
+
+<p>The fugitives were going at a rate of speed which it was simply
+impossible to check. Canaris was a foot in advance, and in an instant
+more he would have impaled himself on the savage's outpointed spear.</p>
+
+<p>It was too late to use the revolver which he still carried in his hand,
+but quick as a flash he hurled it with all his might, and with such
+correct aim that it landed plump on the fellow's head with an ugly
+crack.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>The Somali howled with agony, letting the spear drop from his nerveless
+hands, and just as it clattered to the ground Canaris was upon him with
+a rush, and down they went together, the Somali undermost.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris was up in a trice, and Guy and Melton, bounding on behind,
+trampled the half unconscious savage under their feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," said Guy fiercely. "We will outwit them yet. Brace up, Melton;
+we'll soon be out of this hole."</p>
+
+<p>Forbes gritted his teeth to suppress a cry of pain.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't keep up much longer," he said. "I'll faint from loss of blood."</p>
+
+<p>The place they had just entered was the great trading locality and slave
+market of the town. At this time of year it was deserted, but the empty
+stalls and booths stood about in endless confusion.</p>
+
+<p>The wisdom of the route chosen by Canaris was now apparent, for this
+labyrinth of paths, which wove an intricate network through the stalls,
+offered just the opportunity they wanted; and, following the Greek's
+guidance, they twisted in and out in a tortuous line that gradually
+brought them toward the opposite side of the market.</p>
+
+<p>The outcry behind them had by this time swelled to a perfect tumult, and
+the night air bore it to their ears with startling distinctness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>Fortunately for the fugitives, this vast court was surrounded by grim
+slave prisons, and they encountered no one in their flight. They reached
+the opposite side of the market in safety, and, plunging in among the
+mass of empty prisons, ran on, panting and breathless.</p>
+
+<p>The Greek's white burnous fluttered on ahead, turning angle after angle,
+diving into dark alleys and shooting across open spaces. At last he
+stopped and, too exhausted to speak, waved his hand in triumph at the
+frowning wall of the town that towered directly over their heads for
+twenty feet.</p>
+
+<p>Close by the wall was a circular stone tower, partly in ruins, and into
+this Canaris dived eagerly. It was an anxious moment to the two who
+waited on the outside, but at last the Greek reappeared in triumph with
+his hands full. The Jewish merchant had kept his promise.</p>
+
+<p>He paused a second or two to listen to the outcry in the town.</p>
+
+<p>"They are coming nearer," he said. "Keep cool and don't get excited.
+They will search every stall in the market before a man comes near us,
+and besides this is the last place they would look. They will never
+suspect us of any intention to scale the wall. Still we must lose no
+time," he added. "Now here is a box of shells apiece; put them in your
+pockets, buckle these sabers around your waists, take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> the rifles I
+bought. They are better, so you may throw the others away."</p>
+
+<p>"Forbes can't carry one," said Guy. "What shall we do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Leave it behind," replied Canaris. "We have burden enough. I had the
+Jew put up the stuff in three oilcloth bags. We must divide it into two
+loads."</p>
+
+<p>He turned the contents of all on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, everything is here," he said. "Crackers, dates, figs, two lamps, a
+box of candles, matches, and two flasks of palm oil. Now, then, for the
+final move."</p>
+
+<p>He divided the stuff into two bags, and then, going back into the guard
+tower, came out with a bunch of long ropes.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurry up," said Guy. "Do you observe how close the sounds are coming?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are searching the market," said Canaris calmly. "They take us for
+a party of drunken Arabs out on a lark."</p>
+
+<p>"Then they don't suspect the truth?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"If it were known that the Emir's English prisoners had escaped," he
+said, "the fiends up yonder would be making more noise than the surf
+that breaks on the rocks at Bab el Mandeb."</p>
+
+<p>The ropes had at one end a rude iron hook, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> taking one of them,
+Canaris threw it over the wall, retaining the other end in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>He pulled it in a yard or two, and then the rope became suddenly taut.
+The hook was secure. He took a sharp glance around him, measured with
+his ear the hoarse shouts that still rose from the slave market, and
+then went nimbly up the rope, hand over hand. He reached the top in
+safety.</p>
+
+<p>"Now fasten the stuff on," he whispered down; "put the other ropes in
+the bag."</p>
+
+<p>Guy obeyed instructions, and Canaris rapidly drew the string up. He then
+speedily hooked a second rope to the wall and dropped it down.</p>
+
+<p>"Fasten Forbes to one rope, and come up the other yourself," he called
+out to Chutney.</p>
+
+<p>Here a difficulty arose. Melton was, of course, unable to climb the
+rope, and if a noose were slipped under his arms the wound would be torn
+and lacerated by the strain.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use, Chutney," he said. "I foresaw this. You must get off
+without me."</p>
+
+<p>Guy was in despair. He was just on the point of bidding Canaris make his
+escape alone, when a happy thought struck him.</p>
+
+<p>"I have it, Melton," he cried joyfully. "Have you much power in your
+arms?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Melton, "but not enough to go up that rope."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>"That's all right. I don't want you to go up the rope," returned Guy.
+"Here, put your feet together and stand straight."</p>
+
+<p>Hastily noosing the rope, he drew the knot tightly about Melton's legs
+just above the knee.</p>
+
+<p>"You take a good grip with your hands," he added. "There won't be much
+strain on your wound and we'll have you on the top in a jiffy."</p>
+
+<p>Melton obeyed instructions, and Guy pulled himself speedily to the top.</p>
+
+<p>"Crouch down," said Canaris; "don't you see that watch-tower?" and he
+pointed to a dim mass rising from the wall some distance off. "That is
+the nearest tower," he added. "I hardly think they can see us, but it is
+better to take precautions."</p>
+
+<p>The other two ropes were already dangling on the outer side of the wall.
+Canaris had planned everything for an emergency.</p>
+
+<p>Guy took a hasty glance at the roofs and battlements spread before them
+on one side, the moonlit landscape on the other, and then he whispered
+down, "All right, Melton?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, go ahead," came the faint reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick, they are coming!" cried Canaris in sudden excitement, and as he
+spoke a yell went up close at hand, and three or four dark figures
+turned the corner of the nearest slave-prison.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>A big Somali was in the lead, and, spying Melton, he raised his spear.</p>
+
+<p>"You fiend!" cried Guy, and, lifting a loose stone from the wall, he
+hurled it down.</p>
+
+<p>It struck the spear from the rascal's hand, and, before he could recover
+himself, Guy and Canaris had dragged Melton to the top of the wall by a
+prodigious effort.</p>
+
+<p>"Down, down!" cried Canaris, and as they crouched low three or four
+spears went over their heads and a hoarse shout of rage went up from the
+baffled Somalis that was caught up and repeated far back into the town.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep cool," cautioned Canaris; "the ropes are up; they can't reach us.
+Five minutes more, and&mdash;&mdash;" The words froze on his lips. Loud above the
+shouts of the savages rose a harsh, metallic sound that vibrated in
+shuddering echoes through the night air. It was the beating of the
+tomtom at the Emir's palace.</p>
+
+<p>An electric circuit could not have more speedily roused the town. A
+vast, sullen roar went up instantly, and then, mingled with the clang of
+the tomtom and the tumult of the people, rang out a harsh rattle of
+alarm-drums that swelled and spread until every oval watch-turret on the
+town walls was sounding the tocsin announcing to the subjects of Rao
+Khan the escape of the hated Englishmen.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+<a name="xv" id="xv"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE PURSUIT.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>"Now for it," cried Canaris. "Don't be scared. In two minutes we'll be
+out of reach of these <a name="ages" id="ages"></a><ins title="original has fiends. ages">fiends</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>His appearance belied his words, for he was trembling with fright. The
+rope about Melton's legs had not been loosened, and he was instantly
+lowered on the other side. In less time than it takes to tell, Guy and
+Canaris had joined him, and all three felt the solid earth beneath their
+feet again.</p>
+
+<p>The situation was now extremely critical. The tomtom still rang out from
+the palace, and the drums were beating in the watch-towers, though their
+volume of sound could be heard but faintly above the constantly
+increasing roar of the maddened people.</p>
+
+<p>The fugitives had scaled the wall at a point on the western side of the
+city very close to the southern angle; the western gate was still more
+remote, and from these gates the pursuit must come.</p>
+
+<p>That it would come quickly no one could doubt, for the rabble of Somalis
+who had led the chase through the market-place had by this time reached
+the gates with the tidings of the fugitives' escape over the wall.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>Canaris took a bag and a rifle and Guy followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>Not a second of time was lost, but, turning to the southwest, they
+dashed down the long, slanting hill toward the valley that opened clear
+and distinct at their feet. Their ears rang with the horrid din and
+turmoil, and this spurred them on to greater efforts as they plunged
+forward with great strides.</p>
+
+<p>At the angle of the wall stood a watch-tower, and from this coign of
+vantage the guards saw the fleeing fugitives, outlined by the
+treacherous moonlight.</p>
+
+<p>Crack! crack! crack! rang their rifles, and the bullets whistled keenly
+through the air, but the flying figures went straight on and speedily
+vanished over the crest of the hill.</p>
+
+<p>The valley beneath the town was skimmed across, and then, scaling a low
+stone wall, they plunged into the shadow of a big plantation and ran on
+between rows of limes and coffee trees.</p>
+
+<p>Guy feared that the Arabs who owned these orchards would join in the
+pursuit, but Canaris assured him that there was little danger of that.
+An uproar in the town, he declared, was always the signal for the
+dwellers outside the walls to shut themselves in their houses.</p>
+
+<p>A danger from another source, however, threatened them, for with a
+furious growl a great dog came bounding on behind, and by his loud
+outcry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> made the location of the fugitives very plain to their enemies.</p>
+
+<p>The brute persistently followed them up, snapping at their heels, and
+baying loudly. No stones could be found, and to use firearms would only
+make matters worse. On the farther side of the plantation, however, the
+dog stopped and uttered a long-drawn howl that was caught up in echoes
+across the valley.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm giving out," cried Melton faintly. "You'll have to leave me."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris turned on him fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear the mad fiends howling behind us? They are scattering over
+the country, and if we are caught, good by," and he whipped his hand
+across his throat. "You must keep up, only half a mile more, and I'll
+hide you so securely that the fiends can never find us."</p>
+
+<p>"Year hear?" added Guy. "Only half a mile more, Melton, and then rest."</p>
+
+<p>But all this encouragement was of little use. Forbes was suffering now
+from the reaction, and his strength was almost gone. A sound of shouting
+suddenly rose from the valley, and taking Melton by the arms they fairly
+dragged him along.</p>
+
+<p>A hill now loomed up before them, and clutching stones and limbs of
+trees they made their way painfully to the summit.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>Looking toward the town they could see torches moving to and fro across
+the valley, and twinkling through the leafy avenues of the plantation.</p>
+
+<p>Their old enemy, the dog, began to howl again, but a rifle-shot speedily
+cut his career short.</p>
+
+<p>As they hastened down the western slope of the hill the sound of water
+broke on their hearing, and then the stream came in view, a swift and
+narrow torrent brawling over rocks and ledges.</p>
+
+<p>Guy ran ahead, and filling his helmet, offered it to Melton, who drank
+deeply.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel like a new man," he cried; "that was splendid."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris now led them down the stream for some distance until a shallow
+place permitted them to wade across. The valley had become a gorge. The
+sloping hills gave way to great frowning masses of rock so high and so
+close that no moonlight pierced the shadows. Finally the Greek stopped
+and pointed above his head.</p>
+
+<p>"We must climb the rocks," he said. "Are you equal to it?"</p>
+
+<p>Melton looked dubiously at the steep side of the gorge, but before he
+could reply Canaris started up, and he had no alternative but to follow.
+Guy came close behind to catch his friend if he should give out.</p>
+
+<p>The ascent, however, was not so bad as it looked.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> Canaris picked his
+way with great skill, winding along the face of the cliff in a zigzag
+manner. Had it been daylight dizziness would have caused them to lose
+their heads, for the gulf below grew deeper every moment, and at places
+the path was but a foot wide.</p>
+
+<p>At length Canaris climbed over a big rock that barred the way, and then
+assisted Melton and Guy to the top.</p>
+
+<p>"Here we are," he said cheerily, "and just as safe as though we were in
+the Acropolis at Athens."</p>
+
+<p>They stood on a small plateau, protected by a low parapet of jagged
+rocks that extended in a half circle. The top of the cliff was close
+over their heads, and behind them was a natural grotto scooped concavely
+out of the solid rock. It was a perfect hiding place and a splendid
+point of defense in case of an attack.</p>
+
+<p>Melton dropped feebly on the stone floor, and Guy and the Greek sat down
+against the parapet. Reaction had come to all of them. Now they were
+really safe, the terror and excitement of the flight was visible on
+their faces. Their clothes were soaking wet, and the perspiration rolled
+down their cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," exclaimed Canaris, leaning over the parapet, "look down there!"</p>
+
+<p>He pointed into the gorge, and Guy, glancing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> down, saw torches flaring
+against the rocky walls, revealing in their glow dark, swiftly-moving
+figures, and weird shadows dancing on the waters of the torrent.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris observed Guy's expression of alarm, for he said calmly: "Don't
+fear. We are perfectly safe; try and sleep some; you need rest badly."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris stretched himself out flat, and, after making sure that Melton
+was sleeping&mdash;for the poor fellow's weariness was greater than the pain
+of the wound&mdash;Guy, too, lay down on the hard rock, and fell instantly
+asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Dawn had been very near when they reached their hiding place. Through
+the early hours of the morning they slept on, heedless of the loud
+cries, the sounds of anger and wrath that floated up from the shadows of
+the gorge, and when the sun was past its meridian, Guy awoke. Canaris
+stretched himself and sat up at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>Their first thought was of Melton. He was still sleeping, but it was a
+restless, uneasy slumber, for he tossed about and moaned.</p>
+
+<p>The heat was now very great, and they suffered terribly from thirst. Far
+below they could hear the water rushing over its stony bed, and the
+sound was maddening.</p>
+
+<p>Even had one dared to attempt that perilous descent in the broad light
+of day, there would have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> been danger from another source, for all that
+afternoon Somalis and Arabs in large and small parties passed up and
+down the gorge, even scanning at times the rocky sides of the cliff, but
+never for a moment suspecting the close proximity of those they sought.</p>
+
+<p>At last Melton awoke. He was weak and feverish. His wound had opened,
+and his clothes were heavy with stiffened blood. He complained bitterly
+of thirst, and talked at times in a rambling, excited manner.</p>
+
+<p>"He's in a bad way," said the Greek. "We must leave here as soon as
+night comes, and as he is too ill to walk, he must be carried."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you propose to do?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," rejoined Canaris, "we shall travel only at night. If all goes
+well, we will be fifty miles distant in four or five days, and on the
+fifth night we shall reach our journey's end."</p>
+
+<p>"Our journey's end?" queried Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; of our land-journey at least, for we shall then be at the entrance
+to the underground river."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+<a name="xvi" id="xvi"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br />
+<br />
+<small>BESIEGED.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The <a name="African" id="African"></a><ins title="original has Arican">African</ins> sun had gone down, leaving only a reddish tinge
+against the western horizon, when the three fugitives left their refuge
+and climbed to the top of the cliff. In the dim twilight it was
+impossible to make out the country which lay vaguely outspread at their
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris made a rude stretcher of branches, and, arranging Melton as
+comfortably as possible, they started away. The top of the gorge sloped
+on this side into a valley, and following this for some distance they
+finally reached more open country.</p>
+
+<p>No trace of their pursuers was seen. They had all gone back to Harar,
+for none ever remained outside the walls at night, Canaris declared.</p>
+
+<p>Soon a small stream was reached, where they lunched and quenched their
+thirst. Canaris washed Melton's wound, and bound it up in soft, wet
+bandages. After a while the moon came out, and they could see for some
+distance on either side.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed strange to reflect that they were now traveling through a vast
+and absolutely unexplored part of Africa. All was wild and desolate, for
+Harar and its vicinity once left behind, no villages or habitations were
+found.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>The cries of various animals echoed from the forest, and once a lion
+roared loudly; but without molestation from man or beast our little
+party toiled on painfully until dawn.</p>
+
+<p>They carried Melton every step of the way, and when they halted in a
+glade close to a pool, he was sleeping soundly.</p>
+
+<p>Either the fresh water or the long rest had helped him, for when night
+came again he was able to walk, and day by day he grew better.</p>
+
+<p>For three nights they journeyed to the southward, sleeping all day in
+secluded spots.</p>
+
+<p>The wisdom of night travel was plainly seen, for they often discovered
+camp fires gleaming on each side of them, and on one occasion nearly ran
+into a wandering group of Gallas, while from their hiding place during
+the day they saw caravans and hordes of natives journeying to and fro.</p>
+
+<p>The night had its disadvantages too, for twice they were attacked by
+howling animals, and on one occasion had to climb trees while a herd of
+elephants went trumpeting past. Fortunately, more dangerous beasts kept
+their distance.</p>
+
+<p>The third night's journey led them through a most unusually rich and
+fertile country, miles of mellow pasturage watered by many streams, bits
+of forest land, and meadows clumped with bushes and patches of trees,
+while on both sides were the dark profiles of huge mountains.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>That day they slept on the side of a hill among great rocks, and when
+they were preparing to start at sundown, Canaris said briefly:</p>
+
+<p>"We ought to reach our journey's end before morning."</p>
+
+<p>Of the stores they had brought along there now remained but a handful of
+crumbs. Guy was deeply concerned over the question of supplies for their
+voyage in case the underground river was discovered, but Canaris bade
+him not to worry until the time came.</p>
+
+<p>With feelings which it would be difficult to describe, they resumed
+their night-march. An unknown future, full of terrors and fears, yawned
+before them.</p>
+
+<p>It is hard to say what guided Canaris in the direction he took. He had
+once been over the ground, but it was scarcely possible that he could
+remember the road so well. He strode on full of confidence, however, his
+rifle over his shoulder and his revolver ready for use in his right
+hand. Guy and Melton followed behind in single file.</p>
+
+<p>They made slow progress, for Canaris led them in among mountain gorges,
+and they were compelled to ford streams and clamber painfully over big
+stones.</p>
+
+<p>At last they emerged again on more open ground<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> and traveled through
+patches of waving grass and scrub, keeping parallel all the while with
+two mountain ranges that lay to the right and left. The land was full of
+rolling swells like ocean waves, and as they passed over the crest of
+one of these ridges a sudden gleam of moonlight shining on water some
+distance off riveted their attention.</p>
+
+<p>As they descended into the hollow it was hidden from view. Several times
+the Greek halted and scrutinized his surroundings closely. He was not
+altogether satisfied, for he no longer strode on confidently, but walked
+with a hesitating step. Guy and Melton shared his anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>"What's wrong?" inquired the former. "Have you missed the way, Canaris?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," replied the Greek. "We must stop soon and wait for
+daylight. We ought to be close to the stone kraal by this time."</p>
+
+<p>While conversing they had crossed another slight swell, and they were
+half way down the hollow when a hoarse cry from Melton brought them to a
+halt.</p>
+
+<p>The scene before them was enough to appall the stoutest heart. Twenty
+yards away lay a broad pool of water and along its sandy edge were
+grouped half a dozen great lions, some lapping up the water greedily,
+others sitting lazily on their haunches, waiting no doubt for some fat
+deer to pass that way.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>A low chorus of growls greeted the approach of the travelers, and made
+them shiver from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I fire?" whispered Guy excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, for your life, no," retorted Canaris. "Back up the hill as silently
+as possible. Don't shoot unless we are attacked."</p>
+
+<p>With arms in readiness they moved backward step by step. The lions began
+to pace up and down the strip of sand, tossing their shaggy heads toward
+the frightened men, and then the leader, a monstrous fellow with a mane
+that swept the ground, advanced a few paces and uttered a tremendous
+roar that seemed to shake the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Guy cocked his rifle, but at the sharp click Canaris turned on him
+fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't shoot," he whispered. "Don't shoot. If we can get over the ridge
+we may escape. I don't think they will attack us."</p>
+
+<p>In a moment more they reached the crest of the slope. The lions were
+still down by the pool.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," exclaimed Canaris, pointing to the right. "Do you see those
+rocks! We must make a run for them."</p>
+
+<p>The spot referred to was a dim mass rising out of the plain some fifty
+yards distant. Whether they really were rocks or not it was hard to
+tell.</p>
+
+<p>Another fearful roar put an end to indecision, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> they ran at the top
+of their speed toward the hoped-for refuge. No one glanced behind. In
+imagination they felt the hot breath on their necks and heard the soft
+patter through the grass.</p>
+
+<p>Then the refuge was before them, a tall column of rock rising from a
+clump of jungle grass and some low, stunted timber.</p>
+
+<p>It towered up in ledges and in a trice Canaris had sprung upon the first
+platform, and extended a helping hand to his companions.</p>
+
+<p>With frantic haste they climbed another jutting ledge and pulled
+themselves to the top. None too soon, for as they turned to look, the
+big lion sprang into the air and landed with a roar of baffled rage on
+the ledge beneath.</p>
+
+<p>He rose instantly for another spring, but as he reared upward Guy
+brought down the butt of his rifle on the massive head, and the beast
+rolled down into the grass at the foot of the rock.</p>
+
+<p>Another lion loomed up in the shadows, and together the two paced about,
+lashing their tails and growling with fury.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a narrow escape," said Guy. "A moment more and we would have
+been caught."</p>
+
+<p>"We're not altogether safe yet," replied Canaris. "Those are hungry
+looking brutes, and it's hard to tell what they may do. We must remain
+quiet and watch them closely."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>The two lions continued to prowl up and down, licking their chops and
+occasionally glancing at the top of the rock. Suddenly they halted in
+the middle of their beat, and, pricking up their ears, assumed an
+expectant attitude.</p>
+
+<p>"They hear something," said Guy. "I wonder what it can be."</p>
+
+<p>For a full minute the two noble beasts stood like bits of statuary, not
+a muscle quivering, their tails slowly waving to and fro. Then with a
+couple of bounds they vanished in the high grass.</p>
+
+<p>"The siege is raised," exclaimed Guy, breathing a low sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush," replied Canaris, "not a sound, not a whisper for your lives.
+Down, down, crouch low; throw yourselves flat!"</p>
+
+<p>His voice was tremulous with sudden fear, and his hand shook as he
+pointed one nerveless finger in the direction taken by the lions.</p>
+
+<p>"Look, look!" he muttered with chattering teeth. "One sound and we are
+doomed."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+<a name="xvii" id="xvii"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A CLOSE SHAVE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The Greek's extreme terror sprang from no insignificant cause. Over the
+crest of a ridge some thirty yards distant came a large body of men. It
+was very evident that they would pass close to the rock, and the three
+fugitives, crouching on its flat surface in the gloom, may well be
+pardoned for believing that the enemy were on their track.</p>
+
+<p>As the advance guard drew still closer, Canaris thrust his face against
+the stone. Melton did the same; but Guy, whose curiosity fairly mastered
+his fear, ventured to raise his head slightly, and a single glance
+showed him that the strange foe had no intention of halting.</p>
+
+<p>They passed within ten yards of the rock, it is true, but not a man
+looked to right or left, and they moved at a rapid and steady pace.</p>
+
+<p>Guy's amazement grew deeper as the long procession went by in constantly
+increasing numbers, for even to his unskilled eyes it was plain that
+these men were neither Arabs nor Somalis.</p>
+
+<p>The dim light revealed their powerful stature, the dark faces crowned
+with turbans, the linen cloaks that were flung carelessly on their
+shoulders, and the various arms, comprising shields, swords, spears, and
+even guns.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>At intervals the stalwart figure of a man towered above the rest,
+mounted high on a camel or an elephant.</p>
+
+<p>Melton and Canaris ventured to raise their heads in response to a nudge
+from Guy, and all three witnessed the passing of this strange
+procession, which comprised nearly a hundred men.</p>
+
+<p>As the rear guard vanished over a ridge to the south, Canaris, without a
+word, swung himself nimbly to the ground and picked up some glittering
+object that lay in the path.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," he exclaimed in a tone of wonder, as Guy and Melton followed him
+down, "do you recognize this workmanship? But no, how could you?" he
+resumed, without waiting for an answer. "This weapon is of Abyssinian
+make, and those men were Abyssinians."</p>
+
+<p>"But what are they doing here, so far from their own country?" demanded
+Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a war party," said Canaris, "and we are not so far from the
+borders of Abyssinia, after all. It is no uncommon thing for them to
+raid on the Gallas."</p>
+
+<p>The dagger passed from hand to hand, and was inspected with much
+curiosity, until Canaris pointed toward the east and said: "Morning has
+come, and the sun will soon be up. Let us climb the rock and make a
+survey of the country."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>Daylight came on with marvelous rapidity, and as the range of vision
+gradually became clear for a distance of several miles, the Greek rose
+to his feet and scanned the surroundings with a sweeping gaze.</p>
+
+<p>His countenance expressed first perplexity, then delighted surprise, and
+turning to his companions he cried:</p>
+
+<p>"We have reached our destination. See! There is the stone kraal, those
+scattered columns of rock to the south that rise from the jungle. Yes,
+the old Englishman was right, for yonder lies the Elephant Peak and the
+Lion's Head."</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed as the Greek said. The broad valley was dotted with a
+curious rock formation that bore a strong likeness to a native village
+of huts, and on either side of the valley, from the rugged chains of
+mountains, rose two lofty peaks, one fashioned like a recumbent
+elephant, the other a perfect semblance of a lion's shaggy head.</p>
+
+<p>A murmur of surprise burst from the trio as they gazed along on this
+strange verification of their hopes.</p>
+
+<p>The mountain peaks were at least four miles distant, for the breadth of
+the valley was about eight.</p>
+
+<p>For the moment the recent passage of the warlike Abyssinians was
+forgotten. Then a very significant occurrence recalled it forcibly to
+their minds.</p>
+
+<p>From the base of the Lion's Head suddenly rose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> a column of yellow
+smoke, and two or three gun shots echoed distinctly across the valley.</p>
+
+<p>"The Abyssinians have attacked the town of the Gallas," cried Canaris.
+"It lies at the foot of that peak, and is the same kraal at which the
+Englishman was kept in slavery when he discovered the underground
+river."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope they'll eat each other up like the Kilkenny cats," observed Guy
+coolly.</p>
+
+<p>"But you don't understand," cried the Greek in strange excitement. "They
+will scatter over the valley, they will flee to those rocks yonder for
+protection, and unless we find the entrance to that river at once we are
+lost."</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris is right," spoke up Melton. "We must make immediate search for
+the rock with the cross. It is our only hope."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, our only hope," echoed the Greek. "Come quickly, there is no time
+to lose."</p>
+
+<p>He slipped to the ground and led his companions rapidly down the valley
+toward the stone village.</p>
+
+<p>They hastened on among the scattered rocks for a quarter of a mile or
+more, until the extreme southern edge was reached, and then Canaris
+stopped.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the south side," he said; "we must search the rocks for one
+with a cross."</p>
+
+<p>They scattered, Guy toward the west, Melton to the east. It was a time
+of peril, for the yellow smoke<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> was curling up over the Lion's Head in
+heavier columns, and the firing was more distinct, as though the
+conflict were spreading toward them across the valley.</p>
+
+<p>"The rock with the cross, on the south side of the stone kraal." A
+simple enough direction on the face of it, and yet the eager searchers,
+as they hurried from stone to stone, scrutinizing every side and angle,
+failed to discover the faintest trace of anything resembling a cross.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris wrung his hands in dismay when they came together after the
+fruitless search.</p>
+
+<p>"We are lost, we are lost!" he groaned. "What will become of us? Go,
+make another search; inspect the base of every stone; the hidden
+entrance must exist."</p>
+
+<p>Guy shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"That cross was made twenty years ago," he said. "In that time the
+storms could have destroyed all trace of it unless the Englishman carved
+it very deep, and in that event we should have discovered it already."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be found," persisted Canaris in his terror. "Hark! The firing
+is coming nearer. In half an hour the valley will swarm with savage
+foes. Go! Go! Go!"</p>
+
+<p>He fairly shrieked out the last words, and threw himself in despair down
+amid the jungle grass.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>The Greek did not exaggerate the danger. A startling confirmation of his
+fears was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Warned in time by a commotion in the bushes, Guy and Melton dropped
+flat, as a savage, spear in hand, and bleeding from a wound in the head,
+burst out of the jungle twenty yards distant and made full speed for a
+rock a few yards to the north of that by which the Englishmen lay
+concealed.</p>
+
+<p>All unconscious of the three pairs of eyes watching his movements, he
+stooped, flung the tangled grass madly aside, and, rolling a loose stone
+from the base of the rock, revealed a dark cavity in the smooth side.</p>
+
+<p>He threw a frightened glance in the direction he had come, and, dropping
+his spear and diving into the hole, pulled the stone back in place from
+within.</p>
+
+<p>All this happened in less time than it takes to tell.</p>
+
+<p>"Saved!" burst thankfully from Guy's lips as he sprang to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Saved!" echoed Melton and Canaris.</p>
+
+<p>Snatching up their baggage, they dashed across the narrow space that
+divided the two great boulders. Guy tore the rock from the entrance,
+and, as the imprisoned savage within uttered a hoarse cry, he pointed
+his rifle at the opening.</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead," called out Melton; "he's unarmed; he can't harm you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>Guy hesitated for an instant, and then crawled into the forbidding
+cavern on hands and knees.</p>
+
+<p>A distant sound of scuffling and rattling of stones told that the savage
+was retreating into the bowels of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Melton handed in the rifles and the baggage, and crawled in after them.
+Canaris was the last to enter, and with Melton's aid the stone, which
+was round in shape, was pulled back against the entrance, and all was
+darkness, save for one crevice an inch or two wide.</p>
+
+<p>The Greek peered sharply through this, and then exclaimed in a low
+whisper: "We are just in time. A party of Abyssinians are approaching
+through the jungle in pursuit of the Galla fugitive.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" he added; "don't make a sound; they are coming directly toward
+the rock."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+<a name="xviii" id="xviii"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE UNDERGROUND RIVER.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>A moment of terrible suspense followed the Greek's announcement. From
+without could be plainly heard a chorus of angry shouts as the
+Abyssinians searched for their missing prey.</p>
+
+<p>Then the sounds grew fainter and Canaris said quietly: "They have gone
+on past the rock. We had better strike a light and see what has become
+of that black rascal. I cannot understand how he knew anything about
+this place. It may not be the proper entrance after all."</p>
+
+<p>One of the bronze lamps was filled with palm oil and lighted, and Guy
+undertook to lead the way into the depths of the cavern.</p>
+
+<p>The passage was amply large enough to hold two or three men standing up,
+but it led downward at a very sharp angle. The journey was performed in
+silence, and after traveling ten or fifteen minutes Guy stopped.</p>
+
+<p>A vast empty space was before him, and at his feet lay a sharp slope of
+loose earth. Here were seen the tracks of the savage, and without
+hesitation Guy began the descent, and half crawling, half sliding,
+reached firm ground a few yards below.</p>
+
+<p>Melton and Canaris were close behind, and together<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> they went up into
+the vast expanse of the cavern. Under foot was hard, compact sand, and
+in a moment more the glare of the lamp was reflected on running water,
+and they stood on the brink of the mysterious underground river.</p>
+
+<p>"We have found <a name="question" id="question"></a><ins title="original has question mark">it!</ins>" exclaimed Canaris exultingly. "The Englishman
+was right."</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible to judge of the width of the stream. It might be very
+narrow and it might be very broad. The flowing water made not a sound,
+and yet the current was swift, for a bit of paper that Melton tossed in
+was snatched from sight <a name="fullstop" id="fullstop"></a><ins title="added fullstop">immediately.</ins></p>
+
+<p>As they gazed on this strange sight with emotions that it would be
+impossible to describe, a vague, shadowy object passed down the stream
+and vanished in the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"There goes that fellow," cried Guy. "He has escaped in a canoe," and
+hastening up along the shore, waving the lamp in front of him, he
+uttered a cry of astonishment that echoed through the cavern and brought
+his companions quickly to his side.</p>
+
+<p>Drawn back a few yards from the water lay two long, heavy canoes, and a
+sharp furrow in the sand leading to the river's edge showed that a third
+canoe had recently stood beside the others. Half a dozen rude paddles
+were strewn on the sand. The savage had evidently been in such haste to
+escape that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> thought of turning the other canoes adrift, and thus
+eluding pursuit, never entered his head.</p>
+
+<p>Beyond the canoes, further progress was blocked by masses of earth.</p>
+
+<p>"This was the abode of that strange race of natives," said Guy solemnly,
+"and under those stones they have lain buried since the earthquake years
+ago."</p>
+
+<p>He turned and led the way down the stream.</p>
+
+<p>Fifteen yards below lay another jutting mass of earth. This was the
+extent of the cavern, a beach fifty yards long running back to the
+narrow passage and terminated by walls of earth; beyond was darkness and
+the river, running none knew where.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the only hope of seeing home and friends, vague and uncertain as it
+was, rested with this mysterious, cavernous stream. It might lead to the
+coast and safety, but far more likely death and destruction awaited
+anyone daring enough to trust himself to its treacherous current.</p>
+
+<p>"The sea is hundreds of miles away," said Guy gloomily, as he sat down
+on the sand and placed the lamp carefully beside him. "How are we going
+to live through such a journey as that? Even now our last bit of food is
+gone, and where shall <a name="we" id="we"></a><ins title="original has ge">we</ins> get more?"</p>
+
+<p>Canaris pondered a moment before he ventured to reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>"I see but one plan," he said finally. "At nightfall we must visit the
+burned village. The enemy will have gone by then, and we may discover
+abandoned provisions."</p>
+
+<p>"If we could shoot any game&mdash;&mdash;" began Melton, but Guy interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>"The fighting has scared everything away from the vicinity," he
+remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that is true," said the Greek. "The animals have fled to the
+mountains, and, besides, Oko Sam and his tribe of Gallas keep the game
+well thinned out."</p>
+
+<p>"What did you say?" cried Guy, springing to his feet in excitement. "Is
+this Oko Sam's village yonder that the Abyssinians have raided?"</p>
+
+<p>The Greek nodded assent.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Oko Sam is the chief."</p>
+
+<p>"Then Sir Arthur Ashby and Colonel Carrington are close at hand,"
+exclaimed Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"And Momba," added Melton fervently. "All may be saved yet."</p>
+
+<p>"And was it to Oko Sam your comrades were sold as slaves?" cried
+Canaris. "Why did you not mention his name before? I could have told you
+this long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"I never thought of it," rejoined Guy. "I gave them up as lost forever.
+Alas! they are probably in the hands of the Abyssinians now."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>"Either that or dead," said the Greek, "but undoubtedly the former, for
+Menelek, the Abyssinian king, is fond of white captives, and their lives
+would be spared if they fell into the hands of the raiding party."</p>
+
+<p>"And how shall we find out?" demanded Guy. "I will not embark on this
+river until uncertainty about their fate is removed."</p>
+
+<p>"When darkness comes we will leave the cavern," replied Canaris. "It is
+possible we shall learn something. Until then have patience."</p>
+
+<p>The hours of tedious waiting were a little relieved by a discovery that
+Melton made.</p>
+
+<p>In some of the canoes he found a couple of rude bone fishhooks. This
+seemed pretty fair proof that fish existed in the underground river, and
+as Guy happened to have a roll of cord, three strong lines were
+constructed and laid away for possible future use.</p>
+
+<p>When, to the best of their judgments, evening was close at hand, they
+started back through the passage and reached the entrance shortly before
+ten o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness soon came on, and as all seemed quiet they ventured to roll
+back the stone and crawl out. Far across the valley a faint glow was
+visible against the somber sky, probably from the smoldering embers of
+the burned village, while directly north of the cavern, in the vicinity
+of the pool of water where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> the lions had been encountered the previous
+night, a number of camp fires were twinkling merrily through the
+scattered boulders.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the camp of the Abyssinians," declared Canaris without
+hesitation. "One of us must spy into it and see if your friends are
+prisoners; another must go to the village for provisions, and a third
+man should remain here at the mouth of the cavern."</p>
+
+<p>This proposed division of the forces did not please Guy and Melton.</p>
+
+<p>"Why must a man remain at the cavern?" demanded Chutney.</p>
+
+<p>"To mark the place in case one of us is pursued and loses his bearings
+in the darkness," was the Greek's calm reply.</p>
+
+<p>Guy saw the advisability of this and made no further objection. After
+brief discussion it was decided that he should remain on guard, while
+Canaris visited the village and Forbes reconnoitered the Abyssinian
+camp. Without any delay they started off on their respective missions,
+and Guy was left alone.</p>
+
+<p>For a while he paced up and down before the cavern, his rifle in the
+hollow of his arm, and then sitting down on the round stone he reflected
+over his perilous situation and the strange train of events that had led
+up to it. The stars shining down on him from the blackness of the
+African sky seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> whisper of his far-away English home and the
+friends he would probably never see again.</p>
+
+<p>Then he thought of his comrades in India and the expedition he had so
+fondly hoped to join, that even now was fighting its way through the
+hills of Chittagong. His reverie was broken by a sharp "hist!" and
+Forbes glided swiftly out of the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"No, they have not been captured," he whispered in response to Guy's
+eager inquiries. "I was around the camp on all sides. The Abyssinians
+have secured some Galla prisoners, and among them the chief himself, Oko
+Sam, but none of our friends are there. I am terribly afraid they have
+been massacred, Chutney."</p>
+
+<p>"We will know when the Greek returns," replied Guy, who did not care to
+admit his belief that Melton was right.</p>
+
+<p>They sat down together by the rock and conversed in low tones. An hour
+passed and then another.</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris should be here by this time," said Guy uneasily. "Can anything
+have happened to him, I wonder?"</p>
+
+<p>Almost as he spoke a muffled trampling sound was heard, two huge objects
+loomed out of the darkness ahead, and as Guy's hand trembled on the
+trigger of his rifle the Greek's familiar voice uttered a low
+exclamation and he advanced slowly, leading two big camels loaded down
+with trappings.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>"Well by Jove&mdash;&mdash;" began Guy, but Canaris checked him instantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so loud. I picked up these animals only a quarter of a mile back.
+They have strayed away from the Abyssinian camp."</p>
+
+<p>"But tell me, what have you discovered?" exclaimed Guy. "And you have
+brought no food. Must we starve, <a name="question2" id="question2"></a><ins title="added question mark">then?</ins>"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+<a name="xix" id="xix"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A DARING EXPEDITION.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>"I have discovered this," replied Canaris. "The Gallas are preparing for
+an attack; fresh men have come in from distant towns. They are encamped
+at the edge of the burned village, and in a small hut, which is
+surrounded by guards, your friends, I am confident, are confined. The
+struggle was a severe one, for the ground is strewn with dead, both
+Gallas and Abyssinians. I could find no food, and what we are to do I
+cannot tell. To attempt a rescue would be madness, and yet our
+sufferings would only end the sooner. Without food we can make no use of
+the river, and escape in any other way is equally impossible."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris threw himself on the ground and buried his face in his hands.
+Guy stood in silence, his face stern and set, a silence that remained
+unbroken for five minutes. In that space of time his fertile mind had
+sought a way out of the difficulty and grasped an expedient so daring,
+so preposterous, that he hesitated to frame it in words.</p>
+
+<p>His face betrayed something of his emotions, for Forbes and Canaris
+exclaimed eagerly: "What is it, Chutney? You have thought of something,
+have you?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>"Yes," said Guy. "I have. As you say, the case is desperate. If my plan
+fails we can be no worse off. What I have resolved to do is this: Forbes
+will remain at the cavern. You and I, Canaris, will stain our faces to
+pass for Portuguese, and mounted on these camels, we will ride boldly
+into the camp of the Gallas and proclaim ourselves messengers from Makar
+<a name="Makalo" id="Makalo"></a><ins title="original has Makaol">Makalo</ins> at Zaila. We will say that the English are pressing the
+town hard, that they agree to withdraw on condition that the English
+prisoners are returned safe and sound, and that Makar has sent us to
+bring them to the coast. We will add, furthermore, that we came as far
+as yonder mountains with a caravan bound for Harar, and to allay any
+suspicions they may have, we will ask for an escort of two men to
+accompany us to Zaila and receive the money which Makar will pay for the
+safe delivery of the Englishmen. If all goes well they will give up our
+friends and load us with provisions for a long journey. The escort we
+can easily dispose of, and then for the river and freedom!"</p>
+
+<p>Guy snapped his fingers exultantly as he concluded the recital of his
+daring plan and waited to see how his friends would receive it.</p>
+
+<p>"Marvelous!" cried Forbes, drawing a long breath.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is marvelous," added the Greek, "truly marvelous. If it
+succeeds it will be a miracle indeed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> But suppose they have received
+recent news from Zaila, or that our disguise is penetrated?"</p>
+
+<p>"As for that," replied Guy coolly, "we must take the chances. I should
+fear recognition most from Oko Sam, but he is fortunately a prisoner
+among the Abyssinians. Make up your minds quickly. Do you agree to my
+proposal or not? Perhaps you can devise a better plan."</p>
+
+<p>"We will try it," said Canaris, decidedly. "It must be done at once, for
+at daybreak the Gallas will advance to attack the Abyssinians. Make your
+preparations and we will be off." Stepping up to the camels, which were
+quietly grazing on the jungle grass, he proceeded to remove every part
+of their trappings which would betray its Abyssinian make, until only
+the simple covering remained. With a cry of delight he held up two white
+burnouses that had been fastened to the saddle bags, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"With these on and our faces darkened it will take a clever man to
+penetrate our disguise in the night time."</p>
+
+<p>It was not such an easy matter to stain their faces, but with the
+application of a little moist earth from the mouth of the cavern, it was
+finally accomplished to their satisfaction, and after a hasty review of
+their plans and a code of instructions for Melton's guidance during
+their absence, the two daring adventurers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> mounted their camels and rode
+slowly off into the darkness toward the hostile camp of the Gallas.</p>
+
+<p>It was very near midnight, and as they trotted briskly across the
+desert, sounds of mirth floated on the air from the camp where the
+Abyssinians were making merry over their victory, serenely ignorant of
+the surprise that dawn was to bring them.</p>
+
+<p>The distant glow ahead seemed to come nearer and nearer with every
+stride of the camels, and Guy could hardly believe that nearly four
+miles had been traversed when Canaris pointed out the camp just in front
+of them.</p>
+
+<p>It was too late to think of retreat now, for already the approach of the
+camels was detected and a host of dark figures were visible moving
+across the still glowing embers.</p>
+
+<p>Fearful of an attack, Canaris shouted out loudly, "Makar Makalo! Makar
+Makalo!" and then, lashing his beast, they galloped into the very center
+of a turbulent throng, who crowded around them with blazing torches.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris knew barely enough of the language to request an interpreter and
+the head man of the tribe, and the savages, awed for a moment by the
+fierce manner in which he made these demands, fell back a little, and
+Guy had opportunity to observe his surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>He was in a corner of the village which seemed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> to have escaped the
+worst of the fray, for a dozen or more huts were standing, and the
+largest of these was encircled by a dozen heavily armed men. His heart
+beat fast at the thought that Sir Arthur and Colonel Carrington were
+confined within.</p>
+
+<p>Just then a huge savage, wearing a leopard skin about his waist,
+advanced through the crowd, which fell back at his approach. He was
+accompanied by a small, <a name="weazened" id="weazened"></a><ins title="spelling retained">weazened</ins> Arab who at once demanded if
+the newcomers could "spik Inglis?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead now," whispered Canaris, "and luck be with you. That big
+fellow is the head man."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Guy could find no voice, and failure stared him in the
+face.</p>
+
+<p>The horrified expression on the Greek's countenance broke the spell, and
+raising his voice he said clearly and distinctly:</p>
+
+<p>"Tell your master we are Portuguese who have come from Zaila at the
+bidding of Makar Makalo, the ruler."</p>
+
+<p>The Arab communicated this piece of news in a loud tone that drew a
+murmur of surprise from the people, but brought no response from the
+chief, who merely stared impudently.</p>
+
+<p>"The English have made an attack on Zaila by land and sea," Guy went on
+in a louder voice. "The town is at their mercy. They have promised Makar
+to withdraw on condition that the British governor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> of the town and his
+friend, who were taken and sold into slavery, be delivered up to them
+safely. Therefore Makar Makalo has sent us to demand of you the two
+Englishmen, a supply of food for the journey, and an escort back to
+Zaila. For this he agrees to reward you well. We came as far as yonder
+mountain with a caravan bound for Harar, and as there is great need of
+haste we would start on our return at once."</p>
+
+<p>This long speech the Arab likewise proclaimed aloud, and with the utmost
+anxiety Guy and Canaris watched its effect on the people.</p>
+
+<p>They heard it in ominous silence, and the chief spoke a few words to his
+interpreter, who instantly turned to Guy and announced, in very
+imperfect English, that nothing could be done until Oko Sam was released
+from his captivity. He told briefly of the attack on the village, of
+their plan of surprising the Abyssinians at daybreak, and concluded by
+inviting them to dismount and await the result of the fight.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident at least that nothing was suspected. So far they had
+played their part to perfection. But here was an unexpected hindrance.
+The leader refused to act without the sanction of Oko Sam, and a delay
+would be fatal.</p>
+
+<p>"Insist on it," whispered Canaris hurriedly; "it is our only chance."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>"Tell your master we cannot wait," replied Guy, in well feigned anger.
+"Every moment is precious, and we must hasten back to Makar Makalo. Give
+us the Englishmen at once or we will go away without them and tell Makar
+Makalo how you have treated his messengers."</p>
+
+<p>This bold declaration had <a name="effect" id="effect"></a><ins title="original has it seffect">its effect</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>The chief withdrew to a little distance and held a long conference with
+half a dozen of his companions.</p>
+
+<p>Guy and Canaris remained calm and motionless on their camels, haughtily
+scanning the sea of threatening black faces that hemmed them in on all
+sides.</p>
+
+<p>Their only ground for hope rested in the fear which Makar Makalo, by his
+summary dealings with these tribes, had inspired in them.</p>
+
+<p>The single motive which in all probability hindered the head man from
+acceding at once to their demands was the dread of Oko Sam's displeasure
+in case that despotic monarch were rescued in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>The eager confab was still going on as strenuously as ever when a tumult
+arose from the outskirts of the throng, and presently, amid hoarse
+cheering and applause, a man broke through the parted ranks of the
+people and limped feebly into the open space.</p>
+
+<p>It was Oko Sam!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>
+<a name="xx" id="xx"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br />
+<br />
+<small>BY A HAIR'S BREADTH.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>A nervous shiver passed through Guy as he recognized the repulsive face
+of his old enemy, and instinctively he pulled his burnouse closer around
+his head. Oko Sam darted a curious glance at the two motionless figures
+on the camels and then advanced to meet the head man, who broke off the
+conference and greeted his newly arrived chief in a most servile manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't despair," whispered Guy; "those infernal Abyssinians have become
+drunk and allowed their captive to slip away just at this critical time,
+but all may go well yet."</p>
+
+<p>It took but a short time to make Oko Sam acquainted with the facts of
+the case. He strode up to the camels, and gazed long and haughtily at
+the two strangers. Then, apparently satisfied with his scrutiny, he
+addressed a few words to the <a name="weazened2" id="weazened2"></a><ins title="spelling retained">weazened</ins> Arab, and, turning to his people,
+jabbered away volubly for two or three minutes. When he ceased, half a
+dozen men started off in different directions, and the interpreter
+proceeded to communicate the decision to Guy, who, in spite of his calm
+exterior, was greatly agitated.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>"Oko Sam say yes," began the Arab. "He friend of Makar Makalo; he no
+want Makar lose Zaila; he give plenty food for journey; he give six,
+ten, twenty men go long, so bring back much gift from Makar. You say
+Makar give much, hey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Guy, repressing with difficulty his extreme joy, "Makar
+will give big rewards to Oko Sam."</p>
+
+<p>The Arab turned aside with a grunt of satisfaction as half a dozen
+natives came up, bearing leathern sacks of provisions, which were handed
+up, one at a time, to Guy and Canaris, and slung across the necks of
+their camels.</p>
+
+<p>This proceeding was barely over, when, to Guy's amazement and disgust, a
+band of Gallas, fully armed, and bearing each a supply of food strapped
+on their backs, advanced into the open space.</p>
+
+<p>This was Oko Sam's promised escort! Instead of two men there were
+twenty.</p>
+
+<p>"These good fellows here go long," said the Arab. "They no have camels;
+they go on foot one day's journey, then reach other tribe, where find
+plenty camel."</p>
+
+<p>This statement relieved Guy considerably. It would not be so difficult,
+after all, to get rid of the troublesome escort if they were on foot.</p>
+
+<p>And now came the crisis. At a signal from Oko Sam the guards about the
+hut flung open the entrance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> and in a moment two emaciated, half
+starved figures were led forth, whom it was actually difficult to
+recognize as the pompous Sir Arthur Ashby and brave Colonel Carrington.</p>
+
+<p>They still wore their uniforms, but the cloth hung in folds about their
+shrunken limbs, and their faces were pitifully thin and distressed.</p>
+
+<p>Guy's heart beat fast with indignation as he gazed on this melancholy
+sight, and then he purposely half turned his face away, lest the
+prisoners should recognize him and unconsciously cause the failure of
+the whole plan.</p>
+
+<p>The people drew back as the little group reached the camels. The two
+Englishmen were lifted up behind the supposed Portuguese&mdash;Sir Arthur
+with Canaris, the colonel beside Chutney&mdash;and so weak and helpless were
+they that it was necessary to partially strap them in their places.</p>
+
+<p>All was now ready. Guy and Canaris were prepared to start, the prisoners
+were in their possession, and the armed escort were exchanging farewells
+with their comrades.</p>
+
+<p>At this supreme moment, when the fullest success seemed assured, a
+startling diversion occurred.</p>
+
+<p>A big Arab, a new arrival evidently, pushed his way forward, and as his
+glance fell on the Greek he started with surprise, and exclaimed aloud,
+"Canaris!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>With wonderful self possession the Greek looked at him in mute
+ignorance; but the Arab, who had probably but just come from Harar,
+pressed forward, and, joining Oko Sam a few paces away, began to talk
+excitedly in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>"We are lost, Chutney," whispered Canaris in tones of despair.</p>
+
+<p>At the mention of this name, Guy felt the colonel's arms clasp his waist
+in a convulsive thrill.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a sound, Colonel Carrington," he muttered under his breath, "as you
+value your freedom."</p>
+
+<p>The tightened grasp instantly relaxed, and Guy turned his head slightly
+to obtain a clearer view of Oko Sam.</p>
+
+<p>This action hastened the climax, for his burnous caught on
+the button of Colonel Carrington's coat and fell to the ground. A
+glaring torch passing at the moment completed the catastrophe, and the
+keen eyed Galla chief uttered a howl of rage and amazement as he
+recognized his old enemy of the market place at Berbera.</p>
+
+<p>Never did Captain Chutney's quick wits do him a better service than at
+that moment.</p>
+
+<p>In one glance he took in the whole situation, the astounded chief and
+his counselors, the swarthy mass of savages ready for instant action,
+the armed escort that stood between him and the edge of the encampment.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>More speedily than words can tell it, his determination was reached.
+With a warning cry to Canaris, a hasty injunction to Colonel Carrington
+to hold fast, he snatched a short dagger from his waist and plunged it
+an inch or more into the flank of the Greek's camel, and then into that
+of his own animal.</p>
+
+<p>The frightened and agonized beasts pranced madly for a second or two and
+then plunged desperately forward, trampling the amazed guards right and
+left.</p>
+
+<p>It was over in a moment; a howl from the infuriated chief, a terrific
+uproar from the vast throng, and then, spurred to greater efforts by the
+tumult in their ears, the valiant camels thundered out into the desert,
+heedless of the scattered rifle-fire, the volley of whizzing spears.
+With tremendous strides they bore their precious burdens toward safety
+and freedom, while the silence of the African night was rent by the
+venomous cries of their bloodthirsty pursuers.</p>
+
+<p>For the moment they were safe, but in that long four mile race that lay
+ahead many perils might be encountered, and it was even within the realm
+of possibilities that the fleet-footed Gallas would overtake the
+heavily-burdened camels.</p>
+
+<p>It was no time for conversation or explanation. A fervent "Thank God!"
+burst from Colonel Carrington's lips as he realized that he had fallen
+into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> the hands of friends, while Sir Arthur, feebly beginning to
+comprehend what had happened, ejaculated several times, "Bless my soul,"
+as he clung with might and main to the Greek's waist.</p>
+
+<p>Faster and faster they sped over the plain, until the tumult behind them
+was lost in the muffled tramp of the camels' hoofs. They rode side by
+side, with arms ready for instant use, but no foe appeared in front or
+behind, and at last, with a glad cry, Canaris pointed to the distant
+gleam of the Abyssinian camp.</p>
+
+<p>"We are safe now," exclaimed Guy. "The Gallas feared to pursue us any
+further lest their anticipated attack on the Abyssinians should be
+spoiled."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Canaris, "either that or they have circled round, hoping
+to cut us off at yonder gap in the mountains where the road breaks
+through to the coast. And now the rock must be close by. Ha! What does
+that mean?"</p>
+
+<p>Bang! went a rifle shot directly ahead, and a brief red flash pierced
+the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Forbes!" cried Chutney. "He is in danger. Quick, quick, to the
+rescue."</p>
+
+<p>A loud shout followed closely on the heels of the report, and
+recognizing Melton's voice, Guy, lost to all sense of prudence, cried
+aloud:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't give in Forbes; we are coming."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>An answering hail came distinctly back, followed immediately by a second
+shot.</p>
+
+<p>The agony of suspense was brief. A moment later the rock loomed into
+view, and the panting camels came to a halt before the entrance to the
+cavern.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you've come back safe?" exclaimed Melton coolly, as he came forward
+with a smoking rifle in his hand. "I've had a brush with a party of
+Abyssinians. They were hunting their camels, I suppose, and took me by
+surprise. I dropped one of the rascals, and&mdash;&mdash;Look out! There they are
+again."</p>
+
+<p>All dodged to the ground as a shower of spears fell about the rock. With
+a hollow groan one of the camels dropped heavily over, pierced in the
+throat by a short spear, and his huge bulk formed a natural barrier
+before the cavern. Melton's rifle cracked sharply and a howl of pain
+attested the accuracy of his aim.</p>
+
+<p>"Into the cavern, all of you," cried Guy. "The Abyssinians are coming in
+force; the firing has attracted them to the spot."</p>
+
+<p>Already a shadowy mass was visible some hundred yards off, and the sound
+of voices was distinctly heard.</p>
+
+<p>The Greek hastily motioned Sir Arthur and the colonel into the cavern,
+and hurriedly tossed in the provisions bag by bag.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>The enemy were now quite close, and as Canaris stowed away the last bag
+they came on with a wild rush.</p>
+
+<p>From behind the dead camel Guy and Melton poured in a hot fire that
+checked their impetuous advance instantly, and before they could rally
+for another charge, both had bolted into the gloomy hole, and the stone
+was deftly rolled into place.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+<a name="xxi" id="xxi"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br />
+<br />
+<small>CUT OFF FROM THE OUTER WORLD.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The lamp was lit instantly, and without a moment's delay Guy led the
+party at full speed down the corridor until the descent was reached.</p>
+
+<p>"Now hurry down, all of you," he cried. "You have a flask of powder
+about you, Canaris. Give it to me."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do, Chutney?" asked Melton in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Put an end to all pursuit," was the stern reply; and, seizing the
+flask, he placed it on the ground, and pouring a little powder on a
+strip of linen torn from the lining of his blouse, he deftly rolled a
+fuse and inserted one end in the mouth of the flask.</p>
+
+<p>His intentions were apparent. The roof and walls of the passage were of
+loose earth and stone. A blast would bring them down in an avalanche.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris attempted to expostulate, but Guy drove them all down the slope
+and applied a match to the fuse.</p>
+
+<p>It was high time, for up the passage shone the gleam of torches. The
+enemy had effected an entrance.</p>
+
+<p>Guy joined his companions on the shore of the river, and almost
+instantly a terrific explosion took<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> place. It seemed to rend the earth.
+A tremendous crash and rumbling noise followed, and then all was quiet.</p>
+
+<p>The concussion put out the lamp, but as soon as it was lighted again Guy
+ran up to see the result of his attempt.</p>
+
+<p>No trace of the passageway existed. In its place was a grim wall of
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>The full significance of what he had done now flashed into Guy's mind
+and he gazed blankly into the faces of his comrades.</p>
+
+<p>"We are buried alive," said Melton bitterly. "We are as dead to the
+world as though we were in our coffins."</p>
+
+<p>"We have simply burned our ships behind us, that is all," replied
+Chutney. "Now for the river and freedom."</p>
+
+<p>They went back and sat down beside the swiftly-flowing water.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless me if I know whether I am on my head or my feet," said Sir
+Arthur. "What on earth does this mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"It means that these brave fellows have saved us from a fate worse than
+death," cried the colonel; "that is all I care to know at present."</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain all," said Guy.</p>
+
+<p>He straightway related everything that had happened from the time they
+were separated on the way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> to Harar to the discovery of the underground
+river and the daring plan for the rescue of the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel could scarcely repress his astonishment as he listened to
+the wonderful story, and at its conclusion he embraced his rescuer
+warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"We owe you our lives," he said fervently. "Never was a braver deed
+attempted, never was a rescue more marvelously carried out. Ah, I can
+never repay the debt. A grateful country will reward you, Captain
+Chutney. England shall know of your heroism."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you are right, colonel," put in Sir Arthur, with a touch of his
+old pomposity; "the government shall know how its representative was
+delivered from the hands of these impious fiends. But bless me, I don't
+see that we are so much better off, after all. How are we going to get
+out of this beastly hole?"</p>
+
+<p>"And what has become of Momba, and Captain Waller, and the Hindoos?"
+exclaimed Forbes, who had suddenly recollected the missing members of
+the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Lost&mdash;all lost," replied the colonel sadly. "They were sold to a
+distant tribe in the interior two days after we arrived at the village.
+You see our condition. They have made us work from sunrise to sunset. We
+fell ill, and, being of use no longer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> they deliberately tried to
+starve us to death. It was horrible, horrible!"</p>
+
+<p>"It was a diabolical outrage," interrupted Sir Arthur. "The whole
+civilized world will shudder when it knows that the governor of Zaila
+was fed on tainted meat and spoiled rice, and very little of that, too.
+If England fails to resent this outrage, I'll cast off my allegiance to
+the crown, sir, and become a citizen of some other country. I will, by
+Jove!"</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur might have gone on indefinitely with the tale of his
+grievances, but Guy cut him short by calling general attention to their
+present grave situation.</p>
+
+<p>The supply of provisions was at once overhauled, and the inspection
+proved very satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p>Six large bags had been loaded on the camels. Two of these held jerked
+beef, probably buffalo or deer meat, one contained rice, another a
+peculiar kind of hard cakes made from native corn, and the two remaining
+were filled to the top with dates and figs.</p>
+
+<p>"We are assured of food for some time to come," said Guy; "that is one
+consolation. I wish I could feel as certain of light. We have two lamps,
+and to supply these two big flasks of palm oil, not nearly enough,
+however, to last us on a long journey. When that is gone, I don't know
+what we shall do."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>"When we stop for rest we shall have to do without light," suggested
+Melton. "If we find any places to stop," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"It's beastly chilly in here," observed Sir Arthur, with a shiver. "Two
+days in a hole like this will give us all rheumatism."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said Melton, "but I have provided for that. See, here are the
+trappings from the camels which I brought in while waiting for you." And
+he held up one by one half a dozen richly embroidered rugs and skins,
+which had belonged to the leaders of the Abyssinians.</p>
+
+<p>This pleasing discovery put them all in better spirits, and it was
+presently supplemented by another, which went far to remove the most
+formidable obstacle to their journey, for while the canoes were being
+examined Guy found in a far corner of the cavern a great pile of
+torches, made from some highly resinous wood. These had evidently
+belonged to the natives who formerly dwelt here, and were used by them
+instead of lamps on their journeys to the coast. They were fifty or
+sixty in number.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a fortunate discovery," said Guy. "With these and the lamps we
+may have sufficient light to last out our trip."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; that removes the last obstacle," rejoined Forbes; "and now I
+propose that we take some refreshment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> We have eaten nothing for nearly
+two days."</p>
+
+<p>This was true. The excitement had almost banished hunger from their
+thoughts, but Melton's words roused their dormant appetites, and,
+sitting down beside the canoes, they made a hearty meal and washed it
+down with water from the river, which was quite fresh and cold.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Guy, when they had all finished and the provisions were
+tied up and put aside, "it will do us no good to remain here any longer.
+The river, as you all know, is our only salvation, and the sooner we
+start on our cruise the better. The natives who once dwelt here are
+reported to have made journeys down this stream in boats. Is it not so,
+Canaris?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied the Greek. "I have heard from the Arabs at Harar that it
+was their annual custom to go down to the coast in large rafts or boats
+with trading goods, and then return by land."</p>
+
+<p>"But where does this underground river empty?" asked the colonel. "Does
+anyone know?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is supposed to reach the Juba," replied Guy, "but whether near the
+mouth of that river or not I cannot say."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! but that is a very important thing," said the colonel. "I possess
+some acquaintance with the geography of this part of Africa. Are you
+aware<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> that the river Juba is nearly eight hundred miles in length? Its
+source, which as yet remains undiscovered, lies only a hundred miles or
+more to our west, and it flows to the southeast. This stream before us
+appears to head in a southwesterly direction as near as I can judge. It
+is possible then that it joins the river Juba at a distance less than
+two hundred miles from here. In that event our journey does not appear
+so formidable."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, sir," said Canaris quickly, "but from what I have been able
+to learn this river reaches the Juba at a point, I have heard stated,
+midway between Bardera and the coast."</p>
+
+<p>"Bardera!" cried the colonel sharply. "Why, Bardera is only two hundred
+miles from the sea. According to that, we have a journey before us of
+nearly eight hundred miles&mdash;a journey underground and on unknown waters.
+Who can tell what dangers lie before us?"</p>
+
+<p>"We will never get out alive," groaned Sir <a name="Arthur" id="Arthur"></a><ins title="original has Arthus">Arthur</ins>.
+"Never in the world, Carrington. What a blawsted idiot I was to let the
+government send me to that beastly hole!"</p>
+
+<p>"And is it impossible to escape by land?" asked the colonel, unheeding
+this interruption.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget that we have destroyed our only communication with the outer
+world," ventured Forbes. "The river is our sole hope."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>"Yes, I had forgotten it, it is true," replied the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"And were the communication now open," exclaimed Guy, "escape would
+still be hopeless. This river is navigable, and the existence of those
+canoes proves what I say. I have been in tight places like this before,
+and if you will trust to my guidance I will do my best to bring you
+through in safety. If we fail, it shall be through no fault of mine."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+<a name="xxii" id="xxii"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Guy's stirring speech was just what was needed to rouse the flagging
+spirits of the party, for the colonel's graphic description of the
+contemplated journey had produced a very depressing effect.</p>
+
+<p>Preparations for the start were begun at once. The two canoes were first
+tested and found to be absolutely seaworthy. Then the provisions, the
+torches, the lamps, the oil flasks, and the rugs were divided into two
+parts and stowed away.</p>
+
+<p>It was decided that Guy should be accompanied by Forbes and Sir Arthur
+in the first boat, and that Canaris and the colonel should follow in the
+second. For economy one torch was to be used for illuminating their way,
+and this Sir Arthur was to hold in the rear of the canoe. Eight paddles
+had been found in the cavern, thus providing an extra supply in case of
+possible loss.</p>
+
+<p>It was difficult to believe that the sun was shining brightly outside.
+No ray of light pierced the blackness of the cavern, and the dead
+silence was unbroken by the first sound, though at that very moment the
+Gallas and the Abyssinians were probably waging a bloody battle almost
+overhead. Henceforth day and night were one, all trace of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> time would be
+lost, and whether any of that imprisoned band would ever see the light
+of day again or breathe the free, open air, the future alone could tell.</p>
+
+<p>It was a solemn and impressive moment, and Guy's voice had a touch of
+huskiness in it as he ordered the canoes to be carried to the water.</p>
+
+<p>A last survey of the cavern was made to see that nothing was forgotten,
+and then all took their places in silence, the canoes swung slowly out
+from shore, and, caught by the current, shot off into the gloom on the
+first stage of the most awful journey ever made by Englishmen.</p>
+
+<p>Guy sat slightly in front of the stern, keeping the canoe straight with
+an occasional touch of the paddle, for the velocity of the current made
+labor unnecessary, and close behind him was Sir Arthur, holding the
+flaring torch that lit up the water for a short distance ahead and
+served to guide the second canoe, which was only a few yards behind.</p>
+
+<p>"If this current continues all the way," observed Forbes, "eight hundred
+miles will be nothing at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if no bad rapids are encountered," replied Guy. "There are
+certainly none very near, or we could hear them plainly."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think we need fear that very much," called out the colonel from
+the rear canoe. "The altitude of this part of Africa is not so high
+above<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> the sea. The valley overhead is a pretty deep one, and this river
+is some distance beneath. Moreover, those natives would hardly have made
+an annual cruise down the river if the channel were very dangerous."</p>
+
+<p>"It was their custom to start at the close of the rainy season," said
+the Greek, "when the river was high and swollen."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mention rapids, I beg of you," cried Sir Arthur. "It makes me
+nervous. I can't stand it at all."</p>
+
+<p>For an hour or more they traveled on in almost unbroken silence. On
+either side the shore was invisible, and overhead the glare of the torch
+revealed only black, empty space. The same intense silence prevailed,
+not even the faintest murmur of the river being audible.</p>
+
+<p>This peaceful monotony, however, was rudely shattered. A low humming
+sound was heard in the distance, which rapidly increased in volume, and
+left no room to doubt that a course of rapids was below. At Guy's
+suggestion Forbes relieved Sir Arthur of the torch, and scarcely had
+this change been effected when the current carried them into a swirling
+mass of spray.</p>
+
+<p>Both canoes grated and bumped against rocks, and then, before the
+frightened occupants could realize that it was over, the sullen roar was
+fading away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> in the distance, and the smooth current was bearing them
+rapidly ahead.</p>
+
+<p>This little episode considerably relieved their minds. If no more
+dangerous water than that lay before them, there was little cause for
+apprehension. A skilled eye and a strong hand would overcome the
+difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, for the first time, rocky walls appeared, now on one side,
+now on the other, but they fell sheer to the water, and gave no
+opportunity for landing. The atmosphere of the cavern was pure and
+fresh, a fact not readily accounted for, since no glimmer of daylight
+was anywhere visible.</p>
+
+<p>Guy began to grow sleepy, a sensation which was shared by his
+companions, for it was many hours since they had had any rest. It was
+impossible to tell how long or how far they had traveled. All passage of
+time was lost, and the periods for eating and sleeping must be regulated
+by their own feelings. Instinct goes wrong in such cases; yet there was
+little doubt that the night had come.</p>
+
+<p>A sharp lookout was kept on the shores, but, as the current swept them
+past the same monotonous ledges without a break, it began to look as
+though they would be compelled to take turns at sleeping in the bottom
+of the canoes.</p>
+
+<p>They were paddling close along the right shore when a sudden cry from
+Canaris, who was almost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> abreast of the other boat, and farther out in
+the current, attracted general attention, and peering out on the river
+they saw a dim object some yards away.</p>
+
+<p>The current bore them past it, but by dint of hard paddling the canoes
+were headed diagonally up stream, and a few moments later a landing was
+made on the lower end of a small spit of white sand, ten or fifteen
+yards in diameter.</p>
+
+<p>It sloped gently to the water's edge, and in the center was a cluster of
+smooth, water-worn stones.</p>
+
+<p>It was a perfect haven of refuge to the weary and exhausted voyagers,
+and with thankful hearts they hauled the canoes upon the strip of beach
+and spread out the rugs in readiness for a few hours' sleep.</p>
+
+<p>They ate sparingly of crackers and dates, for Guy had assumed charge of
+the commissary department and dispensed supplies with no liberal hand,
+the wisdom of which was readily acknowledged by all.</p>
+
+<p>The torch had been stuck end up in the sand, and its cheerful glow threw
+a radiance over all the little island and caused the silvery white sand
+to sparkle brilliantly.</p>
+
+<p>They stretched themselves out on the rugs near the center of the island,
+and as soon as they were arranged comfortably Guy rigorously
+extinguished the torch and hunted his place in the darkness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>No thought of fear entered their mind. On all sides was the deep and
+rapid river. Whence could an enemy come? In five minutes not a man was
+awake. Even Sir Arthur was snoring profoundly, dreaming perhaps of the
+snug quarters in the residence at Zaila, from which he had been so
+rudely ousted a few short weeks before.</p>
+
+<p>Guy was dreaming, too, but far different were the visions that coursed
+through his brain. For the twentieth time he was living over again his
+awful experiences of the previous year. Once more he was a prisoner in
+the rajah's fortress, and Nana Sahib's cannons were awaiting their
+victim on the massive stone platform. Now he was being led out to die in
+the midst of his companions, the fiendish faces all about him, the
+Hindoos stood by the touch-holes with lighted torches. Now they were
+binding him, the gaping muzzle was pressing his back&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Then he woke and sat up, trembling from head to foot, the dank
+perspiration standing in beads on his forehead. Thank God it was only a
+dream. The rajah's fortress was thousands of miles away.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a faint sound reached his ear, so indistinct that he could
+hardly be sure he heard anything at all. He listened a moment, but it
+was not repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"Some of the fellows stirring in their sleep," he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> muttered, and giving
+the matter no further thought, he lay down again.</p>
+
+<p>But as soon as his head touched the sand the sound was repeated, and
+this time it was more definable&mdash;a steady, rustling noise, with an
+occasional low splash that seemed to come from the water.</p>
+
+<p>It was caused by none of his companions, for they all lay on his left,
+while the alarming noise seemed to come from the right.</p>
+
+<p>Guy was a brave man, but in his nervous condition, resulting from the
+recent dream, this new alarm was too much, and he felt a cold chill run
+down his spine.</p>
+
+<p>Giving Forbes, who was next him, a gentle shake, he drew himself to his
+feet, and taking a match from his pocket, rubbed it with a trembling
+hand across the front of his trousers.</p>
+
+<p>It struck fire instantly, and as the sudden flare lit up the whole
+extent of the island the match dropped from Guy's nerveless fingers and
+he started back with a cry of horror that echoed horribly through the
+gloomy recesses of the cavern.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+<a name="xxiii" id="xxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A WONDERFUL ESCAPE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Guy had presence of mind enough to strike a second match and ignite the
+torch, which was fortunately within reach of his hand, and as his
+companions, roused from their sleep by his sharp cry of alarm, sprang
+excitedly to their feet, the flaming glare revealed to their astonished
+gaze a monstrous serpent coiled half on land, half in the water, at the
+edge of the island.</p>
+
+<p>The flat, ugly head, with its wicked eyes, was darting angrily to and
+fro, and the body was as thick as a man's leg above the knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Great C&aelig;sar, it's a sea-serpent!" cried Forbes, making a dash for his
+rifle, while Sir Arthur, with a dismal groan, dropped down on his knees
+and had to be dragged forcibly away by the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>The glare of the torch seemed to anger the monster, for it advanced a
+yard or more up the island, and spattered the water furiously with its
+great tail.</p>
+
+<p>A general rush was made for the canoes, and it would have been no
+difficult matter to have slipped quickly away and left the hideous
+monster in undisputed possession of the island.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>Unluckily Forbes was bent on resistance. He seized his rifle, made sure
+that it was ready for use, and started forward just as Guy hurried to
+his assistance.</p>
+
+<p>"Come away, Melton," he cried; "it will only make things worse if you
+wound it."</p>
+
+<p>"But I don't intend to wound it," replied Melton. "I'm going to put a
+ball through that ugly head. Stand back, Chutney; stand back."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he advanced recklessly until the muzzle of his rifle was
+within two feet of the serpent's head, and, taking a quick aim, pulled
+the trigger.</p>
+
+<p>The stunning report shook the cavern; then, as Forbes turned to flee,
+the enraged monster, with blood streaming from a hole in his neck, threw
+his slimy coils forward in convulsions of agony, and, before the eyes of
+his horrified companions, Melton was pinned to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>He struggled to his knees, fighting desperately to loosen the tightening
+coils, and uttering heartrending appeals for help.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with a mighty hiss, the serpent flapped wildly toward the water,
+dragging his victim with him, and with a terrific splash and a
+resounding slap of the great tail on the moist sand, both disappeared in
+the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>With a terrible cry Guy ran to the water's edge and shouted again and
+again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>No response came back. The black river flowed as smoothly and calmly as
+before.</p>
+
+<p>"Lost! Lost!" he cried hoarsely, and staggering backward he fell heavily
+on the sand.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel ran to his assistance, and at that moment a single cry came
+distinctly from a point below the island.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen!" exclaimed Canaris. "What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Help! Help!" rang mournfully through the recesses of the cavern.</p>
+
+<p>It was Melton's voice surely, and the familiar tones reached Guy's ears
+and brought him to his feet in an instant.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Forbes!" he shouted wildly. "The canoe, quick," and snatching the
+heavy craft, he fairly threw it into the river and sprang in.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris leaped after him, and seizing paddles they drove the canoe
+swiftly toward the distant sound.</p>
+
+<p>"We are coming, Melton; we are coming," cried Guy. "We'll save you yet."</p>
+
+<p>In their haste the lighted torch had been left behind, but fortunately
+the Greek had matches, and in an instant another torch was lit and
+flaring cheerfully over the water.</p>
+
+<p>"This way, Chutney," came a feeble voice below them. "Hurry up. I'm
+nearly exhausted."</p>
+
+<p>A few rapid strokes of the paddle brought them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> within sight of a
+struggling object on the surface of the water, and as the canoe ran
+skilfully alongside, Guy dropped his paddle, and, leaning out, seized
+the drowning man by the collar. With almost superhuman strength he
+dragged him into the canoe without assistance.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God!" he cried, "he's safe. Speak to me, Forbes. Are you hurt?"</p>
+
+<p>But Melton lay white and helpless in the bottom of the boat, too
+exhausted to reply.</p>
+
+<p>"He's all right," said Canaris. "Don't make him talk. Take your paddle,
+Chutney. We'll have a struggle to make the island."</p>
+
+<p>The Greek was right. Far above them shone the flickering torch, and the
+current was bearing them further away.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't paddle and hold the torch at the same time," said Canaris. "We
+must be guided by the light on the island."</p>
+
+<p>And they bent to the paddles with a will, shouting from time to time to
+encourage the colonel and Sir Arthur. It was even a harder task than
+they had feared&mdash;to force the canoe through that fierce rush of water.
+And for a time it seemed as though they were losing instead of gaining.</p>
+
+<p>But at last the distant light grew brighter, and soon their friends
+could be seen standing on the edge of the island.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>Ten minutes' more labor brought the canoe to the small eddy behind the
+island, and then the colonel hauled it gently upon the sand. They
+climbed wearily out and bore Melton tenderly up the slope. His clothes
+were foul and slimy from the serpent's embrace, but he did not seem to
+be injured.</p>
+
+<p>A few drops of stimulant would have had a good effect, but as this was
+out of the question they did the next best thing under the
+circumstances. His wet clothes were stripped off and wrung out. Then he
+was wrapped snugly in three or four big rugs and laid in one of the
+canoes, which was emptied for the purpose. This heroic treatment had a
+speedy effect, and the patient, much to the relief of all, recovered
+from his prostration and insisted on sitting up.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't think I'm hurt," he said, in response to Guy's inquiries.
+"It was the closest shave I ever had in my life, though. You may imagine
+how I felt when the monster dragged me into the river. I gave myself up
+for lost at once. He dived straight down, and then shot through the
+water like a streak. One coil was still around my body, and hard as I
+struggled I couldn't tear loose. My ears began to sing, and I knew I
+would have to drown. Then I felt the coil grow a little looser, and with
+one desperate struggle I tore away and came to the top. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> first thing
+I saw was the light away up on the island, and I shouted for help as
+loud as I could. I was terribly afraid you would not hear me, and all
+the time I was growing weaker and weaker, and the current was dragging
+me farther and farther away. Then I saw your torch almost beside me, and
+that is all I remember. I would have gone to the bottom in another
+minute, I know. It was horrible, Chutney. It makes me faint to think of
+it," and Melton closed his eyes with a little shudder.</p>
+
+<p>There were tears in the eyes of all as they listened to the marvelous
+story of his escape, and a sterner realization came to them of the
+unknown and unseen dangers that encompassed them.</p>
+
+<p>Further sleep was out of the question, and yet they could not well leave
+the island until Melton's clothes were partially dry.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we try some fishing," suggested Guy. "I have lines, and we can
+bait the hooks with bits of dried meat."</p>
+
+<p>"That would be an agreeable change in our bill of fare," said the
+colonel. "I second the motion."</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, I beg of you, don't harass my feelings by talking of fish,"
+protested Sir Arthur, who was gradually recovering from his severe
+fright. "It makes me think of white-bait dinners at Greenwich. I dined
+there two days before I sailed for Africa."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>"And you will dine there again, many a time," replied the colonel. "Only
+keep up your spirits, Ashby."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, I'm sure," groaned Sir Arthur, with a dismal shake of the
+head that belied his words.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Guy had been preparing the lines, and handing one to the
+Greek, they cast them in the eddy below the island. In less than five
+minutes Guy landed a trumpet, a fish of a deep purple color, a foot in
+length. Canaris hauled one out at the same time, and within an hour they
+had caught more than a dozen, all of the same species and of about the
+same length.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take them along with us," said Guy. "We may find driftwood enough
+to build a fire and cook them."</p>
+
+<p>"And if we don't find any," cried Canaris, "we can cook them by holding
+them in the flame of the torch."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+<a name="xxiv" id="xxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br />
+<br />
+<small>SIR ARTHUR WAKES AT THE RIGHT TIME.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>At this point Forbes positively insisted on getting up, and, in spite of
+the slight dampness that still lingered about his clothes, he pulled
+them on and announced himself ready to start. All were glad to leave the
+spot which was connected with such a horrible event, and soon the island
+was far in the rear.</p>
+
+<p>The second stage of the journey was monotonous and uneventful. A few
+slight rapids were encountered, but for the most part the river was
+swift and smooth.</p>
+
+<p>The character of the shores now began to change, and instead of the
+sharp ledges falling sheer to the water, sandy beaches skirted the edge,
+and from the canoes they could make out gloomy holes and passages that
+pierced the sides of the cavern.</p>
+
+<p>They were strongly tempted at times to stop and explore these unknown
+mysteries, but the reflection that every moment thus wasted would
+prolong their stay on this underground stream always checked the
+impulse.</p>
+
+<p>A flat, rocky ledge served for their next resting-place. It extended
+back ten yards to a steep wall of rock, and here, in a hollow cavity,
+Canaris found a mass of driftwood that was dry enough to burn.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>The fish were cooked rudely over a fire, but without salt they were
+unpalatable and no one cared to eat them.</p>
+
+<p>The luxury of a camp fire was enjoyed while they slept, and, although no
+watch was kept, the night&mdash;if night it really was&mdash;passed without alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Carrington had managed to retain during his captivity a small
+note-book and pencil. In this he kept a record of the journey, jotting
+down each night the incidents of the day's cruise, and a page from this
+diary will convey to the reader a clear idea of the uneventful manner in
+which the first week passed away&mdash;a week in long-to-be-remembered
+contrast to the dreadful period that followed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third stage.</i>&mdash;Traveled all day on smooth water. Rocky shores. Camped
+on an island. Could find no wood and slept in the dark.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth stage.</i>&mdash;Today we passed rocky islands in great profusion. Once
+far overhead we saw a single gleam of light shining in from a crevice.
+So far our calculation is correct. Day is day, and night is night.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifth stage.</i>&mdash;Nothing important. Ran a few rapids and camped on the
+right shore on a sandy beach.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sixth stage.</i>&mdash;All goes well. We are making many miles a day. The
+current continues strong. Camped on flat rock in midstream.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span><i>Seventh stage.</i>&mdash;Current still good. River very wide and obstructed
+with rocks. Narrowly missed an upset several times.</p>
+
+<p><i>Eighth stage.</i>&mdash;Traveled rapidly. Camped on a big spit of sand on right
+shore. Vast cavern behind us. Too sleepy to explore it.</p>
+
+<p>Here the peaceful <a name="monotony" id="monotony"></a><ins title="original has montony">monotony</ins> of the colonel's record ended.
+On this sloping, sandy beach began the first of that string of
+adventures which to their last moment will send a shudder through those
+who participated in them.</p>
+
+<p>As the colonel stated, they were so weary from the long day's journey
+that no investigation was made of the vast cavern that lay behind them.</p>
+
+<p>Guy advanced a few yards with his blazing torch.</p>
+
+<p>"It probably terminates with a rocky wall," he said carelessly: "It's no
+use looking into it tonight."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur suggested that it would be well to make sure that no danger
+lurked in its darkness, but Guy handed him the torch and bade him go
+satisfy himself. He very promptly declined the honor.</p>
+
+<p>A meager supper was eaten, for already the stock of food showed a
+perceptible diminution, and by common consent Guy began from that time
+to serve out short rations.</p>
+
+<p>A quantity of driftwood had been brought in the canoes from a previous
+camping-place, and with this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> a small fire was built. In its cheerful
+flickering glow they fell asleep, and an hour later a faint gleam from
+the charred embers was all that relieved the darkness of the cavern.</p>
+
+<p>When Sir Arthur Ashby turned uneasily on his rugs some time afterward,
+even this feeble light was gone. The ex-governor was consumed with a
+burning thirst. He had an undeniable craving for champagne and iced
+claret, but in the unavoidable absence of these drinks water would have
+to do.</p>
+
+<p>As he sat up, a faint noise reached his ears from the direction of the
+canoes, and supposing it to be Canaris, who had performed similar favors
+for him before, he called out loudly:</p>
+
+<p>"My good fellow, fetch me a drink, will you? I'm deucedly dry."</p>
+
+<p>The noise instantly ceased and was not repeated, though Sir Arthur
+waited breathlessly for a full minute.</p>
+
+<p>Once he fancied he heard a slight rippling of water, but that, too,
+ceased at once.</p>
+
+<p>Then Sir Arthur uttered a loud shout, which speedily wakened his
+companions.</p>
+
+<p>"What's wrong?" cried the colonel anxiously. "Did some one call? I
+surely heard a noise."</p>
+
+<p>"I want a drink, that's all," said Sir Arthur. "I heard someone down at
+the canoes and supposed it was Canaris. Was it you, Carrington?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>"No, certainly not," exclaimed the colonel, now thoroughly awake. "Here,
+Chutney, Forbes, pass me a match, quick. I have none about me."</p>
+
+<p>They were all on their feet instantly, and Guy lost no time in lighting
+the torch which he kept always by his side.</p>
+
+<p>Holding it over his head he led the way to the shore, and the first
+brief glance showed only too plainly what was the matter.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>One canoe is missing!</i>" he cried despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>"What, you don't mean it!" exclaimed Forbes. "How can that be possible?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's gone," said Guy blankly. "No doubt of it. Here is the mark of the
+keel leading down to the water. That's not the worst of it, though. Half
+our provisions are gone with it, and one lamp and an oil-flask as well."</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove, Chutney, it's that savage who has done this," cried Melton.
+"It can be accounted for in no other way. We forgot all about the
+scoundrel's presence in the cavern."</p>
+
+<p>"But how could he have lived all this time without food?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," answered Melton. "He must have managed it in some way,
+though. These Gallas are tough, wiry fellows and can stand a good deal
+of hardship."</p>
+
+<p>The circumstances all seemed to confirm Melton's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> supposition.
+Unfortunately the fact that this Galla warrior was also making the
+cruise of the river had been overlooked, and now, as a result of this
+negligence they had lost a canoe and half of their supplies.</p>
+
+<p>"We have one thing to be thankful for," said Guy. "If Sir Arthur had not
+wakened when he did we would undoubtedly have lost all. His shout scared
+the rascal, and he did not wait to make off with the other canoe."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, here is the mark of a third boat," announced the colonel, who had
+been making an investigation on his own account, "and footprints are
+visible on the sand. The scoundrel must have been here when we landed."</p>
+
+<p>"I wanted you to make a search," said Sir Arthur, "but my advice was
+disregarded. You see the result."</p>
+
+<p>"Prepare to start at once," interrupted Guy sharply. "We must pursue the
+thief and recover our canoe."</p>
+
+<p>In less than five minutes they embarked and pushed away from the shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Put out the torch," said Guy. "If the rascal sees the light he can get
+out of our way and we will pass him unperceived."</p>
+
+<p>"But how will we capture him in the dark?" asked Melton.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>"We must depend on our hearing," was the reply. "We will push ahead
+quietly and listen at intervals for the stroke of his paddle."</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances the recovery of the canoe was very doubtful,
+but there was plainly no other course, so they proceeded to carry out
+Guy's plan as carefully as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Five paddles were all that remained, one for each of them, and with
+quick, noiseless strokes they moved rapidly down the river, keeping the
+canoe headed with the current as far as possible, and pausing at times
+to listen for any trace of the thief.</p>
+
+<p>Thus they journeyed for an hour or more, but no sound of any kind
+reached their ears, and it began to look very much as though the Galla
+had been passed unseen in the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"He could hardly have kept ahead of us for such a distance," said
+Forbes. "I'm afraid we have missed him, Chutney."</p>
+
+<p>Guy made no reply. The canoe at that instant grated harshly on some
+obstacle, and throwing out his arms, Melton discovered that the current
+had carried them against one of the steep, rocky shores. He was about to
+shove the canoe forcibly away with his paddle when Guy whispered
+sharply:</p>
+
+<p>"Hold tight to the rock. I hear something above us."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>
+<a name="xxv" id="xxv"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE JOURNEY ON THE LAKE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>In the deep silence all heard distinctly the low, steady dip of a
+paddle.</p>
+
+<p>"Be ready with a match," whispered Guy. "When the canoe comes opposite,
+light the torch and I will cover the fellow with my rifle."</p>
+
+<p>The sound grew louder and plainer, and Melton's finger was already
+trembling on the match when a terrific splash echoed over the water,
+followed instantly by a most awful and heartrending wail of agony, that
+caused every one to shudder from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>Perfect silence ensued, and the dip of the paddle was no longer heard.
+With nervous haste Forbes lit the torch, and the sudden light revealed
+an empty canoe floating bottom up a few yards out in the stream.</p>
+
+<p>They paddled quickly alongside, and leaning over Guy turned the drifting
+boat right side up.</p>
+
+<p>It was empty, of course. The contents had gone to the bottom, and near
+the center the frail sides, seen plainly in the torchlight, were
+actually crushed inward like a shattered egg-shell.</p>
+
+<p>Where was the occupant of a moment before? What tremendous force had
+wrought this havoc?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>The current carried them on and on, but no one spoke; no one dared utter
+the thoughts that were in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>At last Guy said in faltering tones, "Nothing but a serpent could have
+inflicted that injury to the canoe."</p>
+
+<p>"That was the meaning of the splash," replied Melton. "The huge coils
+must have been thrown around it. The poor fellow had only time for one
+cry when he was dragged out."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the serpent must have been following us down the river," cried the
+colonel. "I supposed he was dead after that bullet lodged in his neck."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>That</i> serpent is dead," said Forbes solemnly, "or I should never have
+escaped from his coils. This is another serpent. The river must be the
+abode of many like them."</p>
+
+<p>This alarming statement was unfortunately only too likely to be true.
+Sir Arthur was terribly distressed, and prophesied a speedy reappearance
+of the monster and a fate similar to that of the poor savage in store
+for them all.</p>
+
+<p>His anxiety was shared by his companions, though not expressed as
+openly, and all possible haste was made to get away from the horrible
+spot.</p>
+
+<p>A brief search was carried on in hopes of finding the lost provision
+bags, but, with the exception of a single floating paddle, nothing was
+picked up. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> bags must have sunk with the lamp and oil-flask.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing was seen of the other canoe&mdash;the one originally taken by the
+savage&mdash;and they came to the conclusion that it had been purposely
+abandoned farther up the river.</p>
+
+<p>The balance of that day they traveled with a dread sense of impending
+danger. The terrible scene so recently witnessed had left an
+ineffaceable impression and by tacit consent they paddled in silence,
+afraid of the sound of their own voices.</p>
+
+<p>The river had suddenly become narrow, and ran with dizzy speed between
+two rocky walls that reflected on both sides the glow of the torch which
+Sir Arthur carried in the stern.</p>
+
+<p>Half a dozen times they dashed through brawling rapids, but no mishap
+occurred, and, as their increasing drowsiness warned them that night was
+close at hand, they succeeded in finding a landing-place on the left
+shore which offered some protection until morning.</p>
+
+<p>A small quantity of wood still remained, and with this a fire was kept
+burning all night, while they took turns at guarding the camp, for after
+the recent events they no longer dared to sleep unprotected and in utter
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>The scant amount of food now remaining was a source of great uneasiness,
+but Chutney infused fresh hope into the party by the confident
+prediction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> that if the present daily rate of speed were maintained the
+supply would last until the end of the journey.</p>
+
+<p>Already the pure air of the cavern had done wonders for Sir Arthur and
+the colonel, and they had nearly recovered their usual health and
+strength. The one canoe held them all very comfortably, and they seemed
+to make better progress than when they had been divided into separate
+parties.</p>
+
+<p>That night nothing occurred to cause any alarm, and they resumed the
+cruise in fairly good spirits. The river still continued narrow and the
+current swift. No dangerous water was encountered, and everything was
+going on satisfactorily when Guy suddenly shouted with all his might,
+"Back water! Quick! quick!" and looking ahead they saw a steep rocky
+promontory, against which the current split and swung off into two
+channels, one to the right, the other to the left.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of their utmost efforts they continued to float down inch by
+inch.</p>
+
+<p>Which was the proper channel? It was a puzzling problem on which perhaps
+hung life and death. There was no time for consideration, and under the
+circumstances Guy adopted the only possible course.</p>
+
+<p>"Head the canoe straight for the center of the rock and let her drift,"
+he cried. "The current shall decide for us."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>This was instantly done and they drifted with perfect accuracy straight
+for the splitting point in the stream.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment it looked as though they would be flung against the rocks
+and upset, but as the canoe reached the turning-point it trembled an
+instant in the balance and then darted headlong into the channel to the
+right.</p>
+
+<p>"A good omen," cried the colonel. "The river Juba lies on our right.
+This must be the proper channel."</p>
+
+<p>It was a very narrow channel, at all events, and a very swift one, too,
+for the rocky walls on either side were almost close enough to touch
+with the paddles, and they were moving at a dizzy rate of speed.</p>
+
+<p>"There are rapids below us," said Forbes. "I can hear them dimly."</p>
+
+<p><a name="quote2" id="quote2"></a><ins title="removed double opening quotation mark">Melton's</ins> hearing was unusually acute, for as yet the
+rest could hear nothing, but in a few seconds the distant roar was
+audible to all, and it grew ominously louder with every second.</p>
+
+<p>They grasped the sides of the canoe in anxious suspense&mdash;for it was
+useless to paddle&mdash;and the angry waters were almost in sight, when Sir
+Arthur dropped his torch, and instantly they were plunged in total
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>No time remained to strike a fresh light. The sullen crash of the waters
+drowned the sound of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> their voices, and the canoe blindly took its own
+course and they felt the chill spray spattering their faces.</p>
+
+<p>"Bump, bump, bump," went the quivering boat, grinding and crashing on
+loose rocks, and then with one terrific lurch, that sent them sprawling
+on their knees, the violent tossing subsided and the choppy waves
+smacked the bottom of the canoe.</p>
+
+<p>With some difficulty Guy lit a fresh torch, and its light revealed a
+strange condition of things.</p>
+
+<p>No shore was visible on either side, and overhead was empty space
+instead of the low lying roof that always met their gaze.</p>
+
+<p>"We are no longer moving," cried the colonel in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible!" exclaimed Guy, but on putting his hand in the water all
+doubt was instantly removed. The canoe was stationary.</p>
+
+<p>They paddled on to the right, to the left, in every direction, but the
+dark water lay calm and sluggish on all sides.</p>
+
+<p>"We are on a lake," said Guy. "There is no doubt of it; a vast
+underground lake."</p>
+
+<p>"There must be an outlet on the other side, though," replied Melton.
+"All we need do is to paddle across and find it."</p>
+
+<p>"But which is the proper side?" said Canaris. "Are we headed straight
+now?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>"By Jove, I don't believe we are," replied Guy. "I'm afraid we are
+completely mixed up. We will paddle until we reach the shore, and then
+follow it till we come to the outlet."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that will do very well," said the colonel. "The lake cannot be so
+very large. I wish we had time to complete a survey of it. I should like
+to make a report to the Royal Geographical Society."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish the honorable members of the R. G. S. could change places with
+us," said Sir Arthur, with a groan. "I have no doubt some of those
+lunatics would enjoy this beastly hole. There is no accounting for
+taste, Carrington."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel made no reply. He was keeping stroke with Chutney's paddle,
+sharing with him the outlook ahead. The minutes passed on, but still no
+signs of any shore.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a pretty fair-sized lake after all," said Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"And we are the first white men to navigate its waters," remarked the
+colonel solemnly. "This is a wonderful discovery. Our fame as great
+explorers will be assured if we ever get back to England."</p>
+
+<p>"Land ahead!" shouted Guy suddenly, and snatching the torch from Sir
+Arthur, he stood erect as the canoe shot gently toward a dim object that
+rose from the gloom twenty yards distant. Amid breathless silence the
+keel nicked the sandy beach and Guy sprang out.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>One brief second he held the flaming torch aloft.</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned and tottered with trembling limbs towards the canoe. He
+tried to speak, but no words came, and his face was pallid and
+horror-stricken.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>
+<a name="xxvi" id="xxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE ISLE OF SKELETONS.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Believing that some terrible danger threatened, Forbes was in readiness
+to push the canoe back into the lake, but Guy stopped him with a wave of
+the hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be all right in a moment. My nerves went back on me; that's all."</p>
+
+<p>He glanced toward the shore with a shudder, and then filled the palm of
+his hand with water and drank it.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on," he said bravely; "don't be alarmed. It's nothing that can
+harm us."</p>
+
+<p>His companions followed him timidly up the sandy slope. The torch threw
+a bright light on the scene, and every one of them shuddered as Guy
+stopped and pointed before him.</p>
+
+<p>On a flat, rocky plateau, three or four feet above the level of the
+lake, lay a gleaming mass of bones, all dried and whitened by age.</p>
+
+<p>"Human skeletons, by gracious!" burst from the colonel, and it was easy
+to see that he spoke the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Human skeletons they were, but instead of being joined together, skulls,
+arms, and legs lay scattered about in awful confusion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>"This is horrible," said Forbes. "Who were these unfortunates, and what
+could have caused such mutilation?"</p>
+
+<p>Guy advanced to the center of the plateau, flashing the torch around
+him, and turning to his companions, he cried: "This is an island; there
+is water all around it."</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," exclaimed Canaris eagerly; "here lies a raft of logs, half
+buried in the sand."</p>
+
+<p>This new discovery promised some light on the mystery, and they crowded
+hastily around the Greek, who was bending over the rude structure.</p>
+
+<p>It lay half way up the beach, and over the lower extremities of the logs
+a thick layer of sand had been washed. Close by were half a dozen coarse
+sacks, which proved on inspection to contain skins of leopards and
+tigers, bright colored feathers, coffee, and aromatic gums. All were in
+fairly good condition.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is something else," cried Forbes. "Arms, by Jove! Spears and axes,
+torches and paddles. Well, by gracious, what does this mean?"</p>
+
+<p>An inkling of the truth flashed upon them simultaneously, and they
+stared at each other in frightened silence.</p>
+
+<p>"This was the last load of natives to go down the river," said Canaris
+quietly. "Here is their raft,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> their trading goods. Yonder lie their
+bones. Their journey ended here."</p>
+
+<p>"And why did it end here?" demanded the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, why?" echoed Chutney, and then no one spoke for a full minute.</p>
+
+<p>"What was to prevent them from continuing on their way?" resumed the
+colonel finally. "They had a raft and paddles; the water was all around
+them. What caused their death?"</p>
+
+<p>"Starvation," suggested the Greek.</p>
+
+<p>"It was not starvation that killed them," exclaimed Guy, who had turned
+back to the center of the island. "Here is a bag of dates and dried meat
+all shriveled and moldy. They met their death in some horribly sudden
+fashion, that is certain. How do you account for their skeletons being
+torn apart and the bones flung together? Could starvation do that?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was serpents," said the Greek; and that brief sentence made their
+blood run cold.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued Canaris, observing the doubt in their faces; "they must
+have been surprised in the night and crushed to death. That alone can
+account for their broken bones. But, remember, all this was thirty years
+ago or more."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you are right, Canaris," said Chutney. "I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> believe, upon my word,
+what you say is true. The monstrous serpents of the cavern devoured
+them."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur beat a rapid retreat to the canoe, and the rest were not slow
+in following his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us get away from this horrible spot as quickly as possible," said
+the colonel; "and, besides, we are losing precious time on this lake. We
+must seek the outlet at once and resume the journey."</p>
+
+<p>They paddled gladly away from the Isle of Skeletons, as the colonel
+insisted on naming it, and steered as straight a course as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Under the pressure of four paddles the canoe maintained a rapid speed,
+but in spite of this it was fully an hour, and probably much more,
+before they found the shore of the lake. They rested a little while
+beside the perpendicular wall of rock, uncertain which way to turn.</p>
+
+<p>"It won't make much difference," said Guy; "either course must bring us
+to the outlet. Suppose we try the right."</p>
+
+<p>This proposition met with favor, and off they started once more, taking
+care to keep the shore constantly in sight, lest they should lose their
+bearings again.</p>
+
+<p>In less than half an hour the sound of running water was heard in the
+distance, and they paddled faster than ever in their intense longing to
+escape from the lake.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>Louder and louder grew the roar of the water, until they seemed to be
+almost upon it, and just when they were preparing for a dash into the
+rapids Chutney rose in the canoe with a cry of surprise, and the
+torchlight showed plainly a fierce body of water running, not out of,
+but into the lake.</p>
+
+<p>They had come back to the starting point. It was here they had entered
+the lake, and now all must be done over again.</p>
+
+<p>"Back water," cried the colonel. "Don't get into the current. It may
+sweep us out and we shall lose our bearings. Turn the canoe and we will
+go back the way we came."</p>
+
+<p>There was no help for it. It only remained to atone for the lost time by
+paddling as rapidly as possible.</p>
+
+<p>With difficulty the canoe was snatched from the influx of the current
+and headed this time to the left.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be a lengthy paddle," said Guy. "The lake is by no means a
+small one."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm hungry," exclaimed Sir Arthur. "Isn't it about time for lunch?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your suggestion is eminently proper, Sir Arthur," declared the colonel.
+"On a full stomach we shall travel faster, Chauncey. Do you concur with
+our views?"</p>
+
+<p>Guy evidently did, for a supply of dates and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> crackers was forthwith
+produced, and while they were eating the canoe was permitted to remain
+stationary.</p>
+
+<p>They started away in somewhat better spirits, Chutney in the bow keeping
+a sharp watch for danger ahead, while Sir Arthur held his torch from the
+stern, lighting the water for some yards around.</p>
+
+<p>The dreary monotony of the journey was most trying. The shore presented
+an unbroken perpendicular wall of stone falling sheer to the water, damp
+and slimy with drippings, while overhead was empty space, a dome of vast
+height, to judge from the echo of their voices.</p>
+
+<p>They paddled on and on, pausing occasionally to rest their weary arms,
+then dashing away with more vigor than ever. Not for an instant did they
+lose sight of the shore. It was their only guide. At last Sir Arthur's
+arm dropped feebly, and it was seen that he was half asleep. Canaris
+took the torch from his hand, and sinking into the bottom of the canoe,
+the ex-governor fell instantly into a deep slumber.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm actually getting drowsy myself," confessed the colonel. "It must be
+night. Surely we ought to be halfway round the lake by this time."</p>
+
+<p>Guy admitted that he, too, was beginning to grow sleepy, and as Forbes
+and Canaris alone professed to be as fresh as ever, it was decided that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+they should navigate the canoe for a time and allow the others an
+opportunity to rest.</p>
+
+<p>Chutney and the colonel stretched themselves on the rugs and Melton
+paddled slowly forward, while Canaris held the torch from the stern.</p>
+
+<p>Hours passed, and still they continued to follow the rocky shore amid
+silence, broken only by the swish of the paddle, for neither Forbes nor
+Canaris cared to converse.</p>
+
+<p>Wrapped in their own gloomy reflections they crouched in the stern,
+keeping silent vigil over their sleeping companions.</p>
+
+<p>An intense desire for sleep now laid hold on Melton, and with great
+reluctance he woke Guy and the colonel. It required a dash of cold water
+to bring them to their senses.</p>
+
+<p>"Are we still on this horrible lake?" exclaimed Chutney. "How long have
+we been asleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"Several hours at least," replied Melton.</p>
+
+<p>"Several hours? Whew! What a lake this is! We must surely be near the
+outlet now. But you are sleepy and worn out, Melton, and so is Canaris.
+Look, he can hardly keep his eyes open. Go lie down, both of you. The
+colonel and I will see to the canoe, and you will wake up twenty miles
+down the river."</p>
+
+<p>Melton handed over his paddle to Guy, and the colonel relieved the Greek
+of the torch.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>Canaris was asleep almost instantly, and Melton was just arranging the
+rugs to make himself a comfortable spot, when Chutney cried gladly, "I
+can hear water running. I'm sure of it. Do you hear it, too, colonel?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the colonel, after a pause. "I do hear something, that's a
+fact. We are approaching the outlet of the lake, no doubt of it."</p>
+
+<p>Melton's drowsiness vanished, and he sprang up.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be advisable to waken Canaris and Sir Arthur," suggested the
+colonel. "No one ought to sleep at a time like this. All hands may be
+needed."</p>
+
+<p>A slight touch woke the Greek, but it required a severe shaking to rouse
+Sir Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>"Waiter, a deviled kidney and a pint of Pommery Sec," he cried drowsily,
+as Chutney pulled him to a sitting position. And then opening his eyes
+he groaned dismally, "Bless me, I thought I was dining at Gatti's. Why
+didn't you let me sleep?"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+<a name="xxvii" id="xxvii"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>ALL HOPE VANISHES.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>"We are approaching the outlet of the lake, Sir Arthur," said Guy. "It
+is better that all should be awake in case we encounter bad water."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; very true. You want me to hold the torch, I suppose. Gad!
+what a dream I had! I was dining with Lord Balsover. I'd give my title
+and fortune to be back in London this minute."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold your torch straight," said the colonel dryly, and then under the
+regular strokes of four paddles the canoe moved swiftly toward the
+distant sound of running water.</p>
+
+<p>Every instant it grew louder and more distinct, and soon their voices
+were almost drowned in the roar.</p>
+
+<p>It was a period of terrible anxiety. That it was the outlet of the lake
+they were approaching no one for an instant doubted. Their chief concern
+was for a safe passage into the river beyond, for the angry splash of
+the water told plainly its turbulent and dangerous nature.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep a little off from the shore," cried Guy. "It won't do to make too
+sharp a curve or we shall upset. We must strike the current fairly in
+the center<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> and keep the canoe straight as an arrow. Whatever happens,
+don't drop the torch," he added warningly.</p>
+
+<p>Close as they now were to the outlet, no signs of any current were yet
+visible. The colonel called attention to this strange fact, but Guy
+explained it by remarking that the current probably passed directly
+through the center of the lake and that dead water continued to the very
+edge.</p>
+
+<p>"I can see a white gleam ahead," he cried suddenly; "now paddle off from
+shore a little more and head the canoe as I tell you."</p>
+
+<p>His orders were obeyed in silence. Straight out from the shore the canoe
+shot deftly. A couple of quick strokes forward and backward and its bow
+faced the angry waters that raged and foamed thirty yards distant.</p>
+
+<p>The radius of the torch cast a faint gleam on the very edge of the
+glistening spray. It seemed to beckon them onward.</p>
+
+<p>"Now give way," cried Guy. Four paddles dipped and rose as one, the
+shining drops rolled from their blades like so many diamonds in the
+torch-glare, and then Guy sprang to his feet with a loud cry.</p>
+
+<p>The paddles wavered in mid-air. "Go ahead," he shouted fiercely. "Paddle
+with all your strength."</p>
+
+<p>Once more they dipped the water, the canoe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> moved slowly&mdash;with an
+effort, and as the paddles a second time paused in air, the canoe shot
+swiftly&mdash;not forward to the embrace of the angry waters, but back&mdash;<i>back
+at dizzy speed into the dark and dismal recesses of the lake</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Even then the awful, unspeakable horror of the situation never flashed
+upon them, Guy alone perhaps excepted.</p>
+
+<p>"We've blundered again," cried the colonel in hollow tones. "We have
+returned to the starting point. In some manner we have missed the
+outlet, and now all must be done over again."</p>
+
+<p>"Could the canoe have been turned completely about during our journey?"
+exclaimed Forbes.</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible," said the colonel. "I can prove it instantly. When we
+started away from the spot where the river enters on our trip around the
+lake, the shore was on our right. When we arrived here just now it was
+still on our right, whereas, had we unconsciously turned the canoe about
+and reversed our course, the shore would be on our left. We have
+circumnavigated the lake and returned to our starting point, and in some
+way missed the outlet."</p>
+
+<p>"No," cried Chutney in tones that chilled his hearers with horror. "We
+did not miss the outlet."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" cried the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"I say we did not miss the outlet," continued<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> Guy, "because there was
+no outlet to miss. No exit from the lake exists. We are entombed forever
+and ever. None of us will ever see the light of day again. We shall die
+here in the bowels of the earth, and the serpents will mangle us as they
+mangled those poor unfortunates yonder on the island. Better to know the
+truth now than later. It is useless to hope. I tell you we are doomed
+men and&mdash;&mdash;" Here Guy's voice faltered, and sinking down into the canoe,
+he covered his face with his hands.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur uttered a heartrending cry and fell back in a faint. He lay
+unnoticed. The torch dropped from the Greek's nerveless hands and
+expired with a hiss. In darkness and silence they floated on and on
+until the roar of the inflowing water became fainter and fainter. Then
+it died out entirely and all was intensely quiet.</p>
+
+<p>The darkness was grateful to their stricken hearts. They wanted time to
+realize the awful misfortune that had fallen so suddenly and heavily
+upon them.</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible to grasp the truth in a moment, especially when that
+truth meant utter hopelessness and a terrible death. So they drifted in
+silence under the great vault of the cavern, living-dead in a living
+tomb.</p>
+
+<p>Long afterward&mdash;it might have been an hour and it might have been a day,
+for all passage of time was lost&mdash;Chutney rose to a sitting posture.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>His brain was dizzy and reeling. The aching misery lay heavy on his
+heart, and yet one faint spark of hope lingered amid the black despair,
+the natural buoyancy of his nature that refused even to submit to the
+decrees of the inevitable.</p>
+
+<p>It was he who had first spoken the words of doom to his companions, and
+now he told himself he would show them the way to safety. He fumbled in
+his clothes for a match, and striking it deliberately, lit a fresh
+torch.</p>
+
+<p>The pale, haggard faces that looked into each other as the bright light
+shone over the water were ghastly and unnatural. Abject misery and
+hopelessness were stamped on each one.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel and Forbes faced Guy calmly. Canaris looked up with a
+shudder and then dropped his head again. Sir Arthur lay among the rugs
+as though asleep.</p>
+
+<p>At that instant the canoe struck some obstacle with a slight tremor and
+stopped.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel with a slight gesture pointed to the right, and there before
+them lay the <i>Isle of Skeletons</i>. A strange fatality had drifted them a
+second time to this awful spot.</p>
+
+<p>Guy shuddered, but the colonel rose, and brushing past him stepped on
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>Forbes followed him in silence, and then Canaris staggered blindly
+past.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>After a brief hesitation Guy stepped out, and dragged the canoe half way
+up the sand. Sir Arthur never moved. He was sleeping and no one dared
+disturb him. They sat down in a row on the sand.</p>
+
+<p>"It's as good a place as any to die," said Forbes hoarsely. "The bones
+will soon have company."</p>
+
+<p>He paused, frightened at his own voice, and no one replied. For a while
+they sat in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Guy stuck the torch in the sand and it blazed away with a merry light.
+Somehow or other the ray of hope that had animated him a little while
+before had vanished, leaving only a dull despair, a reluctance to face
+the horror of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no&mdash;no chance&mdash;for us?" he ventured to say timidly.</p>
+
+<p>"Absolutely none," replied the colonel, in a firm voice. "You told us a
+while ago, Chutney, that our doom was sealed. I have faced the situation
+as calmly and clearly as possible from every conceivable aspect, and I
+now tell you on my own responsibility that we will never leave this
+cavern. The fatal error was made when we took the right-hand channel of
+the two, or rather when the current led us to the right. That was not
+our blunder, of course. We were in the hands of destiny. We are now, as
+you know, on the bosom of a vast lake. Water of an unknown depth is
+beneath us. Overhead<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> is a vaulted dome of great height, probably the
+hollowed interior of a mountain; on all sides are massive and
+perpendicular walls of rock, impregnable and insurmountable.</p>
+
+<p>"The lake is undoubtedly ten miles or more in circumference, and, as you
+know well, there is no surface outlet. There is an entrance, but we can
+no more force our way back through that entrance than we could swim up
+through the Falls of Niagara or ride the Nile Cataracts in a Rob Roy
+canoe. As long as our provisions last we shall live. When we no longer
+have anything to eat we shall die, and the next explorer who enters this
+lake will find our bones mingled with those lying behind us."</p>
+
+<p>"And what will <i>he</i> do?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"Perish like those before him," said the colonel. "This death trap
+caught many a victim and will catch many more. The light of day will
+never pierce this gloom."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel spoke as though he were demonstrating a problem in Euclid or
+laying down plans for a campaign.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't call myself a philosopher," he went on, "nor am I a fatalist,
+but I think that most men can face the inevitable with a certain
+calmness that is only born of absolute despair. Did you ever see a man
+hanged? I did once. He walked to the gallows as coolly and deliberately
+as though he were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> going to breakfast. A week before he had been
+defiant, blustering, terror-stricken. When he realized that he had
+absolutely no loophole of escape, he faced the inevitable with steady
+nerves. When you realize your position fully, you will be like that man.
+You will accept your fate."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+<a name="xxviii" id="xxviii"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A DESPERATE FIGHT.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The colonel rose, and going down to the canoe helped himself to a
+handful of crackers and some figs. He came back to his seat and began to
+munch them very contentedly.</p>
+
+<p>"The most merciful thing we could do would be to cast our provisions
+into the lake," he said finally. "It would cut short the agony of
+waiting, but I don't suppose you would look at it in that way."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; don't do that," cried Chutney. "Who knows what may happen yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! there you are again," said the colonel; "still clinging to hope of
+life; still unable to realize the truth. You are only making it so much
+the harder for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"But there is surely some outlet to this vast body of water?" said
+Melton.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was the colonel's reply. "Undoubtedly, but it must be at the
+bottom of the lake; it certainly is not on the surface. Do you suppose
+those poor savages would have perished here if an outlet had existed?
+They, too, must have been carried by accident into the wrong channel,
+and no doubt they circumnavigated the lake, as we have done. Realizing
+that they were lost, they either slew themselves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> to end their
+sufferings or they fell victims to the serpents without much
+resistance."</p>
+
+<p>While Melton and the colonel were carrying on this conversation, Guy
+rose and went down to the water, with the intention of gathering some
+food, for he, too, was hungry.</p>
+
+<p>The canoe was pulled partly on shore, and as it leaked a little the
+water had all collected in the stern, where Sir Arthur still lay in
+merciful sleep, thus wetting the rugs.</p>
+
+<p>Guy noticed this, and with a view to making the sleeper more
+comfortable, he slid the canoe down until it lay flat in the water. It
+still retained a slight hold of an inch or two on the sand.</p>
+
+<p>A sudden cry from the Greek brought him back in a hurry to the top of
+the island.</p>
+
+<p>His companions were staring out on the lake, and Canaris was pointing
+with a trembling hand at some unseen object.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" cried Guy. "What do you see?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush," said the colonel, holding up a warning finger. "Something is
+moving out on the lake. Do you hear it splashing in the water?"</p>
+
+<p>As yet nothing could be seen, but the noise was very plain and distinct,
+a steady swish! swish! not unlike the beating of a little steamer.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>A chilling fear grew on them as they listened to this strange,
+mysterious sound.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever it is, it is moving in a circle round the island," said Guy,
+"and keeping an equal distance from the shore."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, Chutney," said the colonel, after a pause. "The sound
+was on our left a moment ago. Now it is on our right."</p>
+
+<p>The Greek was correct. The surface of the lake was violently agitated,
+though not a breath of air was stirring, and a steady flow of ripples
+was breaking on the sandy beach like tiny ocean waves.</p>
+
+<p>The unknown navigator, whatever it was, had nearly completed the circuit
+of the island now, and was very near the spot where they had first heard
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be a serpent," cried Guy. "Heaven grant that it doesn't
+approach the island."</p>
+
+<p>He hurriedly picked up the torch and ran with it to the shore. The
+radius of light thus thrown over the water illumined a space twenty
+yards ahead, and revealed a long, dark object moving in graceful
+undulations over the surface. It was beyond doubt a huge serpent, and,
+as though angered by the light, the monster suddenly changed its course,
+and with a terrific splash headed directly for the shore. The huge head
+was in plain view, and the eyes flashed back fire from the reflected
+glare of the torch.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>For an instant all seemed paralyzed with horror, and no one moved.</p>
+
+<p>Chutney was the first to recover himself.</p>
+
+<p>"We must kill him before he reaches the island," he cried, staggering
+back a pace or two. "Get the guns. Quick! quick! or it will be too
+late!"</p>
+
+<p>He turned to flee across the island toward the canoe, but as he gained
+the ridge a cry of horror broke from his lips, and as his companions
+hurriedly reached the spot a single glance showed them what was the
+matter.</p>
+
+<p>The canoe was no longer on the shore. The swell caused by the approach
+of the serpent had washed it from its slight support, and now it was
+twenty yards distant, and drifting farther and farther away with every
+second.</p>
+
+<p>"The guns! The guns!" shrieked Chutney. "They are all in the boat. We
+are left at the mercy of the serpent. Sir Arthur! Sir Arthur!" he
+shouted with all his might, but no response came from the sleeping man,
+and the canoe continued to recede into the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>At this terrible moment it was Forbes who brought a ray of hope into
+their despair.</p>
+
+<p>Springing forward he snatched up an armful of the native weapons,
+spears, and axes, and distributed them to his companions.</p>
+
+<p>"We must fight the monster with these," he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> cried; "and while we are
+keeping him off, you, Canaris, run to the shore and keep on shouting to
+Sir Arthur. He may wake and get here in time to save us yet."</p>
+
+<p>"He must be in a faint," exclaimed the colonel, "or the noise would
+surely have wakened him. Come on, Chutney, the serpent is halfway to the
+shore. We may keep him off with these arms."</p>
+
+<p>The torch was hastily placed in the sand near the water's edge, and,
+grasping their weapons firmly, they prepared to check the advance of the
+monster. Fortunately the spears and axes were of hard iron and fitted
+with strong handles which the long storage in the cavern seemed to have
+toughened.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the air echoed with the Greek's loud cries, but at that moment
+none thought of Sir Arthur or of the canoe, for the serpent was within
+half a dozen yards of the island and his great body was undulating
+through the water for thirty feet behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep cool," said Chutney. "Aim well for the head and make every stroke
+tell."</p>
+
+<p>The sight of the glaring eyes and the blood-red fangs was enough to
+appall the stoutest heart. They shrank back in uncontrollable fear, as
+the long neck rose four feet in air and the body sank under the water.</p>
+
+<p>The monster uttered an angry hiss, but before he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> could spring Forbes
+cast a spear with all his might and the sharp point pierced the
+serpent's body a foot below the head.</p>
+
+<p>"Back for your lives," he cried, and as they darted up the island the
+monster uttered a fearful sound, part hiss, part bellow, and flung half
+his length in contortions on the sand.</p>
+
+<p>Guy sprang forward and launched another spear that entered the slimy
+body near the center, but neither wound was mortal and the great serpent
+came on unchecked.</p>
+
+<p>In one respect they had the advantage of him, as Guy accidentally
+discovered, for the wicked eyes blinked in the torchlight and the
+monster's actions showed that his powers of sight were limited to
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>He was wonderfully quick and agile, however, for a sudden convulsive
+leap carried him almost to the feet of his antagonists, and again they
+scattered in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>The serpent's whole body was now on shore, with the exception of the
+tail, which was lashing the water to a milky foam.</p>
+
+<p>Seizing another spear Guy circled to one side, and boldly approaching
+the trembling coils, with one terrific blow he planted his weapon into
+the serpent's body so deeply that the spear pinned the monster firmly to
+the ground.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>A cry of horror burst from his companions as the huge head swung round
+with awful quickness, but it missed Guy by barely an inch as he sprang
+aside.</p>
+
+<p>The serpent's contortions were now frightful to see, as he squirmed and
+twisted to tear loose from the weapon. "Now let him have it," cried Guy;
+and in an instant the remaining spears, half a dozen in number, were
+driven deeply into the venomous coils.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle was now at its crisis. With axes in hand they were dodging
+about the writhing monster, seeking a chance to reach the head, when an
+awful shriek echoed through the cavern, apparently from some distance
+out on the lake, and then the Greek's voice was raised in a loud and
+urgent appeal for help. What new disaster threatened?</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>
+<a name="xxix" id="xxix"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br />
+<br />
+<small>GUY SAVES SIR ARTHUR.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>This new alarm, coming just at the uncertain period of their struggle,
+was quite enough to strike despair to the hearts of all.</p>
+
+<p>"That was Sir Arthur's voice we heard first," exclaimed Forbes. "And it
+is Canaris who is shouting for help. What are we going to do about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell him to hold out for a moment," cried Guy. "I'll wind up this
+affair pretty quick."</p>
+
+<p>Raising the axe, he made a sudden dart forward and buried the blade deep
+in the serpent's head. It was a clever stroke and so forcible that the
+axe was jerked from his hand.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel dragged him hastily back, but the danger was over. The
+monster was thrashing the blood-stained sand in his death agonies,
+powerless to do further harm.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris was still calling for help, and, leaving their dying antagonist,
+the others plunged across the island. The Greek was running up and down
+the strip of sand, and far out on the lake the canoe was visible in the
+radius of light, with Sir Arthur standing erect in the bow.</p>
+
+<p>"He won't take the paddle!" exclaimed Canaris. "He says there is
+something splashing in the lake<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> beyond him. He's a dead man if he
+doesn't get back to the island."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Arthur," shouted the colonel, "come back; paddle for your life. Do
+you hear me?"</p>
+
+<p>The only response was a cry of fright. Sir Arthur was plainly too dazed
+to be capable of action. He had just wakened, and the horror of his
+situation was too much for him.</p>
+
+<p>"Save me! Save me!" he cried. "The serpent is coming; I can hear it
+splashing the water."</p>
+
+<p>"Take the paddle," shouted Guy, "and steer for the island. If you don't
+you are lost."</p>
+
+<p>This seemed to arouse the imperiled man to action. He snatched up a
+paddle and, dropping to his knees, drove the canoe forward with frantic
+strokes.</p>
+
+<p>His companions encouraged him with cheering words as he came nearer. The
+island was barely twenty yards distant when the paddle slipped from his
+grasp. He turned round, apparently to pick up another, and then threw
+himself with a dismal cry to the bottom of the canoe.</p>
+
+<p>The cause of his new and sudden fright was readily seen. On the edge of
+the gloom, not many yards beyond the canoe, a violent agitation of the
+water was visible. There undoubtedly was another large serpent in
+pursuit, and at that moment it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> looked very much as though Sir Arthur
+was doomed.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of all the frantic shouts and directions of his friends he
+continued to utter piteous appeals for help from the bottom of the
+canoe. When at length he <i>did</i> recover enough self-control to take hold
+of another paddle, a serpent's head and body were actually in sight,
+approaching at a rapid speed.</p>
+
+<p>Not only was Sir Arthur's life now at stake, but, in addition, guns,
+canoe, and all would be lost, thus leaving the rest of the party unarmed
+on the island, at the mercy of the ravenous serpents who appeared to
+swarm in the lake.</p>
+
+<p>One of those sudden impulses common to his nature now flashed into Guy's
+mind, and, without giving himself a second for deliberation, he flung
+off jacket and shoes, and before anyone could raise a hand to restrain
+him, dived headforemost into the lake.</p>
+
+<p>He came to the surface within ten yards of the canoe, which was making
+but feeble progress under Sir Arthur's erratic strokes.</p>
+
+<p>Swimming hand over hand, Guy reached the bow and quickly drew himself
+over the side, just as the pursuing serpent came within seven or eight
+yards of the stern of the canoe.</p>
+
+<p>His original intention to paddle for the island was instantly abandoned.
+Bidding Sir Arthur work<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> lustily, he snatched up his rifle and took a
+careful aim at the approaching monster, who was snorting and hissing in
+a truly frightful manner.</p>
+
+<p>The sharp report came at once, producing a thousand echoes through the
+hollow vault of the cavern, and under cover of the drifting smoke, which
+for the moment concealed the result of the shot, Guy sprang to Sir
+Arthur's aid with another paddle.</p>
+
+<p>Half a dozen of his powerful strokes brought the canoe within a yard of
+the shore. A terrific splashing in his rear, as well as the loud shouts
+of his friends, warned Guy of the imminence of danger.</p>
+
+<p>Fairly pushing Sir Arthur out of the canoe into the water, waist deep,
+he tossed the provisions far out on the island, caught up the guns, and
+made a frantic leap. He landed on the edge of the sand, and was
+instantly caught by eager arms, and pulled far up the beach. He turned,
+to realize with a shudder the narrowness of his escape.</p>
+
+<p>Made furious by the bullet hole which Guy had put in his spotted skin,
+the monster threw himself on the abandoned canoe, which they had been
+unable to save, and with a sickening crunch it was shivered to a
+shapeless mass of fragments, under the pressure of the mighty coils.
+Then, as the serpent flung himself on shore, they realized that it was
+time to act. A blazing torch in the Greek's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> hand lit up the scene as
+Guy cocked his rifle and awaited an opportunity for a shot.</p>
+
+<p>It was not slow in coming. As the long neck and head darted forward, Guy
+fired, and the bullet tore its way through the reptile's throat.</p>
+
+<p>There was no necessity for a second shot. The death-agony began right
+there, and in its convulsive throes the serpent flung himself back into
+the water, and with a final quiver disappeared in the depths of the
+lake, leaving a trail of blood on the silvery white sand.</p>
+
+<p>With expressions of gratitude for their escape, all hurried down to the
+broken canoe.</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred men could never put this together again," said Guy, as he
+pulled a couple of floating fragments from the water.</p>
+
+<p>The torches and rugs were easily procured, and laid away to dry, but the
+lamp and the oil-flask could not be found. They were probably at the
+bottom, but no one cared to dive after them.</p>
+
+<p>"That was the closest shave I ever saw," said the colonel. "I gave you
+both up for lost, and as for that daring act of yours, Chutney, I cannot
+find words to express my admiration. You saved Sir Arthur's life."</p>
+
+<p>Guy modestly made no reply. He calmly pulled on his jacket and shoes,
+and suggested that they cross the island and take a look at the other
+serpent.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>The reptile was found to be quite dead, and little wonder, after all the
+spears that had entered his coils. As near as they could judge, he was
+between thirty and forty feet long, with a body as thick as a small keg.
+The skin was repulsive and slimy, of a dirty green color.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a regular sea-serpent," said Melton. "What a sensation a monster
+of this kind would make if he were put on exhibition at the Zoo."</p>
+
+<p>"And the other one was fully as large," added Guy. "That makes no less
+than four we have already encountered. There must be a great many in the
+river and lake."</p>
+
+<p>One glimpse of the creature sickened Sir Arthur. He turned away and sat
+down on the edge of the raft.</p>
+
+<p>Up to this moment the excitement had banished all else from their minds.
+They had fought a desperate fight for life and conquered. At the very
+flush of their success the shadow of certain death returned, blacker and
+more forbidding than ever, and in a moment their triumphant feelings
+were changed to deepest melancholy.</p>
+
+<p>A short time before, under the influence of the colonel's philosophical
+words, they had felt in some manner resigned to a fate that nothing
+could avert. Now it was ten times more horrible and loathsome to
+contemplate, ten times harder to realize.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>Absurd as it seemed, fresh hope sprang up in their hearts, and they
+tried to reason themselves into the belief that some unlooked-for chance
+of escape would offer itself yet.</p>
+
+<p>Even the colonel's mood had changed, and it was easy to see that he was
+struggling with some terrible emotion.</p>
+
+<p>The desire for life that was strong within him suggested to Guy a new
+plan; nothing, indeed, that offered any hope of escape, but merely a
+solution to his curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>He remembered that on each occasion when their canoe had been caught by
+the influx of the river it had been carried direct to this island, a
+fact which seemed to prove the existence of a sluggish current through
+the center of the lake.</p>
+
+<p>Did this current continue on past the island, and if so, whither did it
+lead?</p>
+
+<p>A solution to these two problems Guy was curious to obtain.</p>
+
+<p>It served to occupy his mind, to keep his thoughts from dwelling on the
+horrible fate that was in store for him.</p>
+
+<p>It was more than likely, he told himself, that whirlpools would be found
+in the center of the lake. Well, drowning would be an easy death
+compared to the lingering tortures of starvation.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+<a name="xxx" id="xxx"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A STRANGE DISCOVERY.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Guy's explanation of his intentions was received without comment.
+Presently the colonel said, "You forget that we no longer have a canoe,
+Chutney. We are prisoners on this island."</p>
+
+<p>"But we have a raft," replied Guy, "and a good one, too. It would be
+much more convenient and comfortable to travel on."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we try it," said Forbes. "Anything to get away from this
+place."</p>
+
+<p>"We can't get into a worse hole, that's true," added the colonel. "I
+believe you are right about the current, Chutney, though it can only
+land us on the edge of some whirlpool."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur was as eager as the rest to get away. He had passed through
+so many horrors, he said, that he had become accustomed to them, and it
+mattered little what the future held in store for him. The raft was dug
+out from the sand and found to be in perfect condition. It was fastened
+together with twisted withes of some flexible wood. It was no easy task
+to get it into the water, but by all working together, and using the
+guns and paddles as levers, it was finally pushed into the lake and
+floated lightly on the surface.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>The rugs, provisions, and what torches remained were carried on board,
+and with a final look round the island to see that nothing of importance
+had been forgotten, they quietly embarked, and Guy, with a shove of the
+paddle, sent the raft out on the lake. The object of the journey they
+hardly knew themselves. They were leaving behind them a spot associated
+with dreaded memories, and that was all they cared to know.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't do that," said Guy, as Canaris picked up a paddle and began to
+use it vigorously. "We must drift entirely with the current."</p>
+
+<p>The torch was placed securely in a crevice of the logs, and in a very
+short time it was proved beyond a doubt that some current did exist. The
+island faded slowly from view.</p>
+
+<p>Still reluctant to face their situation they grouped together and
+discussed various things. The Greek gave a long account of his curious
+wanderings and adventures. Guy and Melton spoke of their thrilling
+experiences in Burma only the previous year, and Colonel Carrington
+entertained them with the tale of his participation in the bombardment
+of Alexandria in '82.</p>
+
+<p>So the hours passed on, and still they chatted of the outside world,
+forgetting for the moment the hopelessness of their present situation,
+the living<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> tomb that had cut them off forever from the light of day.</p>
+
+<p>"This reminds me of something I read a few months ago," said Sir Arthur,
+who was facing the situation with surprising calmness. "Some person
+mailed me from London <i>Blackwood's Monthly</i> containing an installment of
+a story by the fellow who wrote that deucedly clever book, 'King
+Solomon's Wives.' Ah! what was the name now&mdash;aw, yes, Haggard&mdash;Rider
+Haggard&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon, Sir Arthur," interrupted the colonel, "but the title was
+'King Solomon's Mines,' not his wives."</p>
+
+<p>"Aw, that so, Carrington? Very well; doesn't make much difference.
+However, the hero of the story was traveling, as we are, on a lake, only
+it was in the open air, and the outlet was slightly beneath the surface.
+The water ran under a high wall of rock, and sucked the poor fellows and
+the canoe under. It would be funny if this lake had the same sort of an
+arrangement."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it hasn't," replied the colonel. "We went all around the walls in
+a canoe, and if any such place as that had been in existence we would
+not be here now, that's all."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I suppose not," said Sir Arthur. "I'm going to take a nap. Wake me
+if anything turns up,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> will you?" And making a pillow of one of the
+rugs, he was soon snoring.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be a mercy if he never wakes," said Chutney in a husky voice.
+"Not much danger of that, however. We have food enough to last us a
+couple of weeks yet, and unless we take your suggestion, colonel, and
+toss it into the lake, we are good for that length of time, I suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," rejoined the colonel, "unless we get sucked into a whirlpool or
+the serpents attack the raft in force."</p>
+
+<p>After that nothing was said for an hour or more. Their fate stared them
+in the face with all its awful realism.</p>
+
+<p>But even under these circumstances they grew drowsy, and dropped off one
+by one among the rugs, except Guy, who declared his intention to stay
+awake and be on the lookout for any danger that might threaten.</p>
+
+<p>His was a solemn and lonely vigil. He envied his companions their power
+to sleep, as the canoe drifted on through the gloom. The torch burned
+slowly out, and he replaced it with a fresh one. His loaded rifle lay
+within reach, but nothing happened to arouse his fear.</p>
+
+<p>Sad and bitter were the reflections that surged into his mind. As the
+events of his life rose up before him with wonderful clearness time
+passed unheeded,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> and at last his brain grew weary, and rolling over on
+the rugs he fell instantly into a deep slumber.</p>
+
+<p>Strangely enough he was the first to awake. He had slept a long while,
+he saw at a glance, for the torch was burnt almost to a cinder. The rest
+were still sleeping.</p>
+
+<p>"We must have been drifting for at least twelve hours," he said half
+aloud. "We should be across the lake by this time."</p>
+
+<p>He picked up a fresh torch and lit it from the expiring flame of the
+other. As he stuck it in the crevice the glare suddenly revealed a wall
+of rock a few yards distant, and in a very short time the raft struck
+the shore with a harsh rattle that proved the impulse of the current
+beyond a doubt.</p>
+
+<p>The concussion failed to rouse the sleepers, and Guy was hesitating
+whether he ought to do so or not when a faint sound came indistinctly to
+his ear.</p>
+
+<p>At first he could scarcely believe the evidence of his own senses. He
+fancied it must be a delusion, a buzzing in his ears. The strangest part
+of it was that the sound actually resembled running water.</p>
+
+<p>He listened a while longer, and then quietly woke the Greek, who sat up,
+rubbing his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris," he whispered, "do you hear anything?"</p>
+
+<p>An interval of silence followed, inexpressibly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> painful to Guy, and then
+the Greek cried excitedly, "Yes, I hear running water. It comes from the
+other side of the cliff."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am not mistaken," was Guy's joyful exclamation. "We both hear
+it. It can be no delusion."</p>
+
+<p>Then his heart sank as he thought of the wall of rock before them.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the outlet of the river," he said bitterly, "only a few yards
+distant, and it might as well be a thousand miles."</p>
+
+<p>Remembering what Sir Arthur had told them, he looked anxiously at the
+surface of the lake, but the water was calm and quiet, and the raft hung
+motionless.</p>
+
+<p>"The outlet is far beneath the surface," said Canaris. "You can tell
+that by the sound. If it were near the top we would be instantly sucked
+under."</p>
+
+<p>Impelled by an irresistible impulse Guy seized the torch and held it
+above his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Look! Look!" he cried, in a voice that trembled with excitement. "The
+cliff slants at an angle. There are crevices to hold one's hands and
+feet. Make no noise, Canaris; don't wake the rest, but help me to reach
+that ledge yonder and I will see where this leads."</p>
+
+<p>The cliff slanted indeed, but at an almost imperceptible angle. The raft
+tilted slightly as Canaris<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> pushed Guy up the face of the rock, but the
+latter succeeded in reaching a small ledge six feet above the water.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," he whispered. "I can see plenty of places to catch hold of
+beyond me. Now fasten a torch to one of the paddles, Canaris, and hold
+it as high as you can."</p>
+
+<p>This was a clever suggestion. The Greek fortunately had a bit of cord
+about him, and in a moment the torch was throwing a dull light far up
+the rugged slope of the rock.</p>
+
+<p>Guy continued to climb higher and higher, keeping a cool head in spite
+of his excitement, and testing well each crevice or projecting ledge
+before trusting his weight to it, and at last, with a throb of joy that
+nearly took his strength away, he pulled himself out upon the flat
+summit of the rock.</p>
+
+<p>Seventy feet below him was the raft and its occupants, glowing in the
+torchlight. Guy crawled forward on his hands and knees, and soon reached
+the verge of the rock on the other side. The running water was below
+him, much farther, indeed, than the level of the lake, but the roar of
+the torrent was loud and distinct to the ear.</p>
+
+<p>He turned and crawled back.</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris," he whispered down, "I have reached the top of the cliff.
+There is running water on the other side. Waken the rest as quickly as
+possible, and send some one up with a torch. I forgot to bring one with
+me."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxi" id="xxxi"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A TERRIBLE BLUNDER.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>From his gloomy perch on top of the rock Guy could see all that happened
+plainly.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris woke his companions as speedily as possible. Their astonishment
+at finding Guy missing was very great, and at first they seemed scarcely
+able to comprehend the Greek's explanation.</p>
+
+<p>Then they glanced eagerly overhead; and hailed Guy with shouts of joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, hoist me up," cried the colonel. "I'll take him up the torch."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I'll go!" exclaimed Forbes. "I'm a pretty expert climber, colonel,
+and won't run any risk."</p>
+
+<p>"Bless me!" ejaculated Sir Arthur. "Did that young man Chutney walk up
+the face of that wall? Why, he's a freak."</p>
+
+<p>Canaris solved the matter by picking up one of the leathern bags and
+tearing it open.</p>
+
+<p>"Look!" he shouted up to Guy. "It was fortunate we kept these. Here are
+the ropes and hooks by which we scaled the walls of Harar."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah!" cried Chutney. "Just the thing! I had forgotten about them."</p>
+
+<p>"Now," continued the Greek, "both of you can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> go up the rock and I will
+remain here with Sir Arthur."</p>
+
+<p>He dragged out the four ropes, spliced two of them together to make the
+required length, and then, giving the end to Forbes to hold, he threw
+the iron hook skillfully toward Guy. It landed on top of the cliff, and
+Guy fastened it securely to a crevice.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you can come up," he shouted down.</p>
+
+<p>Placing a torch in each pocket, Forbes began the ascent, and speedily
+reached the top. The colonel followed with equal dexterity.</p>
+
+<p>"All right?" called the Greek.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Chutney; "all right. We will return as soon as possible.
+If anything happens fire your gun."</p>
+
+<p>Guy lit a torch, and the glare revealed only the narrow ledge on which
+they stood. Beneath and overhead was empty space.</p>
+
+<p>They paused a moment to listen to the sound of the running water.</p>
+
+<p>"It is far beneath us," said the colonel; "possibly a hundred feet, but
+it is the outlet of the lake, I am sure. Upon my word, Chutney, I
+believe we will get out of this scrape yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Come on," said Guy briefly; and he led the way along the narrow path.</p>
+
+<p>They traveled in silence for five minutes, until the light from the raft
+had nearly vanished, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> Guy halted suddenly. A wall of rock,
+steep and smooth, prevented further advance.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, let us go back," he said; they retraced their steps until they
+were near the starting point.</p>
+
+<p>Under foot were loose fragments of stone. Guy picked up one of these and
+tossed it over the edge. A faint splash was distinctly heard a few
+seconds later.</p>
+
+<p>"The river is directly beneath us," said the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>He picked up another stone, and moving off a few yards, cast it down.
+This time it struck something hard after the same interval.</p>
+
+<p>"There must be a shore to the river," he said. "What shall we do now?
+Follow the top of the cliff in the other direction?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Guy. "We must scale the precipice right here."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible!" declared Forbes. "Our ropes are not long enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris has two more," replied Guy; "go and get them."</p>
+
+<p>Melton <a name="hurried" id="hurried"></a><ins title="original has huried">hurried</ins> off at once.</p>
+
+<p>The raft was close at hand, and in five minutes he was back.</p>
+
+<p>"Here are the ropes," he said. "Canaris tied them together and tossed up
+one end."</p>
+
+<p>Guy skillfully made one continuous rope about eighty feet long. In
+breathless silence he let the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> hook drop over the edge, paying out the
+line yard by yard.</p>
+
+<p>Seventy-five feet from the top the strain slackened.</p>
+
+<p>"It has reached the bottom," cried Guy joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>"We had better make sure," said Forbes. "Haul up the rope again."</p>
+
+<p>As the hook came over the top Melton grasped it.</p>
+
+<p>"Are the ropes securely tied?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; they won't part," replied Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, then. Hold the end tightly. Here goes."</p>
+
+<p>He flung the hook far into the air, and the next instant Guy felt a
+sharp jerk.</p>
+
+<p>"The hook is swinging in air," he cried in wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"I was right," said Melton; "that was only a ledge it struck before. The
+bottom may be a hundred feet or more distant."</p>
+
+<p>Guy hurriedly pulled the rope back and fastened the hook to the top of
+the cliff. He made a noose in the other end and placed it under his
+shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Now let me down," he said coolly. "If I miss the ledge you can haul me
+up again."</p>
+
+<p>No one made any objections.</p>
+
+<p>It was perilous, of course, but some one had to do it, and why not
+Chutney?</p>
+
+<p>They lowered him into the darkness foot by foot, and at last the strain
+slackened.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>"All right," came the welcome cry from below. "I'm on the ledge. It's
+two or three feet wide. Now come down hand over hand, one of you."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go," said Forbes. "You will have to remain here, colonel, to help
+us again."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Guy had lit a torch, and when Melton began the descent the
+yellow glare was visible far below.</p>
+
+<p>The face of the cliff, though sheer, was full of rough projections for
+his feet, and in a short time he stood beside Chutney on the ledge.</p>
+
+<p>Wrapping the end of the rope about his arm, Guy called loudly, "Throw
+the hook far into the air, colonel. Do you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"All right," was the immediate response, and in a moment, as the rope
+swung over their heads, a heavy sound was heard beneath.</p>
+
+<p>"It reaches the bottom," cried Guy joyfully. "The rope is slack."</p>
+
+<p>He hauled on it eagerly, until ten yards or more lay in coils at his
+feet. Then it became taut. The bottom of the cliff was fifty feet below.</p>
+
+<p>The roar of the water was now loud and fierce, but it lay more to one
+side. Directly beneath them was solid ground.</p>
+
+<p>With a trembling hand Guy pulled at the hook and secured it to the
+ledge. Claiming the right to go first, he let himself over the verge,
+and a joyful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> hail announced that he had reached the bottom in safety.</p>
+
+<p>Melton stuck his torch in a crevice of the rock and started after him.
+As his feet touched the ground Guy lit a fresh torch and the light
+revealed a level space of white sand, strewn with rocks.</p>
+
+<p>Overhead was the glow of Melton's torch on the ledge, and far beyond on
+the dizzy summit of the cliff twinkled the light that the colonel held.</p>
+
+<p>"We are on the bottom," shouted Guy, with all his might.</p>
+
+<p>His voice echoed again and again through the cavern. A reply came back,
+but it was almost lost in the roar of the unseen waters.</p>
+
+<p>With feelings that it would be difficult to describe they now advanced
+along the sand, bearing the torches high over their heads.</p>
+
+<p>With each step the sound grew louder. It was not the harsh, spasmodic
+roar of water dashing among sunken rocks, but resembled rather the swift
+outpour of a torrent gliding over a smooth, unbroken bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Here we are," cried Chutney. "I nearly stepped in the water without
+seeing it."</p>
+
+<p>He held his torch out with one hand, and its glowing radius revealed a
+strange sight.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty yards to their left a rapid, unbroken sheet of water burst with
+terrific force from a dark archway<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> in the very face of the smooth
+cliff. It was the outlet of the lake.</p>
+
+<p>In width it was about forty feet, though the opposite side of the river
+was shrouded in darkness. On the spot where they stood a reflux current
+had worn an inlet into the sandy shore, and here a stretch of
+comparatively calm water was circling in swirling eddies, a startling
+contrast to the furious sweep of the torrent beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, there was no doubt of it, here was the continuation of the
+underground river, the way that led to safety and hope.</p>
+
+<p>With strange emotions they watched in silence the dark flood pouring
+from its natural archway in the face of the cliff. To their right the
+sandy shore seemed to spread away smoothly into the darkness, but before
+they could scrutinize their surroundings more closely a strange, sharp
+sound echoed through the vaulted roof of the vast cavern, succeeded by a
+faint shout.</p>
+
+<p>"It was the report of the Greek's rifle," exclaimed Melton, in
+horror-stricken tones, "and it was Carrington who shouted. Some calamity
+has happened."</p>
+
+<p>Staggering with fear, they hastened back to the edge of the cliff.
+Melton clutched the dangling rope.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!" cried Guy, in tones of agony. "My heavens,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> Melton, we are lost,
+doomed to the most horrible of deaths. What blind, desperate fools we
+were. We can never get back to the lake, and our companions can never
+reach us here. We could not be more widely separated were the world
+itself rolling between us."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" cried Forbes. "Are you mad, Chutney?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mad? No. I wish I were. You are blind, Melton. <i>How can we get that
+rope up the seventy feet stretch from the ledge to the summit of the
+cliff?</i>"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxii" id="xxxii"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>GOOD-BY TO THE LAKE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Melton dropped the rope and staggered back from the cliff, his face
+deadly pale.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he said hoarsely, "you&mdash;you are right, Chutney. How could we have
+done such a foolish thing? From that narrow width of the ledge one could
+not throw a rope twenty feet in air. We are hopelessly cut off from our
+companions."</p>
+
+<p>"Hullo, down there!"</p>
+
+<p>It was Carrington hailing them from the top of the cliff, and they could
+make out his figure dimly in the torchlight.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" shouted Guy lustily, making a trumpet of his
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the reply came distinctly to their ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris hears a strange cry from the lake. You had better come up."</p>
+
+<p>"We are cut off," Guy shouted back. "We cannot get the rope back to the
+top of the cliff. Go tell Canaris"&mdash;his voice sank to a whisper, and he
+dropped on the sand beside Melton.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel did not answer. The torch moved off along the cliff and then
+stopped, no doubt directly above the raft.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>"He has gone to aid Canaris," said Guy. "I would like to know what is
+taking place on the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Forbes, "here he comes back now."</p>
+
+<p>The torch moved along until it was directly over their heads, and then
+the colonel called down:</p>
+
+<p>"Come up to the ledge. I have a way to save you."</p>
+
+<p>Guy and Melton sprang to their feet in amazement. They could hardly
+believe they had heard aright.</p>
+
+<p>"What can he mean?" cried Guy.</p>
+
+<p>He seized the rope and started up hand over hand, placing his feet on
+the rough places in the wall.</p>
+
+<p>Melton joined him on the ledge a moment later. The torch he had left
+there was still burning, and its light showed the colonel where they
+were.</p>
+
+<p>"Watch sharp below there," he cried, and almost instantly Guy felt
+something dangling before his face. He put out his hand and clutched a
+thin cord.</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove, Melton, it's the fishing lines!" he exclaimed. "The colonel
+has tied them together."</p>
+
+<p>No directions were needed to tell them what to do next. Guy loosened the
+hook and fastened the line to it securely.</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead," he shouted to the colonel, and the rope instantly began to
+ascend.</p>
+
+<p>In less than five minutes, though it really seemed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> an hour, the colonel
+signaled down that all was ready.</p>
+
+<p>It was a perilous undertaking to go up the face of the cliff with
+nothing but a smooth rope to hold to, but at Guy's bidding Forbes made
+the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>A great load seemed lifted from Guy's mind when he heard his friend's
+voice at the top, and without a moment's hesitation he started up
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Had the face of the rock been perfectly smooth he could never have
+reached the summit, and even by the aid of the rough places he found it
+a terribly difficult task. Two or three times he swung helpless in
+mid-air, and just when he felt that he could go no farther he was pulled
+to the top without any effort of his own, and fell over from sheer
+exhaustion. He was all right in a moment or two and, hauling up the
+rope, they hurried back to the raft.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris and Sir Arthur hailed them gladly. It was the work of a moment
+to attach the hook to the top of the ledge, and one by one they slid
+down to the raft.</p>
+
+<p>Here a startling surprise awaited them. Among the rugs lay a
+dark-skinned savage, half naked and frightfully emaciated, while on the
+end of the raft rested a canoe much worn and battered.</p>
+
+<p>"What on earth does this mean?" exclaimed Chutney. "Where did you get
+that fellow? Is he dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, he lives," replied Canaris. "I heard a strange<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> cry out on the
+lake. That was the time I fired my rifle. Then I saw this canoe drifting
+toward the raft, and when it came near enough for me to catch hold of I
+found this poor fellow lying in the bottom. Nothing else was in the
+canoe, not even a paddle. Just before you came I was talking to him. I
+know a little of the language, and he managed to tell me that he belongs
+to Oko Sam's tribe of Gallas. His name is Bildad, and he is the same
+native who was pursued into the cavern by the Abyssinians."</p>
+
+<p>"But how did he get away from the serpent?" asked Forbes.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," replied Canaris. "When he gets a little stronger I will
+find out. I gave him some food and he devoured it like a wild beast. He
+was terribly afraid we would kill him, and I could hardly make him
+believe otherwise."</p>
+
+<p>"And what have <i>you</i> discovered?" exclaimed Sir Arthur, who was bursting
+with impatience. "Must we die in this horrible place or is there hope of
+escape?"</p>
+
+<p>Chutney hurriedly related their adventures and the great discovery that
+had been made.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he concluded fervently, "we have every reason to hope. If all
+goes well we shall resume our journey down the river in a few hours."</p>
+
+<p>"Chutney," cried the colonel solemnly, "I fear you are deceiving us and
+yourself with false hopes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> The outlet of the lake is found, it is true,
+and by means of this rope we can reach it, but how are we to travel on
+down the river? Can you carry this raft over the cliff yonder?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Guy, with a confident smile. "I can take the raft over the
+rocks. It can be taken apart, and one by one the logs can be hauled to
+the top of the cliff and let down on the other side. To put it together
+again will prove no difficult matter."</p>
+
+<p>"A splendid plan, Chutney," cried the colonel. "I retract what I said.
+And how about the canoe? Can we take that along also?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Guy, "we will take it with us on the raft. It may prove
+of use; but the raft, I think, will be safer for us to travel on. And
+now let us set about the task without losing any time. The
+transportation of the raft will be a difficult and arduous undertaking."</p>
+
+<p>"The first thing in order is to get Bildad to the top of the cliff,"
+said Canaris.</p>
+
+<p>This was not accomplished without some difficulty, for the poor fellow
+was in a pitiable state of weakness; but finally, by putting a noosed
+rope under his arms, Chutney and the colonel, who had gone up ahead,
+drew him in safety to the top and placed him on a couple of rugs.</p>
+
+<p>Then one by one the bags of provisions, the torches, the paddles, and
+the arms were tied to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> rope and pulled up. Sir Arthur was sent up
+last, and Forbes and the Greek were left alone on the empty raft.</p>
+
+<p>After some consideration they decided on the following plan: Forbes and
+Canaris would take the raft apart and fasten the rope to the logs. Sir
+Arthur and the colonel would draw them up, pull them along the top of
+the cliff, and lower them gently to Chutney on the other side, who would
+receive them on the ledge, loosen the rope, and throw them down the
+remaining fifty feet to the ground, where the soft sand would receive
+them without injury.</p>
+
+<p>Guy was speedily lowered to the ledge, where the torch was still
+burning. Three more stuck in the crevices served to illuminate the top
+of the cliff.</p>
+
+<p>Down in the lake Melton and Canaris quickly severed the withes that
+bound the raft together, and in a short time the first log was swung
+gently down to Guy, who stood it endwise on the ledge, loosened the
+noose, and pushed it over the brink. It fell with a dull crash.</p>
+
+<p>In half an hour the raft was lying at the bottom of the cliff, and then
+several alterations were made. Chutney exchanged places with Forbes, and
+Sir Arthur, who found himself unequal to the task of pulling the heavy
+logs to the top of the cliff and dragging them along the summit, took
+the Greek's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> place, and went down to assist Chutney with the raft.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur and Guy transferred themselves to the canoe as the raft grew
+smaller, and when the last log went up they noosed the rope about the
+center of the canoe itself and went up hand over hand and joined the
+others.</p>
+
+<p>The canoe was pulled up with some difficulty, and lowered to Guy, who
+allowed it to remain on the ledge, which, though narrow, was ten or
+twelve yards long. The baggage was next lowered, and then, one at a
+time, Bildad going first, they descended to the platform where Guy was
+awaiting them.</p>
+
+<p>Forbes was the last one down, and, with a dexterous jerk, he threw the
+hook loose from above, and it but narrowly missed their heads as it
+cleared the ledge and struck the ground. It was dragged back and hooked
+in place.</p>
+
+<p>The final descent was not free from accident, for the canoe slipped from
+the noose and fell with a crash, but with no other mishap all reached
+the solid earth, and with the casting off of the rope from the ledge was
+severed the last link that connected them with the underground lake and
+its horrors.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxiii" id="xxxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>A TERRIBLE RIDE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Their first act showed the true character of these brave men.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us thank God for our deliverance," said Guy solemnly, and kneeling
+on the wet sand&mdash;an example that was followed by all&mdash;he offered a
+simple and fervent prayer.</p>
+
+<p>Renewed hope was visible on their faces when they rose to their feet in
+the dim light of the torch.</p>
+
+<p>"We will put the raft together," said Guy, "and then have something to
+eat before we start."</p>
+
+<p>It was but a short distance to the water's edge, and by all working
+industriously the logs were soon lying on the sandy beach, and Forbes
+was fastening them together as before.</p>
+
+<p>Bildad, from the warmth of the rugs, watched these proceedings with a
+look of mute wonder on his dusky features.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the raft was ready the baggage was placed on it.</p>
+
+<p>"Take the canoe along," said Forbes. "It is too badly shattered by the
+fall to use, but it will furnish us with torches and firewood."</p>
+
+<p>There was room to spare, so the boat was placed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> on one end of the raft,
+and then sitting on the sand they made a hearty meal of crackers and
+figs.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't admire the appearance of that river very much," remarked the
+colonel. "It comes through the cliff as though shot by a cannon. No
+wonder, though, when you think of the terrible pressure from above."</p>
+
+<p>"We will make up for lost time by rapid traveling, then," said Forbes.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you think so?" cried Sir Arthur. "Bless me, I hope we will. I have
+an engagement to dine with Lord Balsover at the Hotel Bombay at Aden on
+the 10th at six o'clock in the evening. He touches there on his way to
+India, and I can't disappoint him, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Drop him a few lines, Ashby, and postpone the engagement a couple of
+weeks," remarked the colonel dryly.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless me! Can I do that?" ejaculated Sir Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>The laugh that followed was cut short by Guy's short, decisive voice:
+"Get ready, it's time to start."</p>
+
+<p>The raft lay partly in the water, and with a hearty shove from all it
+was pushed clear of the shore. Forbes and Canaris held it while it
+tossed up an down in the swirling eddies.</p>
+
+<p>"Get on board," directed Guy, setting the example himself, and assisting
+Bildad.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>Forbes remained on shore, holding the corner of the raft till all had
+passed on board. It trembled fiercely in his grasp, as though eager to
+be off on the journey.</p>
+
+<p>Far overhead the abandoned torch was glowing dimly on the summit of the
+cliff, a patch of brightness that made the gloom round about all the
+blacker by contrast. For the first time a sudden realization of the
+unknown perils that lay before them flashed into the minds of the little
+party.</p>
+
+<p>"Let go, Forbes," said Guy in a firm voice.</p>
+
+<p>Melton sprang nimbly on board and grasped a paddle. The raft quivered a
+moment and then shot, swift as an arrow, toward the turbulent stretch of
+water beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a tremendous lurch, a riotous dash of spray that took away
+their breath, and with a dizzy speed that was simply indescribable the
+trembling craft was whirled down the torrent.</p>
+
+<p>The first sensation was one of uncontrollable fear, and they hung with
+all their might to the logs, expecting every instant to be tossed into
+the water. Round and round spun the raft in dizzy revolutions, until
+their heads were dizzy and aching. Then the harsh roar subsided, and in
+a little while the raft became quiet and rested on the surface of the
+water with hardly a quiver.</p>
+
+<p>And now they ventured to sit up. They appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> to be moving with the
+velocity of a railroad train.</p>
+
+<p>On both sides, a few yards from the raft, smooth walls of rock were
+visible. Overhead was empty space.</p>
+
+<p>"If this could continue," said Guy, "we should reach the end of the
+river in a few days."</p>
+
+<p>"It won't last," said Forbes gloomily. "We'll soon run across some bad
+water."</p>
+
+<p>His fears were shared by the rest, but as time passed on and they
+continued to speed smoothly between the rocky walls, they began to feel
+less apprehensive of danger.</p>
+
+<p>"Bildad seems to be feeling quite chipper," said Guy. "Suppose you ask
+him how he tricked that serpent, Canaris."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll try him," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation commenced, and the harsh jabber which they carried on
+was very interesting to the rest of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless me; you'd think the Greek was talking in his own tongue,"
+remarked Sir Arthur. "Reminds me of our old Greek professor at Balliol
+College, Oxford. He loved the language of the Athenians so much that he
+hated to use the English tongue at all. Worst of it was he expected all
+of us to be as fluent as himself. Made us all talk Greek in the
+class-room. I'll never forget how we got even with him. Lord Somebody or
+other&mdash;I can't recall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> the name now, but it was some celebrated
+man&mdash;visited the college. I don't suppose he knew Greek from Hottentot,
+but we made the professor believe it was a famous Greek scholar who was
+coming, one who had been making excavations on the site of old Troy
+during the past four years, and who, strangely enough, was then in
+England and expected on a visit to Oxford. The professor prepared an
+elaborate address in pure Greek, and when the visitor entered the
+class-room he delivered it in the most eloquent manner.</p>
+
+<p>"'What's that fool talking about?' asked the visitor.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="quote3" id="quote3"></a><ins title="added open single quotation mark">'Oh</ins>,' says young Ormsby, who was sitting near me, 'he's lecturing
+the class on 'Political Economy in Ancient Athens.' He'll be through in
+a moment and able to receive you.'</p>
+
+<p>"The visitor left the room highly insulted, and the professor, when he
+discovered the truth a day or two later, nearly took apoplexy."</p>
+
+<p>As the laughter that greeted this little reminiscence of Sir Arthur's
+ceased, Canaris finished his conversation with Bildad.</p>
+
+<p>"It is difficult to converse with him," he reported, "but from what I
+can learn he dived from the very embrace of the serpent, and succeeded
+in swimming to the other canoe, which he had turned adrift only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> a
+moment or two before. Without paddles or food he floated behind us into
+the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a miracle that he escaped the serpents," said the colonel,
+"floating about on the lake all the time."</p>
+
+<p>"But how did he know anything about the entrance to the river?"
+exclaimed Guy. "Did you ask him that, Canaris?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the Greek. "He says he discovered it himself a year or two
+ago just as the old Englishman must have done."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it's a lucky thing for Bildad that he ran across us," was Guy's
+comment; and Bildad, to judge from his contented expression, seemed
+thoroughly to appreciate this fact.</p>
+
+<p>As the river continued swift and smooth, with no signs of danger ahead,
+all went to sleep except Canaris and the colonel, who were intrusted
+with the care of the raft. Several hours later they were relieved by
+Chutney and Forbes, and thus all secured a fair night's rest.</p>
+
+<p>A scanty share of food was doled out for breakfast, as the supply was
+getting very low. Some time afterward a faint roar was heard in the
+distance, and almost before they could prepare for danger a violent
+cross current struck the raft, tossing it about most perilously, and
+they caught a glimpse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> of a furious body of water issuing from a narrow
+passageway.</p>
+
+<p>"That was the other channel, the one we should have taken in the first
+place," exclaimed Guy. "We are now on the main river again."</p>
+
+<p>"They travel separately for quite a distance," remarked the colonel.
+"The lake must be seventy or eighty miles in our rear. We are making
+splendid time."</p>
+
+<p>Little did they imagine at that moment how great a change was close at
+hand. The river glided smoothly between its massive walls with scarce a
+murmur.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later Forbes held up a warning finger. An ominous sound was
+heard far below that increased in volume with every second.</p>
+
+<p>"Cling to the raft for your lives," shouted Chutney.</p>
+
+<p>The first words were audible; the last were drowned in the mighty roar
+of the water, so sudden was its approach. By the torchlight they saw for
+an instant the billows of tossing spray. Then the raft plunged madly
+like a thing of life, a great wave broke over it with stunning force,
+and all was darkness.</p>
+
+<p>None could remember clearly what happened after that. Plunging over the
+crests of enormous waves, whirling round and round in dizzy
+revolutions,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> drenched by icy showers of spray, grinding and crashing on
+countless rocks, the raft went on its way through that awful stretch of
+rapids, holding together by nothing short of a miracle. A full hour it
+lasted, though it must have seemed like days to the wretched voyagers.</p>
+
+<p>Then the wild pitching and tossing subsided, the crash of the furious
+water grew fainter, and all was calm and peaceful as before.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxiv" id="xxxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br />
+<br />
+<small>MORE MISERY.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Perceiving that the danger was over, Guy ventured to sit up. His clothes
+were dripping wet, but fortunately he kept his matches in a tin box, and
+striking one cautiously, he lit a torch which had been lying partly
+under his body, and was not too damp to burn.</p>
+
+<p>His companions were still sprawled out on the raft, holding to the logs
+with all their strength. When Guy assured them that all danger was past
+they sat up, looking very pale and dazed.</p>
+
+<p>"That was awful," said the colonel. "It's a miracle the raft lived
+through such a ride."</p>
+
+<p>"The canoe is gone," exclaimed Forbes. "Washed clear off the deck,
+and&mdash;&mdash;Why, hello, what's the matter, Chutney?"</p>
+
+<p>Guy was looking about the raft with a ghastly and fear-stricken
+countenance, holding the torch over his head.</p>
+
+<p>"A terrible calamity has happened," he cried in a voice that was
+strangely unnatural. "I fear we are lost men. Where are the provisions?
+Where are our torches?"</p>
+
+<p>"By gracious, they are gone!" declared the colonel. "Clean gone!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>It was truly a terrible situation in which they found themselves. The
+provisions and the torches had been washed off the raft. If they did not
+reach the open air in two or three days starvation was certain.</p>
+
+<p>"No," cried the Greek suddenly, "all hope is not gone. Look! here is a
+bag that was lying partly under me. It is half full of crackers."</p>
+
+<p>"And I have three torches in my pocket," added Sir Arthur. "Bless me if
+I know how they got there but here they are, anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>"That scant supply of food may last us to the journey's end, if used in
+moderation," said Guy solemnly. "God grant us a speedy passage to the
+mouth of the river."</p>
+
+<p>In spite of Chutney's brave attempts to cheer them up, the spirits of
+the party sank very low.</p>
+
+<p>That meager bag of crackers must feed six mouths until they reached the
+end of the cavern. That event might be in a week, and it might be in a
+month. The uncertainty and the suspense were terribly trying.</p>
+
+<p>It was some consolation to discover that the river was still flowing
+very rapidly. The possibility of encountering more rapids they now
+dreaded but little, for it was very improbable that worse places could
+exist than that which the raft had navigated so stanchly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>"We must travel night and day," said Guy, "and in darkness. We have four
+torches left. Only when we hear the sound of rapids dare we light one of
+them."</p>
+
+<p>He emphasized his words by putting out the torch that was burning, and
+instantly they were plunged in total darkness.</p>
+
+<p>This marked the commencement of a period in which all trace of time was
+lost. Huddled together on the few remaining rugs, they drifted on and on
+with the current, alternately asleep and awake.</p>
+
+<p>At certain intervals a torch was lit for a few moments while they ate
+the pitiful scraps of food that Guy distributed with rigorous
+impartiality.</p>
+
+<p>The short periods of light were taken advantage of by the colonel to
+record in his diary the brief incidents of the journey.</p>
+
+<p>A few extracts from it, made with his permission, will make sufficiently
+clear to the reader in what gloomy monotony that part of their cruise
+was spent which began with the departure from the lake and terminated
+abruptly in a misfortune remarkable for the utter despair that followed
+on its track:</p>
+
+<p><i>First stage.</i>&mdash;This is the second day since leaving the lake. We
+received three crackers apiece. Twice a torch was lit to aid us in
+passing rapids. They proved to be insignificant.</p>
+
+<p><i>Second stage.</i>&mdash;We slept by turns. Had three<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> crackers apiece. All
+complain of hunger. Bildad clamors for food. Current still good. Plenty
+of small rapids.</p>
+
+<p><i>Third stage.</i>&mdash;We now sleep most of the time. Chutney has cut down the
+rations to two crackers apiece. Bildad is ill. Drinks water incessantly
+and demands food. We are compelled to hide the bag.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fourth stage.</i>&mdash;Current not so rapid. All in low spirits. We are
+tortured by hunger. Sir Arthur dreams of banquets in his sleep. Harrows
+our feelings by his accounts of them. Bildad very ill. No longer wants
+food.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifth stage.</i>&mdash;Alas! worse and worse! Bildad and Sir Arthur ill.
+Chutney is a hero. He tries to cheer us all. Gave half his share of food
+to Sir Arthur. Thinks I don't know. Bildad raving. Had to tie him to the
+raft.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sixth stage.</i>&mdash;Bildad and Sir Arthur very weak. Today a gleam of hope.
+Canaris, after many trials, caught a fish a foot long. We devoured it
+raw with the utmost greed. Our strength is fast leaving us.</p>
+
+<p><i>Seventh stage.</i>&mdash;Chutney still hopeful. Bildad and Sir Arthur in a bad
+way. Provisions for three days still remain. We <i>must</i> reach the mouth
+of the river by that time. Canaris fished, but caught nothing.</p>
+
+<p><i>Eighth stage.</i>&mdash;The outlook is dark. I fear none will ever read these
+pages. The river begins to run sluggishly. Bildad shrieks and raves
+continually.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> Sir Arthur is better. They are all asleep now. Forbes and
+I were put on guard, but Forbes has gone to sleep, and I am afraid I
+shall do the same without knowing it. A dizzy weakness is coming over
+me, and&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>At this point the writer appears to have dropped his book and pencil and
+fallen asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Just what space of time was covered by the above quoted entries from the
+colonel's book is uncertain. A week would probably be a fair guess. The
+misery of these unfortunate voyagers during that period can hardly be
+imagined. They suffered continually from the pangs of hunger. They
+traveled in utter darkness, and, to add to the horror of it all, two
+sick men had to be ministered to. Under these circumstances we again
+take up the thread of the story.</p>
+
+<p>It is not to be wondered at that Forbes and the colonel were so derelict
+as to fall asleep at their post of duty. To remain awake in their
+condition was simply impossible. It was terribly unfortunate that it
+should be so, as what follows will prove.</p>
+
+<p>The raft encountered no rapids during the time that all were sleeping,
+and as far as personal danger was concerned it mattered not whether any
+one was on guard or not.</p>
+
+<p>Forbes and Chutney awoke about the same time. As was Guy's usual habit
+after sleeping, he lit a torch to see how the current was running. The
+light<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> woke Canaris and the colonel almost immediately, while Sir Arthur
+turned on his rug and asked feebly for something to eat.</p>
+
+<p>The very mention of food brought a hungry glare to their eyes, and Guy
+turned round to reach the bag. It was not in its accustomed place, and
+he staggered to his feet in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"It's gone," he cried savagely. "The bag is gone. Who has taken it?"</p>
+
+<p>They glared at each other with fierce mistrust.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, look! look!" shrieked Canaris suddenly. "The black wretch!" and
+springing across the raft he flung himself on Bildad and grasped him
+with both hands savagely by the throat.</p>
+
+<p>Melton and Guy tore him away by main force and there beside the African
+lay the bag&mdash;empty.</p>
+
+<p>Bildad's lips were full of crumbs, and half a cracker was still clutched
+in one grimy hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Kill him. Throw him in the river!" shrieked the Greek, who was fairly
+beside himself with rage and hunger.</p>
+
+<p>"He is out of his mind," said Guy gravely. "He took them in his
+delirium. Not one is left;" as he shook the bag in the air.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur made another piteous appeal for food, and Guy took the half
+cracker from Bildad's hand and gave it to him.</p>
+
+<p>"None left!" repeated the colonel blankly. "What<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> are we going to do?
+We'll starve in two days. I feel now as if I were on fire inside."</p>
+
+<p>"All our rifles are gone, too," said Guy suddenly. "Bildad has thrown
+them overboard. The crafty scoundrel feared we would shoot him for
+stealing the crackers, and he threw away the guns on purpose. There was
+method in his madness, after all."</p>
+
+<p>"The fiend!" hissed Canaris between his teeth. "And it was I who saved
+his life for this. If I only had known! If I only had left him to perish
+in the lake!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hark! I hear rapids or something ahead," said Guy at that instant.</p>
+
+<p>For the moment this diverted their attention from poor Bildad, who lay
+in a half stupor unconscious of all that was taking place.</p>
+
+<p>The sound that Guy had heard was close at hand, and in a moment the raft
+was flung heavily upon a sand bar and remained there motionless.</p>
+
+<p>The channel made a sudden, sharp turn, and the current, being too swift
+to round the sharp angle, dashed with a sullen splash against the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Guy grasped the torch and staggered forward on the beach. It was the
+first time his feet had touched land for more than a week.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is shore and rocks beyond it," he exclaimed.
+<a name="quote4" id="quote4"></a><ins title="added opening double quotation mark">"I</ins> see a cavern,
+too, in the face of the cliff."</p>
+
+<p>He continued to move forward with uplifted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> torch. Suddenly he paused
+and uttered a loud cry. A terrible roar echoed from the cavern a second
+later, and then with a single bound a great tawny beast sprang out of
+the shadows, and striking Guy to the earth with one blow of his mighty
+paw, threw himself furiously on the prostrate body.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxv" id="xxxv"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br />
+<br />
+<small>BILDAD DRINKS NEW LIFE.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>The stricken man had no time to utter another cry. The lion&mdash;for such it
+proved to be&mdash;paused a moment, with uplifted head, snarling angrily. The
+torch had been flung back a yard or more toward the water, and was
+spluttering on the damp sand.</p>
+
+<p>Guy's companions were helpless with fear and dread. Forbes alone had
+self-possession enough to remember that he had a revolver. It was not
+loaded, and he trembled so much that he could scarcely draw the shells
+from his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurry! Hurry!" whispered the colonel. "The brute may tear him apart any
+moment."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Guy lay white and motionless in the grasp of the lion. Not a
+muscle quivered, and his eyes were closed.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as Forbes was nervously ramming the shells into the revolver,
+the beast turned on his prey with a vicious growl and seized Guy's arm
+loosely in his mighty jaws. In another instant Chutney would have been
+dragged off, but help was to come from an unlooked-for source.</p>
+
+<p>With a single bound Bildad sprang out upon the sand, brandishing a huge
+spear that Canaris had brought with him from the lake.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>Another leap carried him within a yard or two of the lion, and the
+amazed spectators had a brief vision of the enraged beast quivering for
+a spring at the audacious African.</p>
+
+<p>Then the spear flashed in the torchlight, and as Bildad sprang to one
+side, the lion, with a mighty roar, toppled over on the sand&mdash;dead. The
+spear had pierced his heart.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant no one realized what had happened. The lion in his fall
+had cleared his victim entirely, and before any one thought of moving
+forward Guy pulled himself to his feet and staggered feebly toward the
+raft. Melton ran forward just in time to catch him in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God," he exclaimed fervently. "You are not hurt, Chutney?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think not," was Guy's response; "only stunned and bruised a
+little. It was a close call."</p>
+
+<p>"Close! I should say it was. It's the first time I ever saw a lion
+killed in that way. Bildad saved your life, for Melton could never have
+killed the brute with that toy he has there."</p>
+
+<p>A strange sound suddenly diverted their attention to Bildad.</p>
+
+<p>The savage was ripping open the dead lion's throat with a spear, and
+throwing himself on his knees, he lapped up greedily the red blood as it
+flowed from the wound.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>It was a horrible and fascinating sight. He drank long and deeply, and
+when at length he rose from his savage feast the ferocity of the lion
+seemed actually to have flowed into his own veins, so horrible and
+demon-like was the expression on his dusky face.</p>
+
+<p>Shaking the blood-stained spear, he shouted two or three times in a
+frenzied manner, and then tottering to the raft, flung himself among the
+rugs.</p>
+
+<p>"We are saved," cried Forbes with sudden inspiration. "There lies meat
+in plenty."</p>
+
+<p>Melton's words caused a speedy revulsion of feeling. The colonel shouted
+for very joy, and Canaris sprang toward the dead lion with drawn knife.</p>
+
+<p>"Cut off as much of the meat as you can," said Guy. "Here, give me my
+saber. Let me help."</p>
+
+<p>He turned to reach it, but a sudden weakness came over him, and he was
+compelled to lie down on the rugs. The colonel, in deep alarm, made a
+hasty examination to see if he had sustained any injury, but with the
+exception of a severe bruising and a slight laceration of the left arm,
+caused by the lion's teeth, he appeared to be all right.</p>
+
+<p>Melton and Canaris were just on the point of cutting into the dead lion
+with their sabers, the only weapons that remained to them, when a fierce
+roar echoed through the cavern, repeated two or three<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> times in rapid
+succession, and in the gloom they could see a pair of shining eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Run for the raft," cried the Greek; and, as they reached the shore, a
+superb lioness bounded forward and stood by the body of her mate.</p>
+
+<p>"See!" cried the colonel, pointing a trembling finger. "Two more lions
+coming out of the cavern. Push the raft into the water at once or we
+shall be devoured."</p>
+
+<p>The danger was indeed imminent, and yet, in their starving condition, it
+was hard to leave all that meat behind. Forbes, impelled by some mad
+impulse, pointed his revolver at the angry lioness, but Guy grasped his
+arm before he could pull the trigger. Two more lions were now in plain
+view, stalking slowly out of the shadows.</p>
+
+<p>"The pistol is useless," said Guy. "We dare not resist. We must get away
+as silently as possible."</p>
+
+<p>The raft had been tossed but lightly upon the beach, and with but little
+effort it was pushed free of the shore and trembled on the water.</p>
+
+<p>A loud roar close at hand caused them to fall on board in frantic haste,
+and as the swift current whirled them away the three lions trotted down
+to the water's edge and howled in concert.</p>
+
+<p>"We may be thankful we got away with whole skins," said Chutney. "It was
+a great misfortune<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> to have to abandon all that meat, but a delay or an
+attempt at resistance would have cost us our lives."</p>
+
+<p>"It means starvation," said Melton bitterly. "Those lions came down from
+the open air to drink. That hole in the rocks led out of the cavern, I
+have no doubt, and we could have followed it up and perhaps found food,
+or we might even have abandoned the cavern entirely and finished our
+journey on top of ground. We must be close to the coast now."</p>
+
+<p>This statement of what "might have been" sent their spirits down to the
+lowest ebb. They realized that Melton was undoubtedly right. Safety had
+actually been within their grasp, but the lions had driven them off, and
+now they were doomed to almost certain death by starvation. Even had
+they chosen to go back and risk the chances it was too late, for the
+current had taken them far from the spot, and the sandy shores had given
+way to perpendicular walls of rock.</p>
+
+<p>The torch continued to burn brightly, a piece of extravagance that
+called forth no rebuke.</p>
+
+<p>The journey continued amid unbroken silence. Sir Arthur and Bildad were
+both asleep, though it was no peaceful slumber, to judge from their
+restless tossings.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur's illness had now lasted a week. It was more of a nervous
+attack than anything else, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> without food it was hopeless to look for
+recovery. He was extremely weak, and lay most of the time in a stupor.</p>
+
+<p>The painful bruises Guy had sustained kept him awake much longer than
+the rest, but at last he too fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Thus several hours passed away, and they awoke in utter darkness. The
+torch had burnt out during the night, but Guy recklessly lit another.</p>
+
+<p>The river was flowing rapidly among scattered rocks, and as the raft
+approached a jagged ledge that cropped up from the water, a dark object
+was seen clinging to it.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it is our lost canoe," said Forbes as they drew near. "Help me
+catch it, Chutney. We will pass close to it."</p>
+
+<p>The raft struck the edge of the rocks, and as it swung round with the
+current they grasped the end of the canoe and pulled it on board.</p>
+
+<p>"It will do for firewood," said Guy. "We won't have to travel in the
+dark any more."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; build a fire," said Sir Arthur feebly, sitting up among the
+rugs. "I'm cold, Chutney; icy cold. Have we come to the end of the
+cavern yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"He seems a little better," whispered the colonel, coming close up to
+Guy. "Do you know, Chutney, I've been thinking for the last hour that we
+must surely be near the end of the river. Since first we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> entered this
+cavern we have traveled eight hundred miles. Calculate the rate of speed
+at which the current flows, and you must see that I am right. Moreover,
+we cannot be very far beneath the surface of the earth. Those lions do
+not dwell in the cavern. They only came down for water."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you are right," said Guy. "Two more days will tell. If we
+don't reach the open air in that time&mdash;well, it won't matter after that
+whether we reach it or not. I can hardly stand on my feet, and as for
+the torments of hunger, I need not speak of that. You know them
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I do indeed know what it is," said the colonel bitterly, "but we
+must endure it a while longer. For myself I do not care so much, but Sir
+Arthur is in a bad way, and as for Bildad, we may have to bind him hand
+and foot. He sleeps now, but no one can tell what he may do when he
+awakes."</p>
+
+<p>"We will watch him closely," said Guy. "Canaris is splitting up the
+canoe for firewood, and it will no longer be necessary to travel in
+darkness."</p>
+
+<p>"See!" cried the Greek, pausing with uplifted axe. "The shores have
+disappeared. Has the river become wide or is this another lake?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is still a strong current," said Guy. "The channel has suddenly
+become broad. That is all."</p>
+
+<p>A cheerful fire was soon blazing, and the ruddy reflection stained the
+water far and near, as the raft drifted on with the current. Sir Arthur
+fell asleep again, and Bildad lay among the rugs as one dead, glutted
+with his savage feast, and his lips and hands still red with clotted
+blood.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxvi" id="xxxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.<br />
+<br />
+<small>BILDAD TURNS CANNIBAL.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>All through that day&mdash;for such we shall call it&mdash;they floated on without
+a single glimpse of the shores, though a good current still existed.</p>
+
+<p>Their sufferings had now reached a point that was almost unendurable.
+The emptiness at the stomach and the pangs of hunger had given way to
+the fierce pains and the appalling weakness that come to those perishing
+of starvation.</p>
+
+<p>For two days, it must be remembered, they had eaten nothing, and for a
+week previous three dry crackers apiece had been their daily allowance.</p>
+
+<p>Chutney, with marvelous endurance, retained his strength and affected a
+hopefulness he was far from feeling, though, if the truth were known, a
+share of his food for a week past had been secretly given to Sir Arthur,
+whose illness had roused his compassion.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel was almost too weak to stand&mdash;for his previous captivity had
+undermined his constitution, while Melton and the Greek made no efforts
+to conceal their sufferings.</p>
+
+<p>Bildad, instead of becoming violent, woke up very weak, and lay helpless
+on his rug.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>It was pitiful to see how they all turned their pockets inside out and
+drove their fingers into the crannies of the logs, hoping to discover a
+stray crumb. It was useless to fish, for they had nothing to put on the
+hook.</p>
+
+<p>After nightfall, as near as Guy could guess, the river became very
+narrow and the current increased perceptibly in speed. The steep and
+rocky shores seemed scarcely ten yards apart, and overhead hung masses
+of stalactite almost close enough to strike with the paddle.</p>
+
+<p>"We are near the end," said Guy, making an effort to speak calmly in
+spite of his sufferings. "Hold out a little longer. <a name="quote5" id="quote5"></a><ins title="removed opening double quotation mark">I
+feel</ins> sure that we shall be saved."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we are near the end," said the colonel, "very near, Chutney. Our
+sufferings will soon be over. You deserve a better fate. I wish&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, don't talk that way," cried Guy. "You will live to see the
+sunlight again&mdash;I am sure of it."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel turned over on his side without making a reply.</p>
+
+<p>"If we don't reach the mouth of the cavern in twenty-four hours, I for
+one will never see the light of day," said Melton huskily. "I'd hate to
+die in this place. It wouldn't be so hard out under the open sky."</p>
+
+<p>"Water! water!" moaned Sir Arthur feebly, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> crawling to the edge of
+the raft Guy filled his helmet and put it to the sick man's lips. He
+drank deeply and sank back on the rugs.</p>
+
+<p>Guy crept cautiously forward to the front of the raft again&mdash;for every
+motion was a torture&mdash;and resumed his watch ahead, straining his eyes to
+catch the first glimpse of light that he felt sure must come before
+long.</p>
+
+<p>Faster and faster ran the current now and the shores flitted past like
+dim specters. The channel became more turbulent and rocky, and the raft
+tossed and trembled as it swept over brawling rapids and grated over
+unseen obstructions.</p>
+
+<p>When Guy turned toward his companions again they seemed to be all
+sleeping, and he envied them their merciful oblivion.</p>
+
+<p>Bildad was muttering excitedly in his own tongue, and as Guy watched him
+he tossed his arms and sat bolt upright. The ugly face was frightfully
+distorted and the fever-stricken eyes shone with a baleful light. With
+an apprehension that he took no pains to disguise Guy watched him
+sharply. There was no telling what this savage might do in the delirium
+of illness&mdash;a delirium aggravated tenfold by the tortures of hunger.</p>
+
+<p>Guy noted with secret uneasiness that no weapon was lying anywhere near.
+Melton alone had a revolver,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> and he was half inclined to waken him and
+ask him for it.</p>
+
+<p>Bildad, however, made no attempt to leave his place on the rugs. He kept
+on talking to himself at intervals, his eyes staring vacantly out on the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>A dingy leopard skin was still bound around his loins, and suddenly
+seizing the end of it he began to chew it greedily.</p>
+
+<p>Then he noticed the blood still sticking to his fingers, and placing his
+hand in his mouth he sucked it with a hollow noise that made Guy sick.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly his eyes became fixed and glaring, his hands dropped to his
+side, trembling nervously, and his lips parted in a wolfish expression,
+that displayed two rows of glistening teeth.</p>
+
+<p>A thrill of horror ran through Guy from head to foot as he saw what had
+unmistakably fascinated Bildad's gaze. Two yards distant, facing the
+savage, lay Sir Arthur, propped up slightly among the rugs. His head was
+thrown back, and in the perspiration, caused probably by his slight
+fever, he had torn loose the fore part of his flannel shirt, so that the
+throat and part of the breast were fully exposed, and shone clearly in
+the soft glow from the fire.</p>
+
+<p>To Chutney Bildad's wolfish gaze admitted of no misconstruction. The
+sight of the white flesh<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> had roused the savage's fiercest instincts.
+<i>At that moment Bildad was a cannibal at heart!</i></p>
+
+<p>No words can describe Guy's feelings as he realized the awful truth.</p>
+
+<p>At first a deadly faintness threatened to deprive him of all
+consciousness. Then came a thrill of strength, and his quick mind sought
+some plan of action. There was no weapon within reach. He must waken the
+Greek.</p>
+
+<p>"Canaris," he muttered in a low voice, but the word stuck in his throat
+and died away in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>The sound, slight as it was, drew Bildad's attention. A glance at Guy's
+frightened countenance told him his horrible design was discovered. His
+thick lips parted in a glare of ferocious hatred&mdash;the blind fury of a
+madman.</p>
+
+<p>He thrust his hand to his side, drew out a long, gleaming knife, and
+with a demoniacal laugh sprang at Sir Arthur, brandishing his weapon.</p>
+
+<p>At the first flash of the steel Guy uttered a shout that might have
+wakened the seven sleepers, and threw himself across the raft. He fell
+short of the African, and staggered to his knees with another wild cry.</p>
+
+<p>The glittering blade wavered a second in mid-air, not ten inches from
+Sir Arthur's heart, and then, his eyes flashing and his face distorted
+with passion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> Bildad turned and threw himself on the man who had
+thwarted him.</p>
+
+<p>Guy staggered to his feet in time to meet the shock, and they fell
+together with a crash, the madman on top. As he blindly threw out his
+arms in self protection he grasped Bildad's wrist, arresting the course
+of the descending knife. Before the fiend could snatch the knife with
+the other hand he twisted the brawny wrist till the bone cracked. The
+knife dropped from the nerveless fingers, and Bildad shrieked with rage
+and agony. Guy tried to shout, but the savage's uninjured arm clutched
+his throat, and he felt himself jerked violently along the raft. He
+struggled and kicked in vain. A mist swam before his eyes, and he felt
+the agonies of suffocation. With both hands he tore at the brawny arm,
+but the grip only seemed to tighten, and then he realized that he was on
+the edge of the raft. He was powerless. He wondered vaguely why the rest
+did not come to his assistance. He felt his head and shoulders slip over
+the edge, and then opening his eyes he saw the madman's leering face,
+flushed with rage and triumph, staring into his own. His eyes closed
+with a shudder as he seemed to feel the icy waters close over him. Then
+the grasp on his throat suddenly relaxed, and he knew nothing more.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2" />
+
+
+<p>When Guy opened his eyes some minutes later,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> and saw with wonder the
+familiar faces of his friends bending over him, he felt as a man might
+who had come back from the grave. He tried to rise, but a firm hand
+pushed him gently back, and the colonel's voice said softly, "No; lie
+down. Not a word until you are better."</p>
+
+<p>Gradually memory came back as he rested, and he knew why his throat felt
+so queer. In the firelight he saw Bildad lying motionless across the
+logs. The ugly face was smeared with blood, and Forbes and Canaris were
+binding the brawny arms and legs.</p>
+
+<p>And there lay the knife, flashing back the light from its polished
+steel.</p>
+
+<p>"You came as near to death, Chutney, as any man can come," said the
+colonel a little later, when Guy was able to sit up and lean against the
+fragments of the canoe. "Forbes saved you on this occasion. He got awake
+just in time, and crawling over the logs&mdash;for he was unable to walk&mdash;he
+brought down the butt of the revolver on the fiend's head. He first
+tried to shoot, but his weapon missed fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he dead?" asked Guy.</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied the colonel; "more's the pity. He seems to be only
+stunned. We've tied him up securely, so he can't do any more harm. But
+what started him, anyhow?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>Guy, with many a shudder, related the events that led to the attack, and
+his audience were horror-stricken at the terrible tale. The strangest
+part of it was that Sir Arthur had slept through it all and was still
+sleeping.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxvii" id="xxxvii"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE END OF THE CAVERN.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>After that Guy himself fell asleep&mdash;a deep, heavy slumber that caused
+his friends some uneasiness as they listened to his labored breathing
+and saw the red flush that mounted over his pallid face.</p>
+
+<p>Later on he struggled back to a wretched consciousness of his misery. He
+made an effort to rise, but such keen pains darted through his body that
+his head dropped back on the rug. The least movement was an agony, and
+his head was aching with a fierce intensity that he had never known
+before.</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>will</i> rise," he muttered between his clinched teeth, and summoning
+all the power of his iron will he sat up.</p>
+
+<p>The remaining half of the canoe was just behind him, and dragging his
+body a foot or more over the raft he fell back against it with a groan
+of agony.</p>
+
+<p>The glowing embers of the fire shed a dim light over the scene. On his
+right lay Sir Arthur, white and motionless. On the left was Bildad, his
+arms and legs drawn up about his body in the throes of suffering. Near
+the front of the raft lay the colonel, face downward on the logs, and
+close by was the Greek, his white features turned toward the firelight.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>One alone showed any signs of life. Melton was leaning over the edge
+apparently drinking, and presently he raised his head and crawled feebly
+toward the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"How long have I slept?" asked Guy in a hoarse whisper.</p>
+
+<p>Melton turned in astonishment as though frightened by the sound of a
+human voice.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," he said, speaking with a great effort. "Hours, Chutney,
+hours. A day and a night must have passed since I cracked that fellow
+there on the head. I hoped you would never wake. This is like dying a
+thousand times over. It won't last long now. A few hours at the
+most&mdash;and then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But tell me," interrupted Guy, "the rest, are they&mdash;are they&mdash;&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dead?" said Melton. "No, I think not. Very near the end, though. They
+can't move. They can't even reach the edge of the raft to drink. Water
+has kept me up a little."</p>
+
+<p>Crawling inch by inch, he drew himself beside Guy and propped his back
+against the canoe. They sat side by side, too exhausted to speak,
+mercifully indifferent to their fate.</p>
+
+<p>It is doubtful if they realized their position. The last stages of
+starvation had blunted their sensibilities, thrown a veil over their
+reasoning faculties.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Guy observed that the raft had entered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> upon a most turbulent
+stretch of water. At frequent intervals he heard dimly the hoarse roar
+of rapids and felt the logs quiver and tremble as they struck the rocks.
+The shores appeared almost close enough to touch as they whirled past
+with a speed that made him close his eyes with dizziness, and the jagged
+roof seemed about to fall and crush him.</p>
+
+<p>He saw these things as a man sees in a dream. He could no longer reason
+over them or draw conclusions from the facts. The increasing roar of the
+water, the cumulative force of the current, told him dimly that a crisis
+was approaching.</p>
+
+<p>So they drifted on, lost to all passage of time. Presently the last
+embers of the fire expired with a hiss as a dash of spray was flung on
+them, and all was dark.</p>
+
+<p>Guy whispered Melton's name, but a feeble groan was the only response.
+He reached out a trembling arm and found that his friend had slipped
+down from the canoe and was lying prostrate on the rugs. He alone
+retained consciousness, such as it was.</p>
+
+<p>Bildad was jabbering in delirium, and Guy could catch broken sentences
+muttered at intervals by Carrington or the Greek.</p>
+
+<p>He felt that his own reason was fast going, and he conceived a sudden
+horror of dying in darkness.</p>
+
+<p>A torch was lying under his hand and he had matches.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>The effort of striking the light was a prodigious one, but at last he
+succeeded and the torch flared up brightly over the raft and its
+occupants.</p>
+
+<p>The sudden transition from darkness to light had a startling effect on
+the very man whom Guy supposed to be past all feeling. Sir Arthur
+suddenly sat straight up, his white face lit with a ghastly light.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha!" he shouted, waving his shrunken hands. "The light, the light!
+We are saved! Do you see it, Carrington; do you see it?"</p>
+
+<p>Then the wild gleam faded from his eyes, and in a quavering voice&mdash;a
+mere ghost of his old pompous manner&mdash;he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"To the Guards' Club, Waterloo Place! Do it in twenty minutes, driver,
+and the half sovereign is yours. Go by way of Piccadilly; it's the near
+cut."</p>
+
+<p>A moment later he added: "I'll be late. What beastly luck!"</p>
+
+<p>Then a swift change passed over his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha! There's the light again," he cried exultantly. "Look,
+Carrington, look&mdash;&mdash;" His lips trembled over the unfinished sentence,
+and without another word he dropped back on the logs and lay there
+perfectly motionless.</p>
+
+<p>This was the last thing that Guy remembered.</p>
+
+<p>The torch still burned beside him, and the raft plunged on its dizzy
+course, but his mind was wandering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> far away, and the past was being
+lived over again.</p>
+
+<p>He was riding through London streets, dining with his old friends at the
+club, pulling a skiff over the placid current of the Thames, shooting
+quail on his brother's estate, dancing at a ball at Government House,
+Calcutta, marching through Indian jungles at the head of his men,
+plotting the capture of the Rajah, Nana Sahib, in far-away Burma&mdash;thus
+the merciful past stole his mind away from the horrors of the present,
+and he alternately smiled or shuddered as he recalled some pleasant
+association or stern reminiscence of peril.</p>
+
+<p>So the hours passed on. The torch faded and dimmed, burned to a charred
+ember, and then went out.</p>
+
+<p>The water hissed and boiled, crashing on rocks and shoals, beating its
+fury against the barren shores, and rushing down the narrow channel at
+an angle that was frightful and appalling.</p>
+
+<p>Guided by an unseen power, the frail raft rose and fell with the
+current, whirling round and round like an eggshell, creaking, groaning,
+and straining at its bonds, like a fettered giant; but the wretched
+castaways, sprawled in careless attitude across the logs, heard nothing,
+knew nothing&mdash;simply lay with their pallid faces turned toward the
+blackness and the gloom overhead.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>Ah, how pitiful! If they could only have known what was close at hand,
+fresh life would have flowed into their wasted veins. They would have
+gone mad with joy.</p>
+
+<p>The roar of the water had now become softened and less violent. The
+rocks had disappeared, the river slipped like an avalanche through the
+fast narrowing channel, and at such a prodigious speed that a cold blast
+of air whistled about the raft.</p>
+
+<p>Chutney, still propped against the canoe, caught its full effect on his
+face. It stirred up the flickering spark of life within him and he
+opened his eyes; he thought he saw a faint gleam of daylight.</p>
+
+<p>Like the fabled giant that sprang from an uncorked phial, the gray
+streak expanded with marvelous celerity, growing longer and wider and
+brighter until it shone like burnished silver on the hurrying tide of
+the river.</p>
+
+<p>Guy saw it and that was all. It dazzled his eyes and he closed them.
+When he looked again the raft was trembling on the edge of the silvery
+sheet, and then, swift as the lightning flash, a flood of brightness
+sprang up and around it.</p>
+
+<p>He closed his eyes, but the fierce glare seemed to be burning into his
+very brain. He could not shut it out, though he thrust a trembling arm
+across his closed eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant something rough and pliable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> struck his face with
+stinging force, and he felt the warm blood trickle down his cheeks.
+Instantly there came a second shock. The canoe was whirled forcibly from
+under him, and a heavy blow from some unseen object struck him with
+stunning violence to the hard logs.</p>
+
+<p>An icy wave dashed over the raft, and then another and another. Smarting
+with pain, the blood dripping from his lacerated face and hands, he
+staggered to his knees.</p>
+
+<p>He opened his eyes. At first he could see nothing for the dazzling light
+that was all around him. Then the blindness passed suddenly away, and he
+saw clearly.</p>
+
+<p>The glorious, entrancing light of day was shining on the raft, on the
+sparkling water, on his motionless companions&mdash;everywhere.</p>
+
+<p>The raft was dancing on the bosom of a vast and mighty stream that
+rolled in the blessed sunlight between shores of sparkling green. He saw
+sloping hillsides and mangrove jungles, wind-tossed patches of reeds and
+waving palm trees, mountains shooting their rugged peaks heavenward, and
+billows of forest land rolling off into the distant horizon, while
+overhead was the deep blue vault of the sky, that perfect sky that had
+haunted his memory in many a dream&mdash;the sky that he had never hoped to
+see again. The air was redolent with perfume and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> melodious with the
+sweet notes of countless birds.</p>
+
+<p>Flushed and trembling, Guy staggered, with new-found strength, to his
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Saved! Saved! Saved!" he cried aloud. "Thank God! Melton! Canaris! Do
+you hear? The blessed sunlight is shining around us. Why don't you
+answer? Why don't you shout for joy?"</p>
+
+<p>But no response came, and the five ghastly figures on the raft remained
+as stiff and motionless as before.</p>
+
+<p>A swift change passed over Guy's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Merciful heavens!" he cried. "Can it be? All dead!"</p>
+
+<p>He gasped for breath, beating the air with stiffened fingers, and then
+dropped like a log.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr2" />
+
+<p>The warm sunlight still played on the raft, and the yellow tide of the
+river lapped the roughened logs with a soft and musical murmur.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxviii" id="xxxviii"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br />
+<br />
+<small>CAPTAIN BECKER LOSES A WAGER.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>"No, no, gentlemen. I respectfully beg leave to differ with you. Africa
+never gives up her white slaves."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lucius Becker emphasized his words by bringing his fist down
+heavily on the frail table before him, and replacing his meerschaum
+between his lips, he glared defiantly at his two companions.</p>
+
+<p>It was a hot and sultry afternoon in March&mdash;such a March as only
+tropical Africa knows&mdash;and the place was the German military station of
+New Potsdam, on the left bank of the river Juba, a few miles from its
+mouth, in eastern Africa.</p>
+
+<p>On the broad bosom of the river the sun was beating fiercely, and the
+mangrove jungles and lofty palm trees drooped motionless in the dead
+calm. Upon the flat roof of the little station, however, the refining
+touches of civilization had done much to mitigate the severity and
+discomfort of the heat. An awning of snowy canvas, shaded by the
+projecting clusters of a group of palms, made a cool and grateful
+shelter, and under this the three officers had been dining.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Becker continued to blow out great clouds<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> of white smoke as
+though he had completely squelched all further argument on the subject
+under discussion.</p>
+
+<p>The silence was broken at last by Dr. Moebius Goldbeck.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear captain," he said, in slow, measured tones, as he adjusted his
+eyeglass, "I cannot agree with you. Africa has passed through many
+changes of late years. These men will surely be heard from again, and
+may even be freed eventually."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, you are right, doctor; your views are eminently sound," said
+Lieutenant Carl von Leyden.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Becker removed his meerschaum from his lips, and shook himself
+in his chair until his sword clanked on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Now listen," he cried. "These men of whom we speak, the governor of
+Zaila, the English colonel, the captain of the Aden steamer, and the
+other two unfortunate Englishmen, not one of these men will ever come
+out of Africa alive, I will wager a hundred thalers."</p>
+
+<p>"Done!" cried Lieutenant von Leyden.</p>
+
+<p>"Done!" echoed Dr. Goldbeck.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had the echoes of their voices died away when the sentry wheeled
+about hastily and said: "Captain, something comes down the river. It has
+just rounded the bend. It looks too large for a boat."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>Captain Becker rushed down below, hurried back with a pair of glasses,
+and took a long survey.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a raft," he cried, turning to his companions. "Men are lying on
+it; whether dead or alive I cannot tell. Man a boat at once. The current
+runs swift, and we will have barely time to reach it."</p>
+
+<p>The boat was ready almost as soon as they reached the ground, and under
+the steady movement of four pairs of oars they shot swiftly out on the
+yellow tide of the Juba.</p>
+
+<p>In silence they approached the drifting object, the boat's prow cutting
+sharply the opposing waves.</p>
+
+<p>Now it was twenty yards away&mdash;ten yards&mdash;five yards&mdash;then the boat
+bumped gently on the logs and Dr. Goldbeck boarded the raft, followed
+quickly by his two companions.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Mein himmel!</i>" he cried. "What can this mean? Six dead bodies!
+Horrible! horrible!"</p>
+
+<p>He turned pale for a moment. Then, as his professional instinct asserted
+itself, he knelt beside the motionless forms, and one by one tore the
+breast covering away and applied his hand to the heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Ach!" he cried joyfully, rising to his feet, "they still live; there
+still remains a spark of life! To the shore, quick! lose no time, or all
+will die!"</p>
+
+<p>A rope was speedily hitched to the raft, and the men began to pull
+lustily for the bank.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Becker," exclaimed Lieutenant von Leyden,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> suddenly smacking
+his knee, "you are two hundred thalers out of pocket. There lie the lost
+men now. That is Sir Arthur Ashby with the sandy beard, and the others
+are no doubt his companions."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Tausend donner!</i> that is true!" cried the doctor. "You are right,
+Carl. It is miraculous!"</p>
+
+<p>Captain Becker smiled grimly, but said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>A severe pull of ten minutes brought the raft to the little wharf, and
+in the strong arms of the German soldiers the rescued men were borne
+tenderly into the garrison-house and placed on cots that had been made
+up in readiness for them.</p>
+
+<p>Never did Dr. Goldbeck have a more arduous task, but with medicine chest
+at his side, and two able assistants to carry out his instructions, he
+toiled unceasingly for hours.</p>
+
+<p>Then success crowned his efforts, and the patients came slowly back to
+consciousness. For nearly a week they hovered between life and death,
+but finally all were pronounced out of danger except Bildad, who was
+struggling in a high fever.</p>
+
+<p>At first they knew nothing, could remember nothing, but gradually memory
+returned, and they realized the full measure of their wonderful escape.</p>
+
+<p>Guy was the first to rally, and Sir Arthur was the last, but ten days
+after their rescue all were able to sit up, and after that they gained
+strength rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>The marvelous tale of their adventures was discussed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> over and over with
+their new friends&mdash;for most of the Englishmen could speak German&mdash;and
+from Captain Becker they learned the latest news from Zaila, which was
+to the effect that the place had been retaken by the English after a
+brief but desperate struggle. This information had been brought to the
+station by a German gunboat six weeks before.</p>
+
+<p>Guy was very curious to know how far they had drifted down the Juba
+before they were rescued, but of course it was impossible to tell.</p>
+
+<p>"It's my opinion," said Captain Becker, "that the exit from that
+underground river is somewhere in the vicinity of the big falls, fifty
+miles above here. I have heard that there are caverns along the bank
+from which the water pours furiously."</p>
+
+<p>"That is probably the place, then," returned Guy, "for the bushes hung
+so low that they dragged the canoe from the raft and tore the skin from
+my face. I have a dim recollection of all that, but I remember nothing
+more."</p>
+
+<p>Guy's companions, however, could not remember even this. The struggle
+with Bildad was the last tangible recollection. After that all was a
+blank. Although they had regained a fair share of strength, the awful
+experiences of the cruise down the underground river had left indelible
+traces of suffering. Colonel Carrington's hair had turned white, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span>
+even Chutney and Forbes had gray locks sprinkled through their dark
+ones. Their faces were hollow, their bodies lean and emaciated, and, in
+fact, they were changed beyond all power of recognition. Contrary to
+expectation, Bildad was now also convalescent.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as their recovery was assured, Captain Becker had very
+courteously sent to the chief station on the Durnford River, some miles
+south of the Juba, to obtain, if possible, a steamer; and one morning,
+four weeks after their arrival at New Potsdam, a noble vessel steamed up
+the river and anchored before the station.</p>
+
+<p>It was the German steamer Rhine Castle, and was at the disposal of Sir
+Arthur, who had assumed the expense of chartering it on behalf of his
+government.</p>
+
+<p>The commander of the vessel, Captain Wassman, brought a piece of news
+that made Sir Arthur desperately anxious to get back to Zaila, and very
+considerably stirred up the rest of the party.</p>
+
+<p>A certain Portuguese, he said, was in high favor at Zaila on account of
+services rendered in retaking the town from the Arabs and Somalis, and
+it was rumored that the government intended to bestow upon him an
+influential post.</p>
+
+<p>"That must be Manuel Torres," remarked Sir<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> Arthur to Chutney. "Bless
+me, we'll make it hot for the scoundrel!"</p>
+
+<p>With many regrets they parted from Captain Becker and his friends, and a
+few hours after the German flag on the garrison house faded from view
+the Rhine Castle was beating swiftly up the eastern coast of Africa on
+her two-thousand-mile trip.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>
+<a name="xxxix" id="xxxix"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.<br />
+<br />
+<small>CONCLUSION.</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>On a warm, sultry evening in the latter part of May the Arabs and
+Somalis who hovered about the outskirts of Zaila, keeping well out of
+reach of the newly-erected fortifications which bristled with guns and
+British soldiery, heard the sweet strains of "Rule Britannia" and "God
+Save the Queen" floating over the desert.</p>
+
+<p>It was the regimental band of the Ninth Lancers playing in the square of
+the town on the occasion of the installation of the new governor of
+Zaila&mdash;Colonel Conyers Gordon.</p>
+
+<p>It was Colonel Gordon who had conducted the assault on the town some
+weeks previous, and in recognition of his valor&mdash;for the enemy had made
+a desperate stand&mdash;he was now the newly commissioned governor.</p>
+
+<p>The official documents had arrived that day, and the town was <i>en fete</i>,
+if we may use the expression; for, in addition to the native population
+and the soldiery, a number of visitors had come across from Aden to do
+honor to the brave commandant.</p>
+
+<p>As the band ceased playing, Colonel Gordon appeared on the steps of the
+residency and briefly addressed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> the expectant people in a few
+well-chosen words.</p>
+
+<p>"The tragedy of a few months ago," he concluded, "is still fresh in our
+minds. I had the honor to know Sir Arthur Ashby, an honor which many of
+you likewise enjoyed, and the sad fate of that brave man and his
+companions comes vividly to our minds tonight. I trust that I shall be
+enabled to discharge the duties of my office with the same unswerving
+fidelity."</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Gordon sat down, and the band played "Rule Britannia."</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the Rhine Castle was dropping anchor in the harbor.</p>
+
+<p>As the band ceased Colonel Gordon rose again, and the people instantly
+became quiet. By his side was a short, thickset man with dark, sallow
+features.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg to call your attention," began the colonel, "to one who has
+played an important part in our recent struggle&mdash;Mr. Manuel Torres, a
+Portuguese, of whom I can say nothing better than that he deserves to be
+an Englishman. At the risk of his own life he tried to save Sir Arthur
+Ashby, and after suffering much at the hands of the enemy, he finally
+escaped in time to do us valuable service in retaking the town. As a
+recognition of his aid, I propose to appoint him Assistant Political
+Resident."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Torres bowed profoundly, and as the people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> evinced a decided desire
+to hear from him, he cleared his throat and began to speak in sleek,
+oily tones.</p>
+
+<p>He related, with many gestures, a thrilling tale of his captivity among
+the Arabs, the desperate attempts he had made to save Sir Arthur and the
+Englishmen from slavery, and how finally he had effected his own
+marvelous escape.</p>
+
+<p>At this point a sudden commotion on the outskirts of the crowd
+temporarily interrupted the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"It grieves me deeply," he went on, "to reflect on the sad destiny of my
+dear friend, Sir Arthur Ashby, and of those brave men, for whom I had
+the highest honor and regard. I risked my life to save them. I
+interceded with the Arab leader, Makar Makalo, but in vain. He was
+obdurate. To bring them back from slavery I would willingly lay down my
+life this minute. I would gladly&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>What else Mr. Manuel Torres was willing to do no one ever knew or will
+know. He ceased speaking abruptly, and his sallow face assumed a ghastly
+look.</p>
+
+<p>Through the opening ranks of the people advanced a group of pale and
+haggard men, led by a ghastly figure with sandy side whiskers in a faded
+uniform that hung about his shrunken limbs.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless my soul!" exclaimed this odd-looking stranger. "It's that
+rascally Portuguese, Manuel Torres!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>A great silence fell on the people. For one second the Portuguese
+trembled like a leaf, then he turned and bolted through the residency
+door, shoving Colonel Gordon roughly aside in his mad haste.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop him! Stop him!" roared the stranger. "A thousand pounds to the man
+who takes him alive. He's the ringleader of the insurrection!"</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Gordon hurried down the steps in bewildered amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" he demanded. "Who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who am I?" shouted he of the sandy whiskers. "Why, blast your
+impudence, I'm Sir Arthur Ashby, the governor of Zaila. Who the deuce
+are you?"</p>
+
+<p>The scene that followed baffles all description. The air rang with
+frenzied shouts and cheers, soldiers, natives, and visitors surged madly
+round the little band, and the musicians, quick to grasp the situation,
+struck up the inspiring strains of "Lo, the Conquering Hero Comes!"</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur shook himself loose from the embrace of his enthusiastic
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>"The Portuguese!" he roared. "The rascal will escape. Pursue him!
+Capture him!"</p>
+
+<p>Now the people comprehended for the first time. A furious rush was made
+for the residency, the door was jammed in an instant with a struggling
+crowd of troops and civilians, and then they swept on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> through the broad
+hallway in pursuit of the wretched fugitive.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes the town was in an indescribable uproar. The vessels in
+the harbor fired showers of rockets, and the alarm guns boomed hoarsely
+from the fortifications.</p>
+
+<p>Manuel Torres, however, overthrown at the very moment of his greatest
+triumph, made good his escape. He bolted through the back door of the
+residency, evaded the sentries at the town wall, and fled to the desert.</p>
+
+<p>That same night, after a sumptuous repast, Guy Chutney, at Sir Arthur's
+request, modestly related the story of their adventures to the most
+interested audience that ever graced the walls of the residency. A
+breathless silence greeted the speaker as he showed the damnable proofs
+of Manuel Torres' guilt and treachery, and described with thrilling
+effect the awful journey through the bowels of the earth. When he
+concluded the tale that made him a hero in spite of himself, a burst of
+applause fairly made the residency tremble.</p>
+
+<p>Then Sir Arthur rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," he said, in a voice which quivered with emotion, "I deem
+this to be a fitting time to express my&mdash;to express <i>our</i>&mdash;admiration of
+my young countryman. All my comrades, I am glad to say, displayed a
+heroism, during our days of trial and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> suffering, which has never been
+surpassed by any men in any clime. But, if one man is worthy of special
+mention for cool bravery, for dogged perseverance, for unflinching,
+unwavering fortitude and unselfishness, that man is Guy Chutney.
+Gentlemen," he continued, raising his glass, "I ask you to drink with me
+to the health of the bravest man I ever met&mdash;Guy Chutney."</p>
+
+<p>Again a frantic outburst of applause shook the building, and the toast
+was drunk with indescribable enthusiasm. But Guy strove to make himself
+heard above the uproar.</p>
+
+<p>"It is unfair," he said earnestly, when quiet had been partially
+restored, "of Sir Arthur to credit me with what I am aware is far more
+than my just due. Truthfully, it should be said that no one of us
+surpassed his fellows in displaying the qualities Sir Arthur has just
+enumerated. Such an experience is enough for a lifetime, but if I am
+ever again called upon to face such perils as we encountered while under
+Africa, may God grant that I have for comrades such true-hearted, loyal
+friends as these."</p>
+
+<p>Carrington, Forbes, and Canaris each spoke briefly in turn; and Bildad,
+under the undue excitement of some wine he had managed to secure,
+attempted to perform a Galla war-dance on the table, and was promptly
+relegated to the guard-house to sober up.</p>
+
+<p>At midnight a steamer left Zaila for Aden with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span> the glad news, and
+twenty-four hours later the streets of London were blocked with crowds
+of people reading the amazing telegram that the newspapers had posted on
+their bulletin boards.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Conyers Gordon, of course, was not governor of Zaila at all, and
+though it must have been a sore disappointment to the brave old soldier,
+he readily and gladly installed Sir Arthur in the residency and assumed
+his former command of the troops.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur, however, had very different views. "Do you mean to say,
+Gordon," he demanded, "that the government actually gave me up for lost,
+and had no intention of sending an expedition after me at all?"</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Gordon hesitatingly admitted that such was the case.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," cried Sir Arthur, "I wash my hands of such a government. I will
+go home to England, and may the infernal Arabs hang, draw, and quarter
+me if I ever set foot on African soil again."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust, Sir Arthur," argued Colonel Gordon, "you will not act hastily
+in this matter. You will admit that the government was somewhat
+justified in believing your case a hopeless one. The fate of you and
+your brave companions was thought by everybody to have been nothing
+short of death. I am sure, had the authorities had the slightest idea<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>
+that you were living, an expedition would have been sent out. No stone
+would have been left unturned to rescue you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Sir Arthur, somewhat mollified, "I cannot deny that things
+pointed to our demise. We expected to see you again as little as you
+expected to see us, probably."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad," said Colonel Gordon, "that you have decided to take a more
+reasonable view of the matter. Will you not reconsider your
+determination of resigning your post? Let no consideration for me stop
+you, I beg of you. I should, of course, be glad to accept the position,
+but yours is undoubtedly the prior right, and your previous experience
+has amply proven your ability."</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel," Sir Arthur replied solemnly, "I'm going back to England. I'm
+sick of Africa. I've had a little more than a genteel sufficiency during
+the past few months, and I'm pining for a sight of dear old England. I'm
+going home."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Arthur kept his word. On the same day he mailed his resignation, and
+handed the reins of office to Colonel Gordon.</p>
+
+<p>After careful consideration, Colonel Carrington decided to accept the
+post of Assistant Political Resident that Gordon offered him, subject,
+of course, to the wishes of the Foreign Office.</p>
+
+<p>Chutney had at first intended going on to India,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> but letters from home
+informing him of the serious illness of his brother decided his return
+to England, and he sailed from Aden a week later, in company with Sir
+Arthur and Melton Forbes, who had been recalled by his paper as soon as
+they learned of his wonderful journey.</p>
+
+<p>Canaris accompanied them as far as Port Said, where he changed to a
+vessel bound for Rhodes. He was eager to see Greece after his long
+captivity among the Somalis, and at last accounts he was the proprietor
+of a celebrated cafe at Athens, having inherited a tidy sum of money
+from a deceased relative.</p>
+
+<p>Bildad expressed a desire to go back to the Galla country, and Colonel
+Gordon finally succeeded in obtaining safe passage for him with a
+caravan bound for the interior.</p>
+
+<p>Manuel Torres met the fate his treachery duly merited. Two days after
+his escape from Zaila he fell into the hands of a party of prowling
+Arabs, and was conveyed by them to Makar <a name="Makalo2" id="Makalo2"></a><ins title="original has Makolo">Makalo</ins>, who
+determined that he should receive fitting punishment for his renegade
+conduct. Accordingly he sent him under strong escort to Harar, and Rao
+Khan very obligingly carried out his friend Makar's wishes by cooking
+the wretched Portuguese in a caldron of boiling oil.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>A remarkable thing occurred in the fourth month of Governor Gordon's
+rulership at Zaila.</p>
+
+<p>A bronzed Englishman arrived one day with a caravan from the interior.</p>
+
+<p>He was speedily recognized as Captain Waller, and he told a strange
+story of his adventures.</p>
+
+<p>Mombagolo, the <a name="Burman" id="Burman"></a><ins title="original has burman">Burman</ins>, who, in company with the captain and
+the Hindoos, had been taken into slavery by a tribe of Gallas who dwelt
+far to the west, had been chosen chief of this tribe on the death of its
+king, probably on account of his stature and strength.</p>
+
+<p>His first royal act was to effect the deliverance of Captain Waller by
+sending him to the coast. The Hindoos had chosen to remain where they
+were. Captain Waller eventually returned to England, and Forbes was
+deeply grieved to learn that he would never see Momba again, though it
+was some consolation to know that, instead of a slave, he was an African
+monarch.</p>
+
+<p>Guy reached England barely in time to see his brother before he died. As
+Sir Lucius Chutney was unmarried, Guy succeeded to the titles and
+estates.</p>
+
+<p>As a landed proprietor, his duties very plainly lay at home, so he
+resigned his commission and settled down on the Hampshire estate.</p>
+
+<p>He spends much of his time in London. He and Sir Arthur Ashby are
+members of the same club,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> and the two baronets invariably dine
+together.</p>
+
+<p>"Chutney," Sir Arthur said one day, as he lit his cigar after dinner,
+"have you ever felt any desire to leave England and resume an
+adventurous life?"</p>
+
+<p>Chutney puffed a moment in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Sometimes," he said finally. "Sometimes I feel as though I should enjoy
+laying aside home comforts, and, gun in hand, enter the trackless
+forests once more. Somehow civilization palls on a man after years of
+campaigning. Don't you find it so, Ashby?"</p>
+
+<p>"That," replied Sir Arthur, "is just what I was getting at. Generally I
+feel a placid contentment with things in general, but once in a while a
+sort of fever stirs my blood, and I long to get out and rough it
+somewhere. I tell you, a wild life has a certain charm about it that
+dies out reluctantly when the fever once gets into a man's blood. Some
+day I really believe I'll return to Africa, or some other wild land, for
+big game. I should enjoy it."</p>
+
+<p>Chutney grasped his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"When you do, old fellow, I'm with you," he said. But so far they have
+not decided on any definite arrangements. They talk it over frequently,
+but continue to dine at the club.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes Forbes drops in, and then from soup<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> to the wine the
+conversation is sure to cling with unwavering fidelity to that topic of
+deepest interest&mdash;the strange and thrilling things that befell them when
+they were under Africa.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h4>THE END.</h4>
+
+<hr class="hr3" />
+
+
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199a" id="Page_199a">[-199-]</a></span>
+<a name="pipe" id="pipe"></a><ins title="story has no attribution in original">A PIPE OF MYSTERY.</ins></h2>
+
+
+<p>A jovial party were gathered round a blazing fire in an old grange near
+Warwick. The hour was getting late; the very little ones had, after
+dancing round the Christmas-tree, enjoying the snap-dragon, and playing
+a variety of games, gone off to bed; and the elder boys and girls now
+gathered round their uncle, Colonel Harley, and asked him for a
+story&mdash;above all, a ghost story.</p>
+
+<p>"But I have never seen any ghosts," the colonel said, laughing; "and,
+moreover, I don't believe in them one bit. I have traveled pretty well
+all over the world, I have slept in houses said to be haunted, but
+nothing have I seen&mdash;no noises that could not be accounted for by rats
+or the wind have I ever heard. I have never"&mdash;and here he paused&mdash;"never
+but once met with any circumstances or occurrence that could not be
+accounted for by the light of reason, and I know you prefer hearing
+stories of my own adventures to mere invention."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, uncle. But what was the 'once' when circumstances happened that
+you could not explain?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200a" id="Page_200a">[-200-]</a></span>"It's rather a long story," the colonel said, "and it's getting late."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, no, uncle; it does not matter a bit how late we sit up on
+Christmas Eve, and the longer the story is, the better; and if you don't
+believe in ghosts how can it be a story of something you could not
+account for by the light of nature?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will see when I have done," the colonel said. "It is rather a story
+of what the Scotch call second sight, than one of ghosts. As to
+accounting for it, you shall form your own opinion when you have heard
+me to the end.</p>
+
+<p>"I landed in India in '50, and after going through the regular drill
+work marched with a detachment up country to join my regiment, which was
+stationed at Jubbalpore, in the very heart of India. It has become an
+important place since; the railroad across India passes through it and
+no end of changes have taken place; but at that time it was one of the
+most out-of-the-way stations in India, and, I may say, one of the most
+pleasant. It lay high, there was capital boating on the Nerbudda, and,
+above all, it was a grand place for sport, for it lay at the foot of the
+hill country, an immense district, then but little known, covered with
+forests and jungle, and abounding with big game of all kinds.</p>
+
+<p>"My great friend there was a man named Simmonds. He was just of my own
+standing; we had come out in the same ship, had marched up the country<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201a" id="Page_201a">[-201-]</a></span>
+together, and were almost like brothers. He was an old Etonian, I an old
+Westminster, and we were both fond of boating, and, indeed, of sport of
+all kinds. But I am not going to tell you of that now. The people in
+these hills are called Gonds, a true hill tribe&mdash;that is to say,
+aborigines, somewhat of the negro type. The chiefs are of mixed blood,
+but the people are almost black. They are supposed to accept the
+religion of the Hindus, but are in reality deplorably ignorant and
+superstitious. Their priests are a sort of compound of a Brahmin priest
+and a negro fetish man, and among their principal duties is that of
+charming away tigers from the villages by means of incantations. There,
+as in other parts of India, were a few wandering fakirs, who enjoyed an
+immense reputation for holiness and wisdom. The people would go to them
+from great distances for charms or predictions, and believed in their
+power with implicit faith.</p>
+
+<p>"At the time when we were at Jubbalpore there was one of these fellows
+whose reputation altogether eclipsed that of his rivals, and nothing
+could be done until his permission had been asked and his blessing
+obtained. All sorts of marvelous stories were constantly coming to our
+ears of the unerring foresight with which he predicted the termination
+of diseases, both in men and animals; and so generally was he believed
+in that the colonel ordered that no one connected with the regiment
+should consult him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202a" id="Page_202a">[-202-]</a></span> for these predictions very frequently brought about
+their own fulfillment; for those who were told that an illness would
+terminate fatally, lost all hope, and literally lay down to die.</p>
+
+<p>"However, many of the stories that we heard could not be explained on
+these grounds, and the fakir and his doings were often talked over at
+mess, some of the officers scoffing at the whole business, others
+maintaining that some of these fakirs had, in some way or another, the
+power of foretelling the future, citing many well-authenticated
+anecdotes upon the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"The older officers were the believers, we young fellows were the
+scoffers. But for the well-known fact that it is very seldom indeed that
+these fakirs will utter any of their predictions to Europeans, some of
+us would have gone to him to test his powers. As it was, none of us had
+ever seen him.</p>
+
+<p>"He lived in an old ruined temple, in the middle of a large patch of
+jungle at the foot of the hills, some ten or twelve miles away.</p>
+
+<p>"I had been at Jubbalpore about a year, when I was woke up one night by
+a native, who came in to say that at about eight o'clock a tiger had
+killed a man in his village, and had dragged off the body.</p>
+
+<p>"Simmonds and I were constantly out after tigers, and the people in all
+the villages within twenty miles knew that we were always ready to pay
+for early information. This tiger had been doing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203a" id="Page_203a">[-203-]</a></span> great damage, and had
+carried off about thirty men, women, and children. So great was the fear
+of him, indeed, that the people in the neighborhood he frequented
+scarcely dared stir out of doors, except in parties of five or six. We
+had had several hunts after him, but, like all man-eaters, he was old
+and awfully crafty; and although we got several snap shots at him, he
+had always managed to save his skin.</p>
+
+<p>"In a quarter of an hour after the receipt of the message Charley
+Simmonds and I were on the back of an elephant which was our joint
+property; our shikaree, a capital fellow, was on foot beside us, and
+with the native trotting on ahead as guide we went off at the best pace
+of old Begaum, for that was the elephant's name. The village was fifteen
+miles away, but we got there soon after daybreak, and were received with
+delight by the population. In half an hour the hunt was organized; all
+the male population turned out as beaters, with sticks, guns, tom-toms,
+and other instruments for making a noise.</p>
+
+<p>"The trail was not difficult to find. A broad path, with occasional
+smears of blood, showed where he had dragged his victim through the long
+grass to a cluster of trees a couple of hundred yards from the village.</p>
+
+<p>"We scarcely expected to find him there, but the villagers held back,
+while we went forward with cocked rifles. We found, however, nothing but
+a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204a" id="Page_204a">[-204-]</a></span> few bones and a quantity of blood. The tiger had made off at the
+approach of daylight into the jungle, which was about two miles distant.
+We traced him easily enough, and found that he had entered a large
+ravine, from which several smaller ones branched off.</p>
+
+<p>"It was an awkward place, as it was next to impossible to surround it
+with the number of people at our command. We posted them at last all
+along the upper ground, and told them to make up in noise what they
+wanted in numbers. At last all was ready, and we gave the signal.
+However, I am not telling you a hunting story, and need only say that we
+could neither find nor disturb him. In vain we pushed Begaum through the
+thickest of the jungle which clothed the sides and bottom of the ravine,
+while the men shouted, beat their tom-toms, and showered imprecations
+against the tiger himself and his ancestors up to the remotest
+generations.</p>
+
+<p>"The day was tremendously hot, and, after three hours' march, we gave it
+up for a time, and lay down in the shade, while the shikarees made a
+long examination of the ground all round the hillside, to be sure that
+he had not left the ravine. They came back with the news that no traces
+could be discovered, and that, beyond a doubt, he was still there. A
+tiger will crouch up in an exceedingly small clump of grass or bush, and
+will sometimes almost allow himself to be trodden on before moving.
+However,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205a" id="Page_205a">[-205-]</a></span> we determined to have one more search, and if that should
+prove unsuccessful, to send off to Jubbalpore for some more of the men
+to come out with elephants, while we kept up a circle of fires, and of
+noises of all descriptions, so as to keep him a prisoner until the
+arrival of the re-enforcements. Our next search was no more successful
+than our first had been; and having, as we imagined, examined every
+clump and crevice in which he could have been concealed, we had just
+reached the upper end of the ravine, when we heard a tremendous roar,
+followed by a perfect babel of yells and screams from the natives.</p>
+
+<p>"The outburst came from the mouth of the ravine, and we felt at once
+that he had escaped. We hurried back to find, as we had expected, that
+the tiger was gone. He had burst out suddenly from his hiding-place, had
+seized a native, torn him horribly, and had made across the open plain.</p>
+
+<p>"This was terribly provoking, but we had nothing to do but follow him.
+This was easy enough, and we traced him to a detached patch of wood and
+jungle, two miles distant. This wood was four or five hundred yards
+across, and the exclamations of the people at once told us that it was
+the one in which stood the ruined temple of the fakir of whom I have
+been telling you. I forgot to say that as the tiger broke out one of the
+village shikarees had fired at and, he declared, wounded him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206a" id="Page_206a">[-206-]</a></span>"It was already getting late in the afternoon, and it was hopeless to
+attempt to beat the jungle that night. We therefore sent off a runner
+with a note to the colonel, asking him to send the work-elephants, and
+to allow a party of volunteers to march over at night, to help surround
+the jungle when we commenced beating it in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>"We based our request upon the fact that the tiger was a notorious
+man-eater, and had been doing immense damage. We then had a talk with
+our shikaree, sent a man off to bring provisions for the people out with
+us, and then set them to work cutting dry sticks and grass to make a
+circle of fires.</p>
+
+<p>"We both felt much uneasiness respecting the fakir, who might be seized
+at any moment by the enraged tiger. The natives would not allow that
+there was any cause for fear, as the tiger would not dare to touch so
+holy a man. Our belief in the respect of the tiger for sanctity was by
+no means strong, and we determined to go in and warn him of the presence
+of the brute in the wood. It was a mission which we could not intrust to
+anyone else, for no native would have entered the jungle for untold
+gold; so we mounted the Begaum again, and started. The path leading
+towards the temple was pretty wide, and as we went along almost
+noiselessly, for the elephant was too well trained to tread upon fallen
+sticks, it was just possible we might come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207a" id="Page_207a">[-207-]</a></span> upon the tiger suddenly, so
+we kept our rifles in readiness in our hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Presently we came in sight of the ruins. No one was at first visible;
+but at that very moment the fakir came out from the temple. He did not
+see or hear us, for we were rather behind him and still among the trees,
+but at once proceeded in a high voice to break into a sing-song prayer.
+He had not said two words before his voice was drowned in a terrific
+roar, and in an instant the tiger had sprung upon him, struck him to the
+ground, seized him as a cat would a mouse, and started off with him at a
+trot. The brute evidently had not detected our presence, for he came
+right towards us. We halted the Begaum, and, with our fingers on the
+triggers, awaited the favorable moment. He was a hundred yards from us
+when he struck down his victim; he was not more than fifty when he
+caught sight of us. He stopped for an instant in surprise. Charley
+muttered, 'Both barrels, Harley,' and as the beast turned to plunge into
+the jungle, and so showed us his side, we sent four bullets crashing
+into him, and he rolled over lifeless.</p>
+
+<p>"We went up to the spot, made the Begaum give him a kick, to be sure
+that he was dead, and then got down to examine the unfortunate fakir.
+The tiger had seized him by the shoulder, which was terribly torn, and
+the bone broken. He was still perfectly conscious.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208a" id="Page_208a">[-208-]</a></span>"We at once fired three shots, our usual signal that the tiger was dead,
+and in a few minutes were surrounded by the villagers, who hardly knew
+whether to be delighted at the death of their enemy, or to grieve over
+the injury to the fakir. We proposed taking the latter to our hospital
+at Jubbalpore, but this he positively refused to listen to. However, we
+finally persuaded him to allow his arm to be set and the wounds dressed
+in the first place by our regimental surgeon, after which he could go to
+one of the native villages and have his arm dressed in accordance with
+his own notions. A litter was soon improvised, and away we went to
+Jubbalpore, which we reached about eight in the evening.</p>
+
+<p>"The fakir refused to enter the hospital, so we brought out a couple of
+trestles, laid the litter upon them, and the surgeon set his arm and
+dressed his wounds by torchlight, when he was lifted into a
+<a name="dhoolie" id="dhoolie"></a><ins title="spelling retained">dhoolie</ins>, and his bearers again prepared to start for the
+village.</p>
+
+<p>"Hitherto he had only spoken a few words; but he now briefly expressed
+his deep gratitude to Simmonds and myself. We told him that we would
+ride over to see him shortly, and hoped to find him getting on rapidly.
+Another minute and he was gone.</p>
+
+<p>"It happened that we had three or four fellows away on leave or on staff
+duty, and several others laid up with fever just about this time, so
+that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209a" id="Page_209a">[-209-]</a></span> the duty fell very heavily upon the rest of us, and it was over a
+month before we had time to ride over to see the fakir.</p>
+
+<p>"We had heard he was going on well; but we were surprised, on reaching
+the village, to find that he had already returned to his old abode in
+the jungle. However, we had made up our minds to see him, especially as
+we had agreed that we would endeavor to persuade him to do a prediction
+for us; so we turned our horses' heads towards the jungle. We found the
+fakir sitting on a rock in front of the temple, just where he had been
+seized by the tiger. He rose as we rode up.</p>
+
+<p>"'I knew that you would come to-day, sahibs, and was joyful in the
+thought of seeing those who have preserved my life.'</p>
+
+<p>"'We are glad to see you looking pretty strong again, though your arm is
+still in a sling,' I said, for Simmonds was not strong in Hindustani.</p>
+
+<p>"'How did you know that we were coming?' I asked, when we had tied up
+our horses.</p>
+
+<p>"'Siva has given to his servant to know many things,' he said quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Did you know beforehand that the tiger was going to seize you?' I
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"'I knew that a great danger threatened, and that Siva would not let me
+die before my time had come.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Could you see into our future?' I asked.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210a" id="Page_210a">[-210-]</a></span>"The fakir hesitated, looked at me for a moment earnestly to see if I
+was speaking in mockery, and then said:</p>
+
+<p>"'The sahibs do not believe in the power of Siva or of his servants.
+They call his messengers impostors, and scoff at them when they speak of
+the events of the future.'</p>
+
+<p>"'No indeed,' I said. 'My friend and I have no idea of scoffing. We have
+heard of so many of your predictions coming true, that we are really
+anxious that you should tell us something of the future.'</p>
+
+<p>"The fakir nodded his head, went into the temple, and returned in a
+minute or two with two small pipes used by the natives for
+opium-smoking, and a brazier of burning charcoal. The pipes were already
+charged. He made signs to us to sit down, and took his place in front of
+us. Then he began singing in a low voice, rocking himself to and fro,
+and waving a staff which he held in his hand. Gradually his voice rose,
+and his gesticulations and actions became more violent. So far as I
+could make out, it was a prayer to Siva that he would give some glimpse
+of the future which might benefit the sahibs who had saved the life of
+his servant. Presently he darted forward, gave us each a pipe, took two
+pieces of red-hot charcoal from the brazier in his fingers, without
+seeming to know that they were warm, and placed them in the pipes; then
+he recommenced his singing and gesticulations.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211a" id="Page_211a">[-211-]</a></span>"A glance at Charley, to see if, like myself, he was ready to carry the
+thing through, and then I put the pipe to my lips. I felt at once that
+it was opium, of which I had before made experiment, but mixed with some
+other substance, which was, I imagine, hasheesh, a preparation of hemp.
+A few puffs, and I felt a drowsiness creeping over me. I saw, as through
+a mist, the fakir swaying himself backwards and forwards, his arms
+waving and his face distorted. Another minute, and the pipe slipped from
+my fingers, and I fell back insensible.</p>
+
+<p>"How long I lay there I do not know. I woke with a strange and not
+unpleasant sensation, and presently became conscious that the fakir was
+gently pressing, with a sort of shampooing action, my temples and head.
+When he saw that I opened my eyes he left me, and performed the same
+process upon Charley. In a few minutes he rose from his stooping
+position, waved his hand in token of adieu, and walked slowly back into
+the temple.</p>
+
+<p>"As he disappeared I sat up; Charley did the same.</p>
+
+<p>"We stared at each other for a minute without speaking, and then Charley
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"'This is a rum go, and no mistake, old man.'</p>
+
+<p>"'You're right, Charley. My opinion is, we've made fools of ourselves.
+Let's be off out of this.'</p>
+
+<p>"We staggered to our feet, for we both felt like drunken men, made our
+way to our horses, poured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212a" id="Page_212a">[-212-]</a></span> a mussuk of water over our heads, took a
+drink of brandy from our flasks, and then, feeling more like ourselves,
+mounted and rode out of the jungle.</p>
+
+<p>"'Well, Harley, if the glimpse of futurity which I had is true, all I
+can say is that it was extremely unpleasant.'</p>
+
+<p>"'That was just my case, Charley.'</p>
+
+<p>"'My dream, or whatever you like to call it, was about a mutiny of the
+men.'</p>
+
+<p>"'You don't say so, Charley; so was mine. This is monstrously strange,
+to say the least of it. However, you tell your story first, and then I
+will tell mine.'</p>
+
+<p>"'It was very short,' Charley said. 'We were at mess&mdash;not in our present
+mess-room&mdash;we were dining with the fellows of some other regiment.
+Suddenly, without any warning, the windows were filled with a crowd of
+Sepoys, who opened fire right and left into us. Half the fellows were
+shot down at once; the rest of us made a rush to our swords just as the
+niggers came swarming into the room. There was a desperate fight for a
+moment. I remember that Subadar Pir&aacute;n&mdash;one of the best native officers
+in the regiment, by the way&mdash;made a rush at me, and I shot him through
+the head with a revolver. At the same moment a ball hit me, and down I
+went. At the moment a Sepoy fell dead across me, hiding me partly from
+sight. The fight lasted a minute or two longer. I fancy a few fellows<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213a" id="Page_213a">[-213-]</a></span>
+escaped, for I heard shots outside. Then the place became quiet. In
+another minute I heard a crackling, and saw that the devils had set the
+mess-room on fire. One of our men, who was lying close by me, got up and
+crawled to the window, but he was shot down the moment he showed
+himself. I was hesitating whether to do the same or to lie still and be
+smothered, when suddenly I rolled the dead Sepoy off, crawled into the
+anteroom half-suffocated by smoke, raised the lid of a very heavy
+trapdoor, and stumbled down some steps into a place, half-storehouse
+<a name="half" id="half"></a><ins title="added hyphen">half-cellar</ins>, under the mess-room. How I knew about it being
+there I don't know. The trap closed over my head with a bang. That is
+all I remember.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Well, Charley, curiously enough my dream was also about an
+extraordinary escape from danger, lasting, like yours, only a minute or
+two. The first thing I remember&mdash;there seems to have been something
+before, but what, I don't know&mdash;I was on horseback, holding a very
+pretty but awfully pale girl in front of me. We were pursued by a whole
+troop of Sepoy cavalry, who were firing pistol-shots at us. We were not
+more than seventy or eighty yards in front, and they were gaining fast,
+just as I rode into a large deserted temple. In the center was a huge
+stone figure. I jumped off my horse with the lady, and as I did so she
+said, "blow out my brains, Edward; don't let me fall into their hands."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214a" id="Page_214a">[-214-]</a></span>"'Instead of answering, I hurried her round behind the idol, pushed
+against one of the leaves of a flower in the carving, and the stone
+swung back, and showed a hole just large enough to get through, with a
+stone staircase inside the body of the idol, made, no doubt, for the
+priest to go up and give responses through the mouth. I hurried the girl
+through, crept in after her, and closed the stone, just as our pursuers
+came clattering into the courtyard. That is all I remember.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Well, it is monstrously rum,' Charley said, after a pause. 'Did you
+understand what the old fellow was singing about before he gave us the
+pipes?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Yes; I caught the general drift. It was an entreaty to Siva to give us
+some glimpse of futurity which might benefit us.'</p>
+
+<p>"We lit our cheroots and rode for some miles at a brisk canter without
+remark. When we were within a short distance of home we reined up.</p>
+
+<p>"'I feel ever so much better,' Charley said. 'We have got that opium out
+of our heads now. How do you account for it all, Harley?'</p>
+
+<p>"'I account for it in this way, Charley. The opium naturally had the
+effect of making us both dream, and as we took similar doses of the same
+mixture, under similar circumstances, it is scarcely extraordinary that
+it should have effected the same portion of the brain, and caused a
+certain similarity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215a" id="Page_215a">[-215-]</a></span> in our dreams. In all nightmares something terrible
+happens, or is on the point of happening; and so it was here. Not
+unnaturally in both our cases our thoughts turned to soldiers. If you
+remember, there was a talk at mess some little time since as to what
+would happen in the extremely unlikely event of the Sepoys mutinying in
+a body. I have no doubt that was the foundation of both our dreams. It
+is all natural enough when we come to think it over calmly. I think, by
+the way, we had better agree to say nothing at all about it in the
+regiment.'</p>
+
+<p>"'I should think not,' Charley said. 'We should never hear the end of
+it; they would chaff us out of our lives.'</p>
+
+<p>"We kept our secret, and came at last to laugh over it heartily when we
+were together. Then the subject dropped, and by the end of a year had as
+much escaped our minds as any other dream would have done. Three months
+after the affair the regiment was ordered down to Allahabad, and the
+change of place no doubt helped to erase all memory of the dream. Four
+years after we had left Jubbalpore we went to Beerapore. The time is
+very marked in my memory, because, the very week we arrived there, your
+aunt, then Miss Gardiner, came out from England, to her father, our
+colonel. The instant I saw her I was impressed with the idea that I knew
+her intimately. I recollected her face, her figure, and the very tone of
+her voice, but wherever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216a" id="Page_216a">[-216-]</a></span> I had met her I could not conceive. Upon the
+occasion of my first introduction to her I could not help telling her
+that I was convinced that we had met, and asking her if she did not
+remember it. No, she did not remember, but very likely she might have
+done so, and she suggested the names of several people at whose houses
+we might have met. I did not know any of them. Presently she asked how
+long I had been out in India?</p>
+
+<p>"'Six years,' I said.</p>
+
+<p>"'And how old, Mr. Harley,' she said, 'do you take me to be?'</p>
+
+<p>"I saw in one instant my stupidity, and was stammering out an apology,
+when she went on:</p>
+
+<p>"'I am very little over eighteen, Mr. Harley, although I evidently look
+ever so many years older; but papa can certify to my age; so I was only
+twelve when you left England.'</p>
+
+<p>"I tried in vain to clear matters up. Your aunt would insist that I took
+her to be forty, and the fun that my blunder made rather drew us
+together, and gave me a start over the other fellows at the station,
+half of whom fell straightway in love with her. Some months went on, and
+when the mutiny broke out we were engaged to be married. It is a proof
+of how completely the opium-dreams had passed out of the minds of both
+Simmonds and myself, that even when rumors of general disaffection among
+the Sepoys began to be current, they never once recurred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217a" id="Page_217a">[-217-]</a></span> to us; and
+even when the news of the actual mutiny reached us we were just as
+confident as were the others of the fidelity of our own regiment. It was
+the old story, foolish confidence and black treachery. As at very many
+other stations, the mutiny broke out when we were at mess. Our regiment
+was dining with the 34th Bengalees. Suddenly, just as dinner was over,
+the window was opened, and a tremendous fire poured in. Four or five men
+fell dead at once, and the poor colonel, who was next to me, was shot
+right through the head. Everyone rushed to his sword and drew his
+pistol&mdash;for we had been ordered to carry pistols as part of our uniform.
+I was next to Charley Simmonds as the Sepoys of both regiments, headed
+by Subadar Pir&aacute;n, poured in at the windows.</p>
+
+<p>"'I have it now,' Charley said; 'it is the scene I dreamed.'</p>
+
+<p>"As he spoke he fired his revolver at the subadar, who fell dead in his
+tracks.</p>
+
+<p>"A Sepoy close by leveled his musket and fired. Charley fell, and the
+fellow rushed forward to bayonet him. As he did so I sent a bullet
+through his head, and he fell across Charley. It was a wild fight for a
+minute or two, and then a few of us made a sudden rush together, cut our
+way through the mutineers, and darted through an open window on to the
+parade. There were shouts, shots, and screams from the officers'
+bungalows, and in several places<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218a" id="Page_218a">[-218-]</a></span> flames were already rising. What
+became of the other men I knew not; I made as hard as I could tear for
+the colonel's bungalow. Suddenly I came upon a sowar sitting on his
+horse watching the rising flames. Before he saw me I was on him, and ran
+him through. I leapt on his horse and galloped down to Gardiner's
+compound. I saw lots of Sepoys in and around the bungalow, all engaged
+in looting. I dashed into the compound.</p>
+
+<p>"'May! May!' I shouted. 'Where are you?'</p>
+
+<p>"I had scarcely spoken before a dark figure rushed out of a clump of
+bushes close by with a scream of delight.</p>
+
+<p>"In an instant she was on the horse before me, and, shooting down a
+couple of fellows who made a rush at my reins, I dashed out again. Stray
+shots were fired after us. But fortunately the Sepoys were all busy
+looting, most of them had laid down their muskets, and no one really
+took up the pursuit. I turned off from the parade-ground, dashed down
+between the hedges of two compounds, and in another minute we were in
+the open country.</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunately, the cavalry were all down looting their own lines, or we
+must have been overtaken at once. May happily had fainted as I lifted
+her on to my horse&mdash;happily, because the fearful screams that we heard
+from the various bungalows almost drove me mad, and would probably have
+killed her, for the poor ladies were all her intimate friends.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219a" id="Page_219a">[-219-]</a></span>"I rode on for some hours, till I felt quite safe from any immediate
+pursuit, and then we halted in the shelter of a clump of trees.</p>
+
+<p>"By this time I had heard May's story. She had felt uneasy at being
+alone, but had laughed at herself for being so, until upon her speaking
+to one of the servants he had answered in a tone of gross insolence,
+which had astonished her. She at once guessed that there was danger, and
+the moment that she was alone caught up a large, dark carriage rug,
+wrapped it round her so as to conceal her white dress, and stole out
+into the veranda. The night was dark, and scarcely had she left the
+house than she heard a burst of firing across at the mess-house. She at
+once ran in among the bushes and crouched there, as she heard the rush
+of men into the room she had just left. She heard them searching for
+her, but they were looking for a white dress, and her dark rug saved
+her. What she must have suffered in the five minutes between the firing
+of the first shots and my arrival, she only knows. May had spoken but
+very little since we started. I believe that she was certain that her
+father was dead, although I had given an evasive answer when she asked
+me; and her terrible sense of loss, added to the horror of that time of
+suspense in the garden, had completely stunned her. We waited in the
+tope until the afternoon, and then set out again.</p>
+
+<p>"We had gone but a short distance when we saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220a" id="Page_220a">[-220-]</a></span> a body of the rebel
+cavalry in pursuit. They had no doubt been scouring the country
+generally, and the discovery was accidental. For a short time we kept
+away from them, but this could not be for long, as our horse was
+carrying double. I made for a sort of ruin I saw at the foot of a hill
+half a mile away. I did so with no idea of the possibility of
+concealment. My intention was simply to get my back to a rock and to
+sell my life as dearly as I could, keeping the last two barrels of the
+revolver for ourselves. Certainly no remembrance of my dream influenced
+me in any way, and in the wild whirl of excitement I had not given a
+second thought to Charley Simmonds' exclamation. As we rode up to the
+ruins only a hundred yards ahead of us, May said:</p>
+
+<p>"'Blow out my brains, Edward; don't let me fall alive into their hands.'</p>
+
+<p>"A shock of remembrance shot across me. The chase, her pale face, the
+words, the temple&mdash;all my dream rushed into my mind.</p>
+
+<p>"'We are saved,' I cried, to her amazement, as we rode into the
+courtyard, in whose center a great figure was sitting.</p>
+
+<p>"I leapt from the horse, snatched the mussuk of water from the saddle,
+and then hurried May round the idol, between which and the rock behind
+there was but just room to get along.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a doubt entered my mind but that I should find the spring as I had
+dreamed. Sure enough<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221a" id="Page_221a">[-221-]</a></span> there was the carving, fresh upon my memory as if
+I had seen it but the day before. I placed my hand on the leaflet
+without hesitation, a solid stone moved back, I hurried my amazed
+companion in, and shut to the stone. I found, and shot to, a massive
+bolt, evidently placed to prevent the door being opened by accident or
+design when anyone was in the idol.</p>
+
+<p>"At first it seemed quite dark, but a faint light streamed in from
+above; we made our way up the stairs, and found that the light came
+through a number of small holes pierced in the upper part of the head,
+and through still smaller holes lower down, not much larger than a
+good-sized knitting-needle could pass through. These holes, we
+afterwards found, were in the ornaments round the idol's neck. The holes
+enlarged inside, and enabled us to have a view all round.</p>
+
+<p>"The mutineers were furious at our disappearance, and for hours searched
+about. Then, saying that we must be hidden somewhere, and that they
+would wait till we came out, they proceeded to bivouac in the courtyard
+of the temple.</p>
+
+<p>"We passed four terrible days, but on the morning of the fifth a scout
+came in to tell the rebels that a column of British troops marching on
+Delhi would pass close by the temple. They therefore hastily mounted and
+galloped off.</p>
+
+<p>"Three-quarters of an hour later we were safe among our own people. A
+fortnight afterwards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222a" id="Page_222a">[-222-]</a></span> your aunt and I were married. It was no time for
+ceremony then; there were no means of sending her away; no place where
+she could have waited until the time for her mourning for her father was
+over. So we were married quietly by one of the chaplains of the troops,
+and, as your story-books say, have lived very happily ever after."</p>
+
+<p>"And how about Mr. Simmonds, uncle? Did he get safe off too?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, his dream came as vividly to his mind as mine had done. He crawled
+to the place where he knew the trapdoor would be, and got into the
+cellar. Fortunately for him there were plenty of eatables there, and he
+lived there in concealment for a fortnight. After that he crawled out,
+and found the mutineers had marched for Delhi. He went through a lot,
+but at last joined us before that city. We often talked over our dreams
+together, and there was no question that we owed our lives to them. Even
+then we did not talk much to other people about them, for there would
+have been a lot of talk, and inquiry, and questions, and you know
+fellows hate that sort of thing. So we held our tongues. Poor Charley's
+silence was sealed a year later at Lucknow, for on the advance with Lord
+Clyde he was killed.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, boys and girls, you must run off to bed. Five minutes more and
+it will be Christmas Day. So you see, Frank, that although I don't
+believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223a" id="Page_223a">[-223-]</a></span> in ghosts, I have yet met with a circumstance which I cannot
+account for."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very curious anyhow, uncle, and beats ghost stories into fits."</p>
+
+<p>"I like it better, certainly," one of the girls said, "for we can go to
+bed without being afraid of dreaming about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you must not talk any more now. Off to bed, off to bed," Colonel
+Harley said, "or I shall get into terrible disgrace with your fathers
+and mothers, who have been looking very gravely at me for the last
+three-quarters of an hour."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div id="tn">
+
+<p class="center"><b>Transcriber's Note</b>:</p>
+
+<p>A <a href="#contents">Table of Contents</a> that did not appear in the original publication has
+been added.</p>
+
+<p class="noi">A second story, <a href="#pipe">A PIPE OF MYSTERY</a>, appears after the end of
+Guy in the Jungle in the publication of the book from which
+this transcription has been made. The page numbering does
+not continue from the first story, indicating that perhaps
+plates from a different book may have been used, possibly
+from "Among Malay Pirates&mdash;A Tale of Adventure and Peril"
+by G. A. Henty, published also by M. A. Donohue &amp; Company.</p>
+
+<p class="noi">The words "<a href="#weazened">weazened</a><sup><a href="#weazened2">1</a></sup> and "<a href="#dhoolie">dhoolie</a>", alternative spelling
+for burnous/burnouse, and alternative hyphenation in
+today/to-day and eggshell/egg-shell have been retained as
+they appear in the original publication.</p>
+
+<p class="noi">Changes have been made as follows:</p>
+
+<table class="tn" summary="Transcriber's changes">
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">Page</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">3</td>
+<td class="tdl">Comma added <a href="#comma">Copyrighted 1890,</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">7</td>
+<td class="tdl">Comma removed <a href="#comma2">and to</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">9</td>
+<td class="tdl">distingussh <i>changed to</i> <a href="#distinguish">distinguish</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">10</td>
+<td class="tdl">Comma <i>changed to</i> fullstop in <a href="#comma3">sir.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">12</td>
+<td class="tdl">Comma added after <a href="#comma4">Torres,</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdl">"in" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#is">is</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">18</td>
+<td class="tdl">"gold-dust,aromatic" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#space">gold-dust, aromatic</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">"frrm" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#from">from</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">31</td>
+<td class="tdl">"proced" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#proceed">proceed</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">36</td>
+<td class="tdl">"acident" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#accident">accident</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">42</td>
+<td class="tdl">"demnostration" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#demonstration">demonstration</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">45</td>
+<td class="tdl">"Kakar's" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#Makars">Makar's</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">46</td>
+<td class="tdl">"appearedover" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#space2">appeared over</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdl">"sand,hills" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#sand">sand-hills</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">49</td>
+<td class="tdl">"Markar" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#Makar">Makar"</a> with <a href="#quote">closing
+quotation mark</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdl">"know" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#knew">knew</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">50</td>
+<td class="tdl">"aiike" be <i>changed to</i> <a href="#alike">alike</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">53</td>
+<td class="tdl2"><a href="#line2">filed at a slow trot over the sandy plain in a southerly</a>, which
+originally appeared after <a href="#line">At the last</a> has been moved
+to later in the paragraph after "the line of camels"</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">55</td>
+<td class="tdl">"layind" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#laying">laying</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">61</td>
+<td class="tdl">Removed comma from <a href="#comma5">with, hatred</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">71</td>
+<td class="tdl">"invaders.," <i>changed to</i> <a href="#comma6">invaders.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">106</td>
+<td class="tdl">fiends. ages." <i>changed to</i> <a href="#ages">fiends."</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">112</td>
+<td class="tdl">"Arican" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#African">African</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">128</td>
+<td class="tdl">"it?" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#question">it!</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdl">"immediately" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#fullstop">immediately.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">129</td>
+<td class="tdl">"ge" get more <i>changed to</i> <a href="#we">we</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">134</td>
+<td class="tdl">"then" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#question2">then?</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">136</td>
+<td class="tdl">"Makaol" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#Makalo">Makalo</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">141</td>
+<td class="tdl">"it seffect" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#effect">its effect</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">156</td>
+<td class="tdl">"Arthus" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#Arthur">Arthur</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">174</td>
+<td class="tdl">"montony" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#monotony">monotony</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">183</td>
+<td class="tdl">Removed open double quotation before <a href="#quote2">Melton's</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">226</td>
+<td class="tdl">"huried" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#hurried">hurried</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">243</td>
+<td class="tdl">Added open single quotation mark to <a href="#quote3">'Oh,'</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">253</td>
+<td class="tdl">Added quotation to <a href="#quote4">"I see a cavern</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">263</td>
+<td class="tdl">Removed quotation from <a href="#quote5">longer. I</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">292</td>
+<td class="tdl">"Makolo" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#Makalo2">Makalo</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">293</td>
+<td class="tdl">"burman" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#Burman">Burman</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="tdr">213</td>
+<td class="tdl">"half cellar" <i>changed to</i> <a href="#half">half-cellar</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr2" />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Guy in the Jungle, by William Murray Graydon
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Guy in the Jungle, by William Murray Graydon
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Guy in the Jungle
+       A Boy's Adventure in the Wilds of Africa
+
+Author: William Murray Graydon
+
+Release Date: May 11, 2010 [EBook #32329]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUY IN THE JUNGLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THEN THE SPEAR FLASHED IN THE TORCHLIGHT.]
+
+
+
+
+    _Guy in the Jungle_
+
+    OR
+
+    _A Boy's Adventure in the
+    Wilds of Africa_
+
+    BY
+
+    _William Murray Graydon._
+
+    _Author of "Jungles and Traitors", "In Barracks and
+    Wigwam", "The Camp in the Snow", Etc._
+
+
+    CHICAGO:
+    M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+
+
+
+
+    Copyrighted 1890,
+    by FRANK A. MUNSEY
+
+    Copyrighted, 1902,
+    by THOMPSON & THOMAS
+
+
+
+
+The River of Darkness.
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+
+It was November in London. The great city was buried under a dank,
+yellow fog. Traffic was temporarily checked; foot passengers groped
+their way by the light of the street lamps, and the hoarse shouts of the
+link boys running before cabs and carriages with blazing torches rang at
+intervals above the muffled rumble of countless wheels.
+
+In the coffee-room of a quiet hotel on the Strand a young man stands by
+the window, looking pensively out on the misty street. He is quite
+young, with light hair that falls half over his forehead, and a
+drooping, golden mustache, and in rather startling contrast to these a
+deep-bronzed complexion that tells of foreign lands and tropical suns.
+
+"Captain Chutney, sir?"
+
+It is a hotel servant, with a big blue envelope in his hand, and, as the
+young man wheels round, he reveals the uniform and bright facings of a
+captain of hussars.
+
+"Yes, I am Captain Chutney," he replies to the servant. "Thank you,"
+and, taking the blue document, he stands for a moment in deep
+thoughtfulness.
+
+Well may he hesitate to break that official seal which glares up at him
+so broadly. Were the gift of futurity his, and could he see mirrored
+before him the dread panorama of events that are inevitably linked with
+that innocent-looking missive, he would fling it with horror-stricken
+hands into the coal-fire that burns on the grate beside him.
+
+But no disturbing thought enters his mind. The future looks bright and
+cheerful enough just at present, and ripping open the end of the
+envelope without breaking the seal, he pulls out a folded paper and
+reads:
+
+                         COLONIAL OFFICE, DOWNING STREET, S. W.
+    TO CAPTAIN GUY CHUTNEY:
+        Your immediate presence is requested on urgent affairs.
+
+                           (Signed)                   ---- ----
+                       SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS.
+
+Chutney looks with some surprise at the famous signature attached with a
+bold hand. He places the letter in his pocket, pushes open a swinging
+door at the left, and vanishes up a broad stairway.
+
+In five minutes he reappears, clad in a big mackintosh, and, calling a
+cab, he rattles off westward through the fog.
+
+He is not in the best of humors. He had made other plans for the day,
+for his furlough is up, and tomorrow he leaves for India to rejoin his
+regiment. He had come up yesterday from the country, where he had put in
+a week at grouse hunting with his brother, Sir Lucas Chutney, and today
+he intended bidding good-by to old friends, and to attend to the making
+of a few purchases.
+
+Downing Street is not far away, and presently the cab rolls into
+Whitehall and draws up before the big granite building.
+
+Guy makes his way through the spacious corridors thronged with clerks,
+civilians, foreigners from every part of the globe, and at last reaches
+the private apartments of the chief.
+
+The Right Honorable Lord is deeply engaged, but his private secretary
+receives Chutney cordially, and, leading him back into a still more
+secluded and stately apartment, motions him to a soft chair and sits
+down opposite him.
+
+"Captain Chutney," he begins abruptly, "you leave for India tomorrow?"
+
+"India Mail, eight o'clock in the morning," Guy replies briefly.
+
+"Very well. We are going to intrust you with a very important
+commission. You will stop off at Aden, cross the Gulf of Aden in the
+semi-weekly steamer, and present these documents to Sir Arthur Ashby,
+the Political Resident of Zaila, the fortified town of the Somali Coast
+Protectorate."
+
+The secretary hands Guy two bulky envelopes, stamped and sealed with the
+government seal.
+
+"They relate to affairs of importance," he continues. "Your gallant
+record justifies us in intrusting the papers to your care. You can
+return in time to take the next steamer. Perhaps I had better tell you
+this much in confidence," the secretary adds:
+
+"We have received from certain sources information to the effect that
+the Emir of Harar, on the southern harbor of Abyssinia, contemplates at
+no distant date an attack on Zaila. Our garrison there is weak, and, as
+you probably know, the Somali country is treacherous and unreliable.
+These papers contain necessary instructions for the Political Resident."
+
+The secretary rises, and Guy gladly follows his example.
+
+"I will see that the papers are delivered," he says earnestly.
+
+"Thank you," the secretary responded. "I am sure that you will. I wish
+you a safe voyage, Captain Chutney, and fresh Burmese laurels, for you
+will no doubt take part in the Chittagong expedition."
+
+They shake hands warmly, and in five minutes Guy is rattling cityward
+again through the increasing fog. Long afterward he looks back on that
+morning as the most memorable day of his life. At present his commission
+sits lightly on his mind. He attends to all his duties in London,
+catches the India Mail, and two days later is steaming across the
+Mediterranean on board the P. and O. steamship Cleopatra.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE STOLEN DESPATCHES.
+
+
+Steadily the Cleopatra had traversed the Mediterranean, passed through
+the Suez Canal, plowed the burning waters of the Red Sea, and now, on
+this bright, sultry day, Aden was left behind, and with smoking funnels
+she was heading swiftly and boldly for the Indian Ocean.
+
+A smaller steamer, a mere pigmy beside this gigantic Indian liner, had
+left the harbor of Aden at the same time, and was beating in a
+southwesterly direction across the gulf with a speed that was rapidly
+increasing the distance between the two vessels.
+
+On the upper deck stood Guy Chutney, straining his eyes through a pair
+of field-glasses to catch a last glimpse of the Cleopatra, and to
+distinguish, if possible, the figures grouped under the white awnings.
+He had only arrived at Aden last night, and now he was bound for the
+dreary African coast, while all the gay friends he had made on board the
+Cleopatra were steaming merrily off for Calcutta without him.
+
+It was by no means a comforting state of affairs, and Guy's spirits were
+at their lowest ebb as the steamer finally faded into the horizon. He
+put up the glasses and strode forward. From the lower deck came a
+confused babel of sounds, a harsh jabbering of foreign languages that
+grated roughly on his ear.
+
+"This is a remarkably fine day, sir."
+
+It was the captain who spoke, a bluff, hearty man, who looked oddly out
+of place in white linen and a solar topee.
+
+"It is a grand day," said Guy. "May I ask when we are due at Zaila?"
+
+"At Zaila?" repeated the captain, with a look of sudden surprise. "Ah,
+yes. Possibly tomorrow, probably not until the following day."
+
+It was now Guy's turn to be surprised.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me," he said, "that it takes two or three days to
+cross the Gulf of Aden?"
+
+"No," replied the captain briskly. "You are surely aware, my dear sir,
+that we proceed first to Berbera, and thence up the coast to Zaila."
+
+"Then you have deceived me, sir," cried Guy hotly. "You told me this
+morning that this steamer went to Zaila."
+
+"Certainly I did," replied the captain. "You didn't ask for any more
+information, or I should have told you that we went to Berbera first.
+The great annual fair has just opened at Berbera, and I have on board
+large stores of merchandise and trading properties. On other occasions I
+go to Zaila first, but during the progress of the fair I always go
+direct to Berbera and unload. I supposed that fact to be generally
+understood," and, turning on his heel, the captain walked off to give
+some orders to his men.
+
+Guy was half inclined to be angry at first, but on reflection he
+concluded he was just as well satisfied. Besides, it would give him a
+chance to see that wonderful African fair, which he now remembered to
+have heard about on different occasions.
+
+But one other person was visible on the deck, a short, chunky man, with
+a dark complexion, and crafty, forbidding features.
+
+A Portuguese or a Spaniard Guy put him down for at once, and he
+instantly conceived a deep mistrust of him. The fellow, however, was
+inclined to be sociable.
+
+"Ah, an Englishman," he said, coming up to Guy and holding out his hand,
+an action which Guy professed not to see.
+
+"You are going to Berbera, perhaps," he went on, nowise discomfited by
+the rebuff.
+
+"No," said Guy shortly. "To Zaila."
+
+"Ah, yes, Zaila! You have friends there, perhaps? I, too, am acquainted.
+I know very well Sir Arthur Ashby, the governor at Zaila."
+
+His keen eyes scanned Guy's face closely, and noted the faint gleam of
+surprise at this information.
+
+But Guy was too clever to be thrown off his guard.
+
+"Yes," he said. "I know some people here. I have not the pleasure of Sir
+Arthur's acquaintance."
+
+He would have turned away at this point, but the man pulled a card from
+his pocket and presented it to him. Guy glanced it over with interest:
+
+          C. MANUEL TORRES,
+    _Trader at Aden and Berbera_.
+
+"A vile Portuguese slave-hunter," he thought to himself.
+
+"Well, Mr. Torres," he said. "I am sorry that I have no cards about me,
+but my name is Chutney."
+
+The Portuguese softly whispered the name once or twice. Then, without
+further questioning, he offered Guy a cigar, and lit one himself.
+
+Manuel Torres proved to be quite an interesting companion, and gave Guy
+a vivid account of the wonders of the fair.
+
+As they went below at dinner time he pointed out on the corner of the
+dock a great stack of wooden boxes.
+
+"Those are mine," he said. "They contain iron and steel implements for
+the natives and Arabs."
+
+"They look like rifle cases," Guy remarked carelessly; and, looking at
+the Portuguese as he spoke, he fancied that the dark face actually
+turned gray for an instant. In a moment they were seated at the table,
+and the brief occurrence was forgotten.
+
+All that afternoon they steamed on across the gulf, overhead the blue
+and cloudless sky, beneath them waters of even deeper blue, and at
+sunset the yellow coast line of the African continent loomed up from the
+purple distance.
+
+Guy had been dozing under an awning most of the afternoon, but now he
+came forward eagerly to get his first glimpse of eastern Africa.
+
+To his great disappointment, the captain refused to land.
+
+It was risky, he said, to make a landing at night, and it would be dark
+when they entered the harbor. They must lie at anchor till morning.
+
+Most of the night Guy paced up and down the deck sleeping at brief
+intervals, and listening with eager curiosity to the strange sounds that
+floated out on the air from the shore, where the flickering glare of
+many torches could be seen.
+
+Stretched on a mattress, the Portuguese slept like a log, without once
+awakening.
+
+Before dawn the anchors were lifted, and at the captain's suggestion Guy
+hastened down to his cabin to gather up his scanty luggage, for most of
+his traps had gone on to Calcutta in the Cleopatra.
+
+He buckled on his sword, put his revolvers in his pocket, clapped his
+big solar topee on his head, and then reached down for the morocco
+traveling case which he had stored away for better security under his
+berth.
+
+A cry of horror burst from his lips as he dragged it out. The lock was
+broken, and the sides were flapping apart. For one brief second he
+stared at it like a madman, and then, with frantic haste, he fell on his
+knees, and, plunging his hands inside, began to toss the contents
+recklessly out upon the floor. Toilet articles, linen, cigars,
+writing-paper, jewelry, and various other things piled up until his
+finger nails scraped the bottom. He turned the case bottom up and shook
+it savagely, shook it until the silver clasps rattled against the sides,
+and then he sank back with a groan, while the drops of perspiration
+chased each other down his haggard cheeks.
+
+The precious despatches were gone.
+
+For the time being Guy was fairly driven out of his senses by the horror
+of the calamity. Ruin stared him in the face. What madness it was to
+leave those papers in his cabin! He had foolishly hesitated to carry
+them on his person for fear the perspiration would soak them through and
+through, and now they were hopelessly lost. The cabin door had been
+locked, too. The thief must have had a key.
+
+The first shock over, his manliness asserted itself, and he took a
+critical view of the situation. He hardly suspected any person as yet.
+The despatches must be recovered. That was the first step.
+
+He flew up the stairs, three at a time, and rushed panting and
+breathless upon deck.
+
+All about him was the hurry and bustle of preparation. The shore was
+close at hand, and the steamer was moving toward the rude wharf. Manuel
+Torres was leaning over the rail, coolly smoking a cigar. The captain
+stood near by, gazing intently at the shore. He looked up with wonder as
+Guy appeared, crying out in hoarse tones:
+
+"I have been robbed, captain, treacherously robbed. Documents of the
+greatest importance have been stolen from my cabin, and not a soul shall
+leave this steamer till every inch of it has been searched. I demand
+your assistance, sir!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A STRANGE MEETING.
+
+
+Torres looked up in apparent surprise from his cigar, and the captain's
+ruddy face flashed a shade deeper.
+
+"Are you sure, sir?" he cried. "This is a strange place for a robbery."
+
+Guy turned on him hotly.
+
+"A robbery has been committed, nevertheless, and the articles stolen are
+despatches for the governor of Zaila. They were intrusted to me for
+delivery, and I look to you to recover them."
+
+"Ah! Government despatches, were they?" said the captain. "Just step
+below and we'll look into the matter."
+
+They turned toward the cabin, leaving the Portuguese still gazing over
+the rail.
+
+At the foot of the steps the captain stopped.
+
+"Why, what's this?" he said, stooping down and pulling from under the
+lowest step a bunch of papers.
+
+"The stolen despatches!" cried Guy wildly. "But look! The seals have
+been broken."
+
+Together they inspected the documents. Each envelope had been opened,
+but the contents appeared to be all right. The thief had plainly been
+satisfied with their perusal.
+
+"Whoever stole them," said the captain, "was afraid to retain them lest
+a search should be made, and as he had no way to destroy them he tossed
+them down here where they could easily be found."
+
+"Who else had a key to my cabin?" Guy asked sternly.
+
+"The key to Torres' cabin will open yours," replied the captain, "and
+several of the crew also have keys."
+
+"Then Torres is the man," said Guy. "The scoundrel looks capable of
+anything."
+
+"I wouldn't advise you to accuse him," said the captain gravely. "He may
+cause trouble for you on shore. You must remember that British influence
+is little felt at Berbera. Your best plan is to say nothing, but relate
+the whole affair to the governor at Zaila. And now, as we may lie in the
+harbor here all day, you had better go on shore. You will see a strange
+sight."
+
+Guy put the recovered documents away in an inner pocket, and followed
+the captain on deck, in a very angry frame of mind. Torres had
+disappeared, but Guy felt that he had not seen the last of him.
+
+He half forgot his anger in the strange sight that now met his eyes, for
+the steamer was just approaching the wharf, and in a moment the
+gang-plank was dropped over the side.
+
+He waited until the eager, jostling crowd of Arabs had passed over, and
+then he made his way to shore. The spectacle before him was marvelous
+and entrancing.
+
+Extending apparently for miles up and down the yellow stretch of sand
+that fringed the coast was one great sea of canvas that fluttered under
+the African breeze.
+
+There were tents of every description, some old and dingy, some
+spotlessly white and shining, and others brilliant in many colors,
+barred with red and green and yellow, while here and there, from their
+midst, rose the sun-baked walls and towers of the original Berbera, for
+all this floating canvas belonged to the nomadic population who flock
+hither from the interior during the fair, and add twenty thousand to the
+perennial population of the town.
+
+Dazed as though in a dream, Guy moved forward, noting with wonder the
+strange people who thronged about him and regarded him with evident
+mistrust. Borne on by the crowd, he found himself presently in the main
+avenue of the fair, and his first amazed impression was that he had been
+transported to a scene in the "Arabian Nights."
+
+On either side of the narrow street stretched the sea of tents, and
+before them, on rude stalls, were ranged everything that the imagination
+could devise: sacks of coffee and grain, great heaps of glittering
+ivory, packets of gold-dust, aromatic spices, and fragrant gums of all
+sorts, great bunches of waving ostrich plumes, bales of cotton and
+tobacco, tanned hides of domestic animals, tawny skins of lions,
+leopards, and panthers, oddly-woven grass mats, quaint arms, and bits of
+carving, fetish ornaments, and even live cattle and sheep tied to the
+poles of the tents.
+
+Standing guard over their wares were natives from all parts of Africa,
+Arabs from the Zambesi, savage-looking Abyssinians, crafty Somalis with
+greasy, dangling locks, and brawny, half-naked fellows from the
+interior, the like of whom Guy had never seen or heard.
+
+And up and down the narrow street moved in a ceaseless throng the
+traders who had come to purchase: Arabs from Aden and Suakim, Egyptians
+from Cairo, traders from Zanzibar, and a sprinkling of Portuguese and
+Spaniards.
+
+Some of them bore their goods on camels, others had hired native
+carriers, who staggered under the heavy bales and cases, and the uproar
+was deafening and incessant as they wrangled over their bartering and
+dazzled the eyes of their customers with rolls of English and French
+silks, pigs of iron, copper, and brass, sacks of rice and sugar,
+glittering Manchester cutlery, American beads, and cans of gunpowder.
+
+The builders of the tower of Babel itself could not have produced such a
+jargon or variety of tongues, Guy thought, as he picked his way onward,
+now stopping to gaze at some odd-looking group, and now attracted by the
+harsh music and beating drums of a band of native musicians.
+
+He noted with secret satisfaction the occasional presence in the crowd
+of a dark-skinned soldier in British uniform, and he observed with some
+surprise the vast number of Abyssinian Arabs, whom he recognized by
+their peculiar dress.
+
+Finally a stranger sight than all arrested his steps. In a small
+inclosure, cordoned off by a rope, lay a dozen poor slaves shackled to
+stakes driven deep in the ground and exposed to the burning sun.
+
+Their owner, a brawny negro with a head-dress of feathers, a native of
+the Galla country, was disputing over their purchase with a gigantic
+Arab, whose powerful frame irresistibly fascinated Guy's attention.
+
+He wore a loosely-flapping cotton gown, confined at the waist by a belt
+that fairly bristled with knives and pistols, while a scarlet burnous
+was drawn over his head, affording a brilliant set-off to the glittering
+eyes, the tawny, shining skin, and the short chin-beard and mustache.
+
+Behind the group of slaves, chained to the pole of a spacious tent, lay
+a sleek and glossy leopard, sleeping in the sun as unconcernedly as
+though he were in the midst of his native desert. The Arab, unaware
+probably of the beast's presence, walked slowly round the circle
+inspecting his prospective purchase.
+
+The leopard perhaps was dreaming of the days when he was wont to chase
+the deer through the jungle, for suddenly his spotted body quivered and
+his long tail shot out like a stiffened serpent. The Arab's sandaled
+foot came down on the tapering end, and with a scream of rage the beast
+sprang up.
+
+Overcome by a sudden fright, the Arab staggered backward a pace, and
+like a flash the leopard shot to the end of his chain, and fastening
+teeth and claws on the unfortunate man's neck, bore him to the ground.
+Panic-stricken, those who stood near made no move. The big negro danced
+wildly up and down, keeping well out of reach of his savage pet, and the
+slaves howled with fright.
+
+An instant's delay and the man was lost. Suddenly Guy drew his revolver
+and sprang forward.
+
+The negro uttered a howl and tried to push him back, but Guy forced his
+way past him, and pressing the revolver close to the brute's head pulled
+the trigger.
+
+It was a good shot. The leopard rolled over lifeless, and the Arab, with
+Guy's assistance, rose to his feet very dazed, while the blood dripped
+down from his lacerated back.
+
+Instantly the scene changed. The negro, angered at the death of his
+leopard, advanced menacingly on Guy with a drawn knife, and in response
+to his summons other negroes rallied to his aid.
+
+But the Arab, too, had friends in the crowd, and they, pressing forward
+in turn, made it seem as though a bloody conflict were inevitable.
+
+Just as the issue was trembling in the balance, a shout arose from the
+crowded street.
+
+"The white man! Make room for the white man!" and through the parted
+ranks Guy saw advancing a bronzed Englishman in white flannels and
+helmet.
+
+The stranger pushed right in through the sullen group of negroes until
+he reached the open space before the tent, and stood face to face with
+Guy.
+
+Their eyes met in one amazed glance that startled the wondering
+spectators, and then from Guy's lips burst a glad, hoarse cry:
+
+"Melton Forbes, or I am dreaming!"
+
+"Chutney, by Jove! My dear fellow, can it be possible?"
+
+All else forgotten in their deep joy of meeting, the two bronzed
+Englishmen fell into each other's arms, and the Arabs and negroes, dimly
+comprehending what it all meant, shouted in sympathy and lowered their
+arms.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE ARAB'S WARNING.
+
+
+For a little while the British officer and the British newspaper
+correspondent could do nothing but stand off to look at each other, and
+then embrace again as though it were hard to believe that it was not all
+a dream.
+
+The Arabs and negroes had drawn to one side, and the big savage was
+wrathfully inspecting the body of the leopard.
+
+"Come," said Melton, plucking Guy's arm, "we will find a quiet place
+where we can talk in peace."
+
+The crowd made way for them, but before they had taken half a dozen
+steps the big Arab staggered forward and seized Guy by the hand.
+
+"You brave man," he cried. "Makar never forget."
+
+He kept on with many protestations of gratitude until Guy tried to
+withdraw in embarrassment.
+
+"Wait," said the Arab. "Come along. Me tell you something."
+
+He fairly dragged Guy back to the entrance of the tent where none could
+hear, and bending low he whispered in his ear:
+
+"Berbera no place for Inglis man this day. Better go away, quick. Heed
+what Makar tell you. Now go."
+
+He fairly pushed Guy from him, and the latter, joining Melton, who had
+witnessed the scene with the greatest curiosity, led the way out into
+the street.
+
+A curious crowd followed them closely for some distance, and not a word
+was spoken until they had turned off into a side avenue lined with low
+mud buildings.
+
+"Now," said Melton quickly, "I need not tell you, my dear fellow, what a
+pleasant surprise this meeting has been, but all explanation must be
+deferred to a more suitable time. You have made a friend and an enemy
+today, for Makar Makalo is the most powerful Arab in the whole Somali
+country, while that big negro is Oko Sain, the head chief of all the
+Gallas who dwell two hundred miles back from the coast. What did Makar
+tell you?"
+
+Guy repeated the Arab's warning, and Melton stood for a moment in deep
+thought.
+
+"I suspected as much," he said finally. "Never before have there been so
+many Arabs and Somalis from the interior at Berbera. Only yesterday a
+caravan of two thousand camels arrived from Harar in the Galla country.
+Something is wrong, I have felt certain, and now Makar confirms my
+fears."
+
+A glimmering suspicion of the truth flashed over Guy's mind at this
+juncture, but he hesitated to speak.
+
+"Now then," continued Melton, "this can mean nothing but a massacre. The
+only soldiers in the place are about sixty of the Bombay infantry, who
+were sent down here from Zaila, and as for the fortifications, they are
+nothing but a few mud walls. There they lie yonder," and he pointed to
+an English flag floating over the house-tops some distance away.
+
+"We are only wasting time here," he added. "We'll look about a little
+and then I'll decide what to do. I don't want to raise any false alarm."
+
+They turned back to the main avenue. The crowds still surged up and
+down, and the tumult seemed as harsh and discordant as ever, but the
+place had nevertheless undergone a change since they had left it a short
+time before. Little bartering was going on, and but few Arabs and
+Somalis were to be seen. Those on the street were mostly harmless
+traders from Aden and Cairo.
+
+"What has become of all the Arabs?" asked Guy.
+
+"That is just what I want to know," said Melton; "I'll soon find out,
+though. Walk as fast as you can now, Chutney, and look as unconcerned as
+possible."
+
+Melton led the way down the street for a little distance, and, turning
+into a side passage, soon stopped before a low, one-story building.
+
+A dark-skinned fellow clad in ordinary Egyptian costume stood in the
+doorway, and with a cry of surprise Guy recognized Mombagolo, Forbes'
+trusty savage servant, who did much good service for them when they were
+in Burma together.
+
+Their greeting was brief and hasty.
+
+"I have work for you, Momba," said Melton. "Something is going on in the
+town, I don't know just what. You can go anywhere without being
+suspected. Find out what you can, and then come down to the wharf. Don't
+return here."
+
+The man hastened away at once, and then Guy and Melton started for the
+shore.
+
+"I won't give any alarm at the garrison," said Forbes, as they hurried
+along. "I'll wait till Momba reports. I don't suppose anything is
+contemplated before nightfall at the earliest, and, as the troops are
+scattered, it would only precipitate matters if I should have them
+called in."
+
+The last bale of goods was being unloaded from the steamer when they
+reached the wharf. The captain and officers were smoking cigars against
+the rail, and catching sight of Guy, the former called out:
+
+"Don't forget now. Six o'clock sharp."
+
+Guy nodded, and followed Melton to one side, where the two sat down on a
+bale of cotton. Melton briefly explained how he came to be at Berbera.
+After his return from Burma, he had been dispatched as war
+correspondent of the London _Post_ to Suakim, which town was at that
+time threatened by the Mahdi.
+
+Mombagolo, or Momba as Melton now called him, had become his faithful
+servant, and a week ago, the war-scare at Suakim having subsided, Melton
+had come to Berbera to write up the great fair for his paper.
+
+Then Guy, in his turn, simply stated that he had stopped off on his way
+to India to execute a commission at Zaila. He made no reference to the
+dispatches, feeling doubtful whether it would be proper or not, for a
+government secret is a thing of weighty importance.
+
+The conversation drifted to their perilous adventures in Burma, and the
+time passed on unheeded.
+
+At last Melton glanced up.
+
+"Do you observe how quiet it is?" he exclaimed. "And look! There are but
+few people in sight."
+
+It was indeed quiet. A dead, oppressive calm had settled on the sea; not
+a breeze rustled, not a ripple broke the glassy surface of the water,
+and from the town, instead of the loud babel of cries, came only a low
+murmur like a distant waterfall. A strange calm indeed, the calm that
+serves as precursor to the unseen storm.
+
+Suddenly, with startling abruptness, a rifle-shot broke the silence with
+its shuddering echoes. Guy and Melton sprang to their feet. The
+officers on the steamer crowded to the rail, up in the town dark figures
+ran to and fro, a soldier in bright uniform was seen speeding toward the
+garrison, and now plunging madly toward the wharf came a white clad
+figure, pursued by a howling group of Somali warriors, who brandished
+long spears and daggers. A shot from Melton's pistol brought them to a
+sudden halt, and Momba, for it was indeed he, ran a few paces and fell
+breathless at his master's feet.
+
+"What fiendishness is this?" shouted the captain furiously, from the
+deck of the steamer.
+
+Momba staggered to his knees.
+
+"The Arabs!" he cried. "They are coming--they have rifles--the
+Portuguese--he broke open long boxes--and handed out guns--Makar's men
+all have them--the Somalis have them--they have plenty shells--"
+
+Guy ground his teeth.
+
+"The infernal scoundrel!" he cried. "So that's what those long boxes of
+his contained!"
+
+"You mean Torres?" exclaimed Melton. "I know the villain. He is a
+partner of Makar Makalo's. But come. We must fight our way to the
+garrison."
+
+Alas! too late! Bang--bang, bang--bang, a fusillade of rifle-fire rang
+out from the town, hideous yells of triumph mingled with cries of
+despair and agony, and over the garrison walls floated a constantly
+increasing cloud of white smoke. The firing deepened, and a hoarse yell
+arose as the English flag, shot from its staff, fluttered down into the
+curling smoke.
+
+"They are murdering the garrison!" cried Melton.
+
+He grasped a revolver in each hand, and would have gone madly forward,
+but at that moment a louder tumult burst forth close at hand, and
+swarming down the crooked street, curving in and out through the tents
+and heaped-up stalls, came a fierce and frantic horde of Arabs and
+Somalis, waving rifles and spears, and yelling like ten thousand fiends.
+
+"On board for your lives!" shouted the captain, and as Guy and Melton
+dashed over the gang-plank, followed by Momba, a kick from the captain
+sent it whirling down into the water.
+
+Providentially steam was up, slowly the engines started, the screw
+revolved, and just as the steamer moved lazily out into the harbor, the
+enraged mob swept to the very edge of the wharf. In futile rage they let
+fly showers of spears and a scattering rifle-fire that pierced and
+shattered the woodwork of the vessel, but fortunately without effect,
+for every man had got safely below.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ALARM.
+
+
+They rushed upon deck again as soon as the steamer was beyond
+rifle-shot. A distant roar, like the blended shouts of thousands of
+people, floated across the water from the town, and at intervals a shot
+was fired.
+
+Smoke no longer hovered over the garrison. The last man had succumbed,
+and with the fall of the garrison the massacre seemed to have come to an
+end. The uprising had been directed against the British troops alone.
+
+"This is a terrible thing," said Melton, "and there is something back of
+it all. I can't understand it. Can it be possible the wretches have
+designs on Zaila, I wonder? It's a pity you interfered with that
+leopard, Chutney. If Makar Makalo had perished, this revolt might never
+have broken out. Makar is at the head of it, I know, and possibly he has
+influence behind him. He is an ally of that fanatical despot, Rao Khan,
+the Emir of Harar, who hates the English worse than poison, and--"
+
+Guy started at the mention of this name.
+
+"I want to see you a minute, Forbes," he cried excitedly; and, leading
+Melton to one side, he pulled out the despatches from his pocket, and
+said, "You have come closer to the truth than you imagine. I am going
+to confide a secret to you, and you can tell what had best be done.
+These papers were intrusted to me for delivery into the hands of Sir
+Arthur Ashby, at Zaila, and they contain instructions bearing on the
+very matter you have just mentioned. The authorities at the colonial
+office in London told me in secret that the Emir of Harar was supposed
+to be plotting the capture of Zaila, and these despatches contain Sir
+Arthur's orders in case of that emergency."
+
+"By Jove, that explains it!" cried Melton. "The emergency has come. I
+see it all. Makar had collected his Arabs and Somalis at Berbera by the
+Emir's orders, and they were only waiting the arrival of that villainous
+Portuguese with the rifles. They have put the garrison at Berbera out of
+the way, and now they will march on to Zaila."
+
+"Then what can be done?" demanded Guy. "Shall we proceed to Zaila, or
+get the captain to steam direct for Aden and collect all the available
+troops?"
+
+"No, no," groaned Forbes. "That would be useless. Zaila is sixty miles
+up the coast. We can beat the Arabs, and get there in time to prepare
+the town for defense. The garrison is wretchedly small, but they will
+have to hold out until assistance can come from Aden."
+
+Melton was still more astounded when Guy told him of the stealing of the
+despatches.
+
+"Then Torres knows their contents," he said, "and he will act
+accordingly. This is certainly a bad business, Chutney. Those papers
+must be delivered to Sir Arthur as soon as possible, though, to tell the
+truth, I fear Zaila is doomed. But we are losing precious time.
+Something must be done at once."
+
+They called the captain aside, and told him just enough to impress him
+with the danger threatening Zaila, and he readily fell in with their
+plans.
+
+Twilight was now falling, and by the time darkness had settled over the
+blue waters of the gulf the steamer was plowing her way steadily
+northward, Berbera but faintly visible in the rear by the glow of the
+burning torches.
+
+Hour after hour they steamed on. Neither Guy nor Melton could sleep, but
+sitting aft on camp stools they talked in whispers of the dread events
+they had witnessed, and of what might be before them.
+
+At midnight the steamer came to a sudden stop. The machinery, exerted to
+the highest pressure, had broken in some part. A delay was inevitable,
+the captain assured them, but in a couple of hours the repairs could be
+made.
+
+Morning came, revealing the distant yellow line of the African coast,
+but still the steamer lay at anchor, rocking gently in the early
+morning breeze. It may be imagined with what a fever of impatience Guy
+and Melton lived through those weary hours.
+
+It was nearly midday when the repairs were completed, and the vessel
+forged ahead again. For fear of fresh accidents, the captain refused to
+crowd on steam, and when at last the turrets and brown walls of Zaila
+came in view, it was late in the afternoon.
+
+At a distance, all seemed peaceful; the English flag was floating from
+half a dozen different buildings of the town. In the harbor lay three or
+four Arab dhows and a neat little steamer, which the captain said
+belonged to the governor, and was used for transporting troops or
+despatches.
+
+Captain Waller anchored close by the town, and accompanied Guy, Melton,
+and Momba on shore in a small boat. So far, at least, all was well.
+
+A few Arabs and Somalis were sitting around lazily on the sand, and
+troops of the Bombay Infantry were seen moving about the streets.
+
+"Appear as unconscious as possible," whispered Melton. "Let nothing be
+suspected."
+
+A close observer might have detected traces of suppressed curiosity on
+the faces of the Arabs and Somalis, but they were evidently deceived by
+the careless manner of the new arrivals, for after a keen scrutiny they
+settled back into lazy attitudes.
+
+"I don't like the looks of those fellows," said Melton, "and another
+thing I don't like is the presence of those Arab dhows in the harbor.
+But look, Chutney, there is the residency ahead of us."
+
+They were approaching a low building of sun-baked brick, with Venetian
+awnings at the entrance and windows. Half a dozen sentries were on
+guard, and an officer came forward to meet the little party.
+
+Guy saluted.
+
+"I am the bearer of important despatches for the governor of Zaila," he
+said, "and must see him at once."
+
+The officer disappeared for a moment, and presently came back and
+announced that the governor would see them. They were ushered in through
+a wide hall, and, passing half along its length, they turned to the
+right, and found themselves in the presence of Sir Arthur Ashby. He was
+a very pompous looking man of middle age, with reddish mustache, and
+long side whiskers. He was seated on an easy chair beside an ebony
+table. Opposite him sat an English officer.
+
+They were smoking cigars, and on the table were glasses and champagne
+bottles packed in ice. Lamps were lit, for already twilight was falling.
+
+He half arose as his visitors entered, and then dropped back. Guy
+briefly introduced himself and party, and handed Sir Arthur the
+despatches, explaining how the seals came to be broken, but making no
+mention of Torres.
+
+The governor knit his brow as he read them over, and then, to his
+companion, he remarked lightly, "All nonsense, all nonsense. Another
+government scare, Carrington."
+
+"I beg your pardon, Sir Arthur," said Guy, "but I was informed in London
+of the tenor of those despatches. Yesterday afternoon the Arabs at
+Berbera massacred the garrison to a man, and are doubtless now marching
+on Zaila. We barely escaped with our lives. Captain Waller and Mr.
+Forbes and his servant will confirm my statement."
+
+Sir Arthur sprang to his feet with a sharp cry.
+
+"What is this you tell me?" he gasped. "Can it be true?"
+
+Guy repeated his account, with all the particulars, but the governor
+actually seemed incredulous.
+
+"Colonel Carrington," he cried, "how many troops have we?"
+
+"Five companies of the Bombay Infantry," replied the colonel in a hollow
+tone. "We had six yesterday, but if this account be true--"
+
+"Don't delay a moment," shouted Sir Arthur; "prepare for the defense,
+colonel, and see that the steamer is ready in case it comes to the
+worst."
+
+The governor's condition was now truly pitiable. He was trembling with
+fright.
+
+"There is indeed but little time," said Guy. "There is danger at your
+very door. I see many Arabs and Somalis in the town."
+
+"True, true," groaned Sir Arthur, and, turning over the despatches with
+trembling hands, he added, "I am instructed to order troops from Cairo
+and Suakim. What madness! What madness!"
+
+Sir Arthur continued to talk in a rambling, excited way until Colonel
+Carrington assumed control of affairs.
+
+"Your steamer is here now?" he said to the captain. "Then you must make
+haste to Aden, and bring us what troops you can. I doubt, though, if we
+can resist a heavy attack for twenty-four hours. And you, gentlemen, you
+will return on the steamer?"
+
+"No, we will remain," Guy and Melton replied almost in one voice.
+
+The colonel glanced at them approvingly.
+
+"You are brave men," he said. "Stop!" he added suddenly. "You say you
+left Berbera at sunset last night, and were delayed by an accident. Were
+there any camels there?"
+
+"A caravan of two thousand arrived two days ago," replied Melton.
+
+The colonel's face paled.
+
+"Then the enemy are due here now," he said huskily. "On camels they
+could traverse the sixty miles in from fifteen to twenty hours. It is
+already dark," and he pointed out through the window.
+
+At this Sir Arthur groaned aloud, and tossed down three or four glasses
+of champagne in rapid succession.
+
+"To your steamer, quick!" cried the colonel, addressing Captain Waller;
+"and you, gentlemen, since you decide to throw your fate in with ours,
+come with me, and we will inspect the fortifications, and do what little
+we can."
+
+They had risen to their feet, and were giving a hasty look to their
+arms, when a bright flash lit up the gloom from without, followed by a
+sharp report, and at the same moment, from all quarters of the town,
+rose a continuous rifle-firing, a violent uproar and shouting, and a
+deep beating of drums.
+
+Sir Arthur sprang to his feet, crying frantically, "To the steamer, to
+the steamer--it is our only hope;" but before he could take a step the
+outer doors were burst open, shouts were heard in the hall, and then,
+through the curtained entrance, staggered blindly an officer of
+infantry, his uniform torn and disheveled, and blood pouring from half a
+dozen wounds. He plunged forward, and rolled in a lifeless heap at the
+very feet of Colonel Carrington.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE NIGHT ON THE ROOF.
+
+
+The tragic scene described at the close of the preceding chapter,
+following on the very heels of the outbreak, was a fearful shock to all
+who saw it, and for an instant they could only stare at one another with
+mute, frightened faces.
+
+Colonel Carrington broke the spell. With drawn sword he made a dash for
+the door, closely followed by the rest, but before they could cross the
+apartment a louder burst of firing came from the very courtyard, bullets
+whistled through the windows, and then a scuffle began in the hall, and
+angry voices were heard. It was over in a moment; a cry of pain, a low
+groan, followed by the sound of bars dropped in their sockets, and then
+into the room burst three Hindoo soldiers, grimy with blood and powder.
+
+"Sahib colonel," cried the foremost, "we are lost. The Arabs and Somalis
+have revolted. Hundreds of them surround the residency. Yonder in the
+hall lies a dead Somali. We have barred the doors, but they will soon be
+in."
+
+Even as he spoke the portals shook under a succession of thunderous
+blows.
+
+"The rear door," cried the colonel. "We may escape that way."
+
+"No, no; the building is surrounded," rejoined the Hindoo. "There is no
+escape."
+
+He was right. Shouts were heard on all sides, the blows on the doors
+redoubled, and stray shots came in at the windows, both front and rear.
+
+Sir Arthur lay prostrate in his chair.
+
+"The roof! the roof!" he groaned. "We must take to the roof."
+
+"By Jove, he's right," cried the colonel. "It's our last hope. Blow out
+the lights and come on, quick!"
+
+The lamps were out in a second, but a dim glare still shone into the
+room from the torches outside. With an effort, Sir Arthur staggered to
+his feet. Two of the soldiers assisted him, and then in great haste they
+hurried through the hall to a rear room.
+
+The building was of one story, and from this apartment a ladder led to
+an open trap overhead.
+
+Sir Arthur was pushed up first, followed closely by the rest, and just
+as Momba brought up the rear and dragged the ladder after him, the great
+residency doors gave way with a crash, and a wild yell of triumph told
+only too plainly that the enemy had effected an entrance.
+
+Guy's quick eye observed a big flat stone lying near, a precautionary
+measure provided by some former governor, no doubt, and, calling on
+Momba to assist him, he dragged it over the trap.
+
+From below came a rush of footsteps and the sound of smashing furniture
+as the Arabs hurried to and fro in search of their prey.
+
+"We are safe for the present," said the colonel; "they can't possibly
+reach us, and they may not even discover where we are."
+
+The roof comprised the whole extent of the building, and was probably
+thirty feet square. It was surrounded by a stone parapet three feet in
+height, and from this parapet the little band of fugitives witnessed a
+scene that none forgot to his dying day.
+
+North and west of the residency the town seemed to be in comparative
+quiet and darkness, for only stray lights were to be seen at intervals.
+But off to the south lay the fortifications, and here a sharp conflict
+was waging.
+
+Through the darkness of the night the flash of every shot was seen, and
+all along the line blazed out three continuous sheets of flame as the
+beleaguered garrison poured their fire into the attacking parties that
+advanced from both sides.
+
+"They can't hold out an hour," said Melton. "The foe are too strong for
+them."
+
+A sharp cry from Captain Waller turned all eyes on the harbor, where the
+water was illumined by twinkling lights and the flash of rifles. The
+meaning of this was plain. The steamer had been attacked. No doubt
+those innocent looking dhows had been filled with armed Arabs, waiting
+for the signal, and now every escape was cut off. The firing was sharp
+and severe for a while, and then it gave way to loud cheers.
+
+The steamers had fallen into the hands of the enemy.
+
+"There goes the last hope," said the colonel; "and look, even the
+garrison has succumbed."
+
+It was true. The firing had almost entirely ceased, and the few stray
+shots that still rang out were drowned in the vast roar that rose from
+all parts of the town.
+
+The residency was cordoned by a surging mass of wretches, intoxicated
+with triumph, and fresh hordes came pouring in, riotous from the
+slaughter of the garrison.
+
+"Some cunning fiend has planned all this," muttered Colonel Carrington,
+"and planned it infernally well, too."
+
+"The Arab, Makar Makalo, is the ringleader, sir," said Melton, "but he
+is only acting for Rao Khan, the Emir of Harar, who has long desired the
+port of Zaila."
+
+"A swift retribution will come," replied the colonel, "but it will come
+too late to aid us."
+
+No person seemed inclined to talk. Sir Arthur sat up against the
+parapet in a sort of stupor, the three Hindoos were grouped on one side,
+and Momba mutely followed his master from point to point, as with Guy
+and the colonel he made the circuit of the housetop.
+
+And now for the first time it became evident that the presence of the
+fugitives on the roof was known. Thousands of Arabs and Somalis
+surrounded the building, their dark faces plainly seen in the glare of
+the torches, but no hostile demonstration was made. They appeared to be
+waiting on something or someone. It was very evident that the whole
+population of the town was in revolt. It was equally plain, too, that
+they had been prepared for this uprising, for it had apparently broken
+out in all quarters of the town at once, and the expected signal had no
+doubt been the approach of the Arabs from Berbera, for the vast number
+of rifles used in the fight proved conclusively their arrival.
+
+Wonderful success had crowned their plans. Yesterday the garrison at
+Berbera had fallen to a man; and now Zaila was in their hands, and all
+that remained of the British possessors was the miserable band of
+fugitives on the residency roof.
+
+With bitter feelings Guy looked down on the sea of faces. He was
+wondering if he would ever see Calcutta or England again. But he had
+been in bad predicaments before, and, hopeless as it now seemed,
+something might turn up to save them yet.
+
+Melton was inclined to think that the Arabs were only waiting for
+daylight to make their attack, and yet they seemed to have no idea of
+abandoning their position, but encircled the building with a sea of
+torches, talking loudly and excitedly all the while.
+
+Once Guy ventured to peer down over the parapet, and to his surprise he
+saw Arab guards at the residency door, sternly keeping back the crowd.
+Then he pulled aside the stone from the trap. All was dark and quiet
+beneath. The solution to this mystery was close at hand.
+
+Of a sudden a great hush fell on the vast crowd, the tumult died away to
+a low murmur, and from the outskirts came a strange sound, at first low
+and indistinct, and then louder and more vivid, like the tinkling of
+bells mingled with the trampling of hoofs.
+
+The Arabs and Somalis fell silently apart, leaving open a wide passage
+like a swath cut through a field of standing corn that led straight to
+the residency doors. Up this triumphal avenue trotted a dozen stalwart
+Arabs bearing lighted torches, and directly behind came a gigantic
+camel, decorated with gorgeous trappings and hung with strings of silver
+bells. And on the camel's back, gazing haughtily around him, sat the
+Arab, Makar Makalo.
+
+"Behold Makar Makalo, the new ruler of Zaila!" cried the heralds, and
+from the vast crowd burst one universal shout of satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH.
+
+
+At the sight of the daring Arab chief Guy could scarcely restrain
+himself. He would have drawn his revolver and shot him down then and
+there, but Colonel Carrington interfered.
+
+"Don't excite them," he said cautiously; "their punishment is sure in
+the end. How can they defend Zaila against the British gunboats that
+will be sent here? We have possibly a chance for our lives yet. Don't
+destroy that last chance."
+
+The colonel plainly had strong hopes. It is well enough in some cases to
+fight to the very last, and have your names printed in the army list as
+heroes who died at their post, but in this case the safety of Sir Arthur
+was plainly the important point, and any concession must be made to
+secure this. So all idea of making a fight of it was given up. Short and
+brief would have been the struggle for Guy and Melton, as the three
+Hindoos were the only ones armed, and they had but a scant supply of
+ammunition.
+
+Makar held a short conversation with three or four Arabs, and then,
+slipping down from his camel, he walked off a little from the residency
+and shouted loudly, "Inglis men, come down. You no be killed. You
+prisoners of war."
+
+The idea of Makar's investing this bloody outbreak with all the dignity
+of legitimate warfare was ridiculous, and the colonel laughed.
+
+"What's that about prisoners?" cried Sir Arthur, coming eagerly forward.
+"Will they spare our lives, I wonder? Let me talk to the fellow. I'll
+try to conciliate him."
+
+He walked pompously to the parapet and bent over. Perhaps the champagne
+he had drunk had affected his head. At all events he leaned a little too
+far, and, suddenly losing balance, he toppled over and fell with a thud
+plump on the heads of two Arab sentries at the door. All three came to
+the ground in a heap, and it was a great relief to the anxious watchers
+above to see Sir Arthur stagger to his feet apparently unhurt.
+
+The effect on the Arabs was electric. The remaining guards glanced up
+apprehensively, and very speedily changed their location.
+
+As for Makar, he evidently believed that Sir Arthur had come down
+expressly in response to his summons, for he waited for the rest to
+follow his example.
+
+"Bless my heart!" muttered Sir Arthur. "What a narrow escape!"
+
+He started toward Makar, but two Arabs laid hold of him and pulled him
+roughly to one side.
+
+"We'd better go down," said the colonel, and raising his voice he
+shouted,
+
+"Do you swear to preserve our lives if we come down?"
+
+"By the shades of Mohammed, I swear it. Come down," replied Makar.
+
+"We'll have to trust to his word," said the colonel. "Put the ladder in
+position."
+
+The ladder, with one end on the ground, failed to reach the top of the
+parapet by four or five feet. It was a ticklish business to drop down on
+the upper round, but one by one they accomplished it, and, descending to
+the ground, were speedily seized and relieved of everything on their
+persons.
+
+Perhaps Makar doubted his ability to keep his word, for he hurried his
+prisoners into the residency, away from the turbulent crowd, and left
+them in the hall in custody of a dozen armed Arabs.
+
+They had not been here five minutes when a commotion was heard outside,
+and the shattered doors were pulled apart to admit half a dozen weary,
+blood stained soldiers of the garrison. They were the last survivors,
+and they told a fearful story.
+
+The fortifications had been attacked, they said, at the same time by the
+population of the town on one side, and on the south by a vast horde of
+Arabs and Somalis, who suddenly appeared over the sand-hills mounted on
+camels. They alone had been made prisoners. All others had been shot,
+including the officers, the port surgeon, and the native assistant
+resident.
+
+This sad story brought tears to the eyes of all, and even Sir Arthur
+waxed terribly indignant and prophesied speedy retribution.
+
+But now the guards sternly forbade conversation. An hour or more passed
+on, during which time many persons indistinguishable in the gloom,
+passed in and out of the residency.
+
+Then came a summons to appear before the chief.
+
+"Don't be alarmed," said Sir Arthur reassuringly. "We shall be sent
+across the gulf of Aden. This wretch will not dare do injury to her
+majesty's representatives."
+
+Sir Arthur's sudden change of spirits was not shared by the rest.
+
+"Nerve yourself," Melton whispered to Guy. "I have an idea of what is
+coming," and before Guy could reply they were ushered into the very
+apartment which they had left so hastily a few hours before.
+
+It had undergone no change. The lamps had been relit, the wine bottles
+and glasses still stood on the table, and in Sir Arthur's chair of state
+sat Makar Makalo, very stern and dignified, while around him, squatted
+on the rugs, were four Arabs of superior caste and intelligence,
+comprising, no doubt, the freshly formed cabinet of the great governor
+of Zaila.
+
+Makar waited until his captives had ranged themselves along the wall,
+and then, with great _sang froid_, he helped himself to a cigar from Sir
+Arthur's choice box of Partagas, lit it, and poured off a glass of
+champagne which he despatched at a gulp.
+
+Having thus proved beyond a doubt that he possessed all the chief
+qualifications of a British political resident, he settled back in his
+chair and surveyed his prisoners with lowering brow.
+
+"Bless my heart!" ejaculated Sir Arthur. "What most amazing impu--" a
+sudden rap on the head from one of the guards cut short his speech, and
+he relapsed into indignant silence.
+
+Makar was plainly a man of iron nerve, for he met calmly and even boldly
+the indignant, defiant glances that were turned upon him as he scanned
+the row of prisoners ranged before him.
+
+Glancing toward the windows he dispersed with a wave of his hand the
+dark swarm of faces peering eagerly within, and then at last he deigned
+to break the silence which had become so ominous.
+
+"I have promised ye your lives," he said. "Makar never breaks his word.
+Allah is great, and it is the will of Allah that Zaila should belong to
+the true followers of the prophet. Already has his will been fulfilled.
+The hated Inglis soldiers are dead. Rao Khan is the ruler of Zaila, and
+Makar is his servant."
+
+He paused and helped himself to another glass of champagne. It was
+evident that Makar was not at heart a true follower of the prophet, for
+the Koran strictly forbids all intoxicants.
+
+Another impressive pause followed. Guy glanced at Melton and was alarmed
+to see the dead white pallor on his face. Melton alone perhaps knew what
+was coming. On the rest the blow fell with crushing severity.
+
+"Have I not said that Makar's word is inviolate?" the Arab resumed,
+leaning forward and uttering each syllable sharply and distinctly.
+
+"Can Makar break his pledge?" and he turned to his solemn visaged
+ministers.
+
+"No, no, no," they muttered in guttural accents, and solemnly shaking
+their heads.
+
+"Then hark ye all," Makar went on. "I have sworn on the Koran that
+whatsoever prisoners fell to my lot should be delivered over as slaves
+to the Somalis of the Galla country. I have spoken. It is Kismet. At
+daybreak ye start for the interior."
+
+Sir Arthur staggered back against the wall with a dismal groan, the
+Hindoos fell on their knees begging piteously for mercy, Colonel
+Carrington seemed dazed, stupefied, Guy clinched his hands and made a
+desperate effort to bear up bravely, while Melton's face wore the same
+pale, hopeless expression.
+
+No one spoke. Supplications and prayers would alike be useless. The
+Arab's stern, pitiless countenance spoke plainer than words. Mercy was
+an unknown word in his vocabulary.
+
+"Spare us, spare us!" moaned Sir Arthur, coming forward a pace or two
+and making as though he would fall on his knees.
+
+"I have spoken," cried Makar harshly. "Words will avail ye nothing."
+
+He made a signal to the guards, who at once closed in on the wretched
+captives and led them away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+SOLD INTO SLAVERY.
+
+
+The party were taken to a rear apartment of the residency and placed
+under strong guard. During the remainder of that night no one slept, of
+course, nor did they hold much conversation, for all instinctively
+avoided a subject which could only add to their wretchedness.
+
+Slavery among the Somalis was a fate worse than death. It was a living
+death indeed, for hope of escape there was none. Far better if Makar had
+ordered them to be shot at daybreak.
+
+Guy spoke hopefully to Melton of the situation, counting somewhat on the
+claim he had on Makar; but Melton seemed to think that the Arab had
+ignored the affair, and would not interfere with Guy's fate.
+
+All too soon gray dawn came stealing into the residency, revealing the
+haggard faces of the captives, and with it came a summons from Makar to
+prepare for the journey. Food was brought and partaken of with some
+relish, for, under even the most distressing circumstances, men seem
+able to eat. Closely watched, they were led into the open air, and
+halted for a brief space in the court.
+
+The sun was not up yet, and the blue waters of the gulf stretched afar
+until lost in the pale mist. In the harbor lay the two steamers, but the
+British flag no longer floated over their decks.
+
+Finally they were led through a curious rabble of Arabs and Somalis to
+the outskirts of the town, where the caravan was in process of
+formation. It was no ordinary caravan. There were no bales of goods
+lying about, no camels laden down with burdens, but surrounded by many
+of the population drawn hither by curiosity were about fifty camels with
+simple trappings, and a group of Somalis and Arabs all heavily armed,
+the Arabs with rifles, the natives with long spears.
+
+Simultaneously with the arrival of the captives, Makar made his
+appearance with an armed escort and proceeded to hold a close
+conversation with the two Arabs who seemed to be the leaders of the
+caravan. He spoke earnestly for quite a while, making many gestures, and
+pointing from time to time at the prisoners. Then he turned away, and
+instantly all was excitement.
+
+The Arabs and Somalis quickly pulled themselves upon their camels, and
+with the aid of the guards the Englishmen were mounted in the same way,
+each man being hoisted up beside an Arab or a Somali.
+
+No resistance was made. The Hindoo soldiers were in a state of deep
+dejection, and poor Sir Arthur seemed hardly to realize his position.
+
+The caravan was now ready to start. At the last minute Makar Makalo
+passed carelessly by Guy and whispered, "Keep good heart. Makar no
+forget." Then he vanished in the crowd, and, with a loud cheer to speed
+them on their way, the line of camels filed at a slow trot over the
+sandy plain in a southerly direction.
+
+Guy turned his head for a last look at Zaila and the harbor, now
+beginning to glimmer in the first rays of the sun, and then a stretch of
+sand-hills hid the town from view.
+
+Little did he realize that which he must pass through before he saw the
+coast again.
+
+From the ruined fortifications of the town an unseen observer watched
+the departure of the caravan. It was Manuel Torres. The crafty
+Portuguese was well pleased to see the hated Englishmen speeding away to
+their doom.
+
+He was a cunning knave, and had laid his plans well. Perhaps he feared
+the stability of the new government. If the English came into possession
+of Zaila again, he could invent some clever tale to disprove his
+connection with the Arab revolt; and who could bear witness against him?
+None, indeed, for the lips of those who alone knew his guilt would be
+hopelessly sealed. Africa never gives up her slaves.
+
+To the wretched captives that day's journey over the scorching desert
+was a fearful experience. Nothing is more painful to the novice than
+riding camel-back, and when at last a halt was made at sunset every man
+was aching from head to foot.
+
+The heat, too, had been fearful, though the Arabs had provided them with
+big sun helmets before starting. No intercourse was permitted. The
+captives were kept rigorously apart. But little sleep was allowed. The
+caravan started again before dawn, and, as before, traveled rapidly and
+steadily until sundown.
+
+At the end of the second day they had become in a measure accustomed to
+the motion of the camels, and no longer suffered so much. Yet in all
+this time no words had been exchanged. Each man was kept apart. The Arab
+with whom Guy rode could speak some English, and from him he learned
+that the chief object of the caravan was to carry to Rao Khan the news
+of the capture of Zaila. Further information the Arab refused to give.
+
+The caravan comprised a dozen Arabs and thirty or forty Somalis of the
+Galla country. It was to these crafty savages that the captives
+belonged. The Somalis had assisted Makar in the revolt, and these slaves
+were their reward. Their chief, who accompanied the caravan, was none
+other than Guy's vindictive enemy, Oko Sam.
+
+Late in the afternoon of the fifth day the caravan came to a sudden
+halt. In the distance were visible green hills and rolling plains
+covered with verdure. The desert seemed to have ended. It was evident
+that something of importance was about to happen.
+
+All dismounted, and while the Arabs and Somalis entered into an excited
+conversation, the captives were for the first time allowed to converse.
+
+Their hopeless situation was too well understood for discussion. Strange
+to say, Sir Arthur was the only one who had not abandoned hope.
+
+"The government will save us," he repeated gloomily. "They will send an
+army into the interior."
+
+No one ventured to dispute this assertion. They talked in low tones of
+their probable destination, and regarded with some uneasiness the
+conference going on among the Arabs, which had now assumed a more
+excitable phase.
+
+"They are quarreling over something," said Guy. "Why do you suppose they
+have stopped here?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Melton, "unless they intend to separate, the
+Arabs going on to Harar, the Somalis to their own country, which lies to
+the south of Harar."
+
+Melton's theory was very plausible, but before anyone could reply the
+conference terminated suddenly, and the Arabs, drawing apart, came
+quickly up to the captives, and, laying hold of Sir Arthur and the
+colonel, led them over to the Somalis.
+
+This was repeated with Momba, Captain Waller, and the Hindoo soldiers,
+but, to their surprise, Guy and Melton were ordered to remain where they
+were.
+
+Foremost among the Somalis stood Oko Sam, his leopard skin dangling
+about his loins, and a fiendish expression on his face.
+
+He advanced a step or two, talking fiercely, and pointing with his spear
+to Guy and Melton. The Arab leader strode out toward him, and cried in a
+loud voice, "Makar has ordered it. The two white men must go to Harar."
+
+Scarce had the words left his lips when the Somali chief poised his
+spear and hurled it forward with such force and accuracy of aim that it
+passed through the Arab's body and the point came out at the back. With
+a cry he dropped on the sand.
+
+A second of terrible suspense followed, and then snatching another spear
+from one of his followers, the maddened Somali leaped furiously at Guy,
+who unfortunately was standing directly in his path.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE SEPARATION.
+
+
+But help was at hand. Before Oko Sam could reach his victim, an Arab
+directly behind Guy fired, and the fellow stumbled blindly on the sand.
+
+A shout of rage burst from the Somalis, and, hastily pushing their
+captives to the rear, they advanced in a very ugly manner, shaking their
+long spears.
+
+Leaving the dead Arab and the wounded Somali where they had fallen, the
+Arabs moved back a short distance, taking Guy and Melton with them, and
+shouted to the Somalis to remain where they were.
+
+The Arabs were reluctant to fire, and would have avoided further
+bloodshed, but the enraged savages continued to press forward, and
+finally let fly a shower of spears that wounded one of the Arabs, and
+unfortunately killed a camel. The Arabs at once retaliated with a
+rifle-volley, and to such good effect that three or four of the Somalis
+were killed.
+
+This brought them to their senses. Their spears could not compete with
+the firearms of the Arabs. They moved back to their animals, and, with a
+few farewell shouts of vengeance, rode away to the south, while the
+Arabs hastily bestrode their camels, and, taking the two Englishmen with
+them, calmly resumed their journey to the southwest.
+
+For a time the two caravans, moving on the sides of an acute angle, as
+it were, remained close together; but, gradually diverging, the sharp
+outlines of the Somalis began to fade into the twilight, and at last, as
+Guy and Melton strained their tear-dimmed eyes into the distance, the
+shadows obliterated the last traces of their captive friends. To Momba
+Melton had been deeply attached, and their separation was a hard blow.
+
+And now a terrible feeling of desolation came over them, and they were
+half inclined to wish that they, too, had been led away to share the
+fate of Sir Arthur and the colonel.
+
+Though it was now fast growing dark, the Arabs evinced no intention of
+stopping. With long, sweeping strides the unwearied camels swept over
+the sandy plain, and their riders from time to time spurred them to
+greater speed.
+
+Melton was back in the rear, but Guy rode in front, with the Arab who
+had assumed the leadership since the death of his companion.
+
+Guy ventured to address him, and was surprised to find him grown
+somewhat communicative. He explained to Guy in broken English that by
+Makar's orders he and Melton were to be delivered up to Rao Khan instead
+of being sent into slavery among the Somalis. Harar, he said, was a
+day's journey away, and by traveling all night they would arrive at
+sunrise. His account of Rao Khan, the Emir, was by no means reassuring,
+but Guy did not allow this to trouble him much. Makar's last words were
+still ringing in his ears, and he felt certain that their deliverance
+from the Somalis was the first step toward the fulfillment of Makar's
+promise.
+
+The little caravan moved on in silence. The Arabs were probably uneasy.
+They may have feared an attack from the Somalis or some other foe, for
+they kept a close watch, and held their rifles in constant readiness.
+But presently the moon came up in the east, casting a pale glamour over
+the desert, and tracing on the sand in weird, fantastic designs the
+shadows of the camels and their riders.
+
+As the night wore on the Arabs relaxed their caution, and, dropping
+their rifles to their sides, began to refresh themselves with crackers
+brought along from Zaila, together with dates and figs, which they
+washed down with water.
+
+The Arab with whom Melton was mounted now rode up beside the leader,
+and, to their great joy, Guy and Melton were permitted to converse.
+Though they had had no rest or sleep since the previous night,
+excitement had driven away all fatigue, and they looked forward with
+deep interest to their arrival at Harar.
+
+To Guy's surprise, Melton did not believe that he had been singled out
+to accompany Guy.
+
+"No, no, Chutney," he said, "depend upon it, Makar has some other object
+in view. I believe now that he will effect your escape in some way, but
+don't be surprised to find yourself sent back to Zaila alone. Makar's
+clemency will be extended to no one but yourself."
+
+"Nonsense," returned Guy. "I tell you he means to save you, too.
+However, we shall not be parted, Melton. I assure you of that. I will
+accept no deliverance that does not include you, too."
+
+Forbes made no reply, and for a time they rode on in silence. Absorbed
+in conversation, they had failed to observe that the aspect of the
+country had begun to change. They were now ascending a slight ridge, and
+from its crest could be seen the vague outline of mountains on both the
+right and the left, while all around them, in place of the dreary sand,
+were low bushes and vegetation. The camel's thorn and tamarisk shrub of
+the desert had disappeared. Once some huge animal glided across their
+path, and one of the Arabs half raised his rifle, but lowered it again.
+
+With feelings which they would have found it hard to express, Guy and
+Melton saw the dawn come creeping over the sky, and just as it became
+fully light, they rode over the crest of a hill and perceived in the
+distance a mass of walls and turrets stamped against the pale-gray sky.
+
+A pleasant breeze blew from the mountains which rose steep and rocky on
+all sides, while the valleys were richly wooded, and a silver thread,
+curving to and fro, marked the presence of a hillside stream.
+
+The little caravan now descended into a narrow gorge and traveled
+rapidly along the course of a brawling torrent for nearly an hour. Then,
+crossing the stream, they rounded a sharp spur of rocks, and the dreaded
+city of Harar was before them.
+
+Thirty years before the intrepid Burton had penetrated to that hotbed of
+fanaticism, and had by a miracle come back alive. From that day to this
+none had dared to emulate him.
+
+Well might the two young Englishmen shrink from meeting that detestable
+despot, Rao Khan, who ruled his people by the sword, and hated all
+Christians with hatred that fanaticism alone can breed.
+
+The caravan ascended the hill, and across the brow of the ridge
+stretched the massive, irregular wall of the town. The great brazen
+gates were closed, and in the oval turrets that rose sentinel-like above
+the wall appeared no sign of life or motion.
+
+Then with startling suddenness came a trumpet blast and the quick, sharp
+roll of drums; and from the town burst a tumult and volume of sound, and
+then over the walls, and peering curiously from the turrets, appeared a
+swarm of dark, repulsive faces.
+
+The tumult deepened and changed to one vast murmur as the caravan moved
+in dignified state up to the very gates of the ancient city of Harar.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A CLOSE SHAVE.
+
+
+A brief pause, then the gates swung on creaking hinges, and the caravan
+filed in between the dingy walls that had reared themselves for
+centuries from the summit of that hill.
+
+For an instant a hush of curiosity fell on the multitude within, as the
+caravan appeared; but as the Arab leader suddenly trailed in the dust
+the English flag that had once floated from the fortifications of Zaila
+a great shout arose, so that the very air seemed to tremble, and the
+people pressed tumultuously on the caravan from all sides.
+
+"Zaila has fallen! Zaila has fallen!" they cried, and with wild joy they
+beat their arms in the air, while those in the rear sought the
+house-tops, so as better to see the new arrivals.
+
+In the first excitement Guy and Melton had escaped notice, but now they
+were suddenly espied, and the sight of the two hated Englishmen roused
+the passions to the highest pitch of ferocity. The foreigners' presence
+in the town was a sacrilege, an insult, and with threats and angry cries
+the mob surged round the group. At last, so great was the crush, the
+camels were forced to halt.
+
+"Kill the infidels! Kill the dogs of unbelievers!" howled the
+multitude, and waxing more furious with every shout, they drew daggers
+and knives and raised their spears.
+
+The Arabs had quietly closed round Guy and Melton, forming with their
+camels a protective circle, and this alone saved the Englishmen from
+death. But every instant the situation was becoming more critical. The
+mob grew bolder, and even tried to force the group apart in spite of the
+protestations of the Arabs, who had begun to point their rifles
+threateningly. Hundreds of savage faces glared unutterable hatred at the
+two strangers, hundreds of wretches were thirsting for their blood, and,
+finally roused to uncontrollable fury, the crowd swept impetuously
+against the caravan from all sides.
+
+The frightened camels pranced and reared, and the cordon of defense
+suddenly broken, a dozen savages rushed on Guy and Melton. A long spear
+pierced Forbes under the arm and down he went beneath the camels.
+
+A burly wretch dashed at Guy with a dagger, but the Arab brought down
+the butt of his rifle on the fellow's head just in time, as he dropped
+like a log.
+
+A man behind hurled his spear, but his aim was poor, and, instead of
+striking Guy, it entered the poor camel's neck; the beast, plunging
+madly forward, hurled Guy and the Arab to the ground.
+
+This alone saved their lives. As Guy staggered to his feet, cries of
+quite a different nature burst from the mob, and in fright and panic
+they began to scatter in all directions. The rattle of musketry broke
+out some distance ahead, and the Arabs, joining in eagerly, began to
+empty their rifles into the fleeing mass.
+
+The Englishmen were saved. A compact body of men in linen tunics and
+leopard skin caps came sweeping forward. They were armed with rifles,
+and as they ran they kept shooting into the struggling crowd which was
+shrieking and groaning with agony.
+
+In five minutes the place was deserted, and the stony ground was
+literally covered with bodies. It was a terrible example of Rao Khan's
+despotic rule.
+
+Melton was lifted up, and to Guy's deep sorrow it was seen that he had
+received an ugly thrust along the side, not of a serious nature, but
+ragged and painful.
+
+Two of the Emir's troopers, for such they proved to be, carried him, for
+he was unable to walk or ride.
+
+Guy and the Arab mounted a fresh camel, first putting the wounded animal
+out of his misery, and then, preceded by the Emir's guard, the caravan
+resumed its march up the street.
+
+The first sight of Harar was novel and interesting. Before them was a
+long avenue, fully a mile in length, at the extreme end of which could
+be dimly seen the northern wall of the town. This avenue was like a
+barren mountain road, strewn with rubbish and heaps of rocks, and the
+dwellings, which rose on all sides to the height of two stories, were,
+many of them, constructed of sandstone and granite, cemented with a
+reddish clay. They were impressively gloomy and dingy.
+
+The terrible scene just enacted had terrorized the people. Many Arabs
+came flocking across the streets and exchanged greetings with the
+newcomers, but very few Somalis or Gallas were to be seen. The sight of
+the Emir's guard seemed to have stricken the town like a palsy. The
+shops and booths were closed and deserted. The curtains of the houses
+were closely drawn; here and there at the doors lay goods that had been
+dropped in the sudden panic, and at one place a man lay dead across the
+threshold, still clutching in his stiffened fingers a bunch of brightly
+colored rugs.
+
+But now the scene became animated and lively; people flocked out from
+their houses, among them many women, whom Guy regarded curiously, for
+they seemed to be of quite a different type from the men, and passably
+good-looking. They made no demonstration, however, but very quietly
+followed the caravan.
+
+The center of the town was now close at hand, and a short distance
+ahead, on the left-hand side, rose a more imposing abode than those
+around it. It was built of granite, and above the flat roof rose a
+square tower with circular windows. It boasted a spacious courtyard,
+inclosed by a low stone parapet, and within this space were a dozen
+armed guards, clad in leopard skin caps, and bearing brightly polished
+rifles.
+
+It was the palace of the Emir. As the caravan drew up to the gates the
+escort sounded a blast of trumpets, and almost immediately the doors
+were opened and a grave and dignified Arab came slowly out.
+
+He spoke a few words to the leader of the caravan, who dismounted at
+once, and bidding Guy follow him, entered the courtyard. Close behind
+him came Melton, borne by the soldiers.
+
+Passing between the guard, they entered a narrow vestibule hung with
+rich curtains, and in a moment more were ushered into the dreaded
+presence of Rao Kahn.
+
+The Emir was seated on a low dais at the further side of a spacious
+apartment. The first glance struck terror to Guy's heart. Rao Khan was
+a short, thickset man, with a round, smooth face. His eyes were sunken
+deeply under the forehead, and the expression of his face was a strange
+blending of brutality, avarice, and treachery. He was simply clad in
+white linen, with a great sword at his side, and on his head was a
+leopard skin cap, so constructed that the tail of the leopard hung down
+his back.
+
+Before him squatted four solemn-faced Arabs. The floor was spread with
+rugs and the skins of various animals, and on the heavily curtained
+walls hung a dazzling array of every description, bronze and copper
+shields, and strips of oddly-woven tapestry. At sight of the English
+flag which the Arab now produced, the Emir's eyes sparkled, his face lit
+up with fiendish joy, and he began to talk wildly in a strange tongue.
+
+The Arab replied, giving him no doubt an account of the insurrection,
+for the names Berbera, Zaila, and Makar Makalo were frequently
+mentioned.
+
+Guy, from his position at Melton's side, who had been placed on a soft
+lion skin, watched the strange scene with wonder. He was more worried at
+present about Melton than anything else. The spear wound had not yet
+been dressed, and the poor fellow was in too much pain even to talk.
+
+At last the Arab turned round, and, pointing to the Englishmen, spoke in
+a low tone to the Emir, who half rose from his seat and looked sharply
+at the captives.
+
+Guy met his gaze calmly and steadily. In a moment the suspense would be
+over, and their fate would be decided one way or the other.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE SLAVE PRISON.
+
+
+The Emir's reply was brief and apparently forcible. He clapped his
+hands, and half a dozen soldiers appeared instantly. He addressed them
+with a word or two, but before they could execute his orders, Guy
+hastened forward and said to the Arab, "I pray you have my friend's
+wound dressed. He is suffering much pain."
+
+The Arab addressed the Emir, pointing to the wounded man, and then,
+turning to Guy, he said, "It is well. Rao Khan will see to the Inglis
+man."
+
+Guy would have sought more information, but the soldiers now came
+forward and picking Melton up motioned Guy to follow them. They passed
+out of the apartment by a rear door, and traversing a long hall, entered
+a big courtyard.
+
+On the right and left were high stone walls, and directly opposite was a
+low, gloomy sandstone structure, with one narrow door opening on the
+court.
+
+Here were standing more armed guards, who obsequiously opened the door
+for the approaching captives.
+
+As they passed through the gloomy portal Guy's heart sank. His eyes at
+first could see nothing but darkness, and he blindly followed his
+conductors until they came to a stop. A heavy door was closed and bolted
+behind him, and then all was silent.
+
+In a few seconds he was able to see his surroundings. He was in a square
+dungeon, lighted by a narrow aperture high up in the wall. The floor was
+of stone, strewn with straw. Melton sat up and leaned against the wall.
+
+"Where are we, Chutney?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know," answered Guy; "in some sort of prison, I suppose.
+Why--hello, Melton, here are iron rings sunk in the floor all along the
+side."
+
+"That settles it, then," rejoined Melton. "This is Rao Khan's slave
+prison. I don't suppose there are many inmates now while the fair is
+going on."
+
+Approaching footsteps put an end to the conversation, and in a moment
+the door opened to admit a tall Arab, followed by a native with bandages
+and a basin of water.
+
+The Arab quietly loosened Melton's shirt and coat, and, washing the
+wound, wrapped bandages spread with some soft ointment round his body.
+He did the work speedily and dexterously, and then departed as silently
+as he had come. He had barely gone, however, when a soldier entered with
+a tray containing dates, figs, and a peculiar kind of cakes, which he
+placed before the prisoners. They ate with relish, and then, overcome by
+weariness, they lay down on the straw and fell asleep.
+
+It was some hours later when Guy awoke. Night had come, for no light
+shone through the aperture. He lay for some time listening to Melton's
+deep breathing and thinking of their terrible situation.
+
+He was not without hope of deliverance, for he placed a great deal of
+faith in Makar's promise; yet even then the chances were against them.
+Perhaps at this very moment Zaila had been retaken, and Makar was killed
+or a prisoner. If this should happen they were lost. Guy shuddered to
+think of Rao Khan's vengeance under such circumstances.
+
+Presently he became aware of vague noises somewhere in the distance. He
+fancied he heard shots fired and a loud tumult of voices.
+
+He thought it might be imagination, but suddenly the sounds increased,
+and once or twice footsteps hurried past the dungeon. The noise now woke
+Melton, and together they listened, convinced that it was a presentiment
+of coming evil. The strange sounds rose and fell, at times nearly dying
+away and then bursting out with renewed violence.
+
+"I can't understand it at all," said Guy. "It can't be a rejoicing over
+the capture of Zaila, for they are plainly cries of anger."
+
+"We'll know pretty soon what it means," returned Melton; "it concerns
+us, you may be sure."
+
+In his excitement he arose and began to pace the floor. His wound was
+giving him no pain, he said, adding that he really felt pretty well
+again.
+
+At last the shouts seemed to come a little nearer, and before long the
+fierce, angry cries were heard close at hand.
+
+"They are surrounding the prison," said Guy, huskily.
+
+He was right. A howling mob was on all sides of them now, and it was
+quite clear that they were beginning to attack the walls of the
+courtyard, for suddenly half a dozen shots were fired as though the
+guards were resisting the invaders.
+
+It was a period of terrible suspense. The shouts increased, the firing
+grew heavier, powder-smoke drifted into the prison; but just when they
+expected to see their dungeon door torn open by a mad swarm of fanatics
+the uproar suddenly ceased.
+
+A full minute of silence followed, and then on the night air rose a howl
+of triumph, so savage, so vindictive, that Guy and Melton shivered from
+head to foot. For some reason the attack had been suddenly abandoned.
+What that reason was they could only surmise.
+
+The silence continued. The invaders had dispersed. Sleep was impossible,
+and they passed the time in conversation until a streak of light,
+flickering through the opening, showed that morning had come.
+
+Food and drink were brought in. The prisoners ate sparingly. The shadow
+of a great calamity was overhanging.
+
+"I am just as sure," said Melton, "that something will shortly happen,
+as I am that you and I are in Rao Khan's slave prison at Harar."
+
+"Listen," answered Guy.
+
+Footsteps approached. The door creaked and opened, and a man entered.
+With a cry of wonder Guy and Melton sprang to their feet. The new-comer
+was bronzed and burnt, he had light hair, a mustache and a soft blond
+beard, but he wore trousers and a tunic of white linen.
+
+The surprise was mutual. The stranger scanned them closely from head to
+foot.
+
+"Who are you?" cried Guy hoarsely. "Can it be possible that you are an
+Englishman--an Englishman in Harar?"
+
+The man paused a moment, and then said quietly: "I am a Greek. My name
+is Canaris Mataplan. At present I am an interpreter to Rao Khan, the
+Emir."
+
+"But your English?" cried Melton. "It is perfect."
+
+"I was a cafe-keeper at Cairo for seven years," replied the Greek. "I
+learned English there."
+
+An embarrassing pause now occurred. It was certain that the Greek was
+the bearer of tidings from the Emir. No one dared speak. At last the
+Greek said quietly: "You are truly unfortunate. Tell me how you came
+here. I know that Zaila has fallen into the possession of Rao Khan's
+emissaries. I know nothing else."
+
+Guy briefly told the tale, and Canaris listened quietly.
+
+"Fools!" he said. "The English will be in Zaila again in a month."
+
+"And you?" rejoined Guy. "What brought you to Harar?"
+
+"I left Cairo for Calcutta," said Canaris. "The steamer was lost off
+Cape Guardafui; ten of us reached shore in a boat; the Somalis
+slaughtered all but myself. I was sold to the Arabs and came ultimately
+to Harar. I was useful to Rao Khan in many ways, and my life was spared.
+I have been here two years, two long years. I shall never see Greece
+again," he added gloomily. "I am a slave to the Emir for life."
+
+"Is escape then impossible?" asked Guy.
+
+"Absolutely. Between here and the coast is the desert. To the south are
+the bloodthirsty Gallas. No, no; one can never escape from Harar."
+
+The tramp of the guard was heard in the corridor, and a sudden change
+passed over the Greek's face.
+
+"I have come from Rao Khan," he said in a low voice. "He sends me with a
+message."
+
+He paused.
+
+"Go on," said Guy; "we are listening." He was breathing heavily.
+
+"Two hours after you arrived here yesterday morning," resumed Canaris,
+"Rao Khan despatched the Arabs to Zaila again, in company with two
+hundred of his best soldiers, who will assist in holding the town. They
+had scarcely gone when an insurrection broke out. The people were
+angered at the slaughter done by the Emir's troops when they rescued you
+from the crowd. It is an ancient law in Harar that every Christian
+stranger who enters her gates must die. Englishmen are most detested of
+all. The populace became maddened and furious; from all quarters of the
+town they came, clamoring, demanding your lives. When Rao Khan called
+out his remaining troops they refused to fire. The people, they said,
+were right. A very few remained faithful to the Emir. The mob surrounded
+the palace and the prison; they tried to scale the walls; the guards in
+the court fired on them. Then Rao Khan appeared and spoke to the angry
+crowd. He begged them to wait. He told them that you belonged not to
+him, but that Makar Makalo had sent you here for safe-keeping, that you
+were the slaves of Makar Makalo. The people only howled in derision.
+They became more angry and infuriated, and refused to listen any longer.
+'The Englishmen must die!' they cried. Rao Khan was fearful in his
+anger. But he was powerless. He feared the destruction of the palace,
+the loss of his own life." Here Canaris paused and looked with infinite
+pity at the Englishmen.
+
+Guy tried to speak, but the words stuck in his throat. Melton laid his
+hand on the Greek's arm. "Go on, go on," he whispered hoarsely. "We are
+men, not cowards. Let us know the worst."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CANARIS UNFOLDS A TALE.
+
+
+"Well," said Canaris, "I will tell you. Rao Khan has promised your lives
+to the people. It was his only hope, and now, his word once given, he
+will not dare to break it."
+
+Melton covered his face with his hands, and Guy staggered backward.
+
+"When?" he cried huskily. "Today?"
+
+"No," said Canaris, "not today. The Emir bids me tell you that you will
+have four days yet to live. On the fifth day you will die by the
+executioner, in the square of the town."
+
+They shuddered as these dreadful words fell from the Greek's lips.
+
+"Is there no hope, then, at all?" said Melton. "Let us know the worst at
+once and be done with it."
+
+Canaris made no reply for a moment. His eyes were fixed on the floor,
+and he seemed to be thinking deeply. When he looked up the expression of
+his face was changed. A strange light shone in his eye, a mixture of
+triumph and fear.
+
+"I can tell you nothing now," he said hastily. "Tonight you shall have
+an answer. But tell me, how is your wound?"
+
+"Better," replied Melton. "I can scarcely feel it at all."
+
+"Good," said Canaris. "Now do just as I tell you. Lie down on the straw;
+pretend that you are much worse; moan loudly from time to time, and when
+I come tonight I shall have something to impart to you."
+
+With this strange admonition, Canaris hastily left the dungeon and the
+guard rebolted the door.
+
+"Is the fellow crazy?" said Melton. "What can he mean to do?"
+
+"Crazy?" rejoined Guy. "No; I have a strange faith in that man, Melton.
+Do just as he tells you and see what turns up tonight."
+
+With much grumbling Melton assumed the part of a very sick man. He
+rather overdid the thing, in fact, for twice the guard opened the door
+and looked in. About noon food was brought, and from that time no one
+came near them.
+
+The minutes dragged along like hours. They tried to forget the awful
+fate that stared them in the face, but in spite of the Greek's
+encouraging words the future looked very black.
+
+At last the feeble light in their dungeon began to fade away, and soon
+they were in darkness.
+
+"The fellow will never come back," said Melton bitterly. "It's all up
+with us, Chutney, so don't try to raise any more false hopes."
+
+But Guy refused to give up, and his faith was rewarded. Quick footsteps
+approached the dungeon, the bolts rattled, and Canaris entered with a
+rude lamp and a leather case, which he placed carefully on the floor.
+
+Then he pulled a paper from his pocket and waved it gleefully.
+
+"See," he cried, "a permit from Rao Khan, admitting me to the prison at
+all times. I told him that your wound was very bad, that the Arab doctor
+had failed to help you, and that I knew enough of English surgery to
+cure you if he would allow it. Rao Khan reluctantly consented, and here
+I am."
+
+He listened intently for a moment, glanced round the dungeon, and then
+went on in a low, excited tone:
+
+"Get close together. I have something important to tell you."
+
+They squatted down in a group on the straw, and with a strange, exultant
+sparkle in his eyes, Canaris began:
+
+"When I came to Harar two years ago this very cell held a white slave,
+like yourselves an Englishman. He was an old man, with long white hair
+and beard, and had been so long in slavery that he had forgotten his own
+name and could scarcely speak the English tongue.
+
+"My duties then were to carry food and drink to the slaves, and before
+long I was on intimate terms with the old Englishman. He was very ill,
+and the Arab doctors made him no better. Perhaps it was old age that was
+the trouble, but at all events he died two months after I came. At
+different times he had told me the story of his life, and that is what I
+am going to tell you now.
+
+"He had been thirty years in slavery. How and where he had been captured
+he could no longer remember. His mind was a blank on that point. But one
+thing he told me that is important. For twenty years he had lived among
+the Gallas in a village fifty miles to the south of Harar, and it was a
+few years after he had been brought there that he nearly succeeded in
+making his escape.
+
+"He had often heard from the natives of an underground river that was
+said to exist, and which emptied either into the River Juba or into the
+sea. The tales concerning the river were many and strange, but the chief
+of the Gallas assured him that at one time a tribe of natives had lived
+in the mouth of a huge cavern which gave access to the river."
+
+"I have heard something of that myself," interrupted Melton. "An Arab at
+Zanzibar told me, but I never had any faith in the story."
+
+"That river exists," said Canaris solemnly. "The Englishman found it."
+
+"What!" cried Guy and Melton in one breath. "He found the underground
+river?"
+
+"Yes, he discovered it," resumed Canaris. "He found it one day while
+hunting in a concealed cavern. He ventured down and came to a great
+sandy beach, past which flowed swiftly a broad stream. On the beach lay
+half a dozen strong canoes with paddles. All this he saw by the light
+that streamed in from narrow crevices overhead. He went back to the
+village and began to lay aside provisions for the journey, for he
+intended making his escape by the river. In a week all was ready. He had
+concealed near the cavern supplies for a long voyage. The very day fixed
+for his escape he was sold to a Galla chief who lived twenty miles
+distant. In the years that followed he made many attempts to escape, but
+on every occasion was captured and brought back. At last he was given as
+tribute to the Emir by this Galla chief, and here in this dungeon, on
+the spot you are sitting on now, he breathed his last."
+
+Canaris paused and helped himself to a glass of water.
+
+"A strange story, indeed," said Guy; "but what has it got to do with
+us?"
+
+"I will tell you," responded Canaris, with a slight tremor in his voice.
+"It may have nothing to do with any of us, and it may be of the greatest
+importance to us all."
+
+"Did the old man tell you where to find the cavern?" asked Guy.
+
+"No," answered Canaris, "but before he died he gave me this," and,
+pulling a folded bit of linen from his pocket he handed it to Guy.
+
+"Can you read that?" he asked in strange excitement. "I have never been
+able to make anything out of it."
+
+Guy pulled it carefully open and gazed with interest on the faded
+characters that had apparently been written in blood.
+
+"Yes," he said after a pause, "I can read it. It is French."
+
+"Go on," said Canaris. "Tell me quickly what it is."
+
+"It translates as follows," rejoined Guy:
+
+"Half way between Elephant Peak and the Lion's Head. The south side of
+the stone kraal. The rock with the cross."
+
+Canaris sprang to his feet and staggered back against the wall of the
+dungeon.
+
+"It was Providence that brought you here," he cried. "It is wonderful,
+wonderful!"
+
+"What do you mean?" said Guy. "How can this aid us?"
+
+"It is the secret of the cave," replied Canaris. "The stone kraal is a
+curious formation of rocks that lie between the two mountains that bear
+those names. Close by is the village of the chief of all the Gallas."
+
+"But how under the sun can this discovery benefit us?" repeated Guy,
+half angrily. "Can you open our prison for us, Canaris?"
+
+The Greek threw a cautious glance toward the door and then whispered in
+a voice that trembled with emotion: "Nothing is impossible; hope for the
+best. But stay," he added in sudden fear; "I must have money, or all is
+lost. Alas! you have none, I am sure."
+
+For answer Guy hastily rose, and, loosening his clothes, unhooked a
+small buckskin belt. He tore open the end and dropped a stream of golden
+sovereigns into his hand.
+
+"Here is money!" he cried. "The Arabs overlooked this when they searched
+me."
+
+The Greek's eyes glittered.
+
+"Give me twenty," he said. "That will be plenty."
+
+He stowed the coins away in his clothes and picked up the lamp.
+
+"I must leave you now," he said. "I will return in the morning."
+
+He would have added more, but steps were heard in the corridor. The
+dungeon door clanged behind him, and Guy and Melton were left in
+darkness, half stupefied by the strange story they had just heard and by
+the hope of escape which the Greek so confidently held out to them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A DARING MOVE.
+
+
+When daylight came the captives could scarcely believe that the events
+of the preceding night had not been all a dream. There was the document,
+however, to prove their reality, and Guy was deeply studying its faded
+characters when the Greek arrived.
+
+His face was radiant with happiness, an expression which quickly gave
+way to deep sadness as a big Somali entered with a platter of food. The
+latter had barely closed the door when Canaris held up a warning finger
+and motioned the Englishmen to draw near.
+
+"It is well," he said softly. "I will tell you what I have done. Near
+the palace lives a Jewish merchant whom I know well. To him I went last
+night and by the aid of your gold made a good bargain. On the western
+side of the city, close by the wall, is a deserted guard-house that was
+once used before the watch-towers were built. Here the Jew promised to
+take for me the goods I purchased--namely, a supply of dates, figs, and
+crackers, three revolvers, three rifles with boxes of shells, three
+sabers, two ancient bronze lamps with flasks of palm oil, a box of
+English candles, and four long ropes with iron hooks on the end."
+
+"He will betray you to the Emir," said Guy in alarm.
+
+"Oh, no," returned Canaris, "no danger of that. I know a little secret
+concerning my Jewish friend that would put his head above the town walls
+in an hour's time. The things are even now hidden in the deserted house,
+you may rely on that."
+
+"But how are we going to get out of this infernal dungeon?" asked Guy.
+"And how can we pass through the streets to the edge of the town?"
+
+For answer the Greek opened the leather case that he had brought with
+him and took out three revolvers, three boxes of shells, a coil of rope,
+and a sharp knife.
+
+"These are my surgical instruments," he said. "I will put them under the
+straw," and he suited the action to the word.
+
+"Affairs outside have changed somewhat," he continued. "The people are
+sullen and restless. They mistrust the Emir, and fear they will be
+cheated of the pleasure they are looking forward to."
+
+Guy turned pale. "Then we are lost!" he cried.
+
+"No, you are saved," said Canaris. "That very fact works for your
+salvation. The Emir is alarmed; he fears for himself, not for you. His
+troops are few since he despatched the caravan to Zaila, and at night,
+for better security, he takes guards from the prison courtyard and
+stations them before the palace. This leaves three guards to contend
+with; one watches in the corridor, one stands before the prison door,
+and the third guards the gateway that opens from the prison yard on to a
+dark avenue of the town. If all goes well you will be free men at
+midnight. I must hurry away now. Listen well to my instructions, and do
+just as I tell you.
+
+"You," and he turned to Melton, "must pretend that your wound is bad.
+Refuse to eat and lie on the straw all the time. It will be better if I
+do not return today. I fear that even now Rao Khan grows suspicious. The
+Arab doctor is angered because I have assumed his duties. At midnight,
+if you listen sharply, you will hear the guard relieved by a new man.
+Soon after that knock on the door, and when the guard looks in show him
+the wounded man, who will then feign to be very bad. I sleep in a rear
+apartment of the palace. The guard will send for me, and I will come.
+Otherwise my visiting you at that time of night would be looked upon
+with suspicion. The rest I will tell you then. Don't despair. All will
+be well; till midnight, farewell."
+
+Canaris glided from the dungeon, and the prisoners were alone. They
+passed the long hours of that day in a strange mixture of hope and fear.
+The difficulties to be overcome seemed insurmountable. They must escape
+from the prison, pass through the very midst of their bloodthirsty
+enemies, scale the wall, and then--where were they? Hundreds of miles
+from the coast, surrounded by barbarous and savage people, and their
+only hope that mysterious underground river which in itself was a thing
+to be feared.
+
+But, on the other hand, speedy death awaited them in the dungeon of Rao
+Khan. The chances were truly worth taking.
+
+They followed instructions closely when the guard brought them food at
+noon, and in the evening Melton tossed on the floor as though in pain.
+The thrice-welcomed darkness came at last, and the light faded out of
+their dungeon. Once a horrible thought entered Guy's mind. What was to
+prevent the Greek from making his escape alone, and abandoning the
+Englishmen to their fate? It was but momentary, however, and then he
+dismissed the suspicion with a feeling of shame. He had already learned
+to trust the Greek implicitly.
+
+Crouched by their dungeon door, they listened by the hour, and at last
+their patience was rewarded. Voices were heard, steps approached and
+died away, and then all was silent.
+
+The time for action had come.
+
+Melton threw himself on the straw and moaned. Guy rapped sharply on the
+door and waited in suspense. Almost instantly it opened, and the guard,
+a tall Nubian, pushed his lamp into the doorway and followed it up with
+head and shoulders.
+
+"Canaris, Canaris!" said Guy earnestly, pointing to Melton, who uttered
+at that moment a most unearthly groan.
+
+The guard drew back and shut the door. His soft tread echoed down the
+corridor, and all was still.
+
+The suspense of the next five minutes Guy will never forget as long as
+he lives. It seemed to his excited imagination as though an hour had
+passed by, when suddenly sounds were heard in the corridor, and in an
+instant more Canaris stood before them, his leather case at his side, a
+lamp in his hand. He closed the door, opened the case, and drew out two
+wide linen tunics and two long jackets such as the Emir's troops wore.
+
+"Put these on," he whispered. "You can wear your helmets; there are many
+of them in Harar."
+
+As he spoke he drew an Arab burnous over his head, shading entirely his
+light hair and mustache. He next pulled the revolvers and shells from
+under the straw, distributed them around, and with the knife cut the
+rope in a dozen parts. By this time Guy and Melton had donned their
+disguises and were ready for action.
+
+Up to this point Guy had supposed that Canaris had bribed the guards and
+paved the way out of prison.
+
+"You are sure the guards will let us pass?" he said.
+
+Canaris looked at him in wonder, and then a smile rippled over his face.
+
+"You thought I had bribed the guards," he said. "Ten thousand pounds
+could not tempt them. They would only lose their heads in the morning.
+It matters little," he added. "They will lose them anyhow. But our time
+has come; be ready now to assist."
+
+He motioned Guy and Melton behind the door, and then, pulling it partly
+open, uttered a few words in a strange tongue.
+
+Instantly the powerful frame of the big Nubian entered, and as he stood
+for one second on the dungeon floor, sudden mistrust in his ugly
+features, Canaris leaped at his throat and bore him heavily to the
+ground.
+
+"Quick!" he cried, and in an instant Guy and Melton had seized the
+struggling man's arms and feet.
+
+Still pressing the fellow's windpipe with one muscular hand, Canaris
+thrust a gag into the gaping mouth, and in two minutes their captive was
+lying bound and helpless on the straw.
+
+"What did you tell him?" asked Guy.
+
+"I said our lamp was going out," Canaris replied. "And now for the man
+at the prison door. I must get him inside, for the post is in plain
+view of the guard at the gate."
+
+A solution of this puzzling problem was closer at hand than anyone
+imagined. The creaking of a door was heard, followed by approaching
+footsteps.
+
+"Here he comes now!" said Canaris in an excited whisper. "He has grown
+suspicious, and has determined to investigate. Quick!"
+
+Canaris darted to the other side of the doorway, and then ensued another
+period of chilling suspense.
+
+The tread came nearer, and at last another stalwart Nubian blocked the
+doorway with his massive bulk. His look of wonder was comical as he saw
+his comrade gagged and bound on the dungeon floor, but before the half
+articulated exclamation could escape his lips Canaris had him by the
+throat, and down they came. The fellow uttered one cry, and then, as his
+head struck the edge of the door in falling his struggles lessened, and
+with no trouble at all he was gagged and bound.
+
+Canaris tore the ammunition from their belts, handed Guy and Melton
+their rifles, and then, blowing out the lamp, he pushed them into the
+corridor and bolted the door.
+
+"Two heads will be off in the morning," he remarked grimly. "One more
+victory and we are out of prison."
+
+He blew out the light that stood in the corridor and led the way through
+the darkness till he reached the door. He pulled it open, a crack
+revealing the moonlit courtyard, and took a long, careful survey.
+
+"There is the man we want," he whispered, pointing across the court, and
+putting his eyes to the crevice Guy saw against the massive prison wall
+a dark shadow leaning grimly on a rifle.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE FLIGHT THROUGH THE TOWN.
+
+
+It was a critical situation for the three fugitives, crouching behind
+the heavy prison door. That grim sentry over yonder by the gate must be
+noiselessly and effectually overpowered, and that at once. Any moment
+guards might come from the palace, and then--oh, it was horrible! The
+public square, the executioner's gleaming knife, the roar of the
+populace!
+
+Guy's brain whirled at this appalling panorama, and he clutched the door
+for support.
+
+"Can't we rush on him?" asked Melton.
+
+Canaris laughed grimly.
+
+"Before we could take three steps from the door," he said, "the fellow
+would see us and alarm the palace. If I go alone the chances are that
+before you can reach me he would succeed in making an outcry. Our only
+hope lies in getting away from the town before our escape is
+discovered."
+
+"But what are you going to do, Canaris?" asked Guy excitedly. "We are
+losing precious time."
+
+"Keep cool," replied the Greek. "I will fix him in five minutes. Stay
+where you are and don't make a sound. When I wave my hand, then come."
+
+He removed his burnous and stuffed it under his tunic. Then he calmly
+opened the door and walked straight across the court toward the guard,
+who looked up carelessly at his approach. With their eyes glued against
+the cracks of the door Guy and Melton waited in terrible suspense.
+
+A short conversation ensued. Canaris turned and pointed toward the
+prison. The guard replied with many gestures, and finally in his
+eagerness placed his rifle against the wall. What followed was so swift
+and dexterous that it seemed like a dream.
+
+The Greek's right hand shot out from his bosom clasping some glittering
+object. It struck the astonished guard on the forehead with a sharp
+click that echoed across the courtyard, and without a sound he dropped
+on his knees and then rolled over on the stone pavement.
+
+Canaris waved his hand, and then the two captives dashed breathlessly
+across the courtyard.
+
+"Is he dead?" asked Guy in a horrified whisper.
+
+"Only stunned," replied Canaris. "I struck him with the butt of my
+revolver. Quick now; bind and gag him while I find the key and open the
+gate."
+
+Guy hastily fastened the fellow's feet and arms and stuffed a roll of
+linen in his mouth.
+
+Melton stood looking on. His wound was beginning to give him some pain
+again.
+
+With a low exclamation of triumph Canaris pulled from the Nubian's waist
+a narrow belt on which hung a ponderous iron key. All rose to their
+feet. Guy dropped the unconscious guard under the shadow of the wall.
+The supreme moment had come. The great courtyard, white in the light of
+the moon, was empty. The heavy doors leading to the palace were shut.
+Behind the high prison walls all seemed quiet. The city was asleep.
+
+The first stage of the journey was accomplished in safety. The terrible
+passage through the town was before them now. With a hand that trembled
+slightly Canaris inserted the key in the lock. It turned with a harsh
+rattle, and at a touch of the hand the brazen gate swung outward.
+
+The Greek made a hasty survey and then stepped noiselessly outside. They
+were in a narrow side street which ran past the Emir's palace. The side
+toward the prison was in deep shadow. On the other side was a long stone
+building, with two or three narrow grated windows.
+
+"That is an Arab storehouse opposite," said Canaris. "We are safe for
+the present. Now follow me closely. Walk boldly and fearlessly and keep
+a few feet apart."
+
+He started off at a rapid gait, his white burnous tossing on his
+shoulders, and with fast-beating hearts Guy and Melton came close
+behind. In five minutes they turned into another narrow passage running
+at right angles, and, continuing along this for forty or fifty yards,
+made still another turn.
+
+The two streets they had just traversed had been lined for the most part
+with big warehouses and slave-markets. It was, in fact, the business
+part of the town, alive with people during the day, deserted at night.
+But now a crisis was at hand. Canaris halted his little party in the
+shadow of a building and pointed straight up the street.
+
+"Yonder lies the main avenue," he said. "We must cross it to reach our
+destination. Keep yourselves well under control, don't show any fear,
+and if any people are about don't look at them. If they address you make
+no reply."
+
+Guy marveled at the Greek's coolness under such terrible circumstances.
+Every moment was a torture to him as long as they remained in the midst
+of these bloodthirsty fiends.
+
+In five minutes they reached the main street. From the slight ridge on
+which they stood they could see stretching afar on either hand the
+moonlit roadway, spectered with the dark shadows of the houses. They had
+been traveling on three sides of a square. Fifty yards down the street
+the tower of the Emir's palace was visible, outlined faintly against the
+pale-gray sky.
+
+As they stepped from the shadows upon the open roadway, an Arab stalked
+from a doorway opposite, and without troubling himself to come nearer
+addressed Canaris in a strange tongue.
+
+Guy's heart seemed to leap into his throat as he nervously handled the
+revolver that stuck in his belt.
+
+Canaris coolly replied in a low voice. The Arab evinced no intention of
+coming any nearer, and in an instant more the fugitives had plunged into
+the gloom of another cross street.
+
+On all sides now were rude abodes, some of sandstone, others of clay,
+and at some places even tents were to be seen. Laughter and loud talking
+came from open windows. Two or three fierce looking Somali warriors
+stalked past in dignified silence, and an Arab sheik, wrapped closely in
+his garment, looked at them cautiously as he hurried by.
+
+Melton now walked with difficulty. His wound had broken out afresh and
+was bleeding. The weight of the rifle was too much for him, and he was
+compelled to abandon it in the road.
+
+"A little farther now," said Canaris encouragingly, "and we shall be
+safe."
+
+Melton tried to walk faster, leaning on Guy's arm, but at last, with a
+moan of pain, he sank to the ground.
+
+"Go on, leave me; save yourselves," he whispered feebly, as they bent
+over him and tried to lift him to his feet.
+
+"One more effort, my dear Melton," implored Guy in an agony, "only one
+more effort, and we shall be safe. We can carry you if you can't walk."
+
+"No," he gasped. "Go at once. You can escape. I would only keep you back
+and cause your capture; better one than three."
+
+Guy threw an appealing glance at Canaris. The Greek's features were
+immovable. He calmly waited the result of Guy's pleading.
+
+"My brave fellow," said Chutney, in a husky voice, kneeling down and
+clasping Melton's hand, "I refuse to accept your sacrifice. I shall
+remain here with you and we will meet our fate together. Canaris, save
+yourself while there is yet time. I will not desert my friend."
+
+The Greek paused irresolutely. The convulsive workings of his face
+showed the struggle going on in his mind. Suddenly Melton rose on one
+elbow and cried excitedly:
+
+"Go, go, I tell you."
+
+Guy shook his head. "No," he said decidedly. "I shall remain."
+
+"You are throwing your lives away," said Melton bitterly. "Here, help me
+up. I will make another effort."
+
+In an instant Guy and Canaris had gladly pulled him to his feet, and off
+they went again as rapidly as possible. All was quiet around them. A
+deep silence, broken only by the occasional low of a cow, had enwrapped
+the town. So far their escape had remained undiscovered.
+
+"Ah, here we are," said Canaris joyfully, turning down a dark, dirty
+passage, so narrow that the three could barely walk abreast. "In three
+minutes we shall reach the wall."
+
+Three minutes is not a long time, but it is long enough for many things
+to happen. They had traversed half the length of the street when Guy,
+moved by one of those sudden, unexplainable impulses, turned his head.
+
+Ten yards behind, crawling with soft and stealthy tread, was a grim,
+half naked Somali. How long he had been following in their track it was
+impossible to tell. But there he was, a stern Nemesis, the moonlight
+shining on spear and shield, and glowing on the dark, villainous
+features.
+
+Guy and Canaris wheeled round and stood with drawn revolvers. The Somali
+clutched his spear and drew up his shield. The silence remained
+unbroken.
+
+One single cry and a mad horde would rush forth like bees from a hive.
+The Somali made one step backward, then another, and then, opening his
+mouth, he gave a yell that was caught up in horrible echoes till the
+street fairly rang.
+
+"Malediction!" cried Canaris, in uncontrollable fury, "that's your last
+shout," and, taking quick aim, he pulled his revolver on the shouting
+Somali.
+
+A stunning report, a hollow groan, and down came the savage all in a
+heap, while the heavy shield bounded with a clatter over the stones.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+OVER THE WALLS.
+
+
+The crack of the revolver, following closely on the Somali's loud yell,
+had barely died away in echoes when the dark street seemed fairly to
+burst into life.
+
+The fugitives did not wait to see the result of the shot, but as they
+dashed madly forward they heard the people calling wildly to one another
+as they hurried from their dwellings.
+
+Even Melton kept up with wonderful endurance. The excitement had given
+him false strength, and he kept even pace with Guy and Canaris.
+
+Close at hand was the termination of the street, and as they were within
+ten yards of it a big Somali suddenly leaped out and barred the way.
+
+The fugitives were going at a rate of speed which it was simply
+impossible to check. Canaris was a foot in advance, and in an instant
+more he would have impaled himself on the savage's outpointed spear.
+
+It was too late to use the revolver which he still carried in his hand,
+but quick as a flash he hurled it with all his might, and with such
+correct aim that it landed plump on the fellow's head with an ugly
+crack.
+
+The Somali howled with agony, letting the spear drop from his nerveless
+hands, and just as it clattered to the ground Canaris was upon him with
+a rush, and down they went together, the Somali undermost.
+
+Canaris was up in a trice, and Guy and Melton, bounding on behind,
+trampled the half unconscious savage under their feet.
+
+"Go on," said Guy fiercely. "We will outwit them yet. Brace up, Melton;
+we'll soon be out of this hole."
+
+Forbes gritted his teeth to suppress a cry of pain.
+
+"I can't keep up much longer," he said. "I'll faint from loss of blood."
+
+The place they had just entered was the great trading locality and slave
+market of the town. At this time of year it was deserted, but the empty
+stalls and booths stood about in endless confusion.
+
+The wisdom of the route chosen by Canaris was now apparent, for this
+labyrinth of paths, which wove an intricate network through the stalls,
+offered just the opportunity they wanted; and, following the Greek's
+guidance, they twisted in and out in a tortuous line that gradually
+brought them toward the opposite side of the market.
+
+The outcry behind them had by this time swelled to a perfect tumult, and
+the night air bore it to their ears with startling distinctness.
+
+Fortunately for the fugitives, this vast court was surrounded by grim
+slave prisons, and they encountered no one in their flight. They reached
+the opposite side of the market in safety, and, plunging in among the
+mass of empty prisons, ran on, panting and breathless.
+
+The Greek's white burnous fluttered on ahead, turning angle after angle,
+diving into dark alleys and shooting across open spaces. At last he
+stopped and, too exhausted to speak, waved his hand in triumph at the
+frowning wall of the town that towered directly over their heads for
+twenty feet.
+
+Close by the wall was a circular stone tower, partly in ruins, and into
+this Canaris dived eagerly. It was an anxious moment to the two who
+waited on the outside, but at last the Greek reappeared in triumph with
+his hands full. The Jewish merchant had kept his promise.
+
+He paused a second or two to listen to the outcry in the town.
+
+"They are coming nearer," he said. "Keep cool and don't get excited.
+They will search every stall in the market before a man comes near us,
+and besides this is the last place they would look. They will never
+suspect us of any intention to scale the wall. Still we must lose no
+time," he added. "Now here is a box of shells apiece; put them in your
+pockets, buckle these sabers around your waists, take the rifles I
+bought. They are better, so you may throw the others away."
+
+"Forbes can't carry one," said Guy. "What shall we do with it?"
+
+"Leave it behind," replied Canaris. "We have burden enough. I had the
+Jew put up the stuff in three oilcloth bags. We must divide it into two
+loads."
+
+He turned the contents of all on the ground.
+
+"Yes, everything is here," he said. "Crackers, dates, figs, two lamps, a
+box of candles, matches, and two flasks of palm oil. Now, then, for the
+final move."
+
+He divided the stuff into two bags, and then, going back into the guard
+tower, came out with a bunch of long ropes.
+
+"Hurry up," said Guy. "Do you observe how close the sounds are coming?"
+
+"They are searching the market," said Canaris calmly. "They take us for
+a party of drunken Arabs out on a lark."
+
+"Then they don't suspect the truth?" asked Guy.
+
+Canaris laughed.
+
+"If it were known that the Emir's English prisoners had escaped," he
+said, "the fiends up yonder would be making more noise than the surf
+that breaks on the rocks at Bab el Mandeb."
+
+The ropes had at one end a rude iron hook, and, taking one of them,
+Canaris threw it over the wall, retaining the other end in his hand.
+
+He pulled it in a yard or two, and then the rope became suddenly taut.
+The hook was secure. He took a sharp glance around him, measured with
+his ear the hoarse shouts that still rose from the slave market, and
+then went nimbly up the rope, hand over hand. He reached the top in
+safety.
+
+"Now fasten the stuff on," he whispered down; "put the other ropes in
+the bag."
+
+Guy obeyed instructions, and Canaris rapidly drew the string up. He then
+speedily hooked a second rope to the wall and dropped it down.
+
+"Fasten Forbes to one rope, and come up the other yourself," he called
+out to Chutney.
+
+Here a difficulty arose. Melton was, of course, unable to climb the
+rope, and if a noose were slipped under his arms the wound would be torn
+and lacerated by the strain.
+
+"It's no use, Chutney," he said. "I foresaw this. You must get off
+without me."
+
+Guy was in despair. He was just on the point of bidding Canaris make his
+escape alone, when a happy thought struck him.
+
+"I have it, Melton," he cried joyfully. "Have you much power in your
+arms?"
+
+"Yes," said Melton, "but not enough to go up that rope."
+
+"That's all right. I don't want you to go up the rope," returned Guy.
+"Here, put your feet together and stand straight."
+
+Hastily noosing the rope, he drew the knot tightly about Melton's legs
+just above the knee.
+
+"You take a good grip with your hands," he added. "There won't be much
+strain on your wound and we'll have you on the top in a jiffy."
+
+Melton obeyed instructions, and Guy pulled himself speedily to the top.
+
+"Crouch down," said Canaris; "don't you see that watch-tower?" and he
+pointed to a dim mass rising from the wall some distance off. "That is
+the nearest tower," he added. "I hardly think they can see us, but it is
+better to take precautions."
+
+The other two ropes were already dangling on the outer side of the wall.
+Canaris had planned everything for an emergency.
+
+Guy took a hasty glance at the roofs and battlements spread before them
+on one side, the moonlit landscape on the other, and then he whispered
+down, "All right, Melton?"
+
+"Yes, go ahead," came the faint reply.
+
+"Quick, they are coming!" cried Canaris in sudden excitement, and as he
+spoke a yell went up close at hand, and three or four dark figures
+turned the corner of the nearest slave-prison.
+
+A big Somali was in the lead, and, spying Melton, he raised his spear.
+
+"You fiend!" cried Guy, and, lifting a loose stone from the wall, he
+hurled it down.
+
+It struck the spear from the rascal's hand, and, before he could recover
+himself, Guy and Canaris had dragged Melton to the top of the wall by a
+prodigious effort.
+
+"Down, down!" cried Canaris, and as they crouched low three or four
+spears went over their heads and a hoarse shout of rage went up from the
+baffled Somalis that was caught up and repeated far back into the town.
+
+"Keep cool," cautioned Canaris; "the ropes are up; they can't reach us.
+Five minutes more, and----" The words froze on his lips. Loud above the
+shouts of the savages rose a harsh, metallic sound that vibrated in
+shuddering echoes through the night air. It was the beating of the
+tomtom at the Emir's palace.
+
+An electric circuit could not have more speedily roused the town. A
+vast, sullen roar went up instantly, and then, mingled with the clang of
+the tomtom and the tumult of the people, rang out a harsh rattle of
+alarm-drums that swelled and spread until every oval watch-turret on the
+town walls was sounding the tocsin announcing to the subjects of Rao
+Khan the escape of the hated Englishmen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE PURSUIT.
+
+
+"Now for it," cried Canaris. "Don't be scared. In two minutes we'll be
+out of reach of these fiends."
+
+His appearance belied his words, for he was trembling with fright. The
+rope about Melton's legs had not been loosened, and he was instantly
+lowered on the other side. In less time than it takes to tell, Guy and
+Canaris had joined him, and all three felt the solid earth beneath their
+feet again.
+
+The situation was now extremely critical. The tomtom still rang out from
+the palace, and the drums were beating in the watch-towers, though their
+volume of sound could be heard but faintly above the constantly
+increasing roar of the maddened people.
+
+The fugitives had scaled the wall at a point on the western side of the
+city very close to the southern angle; the western gate was still more
+remote, and from these gates the pursuit must come.
+
+That it would come quickly no one could doubt, for the rabble of Somalis
+who had led the chase through the market-place had by this time reached
+the gates with the tidings of the fugitives' escape over the wall.
+
+Canaris took a bag and a rifle and Guy followed his example.
+
+Not a second of time was lost, but, turning to the southwest, they
+dashed down the long, slanting hill toward the valley that opened clear
+and distinct at their feet. Their ears rang with the horrid din and
+turmoil, and this spurred them on to greater efforts as they plunged
+forward with great strides.
+
+At the angle of the wall stood a watch-tower, and from this coign of
+vantage the guards saw the fleeing fugitives, outlined by the
+treacherous moonlight.
+
+Crack! crack! crack! rang their rifles, and the bullets whistled keenly
+through the air, but the flying figures went straight on and speedily
+vanished over the crest of the hill.
+
+The valley beneath the town was skimmed across, and then, scaling a low
+stone wall, they plunged into the shadow of a big plantation and ran on
+between rows of limes and coffee trees.
+
+Guy feared that the Arabs who owned these orchards would join in the
+pursuit, but Canaris assured him that there was little danger of that.
+An uproar in the town, he declared, was always the signal for the
+dwellers outside the walls to shut themselves in their houses.
+
+A danger from another source, however, threatened them, for with a
+furious growl a great dog came bounding on behind, and by his loud
+outcry made the location of the fugitives very plain to their enemies.
+
+The brute persistently followed them up, snapping at their heels, and
+baying loudly. No stones could be found, and to use firearms would only
+make matters worse. On the farther side of the plantation, however, the
+dog stopped and uttered a long-drawn howl that was caught up in echoes
+across the valley.
+
+"I'm giving out," cried Melton faintly. "You'll have to leave me."
+
+Canaris turned on him fiercely.
+
+"Do you hear the mad fiends howling behind us? They are scattering over
+the country, and if we are caught, good by," and he whipped his hand
+across his throat. "You must keep up, only half a mile more, and I'll
+hide you so securely that the fiends can never find us."
+
+"Year hear?" added Guy. "Only half a mile more, Melton, and then rest."
+
+But all this encouragement was of little use. Forbes was suffering now
+from the reaction, and his strength was almost gone. A sound of shouting
+suddenly rose from the valley, and taking Melton by the arms they fairly
+dragged him along.
+
+A hill now loomed up before them, and clutching stones and limbs of
+trees they made their way painfully to the summit.
+
+Looking toward the town they could see torches moving to and fro across
+the valley, and twinkling through the leafy avenues of the plantation.
+
+Their old enemy, the dog, began to howl again, but a rifle-shot speedily
+cut his career short.
+
+As they hastened down the western slope of the hill the sound of water
+broke on their hearing, and then the stream came in view, a swift and
+narrow torrent brawling over rocks and ledges.
+
+Guy ran ahead, and filling his helmet, offered it to Melton, who drank
+deeply.
+
+"I feel like a new man," he cried; "that was splendid."
+
+Canaris now led them down the stream for some distance until a shallow
+place permitted them to wade across. The valley had become a gorge. The
+sloping hills gave way to great frowning masses of rock so high and so
+close that no moonlight pierced the shadows. Finally the Greek stopped
+and pointed above his head.
+
+"We must climb the rocks," he said. "Are you equal to it?"
+
+Melton looked dubiously at the steep side of the gorge, but before he
+could reply Canaris started up, and he had no alternative but to follow.
+Guy came close behind to catch his friend if he should give out.
+
+The ascent, however, was not so bad as it looked. Canaris picked his
+way with great skill, winding along the face of the cliff in a zigzag
+manner. Had it been daylight dizziness would have caused them to lose
+their heads, for the gulf below grew deeper every moment, and at places
+the path was but a foot wide.
+
+At length Canaris climbed over a big rock that barred the way, and then
+assisted Melton and Guy to the top.
+
+"Here we are," he said cheerily, "and just as safe as though we were in
+the Acropolis at Athens."
+
+They stood on a small plateau, protected by a low parapet of jagged
+rocks that extended in a half circle. The top of the cliff was close
+over their heads, and behind them was a natural grotto scooped concavely
+out of the solid rock. It was a perfect hiding place and a splendid
+point of defense in case of an attack.
+
+Melton dropped feebly on the stone floor, and Guy and the Greek sat down
+against the parapet. Reaction had come to all of them. Now they were
+really safe, the terror and excitement of the flight was visible on
+their faces. Their clothes were soaking wet, and the perspiration rolled
+down their cheeks.
+
+"Look," exclaimed Canaris, leaning over the parapet, "look down there!"
+
+He pointed into the gorge, and Guy, glancing down, saw torches flaring
+against the rocky walls, revealing in their glow dark, swiftly-moving
+figures, and weird shadows dancing on the waters of the torrent.
+
+Canaris observed Guy's expression of alarm, for he said calmly: "Don't
+fear. We are perfectly safe; try and sleep some; you need rest badly."
+
+Canaris stretched himself out flat, and, after making sure that Melton
+was sleeping--for the poor fellow's weariness was greater than the pain
+of the wound--Guy, too, lay down on the hard rock, and fell instantly
+asleep.
+
+Dawn had been very near when they reached their hiding place. Through
+the early hours of the morning they slept on, heedless of the loud
+cries, the sounds of anger and wrath that floated up from the shadows of
+the gorge, and when the sun was past its meridian, Guy awoke. Canaris
+stretched himself and sat up at the same time.
+
+Their first thought was of Melton. He was still sleeping, but it was a
+restless, uneasy slumber, for he tossed about and moaned.
+
+The heat was now very great, and they suffered terribly from thirst. Far
+below they could hear the water rushing over its stony bed, and the
+sound was maddening.
+
+Even had one dared to attempt that perilous descent in the broad light
+of day, there would have been danger from another source, for all that
+afternoon Somalis and Arabs in large and small parties passed up and
+down the gorge, even scanning at times the rocky sides of the cliff, but
+never for a moment suspecting the close proximity of those they sought.
+
+At last Melton awoke. He was weak and feverish. His wound had opened,
+and his clothes were heavy with stiffened blood. He complained bitterly
+of thirst, and talked at times in a rambling, excited manner.
+
+"He's in a bad way," said the Greek. "We must leave here as soon as
+night comes, and as he is too ill to walk, he must be carried."
+
+"What do you propose to do?" asked Guy.
+
+"Well," rejoined Canaris, "we shall travel only at night. If all goes
+well, we will be fifty miles distant in four or five days, and on the
+fifth night we shall reach our journey's end."
+
+"Our journey's end?" queried Guy.
+
+"Yes; of our land-journey at least, for we shall then be at the entrance
+to the underground river."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+BESIEGED.
+
+
+The African sun had gone down, leaving only a reddish tinge against the
+western horizon, when the three fugitives left their refuge and climbed
+to the top of the cliff. In the dim twilight it was impossible to make
+out the country which lay vaguely outspread at their feet.
+
+Canaris made a rude stretcher of branches, and, arranging Melton as
+comfortably as possible, they started away. The top of the gorge sloped
+on this side into a valley, and following this for some distance they
+finally reached more open country.
+
+No trace of their pursuers was seen. They had all gone back to Harar,
+for none ever remained outside the walls at night, Canaris declared.
+
+Soon a small stream was reached, where they lunched and quenched their
+thirst. Canaris washed Melton's wound, and bound it up in soft, wet
+bandages. After a while the moon came out, and they could see for some
+distance on either side.
+
+It seemed strange to reflect that they were now traveling through a vast
+and absolutely unexplored part of Africa. All was wild and desolate, for
+Harar and its vicinity once left behind, no villages or habitations were
+found.
+
+The cries of various animals echoed from the forest, and once a lion
+roared loudly; but without molestation from man or beast our little
+party toiled on painfully until dawn.
+
+They carried Melton every step of the way, and when they halted in a
+glade close to a pool, he was sleeping soundly.
+
+Either the fresh water or the long rest had helped him, for when night
+came again he was able to walk, and day by day he grew better.
+
+For three nights they journeyed to the southward, sleeping all day in
+secluded spots.
+
+The wisdom of night travel was plainly seen, for they often discovered
+camp fires gleaming on each side of them, and on one occasion nearly ran
+into a wandering group of Gallas, while from their hiding place during
+the day they saw caravans and hordes of natives journeying to and fro.
+
+The night had its disadvantages too, for twice they were attacked by
+howling animals, and on one occasion had to climb trees while a herd of
+elephants went trumpeting past. Fortunately, more dangerous beasts kept
+their distance.
+
+The third night's journey led them through a most unusually rich and
+fertile country, miles of mellow pasturage watered by many streams, bits
+of forest land, and meadows clumped with bushes and patches of trees,
+while on both sides were the dark profiles of huge mountains.
+
+That day they slept on the side of a hill among great rocks, and when
+they were preparing to start at sundown, Canaris said briefly:
+
+"We ought to reach our journey's end before morning."
+
+Of the stores they had brought along there now remained but a handful of
+crumbs. Guy was deeply concerned over the question of supplies for their
+voyage in case the underground river was discovered, but Canaris bade
+him not to worry until the time came.
+
+With feelings which it would be difficult to describe, they resumed
+their night-march. An unknown future, full of terrors and fears, yawned
+before them.
+
+It is hard to say what guided Canaris in the direction he took. He had
+once been over the ground, but it was scarcely possible that he could
+remember the road so well. He strode on full of confidence, however, his
+rifle over his shoulder and his revolver ready for use in his right
+hand. Guy and Melton followed behind in single file.
+
+They made slow progress, for Canaris led them in among mountain gorges,
+and they were compelled to ford streams and clamber painfully over big
+stones.
+
+At last they emerged again on more open ground and traveled through
+patches of waving grass and scrub, keeping parallel all the while with
+two mountain ranges that lay to the right and left. The land was full of
+rolling swells like ocean waves, and as they passed over the crest of
+one of these ridges a sudden gleam of moonlight shining on water some
+distance off riveted their attention.
+
+As they descended into the hollow it was hidden from view. Several times
+the Greek halted and scrutinized his surroundings closely. He was not
+altogether satisfied, for he no longer strode on confidently, but walked
+with a hesitating step. Guy and Melton shared his anxiety.
+
+"What's wrong?" inquired the former. "Have you missed the way, Canaris?"
+
+"I don't know," replied the Greek. "We must stop soon and wait for
+daylight. We ought to be close to the stone kraal by this time."
+
+While conversing they had crossed another slight swell, and they were
+half way down the hollow when a hoarse cry from Melton brought them to a
+halt.
+
+The scene before them was enough to appall the stoutest heart. Twenty
+yards away lay a broad pool of water and along its sandy edge were
+grouped half a dozen great lions, some lapping up the water greedily,
+others sitting lazily on their haunches, waiting no doubt for some fat
+deer to pass that way.
+
+A low chorus of growls greeted the approach of the travelers, and made
+them shiver from head to foot.
+
+"Shall I fire?" whispered Guy excitedly.
+
+"No, for your life, no," retorted Canaris. "Back up the hill as silently
+as possible. Don't shoot unless we are attacked."
+
+With arms in readiness they moved backward step by step. The lions began
+to pace up and down the strip of sand, tossing their shaggy heads toward
+the frightened men, and then the leader, a monstrous fellow with a mane
+that swept the ground, advanced a few paces and uttered a tremendous
+roar that seemed to shake the earth.
+
+Guy cocked his rifle, but at the sharp click Canaris turned on him
+fiercely.
+
+"Don't shoot," he whispered. "Don't shoot. If we can get over the ridge
+we may escape. I don't think they will attack us."
+
+In a moment more they reached the crest of the slope. The lions were
+still down by the pool.
+
+"Look," exclaimed Canaris, pointing to the right. "Do you see those
+rocks! We must make a run for them."
+
+The spot referred to was a dim mass rising out of the plain some fifty
+yards distant. Whether they really were rocks or not it was hard to
+tell.
+
+Another fearful roar put an end to indecision, and they ran at the top
+of their speed toward the hoped-for refuge. No one glanced behind. In
+imagination they felt the hot breath on their necks and heard the soft
+patter through the grass.
+
+Then the refuge was before them, a tall column of rock rising from a
+clump of jungle grass and some low, stunted timber.
+
+It towered up in ledges and in a trice Canaris had sprung upon the first
+platform, and extended a helping hand to his companions.
+
+With frantic haste they climbed another jutting ledge and pulled
+themselves to the top. None too soon, for as they turned to look, the
+big lion sprang into the air and landed with a roar of baffled rage on
+the ledge beneath.
+
+He rose instantly for another spring, but as he reared upward Guy
+brought down the butt of his rifle on the massive head, and the beast
+rolled down into the grass at the foot of the rock.
+
+Another lion loomed up in the shadows, and together the two paced about,
+lashing their tails and growling with fury.
+
+"That was a narrow escape," said Guy. "A moment more and we would have
+been caught."
+
+"We're not altogether safe yet," replied Canaris. "Those are hungry
+looking brutes, and it's hard to tell what they may do. We must remain
+quiet and watch them closely."
+
+The two lions continued to prowl up and down, licking their chops and
+occasionally glancing at the top of the rock. Suddenly they halted in
+the middle of their beat, and, pricking up their ears, assumed an
+expectant attitude.
+
+"They hear something," said Guy. "I wonder what it can be."
+
+For a full minute the two noble beasts stood like bits of statuary, not
+a muscle quivering, their tails slowly waving to and fro. Then with a
+couple of bounds they vanished in the high grass.
+
+"The siege is raised," exclaimed Guy, breathing a low sigh of relief.
+
+"Hush," replied Canaris, "not a sound, not a whisper for your lives.
+Down, down, crouch low; throw yourselves flat!"
+
+His voice was tremulous with sudden fear, and his hand shook as he
+pointed one nerveless finger in the direction taken by the lions.
+
+"Look, look!" he muttered with chattering teeth. "One sound and we are
+doomed."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A CLOSE SHAVE.
+
+
+The Greek's extreme terror sprang from no insignificant cause. Over the
+crest of a ridge some thirty yards distant came a large body of men. It
+was very evident that they would pass close to the rock, and the three
+fugitives, crouching on its flat surface in the gloom, may well be
+pardoned for believing that the enemy were on their track.
+
+As the advance guard drew still closer, Canaris thrust his face against
+the stone. Melton did the same; but Guy, whose curiosity fairly mastered
+his fear, ventured to raise his head slightly, and a single glance
+showed him that the strange foe had no intention of halting.
+
+They passed within ten yards of the rock, it is true, but not a man
+looked to right or left, and they moved at a rapid and steady pace.
+
+Guy's amazement grew deeper as the long procession went by in constantly
+increasing numbers, for even to his unskilled eyes it was plain that
+these men were neither Arabs nor Somalis.
+
+The dim light revealed their powerful stature, the dark faces crowned
+with turbans, the linen cloaks that were flung carelessly on their
+shoulders, and the various arms, comprising shields, swords, spears, and
+even guns.
+
+At intervals the stalwart figure of a man towered above the rest,
+mounted high on a camel or an elephant.
+
+Melton and Canaris ventured to raise their heads in response to a nudge
+from Guy, and all three witnessed the passing of this strange
+procession, which comprised nearly a hundred men.
+
+As the rear guard vanished over a ridge to the south, Canaris, without a
+word, swung himself nimbly to the ground and picked up some glittering
+object that lay in the path.
+
+"Look," he exclaimed in a tone of wonder, as Guy and Melton followed him
+down, "do you recognize this workmanship? But no, how could you?" he
+resumed, without waiting for an answer. "This weapon is of Abyssinian
+make, and those men were Abyssinians."
+
+"But what are they doing here, so far from their own country?" demanded
+Guy.
+
+"It is a war party," said Canaris, "and we are not so far from the
+borders of Abyssinia, after all. It is no uncommon thing for them to
+raid on the Gallas."
+
+The dagger passed from hand to hand, and was inspected with much
+curiosity, until Canaris pointed toward the east and said: "Morning has
+come, and the sun will soon be up. Let us climb the rock and make a
+survey of the country."
+
+Daylight came on with marvelous rapidity, and as the range of vision
+gradually became clear for a distance of several miles, the Greek rose
+to his feet and scanned the surroundings with a sweeping gaze.
+
+His countenance expressed first perplexity, then delighted surprise, and
+turning to his companions he cried:
+
+"We have reached our destination. See! There is the stone kraal, those
+scattered columns of rock to the south that rise from the jungle. Yes,
+the old Englishman was right, for yonder lies the Elephant Peak and the
+Lion's Head."
+
+It was indeed as the Greek said. The broad valley was dotted with a
+curious rock formation that bore a strong likeness to a native village
+of huts, and on either side of the valley, from the rugged chains of
+mountains, rose two lofty peaks, one fashioned like a recumbent
+elephant, the other a perfect semblance of a lion's shaggy head.
+
+A murmur of surprise burst from the trio as they gazed along on this
+strange verification of their hopes.
+
+The mountain peaks were at least four miles distant, for the breadth of
+the valley was about eight.
+
+For the moment the recent passage of the warlike Abyssinians was
+forgotten. Then a very significant occurrence recalled it forcibly to
+their minds.
+
+From the base of the Lion's Head suddenly rose a column of yellow
+smoke, and two or three gun shots echoed distinctly across the valley.
+
+"The Abyssinians have attacked the town of the Gallas," cried Canaris.
+"It lies at the foot of that peak, and is the same kraal at which the
+Englishman was kept in slavery when he discovered the underground
+river."
+
+"I hope they'll eat each other up like the Kilkenny cats," observed Guy
+coolly.
+
+"But you don't understand," cried the Greek in strange excitement. "They
+will scatter over the valley, they will flee to those rocks yonder for
+protection, and unless we find the entrance to that river at once we are
+lost."
+
+"Canaris is right," spoke up Melton. "We must make immediate search for
+the rock with the cross. It is our only hope."
+
+"Yes, our only hope," echoed the Greek. "Come quickly, there is no time
+to lose."
+
+He slipped to the ground and led his companions rapidly down the valley
+toward the stone village.
+
+They hastened on among the scattered rocks for a quarter of a mile or
+more, until the extreme southern edge was reached, and then Canaris
+stopped.
+
+"This is the south side," he said; "we must search the rocks for one
+with a cross."
+
+They scattered, Guy toward the west, Melton to the east. It was a time
+of peril, for the yellow smoke was curling up over the Lion's Head in
+heavier columns, and the firing was more distinct, as though the
+conflict were spreading toward them across the valley.
+
+"The rock with the cross, on the south side of the stone kraal." A
+simple enough direction on the face of it, and yet the eager searchers,
+as they hurried from stone to stone, scrutinizing every side and angle,
+failed to discover the faintest trace of anything resembling a cross.
+
+Canaris wrung his hands in dismay when they came together after the
+fruitless search.
+
+"We are lost, we are lost!" he groaned. "What will become of us? Go,
+make another search; inspect the base of every stone; the hidden
+entrance must exist."
+
+Guy shook his head.
+
+"That cross was made twenty years ago," he said. "In that time the
+storms could have destroyed all trace of it unless the Englishman carved
+it very deep, and in that event we should have discovered it already."
+
+"It must be found," persisted Canaris in his terror. "Hark! The firing
+is coming nearer. In half an hour the valley will swarm with savage
+foes. Go! Go! Go!"
+
+He fairly shrieked out the last words, and threw himself in despair down
+amid the jungle grass.
+
+The Greek did not exaggerate the danger. A startling confirmation of his
+fears was at hand.
+
+Warned in time by a commotion in the bushes, Guy and Melton dropped
+flat, as a savage, spear in hand, and bleeding from a wound in the head,
+burst out of the jungle twenty yards distant and made full speed for a
+rock a few yards to the north of that by which the Englishmen lay
+concealed.
+
+All unconscious of the three pairs of eyes watching his movements, he
+stooped, flung the tangled grass madly aside, and, rolling a loose stone
+from the base of the rock, revealed a dark cavity in the smooth side.
+
+He threw a frightened glance in the direction he had come, and, dropping
+his spear and diving into the hole, pulled the stone back in place from
+within.
+
+All this happened in less time than it takes to tell.
+
+"Saved!" burst thankfully from Guy's lips as he sprang to his feet.
+
+"Saved!" echoed Melton and Canaris.
+
+Snatching up their baggage, they dashed across the narrow space that
+divided the two great boulders. Guy tore the rock from the entrance,
+and, as the imprisoned savage within uttered a hoarse cry, he pointed
+his rifle at the opening.
+
+"Go ahead," called out Melton; "he's unarmed; he can't harm you."
+
+Guy hesitated for an instant, and then crawled into the forbidding
+cavern on hands and knees.
+
+A distant sound of scuffling and rattling of stones told that the savage
+was retreating into the bowels of the earth.
+
+Melton handed in the rifles and the baggage, and crawled in after them.
+Canaris was the last to enter, and with Melton's aid the stone, which
+was round in shape, was pulled back against the entrance, and all was
+darkness, save for one crevice an inch or two wide.
+
+The Greek peered sharply through this, and then exclaimed in a low
+whisper: "We are just in time. A party of Abyssinians are approaching
+through the jungle in pursuit of the Galla fugitive.
+
+"Hush!" he added; "don't make a sound; they are coming directly toward
+the rock."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE UNDERGROUND RIVER.
+
+
+A moment of terrible suspense followed the Greek's announcement. From
+without could be plainly heard a chorus of angry shouts as the
+Abyssinians searched for their missing prey.
+
+Then the sounds grew fainter and Canaris said quietly: "They have gone
+on past the rock. We had better strike a light and see what has become
+of that black rascal. I cannot understand how he knew anything about
+this place. It may not be the proper entrance after all."
+
+One of the bronze lamps was filled with palm oil and lighted, and Guy
+undertook to lead the way into the depths of the cavern.
+
+The passage was amply large enough to hold two or three men standing up,
+but it led downward at a very sharp angle. The journey was performed in
+silence, and after traveling ten or fifteen minutes Guy stopped.
+
+A vast empty space was before him, and at his feet lay a sharp slope of
+loose earth. Here were seen the tracks of the savage, and without
+hesitation Guy began the descent, and half crawling, half sliding,
+reached firm ground a few yards below.
+
+Melton and Canaris were close behind, and together they went up into
+the vast expanse of the cavern. Under foot was hard, compact sand, and
+in a moment more the glare of the lamp was reflected on running water,
+and they stood on the brink of the mysterious underground river.
+
+"We have found it!" exclaimed Canaris exultingly. "The Englishman was
+right."
+
+It was impossible to judge of the width of the stream. It might be very
+narrow and it might be very broad. The flowing water made not a sound,
+and yet the current was swift, for a bit of paper that Melton tossed in
+was snatched from sight immediately.
+
+As they gazed on this strange sight with emotions that it would be
+impossible to describe, a vague, shadowy object passed down the stream
+and vanished in the darkness.
+
+"There goes that fellow," cried Guy. "He has escaped in a canoe," and
+hastening up along the shore, waving the lamp in front of him, he
+uttered a cry of astonishment that echoed through the cavern and brought
+his companions quickly to his side.
+
+Drawn back a few yards from the water lay two long, heavy canoes, and a
+sharp furrow in the sand leading to the river's edge showed that a third
+canoe had recently stood beside the others. Half a dozen rude paddles
+were strewn on the sand. The savage had evidently been in such haste to
+escape that the thought of turning the other canoes adrift, and thus
+eluding pursuit, never entered his head.
+
+Beyond the canoes, further progress was blocked by masses of earth.
+
+"This was the abode of that strange race of natives," said Guy solemnly,
+"and under those stones they have lain buried since the earthquake years
+ago."
+
+He turned and led the way down the stream.
+
+Fifteen yards below lay another jutting mass of earth. This was the
+extent of the cavern, a beach fifty yards long running back to the
+narrow passage and terminated by walls of earth; beyond was darkness and
+the river, running none knew where.
+
+Yet the only hope of seeing home and friends, vague and uncertain as it
+was, rested with this mysterious, cavernous stream. It might lead to the
+coast and safety, but far more likely death and destruction awaited
+anyone daring enough to trust himself to its treacherous current.
+
+"The sea is hundreds of miles away," said Guy gloomily, as he sat down
+on the sand and placed the lamp carefully beside him. "How are we going
+to live through such a journey as that? Even now our last bit of food is
+gone, and where shall we get more?"
+
+Canaris pondered a moment before he ventured to reply.
+
+"I see but one plan," he said finally. "At nightfall we must visit the
+burned village. The enemy will have gone by then, and we may discover
+abandoned provisions."
+
+"If we could shoot any game----" began Melton, but Guy interrupted him.
+
+"The fighting has scared everything away from the vicinity," he
+remarked.
+
+"Yes, that is true," said the Greek. "The animals have fled to the
+mountains, and, besides, Oko Sam and his tribe of Gallas keep the game
+well thinned out."
+
+"What did you say?" cried Guy, springing to his feet in excitement. "Is
+this Oko Sam's village yonder that the Abyssinians have raided?"
+
+The Greek nodded assent.
+
+"Yes, Oko Sam is the chief."
+
+"Then Sir Arthur Ashby and Colonel Carrington are close at hand,"
+exclaimed Guy.
+
+"And Momba," added Melton fervently. "All may be saved yet."
+
+"And was it to Oko Sam your comrades were sold as slaves?" cried
+Canaris. "Why did you not mention his name before? I could have told you
+this long ago."
+
+"I never thought of it," rejoined Guy. "I gave them up as lost forever.
+Alas! they are probably in the hands of the Abyssinians now."
+
+"Either that or dead," said the Greek, "but undoubtedly the former, for
+Menelek, the Abyssinian king, is fond of white captives, and their lives
+would be spared if they fell into the hands of the raiding party."
+
+"And how shall we find out?" demanded Guy. "I will not embark on this
+river until uncertainty about their fate is removed."
+
+"When darkness comes we will leave the cavern," replied Canaris. "It is
+possible we shall learn something. Until then have patience."
+
+The hours of tedious waiting were a little relieved by a discovery that
+Melton made.
+
+In some of the canoes he found a couple of rude bone fishhooks. This
+seemed pretty fair proof that fish existed in the underground river, and
+as Guy happened to have a roll of cord, three strong lines were
+constructed and laid away for possible future use.
+
+When, to the best of their judgments, evening was close at hand, they
+started back through the passage and reached the entrance shortly before
+ten o'clock.
+
+Darkness soon came on, and as all seemed quiet they ventured to roll
+back the stone and crawl out. Far across the valley a faint glow was
+visible against the somber sky, probably from the smoldering embers of
+the burned village, while directly north of the cavern, in the vicinity
+of the pool of water where the lions had been encountered the previous
+night, a number of camp fires were twinkling merrily through the
+scattered boulders.
+
+"This is the camp of the Abyssinians," declared Canaris without
+hesitation. "One of us must spy into it and see if your friends are
+prisoners; another must go to the village for provisions, and a third
+man should remain here at the mouth of the cavern."
+
+This proposed division of the forces did not please Guy and Melton.
+
+"Why must a man remain at the cavern?" demanded Chutney.
+
+"To mark the place in case one of us is pursued and loses his bearings
+in the darkness," was the Greek's calm reply.
+
+Guy saw the advisability of this and made no further objection. After
+brief discussion it was decided that he should remain on guard, while
+Canaris visited the village and Forbes reconnoitered the Abyssinian
+camp. Without any delay they started off on their respective missions,
+and Guy was left alone.
+
+For a while he paced up and down before the cavern, his rifle in the
+hollow of his arm, and then sitting down on the round stone he reflected
+over his perilous situation and the strange train of events that had led
+up to it. The stars shining down on him from the blackness of the
+African sky seemed to whisper of his far-away English home and the
+friends he would probably never see again.
+
+Then he thought of his comrades in India and the expedition he had so
+fondly hoped to join, that even now was fighting its way through the
+hills of Chittagong. His reverie was broken by a sharp "hist!" and
+Forbes glided swiftly out of the gloom.
+
+"No, they have not been captured," he whispered in response to Guy's
+eager inquiries. "I was around the camp on all sides. The Abyssinians
+have secured some Galla prisoners, and among them the chief himself, Oko
+Sam, but none of our friends are there. I am terribly afraid they have
+been massacred, Chutney."
+
+"We will know when the Greek returns," replied Guy, who did not care to
+admit his belief that Melton was right.
+
+They sat down together by the rock and conversed in low tones. An hour
+passed and then another.
+
+"Canaris should be here by this time," said Guy uneasily. "Can anything
+have happened to him, I wonder?"
+
+Almost as he spoke a muffled trampling sound was heard, two huge objects
+loomed out of the darkness ahead, and as Guy's hand trembled on the
+trigger of his rifle the Greek's familiar voice uttered a low
+exclamation and he advanced slowly, leading two big camels loaded down
+with trappings.
+
+"Well by Jove----" began Guy, but Canaris checked him instantly.
+
+"Not so loud. I picked up these animals only a quarter of a mile back.
+They have strayed away from the Abyssinian camp."
+
+"But tell me, what have you discovered?" exclaimed Guy. "And you have
+brought no food. Must we starve, then?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A DARING EXPEDITION.
+
+
+"I have discovered this," replied Canaris. "The Gallas are preparing for
+an attack; fresh men have come in from distant towns. They are encamped
+at the edge of the burned village, and in a small hut, which is
+surrounded by guards, your friends, I am confident, are confined. The
+struggle was a severe one, for the ground is strewn with dead, both
+Gallas and Abyssinians. I could find no food, and what we are to do I
+cannot tell. To attempt a rescue would be madness, and yet our
+sufferings would only end the sooner. Without food we can make no use of
+the river, and escape in any other way is equally impossible."
+
+Canaris threw himself on the ground and buried his face in his hands.
+Guy stood in silence, his face stern and set, a silence that remained
+unbroken for five minutes. In that space of time his fertile mind had
+sought a way out of the difficulty and grasped an expedient so daring,
+so preposterous, that he hesitated to frame it in words.
+
+His face betrayed something of his emotions, for Forbes and Canaris
+exclaimed eagerly: "What is it, Chutney? You have thought of something,
+have you?"
+
+"Yes," said Guy. "I have. As you say, the case is desperate. If my plan
+fails we can be no worse off. What I have resolved to do is this: Forbes
+will remain at the cavern. You and I, Canaris, will stain our faces to
+pass for Portuguese, and mounted on these camels, we will ride boldly
+into the camp of the Gallas and proclaim ourselves messengers from Makar
+Makalo at Zaila. We will say that the English are pressing the town
+hard, that they agree to withdraw on condition that the English
+prisoners are returned safe and sound, and that Makar has sent us to
+bring them to the coast. We will add, furthermore, that we came as far
+as yonder mountains with a caravan bound for Harar, and to allay any
+suspicions they may have, we will ask for an escort of two men to
+accompany us to Zaila and receive the money which Makar will pay for the
+safe delivery of the Englishmen. If all goes well they will give up our
+friends and load us with provisions for a long journey. The escort we
+can easily dispose of, and then for the river and freedom!"
+
+Guy snapped his fingers exultantly as he concluded the recital of his
+daring plan and waited to see how his friends would receive it.
+
+"Marvelous!" cried Forbes, drawing a long breath.
+
+"Yes, it is marvelous," added the Greek, "truly marvelous. If it
+succeeds it will be a miracle indeed. But suppose they have received
+recent news from Zaila, or that our disguise is penetrated?"
+
+"As for that," replied Guy coolly, "we must take the chances. I should
+fear recognition most from Oko Sam, but he is fortunately a prisoner
+among the Abyssinians. Make up your minds quickly. Do you agree to my
+proposal or not? Perhaps you can devise a better plan."
+
+"We will try it," said Canaris, decidedly. "It must be done at once, for
+at daybreak the Gallas will advance to attack the Abyssinians. Make your
+preparations and we will be off." Stepping up to the camels, which were
+quietly grazing on the jungle grass, he proceeded to remove every part
+of their trappings which would betray its Abyssinian make, until only
+the simple covering remained. With a cry of delight he held up two white
+burnouses that had been fastened to the saddle bags, and said:
+
+"With these on and our faces darkened it will take a clever man to
+penetrate our disguise in the night time."
+
+It was not such an easy matter to stain their faces, but with the
+application of a little moist earth from the mouth of the cavern, it was
+finally accomplished to their satisfaction, and after a hasty review of
+their plans and a code of instructions for Melton's guidance during
+their absence, the two daring adventurers mounted their camels and rode
+slowly off into the darkness toward the hostile camp of the Gallas.
+
+It was very near midnight, and as they trotted briskly across the
+desert, sounds of mirth floated on the air from the camp where the
+Abyssinians were making merry over their victory, serenely ignorant of
+the surprise that dawn was to bring them.
+
+The distant glow ahead seemed to come nearer and nearer with every
+stride of the camels, and Guy could hardly believe that nearly four
+miles had been traversed when Canaris pointed out the camp just in front
+of them.
+
+It was too late to think of retreat now, for already the approach of the
+camels was detected and a host of dark figures were visible moving
+across the still glowing embers.
+
+Fearful of an attack, Canaris shouted out loudly, "Makar Makalo! Makar
+Makalo!" and then, lashing his beast, they galloped into the very center
+of a turbulent throng, who crowded around them with blazing torches.
+
+Canaris knew barely enough of the language to request an interpreter and
+the head man of the tribe, and the savages, awed for a moment by the
+fierce manner in which he made these demands, fell back a little, and
+Guy had opportunity to observe his surroundings.
+
+He was in a corner of the village which seemed to have escaped the
+worst of the fray, for a dozen or more huts were standing, and the
+largest of these was encircled by a dozen heavily armed men. His heart
+beat fast at the thought that Sir Arthur and Colonel Carrington were
+confined within.
+
+Just then a huge savage, wearing a leopard skin about his waist,
+advanced through the crowd, which fell back at his approach. He was
+accompanied by a small, weazened Arab who at once demanded if the
+newcomers could "spik Inglis?"
+
+"Go ahead now," whispered Canaris, "and luck be with you. That big
+fellow is the head man."
+
+For a moment Guy could find no voice, and failure stared him in the
+face.
+
+The horrified expression on the Greek's countenance broke the spell, and
+raising his voice he said clearly and distinctly:
+
+"Tell your master we are Portuguese who have come from Zaila at the
+bidding of Makar Makalo, the ruler."
+
+The Arab communicated this piece of news in a loud tone that drew a
+murmur of surprise from the people, but brought no response from the
+chief, who merely stared impudently.
+
+"The English have made an attack on Zaila by land and sea," Guy went on
+in a louder voice. "The town is at their mercy. They have promised Makar
+to withdraw on condition that the British governor of the town and his
+friend, who were taken and sold into slavery, be delivered up to them
+safely. Therefore Makar Makalo has sent us to demand of you the two
+Englishmen, a supply of food for the journey, and an escort back to
+Zaila. For this he agrees to reward you well. We came as far as yonder
+mountain with a caravan bound for Harar, and as there is great need of
+haste we would start on our return at once."
+
+This long speech the Arab likewise proclaimed aloud, and with the utmost
+anxiety Guy and Canaris watched its effect on the people.
+
+They heard it in ominous silence, and the chief spoke a few words to his
+interpreter, who instantly turned to Guy and announced, in very
+imperfect English, that nothing could be done until Oko Sam was released
+from his captivity. He told briefly of the attack on the village, of
+their plan of surprising the Abyssinians at daybreak, and concluded by
+inviting them to dismount and await the result of the fight.
+
+It was evident at least that nothing was suspected. So far they had
+played their part to perfection. But here was an unexpected hindrance.
+The leader refused to act without the sanction of Oko Sam, and a delay
+would be fatal.
+
+"Insist on it," whispered Canaris hurriedly; "it is our only chance."
+
+"Tell your master we cannot wait," replied Guy, in well feigned anger.
+"Every moment is precious, and we must hasten back to Makar Makalo. Give
+us the Englishmen at once or we will go away without them and tell Makar
+Makalo how you have treated his messengers."
+
+This bold declaration had its effect.
+
+The chief withdrew to a little distance and held a long conference with
+half a dozen of his companions.
+
+Guy and Canaris remained calm and motionless on their camels, haughtily
+scanning the sea of threatening black faces that hemmed them in on all
+sides.
+
+Their only ground for hope rested in the fear which Makar Makalo, by his
+summary dealings with these tribes, had inspired in them.
+
+The single motive which in all probability hindered the head man from
+acceding at once to their demands was the dread of Oko Sam's displeasure
+in case that despotic monarch were rescued in the morning.
+
+The eager confab was still going on as strenuously as ever when a tumult
+arose from the outskirts of the throng, and presently, amid hoarse
+cheering and applause, a man broke through the parted ranks of the
+people and limped feebly into the open space.
+
+It was Oko Sam!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+BY A HAIR'S BREADTH.
+
+
+A nervous shiver passed through Guy as he recognized the repulsive face
+of his old enemy, and instinctively he pulled his burnouse closer around
+his head. Oko Sam darted a curious glance at the two motionless figures
+on the camels and then advanced to meet the head man, who broke off the
+conference and greeted his newly arrived chief in a most servile manner.
+
+"Don't despair," whispered Guy; "those infernal Abyssinians have become
+drunk and allowed their captive to slip away just at this critical time,
+but all may go well yet."
+
+It took but a short time to make Oko Sam acquainted with the facts of
+the case. He strode up to the camels, and gazed long and haughtily at
+the two strangers. Then, apparently satisfied with his scrutiny, he
+addressed a few words to the weazened Arab, and, turning to his people,
+jabbered away volubly for two or three minutes. When he ceased, half a
+dozen men started off in different directions, and the interpreter
+proceeded to communicate the decision to Guy, who, in spite of his calm
+exterior, was greatly agitated.
+
+"Oko Sam say yes," began the Arab. "He friend of Makar Makalo; he no
+want Makar lose Zaila; he give plenty food for journey; he give six,
+ten, twenty men go long, so bring back much gift from Makar. You say
+Makar give much, hey?"
+
+"Yes," replied Guy, repressing with difficulty his extreme joy, "Makar
+will give big rewards to Oko Sam."
+
+The Arab turned aside with a grunt of satisfaction as half a dozen
+natives came up, bearing leathern sacks of provisions, which were handed
+up, one at a time, to Guy and Canaris, and slung across the necks of
+their camels.
+
+This proceeding was barely over, when, to Guy's amazement and disgust, a
+band of Gallas, fully armed, and bearing each a supply of food strapped
+on their backs, advanced into the open space.
+
+This was Oko Sam's promised escort! Instead of two men there were
+twenty.
+
+"These good fellows here go long," said the Arab. "They no have camels;
+they go on foot one day's journey, then reach other tribe, where find
+plenty camel."
+
+This statement relieved Guy considerably. It would not be so difficult,
+after all, to get rid of the troublesome escort if they were on foot.
+
+And now came the crisis. At a signal from Oko Sam the guards about the
+hut flung open the entrance, and in a moment two emaciated, half
+starved figures were led forth, whom it was actually difficult to
+recognize as the pompous Sir Arthur Ashby and brave Colonel Carrington.
+
+They still wore their uniforms, but the cloth hung in folds about their
+shrunken limbs, and their faces were pitifully thin and distressed.
+
+Guy's heart beat fast with indignation as he gazed on this melancholy
+sight, and then he purposely half turned his face away, lest the
+prisoners should recognize him and unconsciously cause the failure of
+the whole plan.
+
+The people drew back as the little group reached the camels. The two
+Englishmen were lifted up behind the supposed Portuguese--Sir Arthur
+with Canaris, the colonel beside Chutney--and so weak and helpless were
+they that it was necessary to partially strap them in their places.
+
+All was now ready. Guy and Canaris were prepared to start, the prisoners
+were in their possession, and the armed escort were exchanging farewells
+with their comrades.
+
+At this supreme moment, when the fullest success seemed assured, a
+startling diversion occurred.
+
+A big Arab, a new arrival evidently, pushed his way forward, and as his
+glance fell on the Greek he started with surprise, and exclaimed aloud,
+"Canaris!"
+
+With wonderful self possession the Greek looked at him in mute
+ignorance; but the Arab, who had probably but just come from Harar,
+pressed forward, and, joining Oko Sam a few paces away, began to talk
+excitedly in a low voice.
+
+"We are lost, Chutney," whispered Canaris in tones of despair.
+
+At the mention of this name, Guy felt the colonel's arms clasp his waist
+in a convulsive thrill.
+
+"Not a sound, Colonel Carrington," he muttered under his breath, "as you
+value your freedom."
+
+The tightened grasp instantly relaxed, and Guy turned his head slightly
+to obtain a clearer view of Oko Sam.
+
+This action hastened the climax, for his burnous caught on the button
+of Colonel Carrington's coat and fell to the ground. A glaring torch
+passing at the moment completed the catastrophe, and the keen eyed
+Galla chief uttered a howl of rage and amazement as he recognized
+his old enemy of the market place at Berbera.
+
+Never did Captain Chutney's quick wits do him a better service than at
+that moment.
+
+In one glance he took in the whole situation, the astounded chief and
+his counselors, the swarthy mass of savages ready for instant action,
+the armed escort that stood between him and the edge of the encampment.
+
+More speedily than words can tell it, his determination was reached.
+With a warning cry to Canaris, a hasty injunction to Colonel Carrington
+to hold fast, he snatched a short dagger from his waist and plunged it
+an inch or more into the flank of the Greek's camel, and then into that
+of his own animal.
+
+The frightened and agonized beasts pranced madly for a second or two and
+then plunged desperately forward, trampling the amazed guards right and
+left.
+
+It was over in a moment; a howl from the infuriated chief, a terrific
+uproar from the vast throng, and then, spurred to greater efforts by the
+tumult in their ears, the valiant camels thundered out into the desert,
+heedless of the scattered rifle-fire, the volley of whizzing spears.
+With tremendous strides they bore their precious burdens toward safety
+and freedom, while the silence of the African night was rent by the
+venomous cries of their bloodthirsty pursuers.
+
+For the moment they were safe, but in that long four mile race that lay
+ahead many perils might be encountered, and it was even within the realm
+of possibilities that the fleet-footed Gallas would overtake the
+heavily-burdened camels.
+
+It was no time for conversation or explanation. A fervent "Thank God!"
+burst from Colonel Carrington's lips as he realized that he had fallen
+into the hands of friends, while Sir Arthur, feebly beginning to
+comprehend what had happened, ejaculated several times, "Bless my soul,"
+as he clung with might and main to the Greek's waist.
+
+Faster and faster they sped over the plain, until the tumult behind them
+was lost in the muffled tramp of the camels' hoofs. They rode side by
+side, with arms ready for instant use, but no foe appeared in front or
+behind, and at last, with a glad cry, Canaris pointed to the distant
+gleam of the Abyssinian camp.
+
+"We are safe now," exclaimed Guy. "The Gallas feared to pursue us any
+further lest their anticipated attack on the Abyssinians should be
+spoiled."
+
+"Yes," replied Canaris, "either that or they have circled round, hoping
+to cut us off at yonder gap in the mountains where the road breaks
+through to the coast. And now the rock must be close by. Ha! What does
+that mean?"
+
+Bang! went a rifle shot directly ahead, and a brief red flash pierced
+the gloom.
+
+"It is Forbes!" cried Chutney. "He is in danger. Quick, quick, to the
+rescue."
+
+A loud shout followed closely on the heels of the report, and
+recognizing Melton's voice, Guy, lost to all sense of prudence, cried
+aloud:
+
+"Don't give in Forbes; we are coming."
+
+An answering hail came distinctly back, followed immediately by a second
+shot.
+
+The agony of suspense was brief. A moment later the rock loomed into
+view, and the panting camels came to a halt before the entrance to the
+cavern.
+
+"Oh, you've come back safe?" exclaimed Melton coolly, as he came forward
+with a smoking rifle in his hand. "I've had a brush with a party of
+Abyssinians. They were hunting their camels, I suppose, and took me by
+surprise. I dropped one of the rascals, and----Look out! There they are
+again."
+
+All dodged to the ground as a shower of spears fell about the rock. With
+a hollow groan one of the camels dropped heavily over, pierced in the
+throat by a short spear, and his huge bulk formed a natural barrier
+before the cavern. Melton's rifle cracked sharply and a howl of pain
+attested the accuracy of his aim.
+
+"Into the cavern, all of you," cried Guy. "The Abyssinians are coming in
+force; the firing has attracted them to the spot."
+
+Already a shadowy mass was visible some hundred yards off, and the sound
+of voices was distinctly heard.
+
+The Greek hastily motioned Sir Arthur and the colonel into the cavern,
+and hurriedly tossed in the provisions bag by bag.
+
+The enemy were now quite close, and as Canaris stowed away the last bag
+they came on with a wild rush.
+
+From behind the dead camel Guy and Melton poured in a hot fire that
+checked their impetuous advance instantly, and before they could rally
+for another charge, both had bolted into the gloomy hole, and the stone
+was deftly rolled into place.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+CUT OFF FROM THE OUTER WORLD.
+
+
+The lamp was lit instantly, and without a moment's delay Guy led the
+party at full speed down the corridor until the descent was reached.
+
+"Now hurry down, all of you," he cried. "You have a flask of powder
+about you, Canaris. Give it to me."
+
+"What are you going to do, Chutney?" asked Melton in alarm.
+
+"Put an end to all pursuit," was the stern reply; and, seizing the
+flask, he placed it on the ground, and pouring a little powder on a
+strip of linen torn from the lining of his blouse, he deftly rolled a
+fuse and inserted one end in the mouth of the flask.
+
+His intentions were apparent. The roof and walls of the passage were of
+loose earth and stone. A blast would bring them down in an avalanche.
+
+Canaris attempted to expostulate, but Guy drove them all down the slope
+and applied a match to the fuse.
+
+It was high time, for up the passage shone the gleam of torches. The
+enemy had effected an entrance.
+
+Guy joined his companions on the shore of the river, and almost
+instantly a terrific explosion took place. It seemed to rend the earth.
+A tremendous crash and rumbling noise followed, and then all was quiet.
+
+The concussion put out the lamp, but as soon as it was lighted again Guy
+ran up to see the result of his attempt.
+
+No trace of the passageway existed. In its place was a grim wall of
+earth.
+
+The full significance of what he had done now flashed into Guy's mind
+and he gazed blankly into the faces of his comrades.
+
+"We are buried alive," said Melton bitterly. "We are as dead to the
+world as though we were in our coffins."
+
+"We have simply burned our ships behind us, that is all," replied
+Chutney. "Now for the river and freedom."
+
+They went back and sat down beside the swiftly-flowing water.
+
+"Bless me if I know whether I am on my head or my feet," said Sir
+Arthur. "What on earth does this mean?"
+
+"It means that these brave fellows have saved us from a fate worse than
+death," cried the colonel; "that is all I care to know at present."
+
+"I will explain all," said Guy.
+
+He straightway related everything that had happened from the time they
+were separated on the way to Harar to the discovery of the underground
+river and the daring plan for the rescue of the prisoners.
+
+The colonel could scarcely repress his astonishment as he listened to
+the wonderful story, and at its conclusion he embraced his rescuer
+warmly.
+
+"We owe you our lives," he said fervently. "Never was a braver deed
+attempted, never was a rescue more marvelously carried out. Ah, I can
+never repay the debt. A grateful country will reward you, Captain
+Chutney. England shall know of your heroism."
+
+"Yes, you are right, colonel," put in Sir Arthur, with a touch of his
+old pomposity; "the government shall know how its representative was
+delivered from the hands of these impious fiends. But bless me, I don't
+see that we are so much better off, after all. How are we going to get
+out of this beastly hole?"
+
+"And what has become of Momba, and Captain Waller, and the Hindoos?"
+exclaimed Forbes, who had suddenly recollected the missing members of
+the party.
+
+"Lost--all lost," replied the colonel sadly. "They were sold to a
+distant tribe in the interior two days after we arrived at the village.
+You see our condition. They have made us work from sunrise to sunset. We
+fell ill, and, being of use no longer, they deliberately tried to
+starve us to death. It was horrible, horrible!"
+
+"It was a diabolical outrage," interrupted Sir Arthur. "The whole
+civilized world will shudder when it knows that the governor of Zaila
+was fed on tainted meat and spoiled rice, and very little of that, too.
+If England fails to resent this outrage, I'll cast off my allegiance to
+the crown, sir, and become a citizen of some other country. I will, by
+Jove!"
+
+Sir Arthur might have gone on indefinitely with the tale of his
+grievances, but Guy cut him short by calling general attention to their
+present grave situation.
+
+The supply of provisions was at once overhauled, and the inspection
+proved very satisfactory.
+
+Six large bags had been loaded on the camels. Two of these held jerked
+beef, probably buffalo or deer meat, one contained rice, another a
+peculiar kind of hard cakes made from native corn, and the two remaining
+were filled to the top with dates and figs.
+
+"We are assured of food for some time to come," said Guy; "that is one
+consolation. I wish I could feel as certain of light. We have two lamps,
+and to supply these two big flasks of palm oil, not nearly enough,
+however, to last us on a long journey. When that is gone, I don't know
+what we shall do."
+
+"When we stop for rest we shall have to do without light," suggested
+Melton. "If we find any places to stop," he added.
+
+"It's beastly chilly in here," observed Sir Arthur, with a shiver. "Two
+days in a hole like this will give us all rheumatism."
+
+"Ah," said Melton, "but I have provided for that. See, here are the
+trappings from the camels which I brought in while waiting for you." And
+he held up one by one half a dozen richly embroidered rugs and skins,
+which had belonged to the leaders of the Abyssinians.
+
+This pleasing discovery put them all in better spirits, and it was
+presently supplemented by another, which went far to remove the most
+formidable obstacle to their journey, for while the canoes were being
+examined Guy found in a far corner of the cavern a great pile of
+torches, made from some highly resinous wood. These had evidently
+belonged to the natives who formerly dwelt here, and were used by them
+instead of lamps on their journeys to the coast. They were fifty or
+sixty in number.
+
+"This is a fortunate discovery," said Guy. "With these and the lamps we
+may have sufficient light to last out our trip."
+
+"Yes; that removes the last obstacle," rejoined Forbes; "and now I
+propose that we take some refreshment. We have eaten nothing for nearly
+two days."
+
+This was true. The excitement had almost banished hunger from their
+thoughts, but Melton's words roused their dormant appetites, and,
+sitting down beside the canoes, they made a hearty meal and washed it
+down with water from the river, which was quite fresh and cold.
+
+"Well," said Guy, when they had all finished and the provisions were
+tied up and put aside, "it will do us no good to remain here any longer.
+The river, as you all know, is our only salvation, and the sooner we
+start on our cruise the better. The natives who once dwelt here are
+reported to have made journeys down this stream in boats. Is it not so,
+Canaris?"
+
+"Yes," replied the Greek. "I have heard from the Arabs at Harar that it
+was their annual custom to go down to the coast in large rafts or boats
+with trading goods, and then return by land."
+
+"But where does this underground river empty?" asked the colonel. "Does
+anyone know?"
+
+"It is supposed to reach the Juba," replied Guy, "but whether near the
+mouth of that river or not I cannot say."
+
+"Ah! but that is a very important thing," said the colonel. "I possess
+some acquaintance with the geography of this part of Africa. Are you
+aware that the river Juba is nearly eight hundred miles in length? Its
+source, which as yet remains undiscovered, lies only a hundred miles or
+more to our west, and it flows to the southeast. This stream before us
+appears to head in a southwesterly direction as near as I can judge. It
+is possible then that it joins the river Juba at a distance less than
+two hundred miles from here. In that event our journey does not appear
+so formidable."
+
+"Pardon me, sir," said Canaris quickly, "but from what I have been able
+to learn this river reaches the Juba at a point, I have heard stated,
+midway between Bardera and the coast."
+
+"Bardera!" cried the colonel sharply. "Why, Bardera is only two hundred
+miles from the sea. According to that, we have a journey before us of
+nearly eight hundred miles--a journey underground and on unknown waters.
+Who can tell what dangers lie before us?"
+
+"We will never get out alive," groaned Sir Arthur. "Never in the world,
+Carrington. What a blawsted idiot I was to let the government send me to
+that beastly hole!"
+
+"And is it impossible to escape by land?" asked the colonel, unheeding
+this interruption.
+
+"You forget that we have destroyed our only communication with the outer
+world," ventured Forbes. "The river is our sole hope."
+
+"Yes, I had forgotten it, it is true," replied the colonel.
+
+"And were the communication now open," exclaimed Guy, "escape would
+still be hopeless. This river is navigable, and the existence of those
+canoes proves what I say. I have been in tight places like this before,
+and if you will trust to my guidance I will do my best to bring you
+through in safety. If we fail, it shall be through no fault of mine."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.
+
+
+Guy's stirring speech was just what was needed to rouse the flagging
+spirits of the party, for the colonel's graphic description of the
+contemplated journey had produced a very depressing effect.
+
+Preparations for the start were begun at once. The two canoes were first
+tested and found to be absolutely seaworthy. Then the provisions, the
+torches, the lamps, the oil flasks, and the rugs were divided into two
+parts and stowed away.
+
+It was decided that Guy should be accompanied by Forbes and Sir Arthur
+in the first boat, and that Canaris and the colonel should follow in the
+second. For economy one torch was to be used for illuminating their way,
+and this Sir Arthur was to hold in the rear of the canoe. Eight paddles
+had been found in the cavern, thus providing an extra supply in case of
+possible loss.
+
+It was difficult to believe that the sun was shining brightly outside.
+No ray of light pierced the blackness of the cavern, and the dead
+silence was unbroken by the first sound, though at that very moment the
+Gallas and the Abyssinians were probably waging a bloody battle almost
+overhead. Henceforth day and night were one, all trace of time would be
+lost, and whether any of that imprisoned band would ever see the light
+of day again or breathe the free, open air, the future alone could tell.
+
+It was a solemn and impressive moment, and Guy's voice had a touch of
+huskiness in it as he ordered the canoes to be carried to the water.
+
+A last survey of the cavern was made to see that nothing was forgotten,
+and then all took their places in silence, the canoes swung slowly out
+from shore, and, caught by the current, shot off into the gloom on the
+first stage of the most awful journey ever made by Englishmen.
+
+Guy sat slightly in front of the stern, keeping the canoe straight with
+an occasional touch of the paddle, for the velocity of the current made
+labor unnecessary, and close behind him was Sir Arthur, holding the
+flaring torch that lit up the water for a short distance ahead and
+served to guide the second canoe, which was only a few yards behind.
+
+"If this current continues all the way," observed Forbes, "eight hundred
+miles will be nothing at all."
+
+"Yes, if no bad rapids are encountered," replied Guy. "There are
+certainly none very near, or we could hear them plainly."
+
+"I don't think we need fear that very much," called out the colonel from
+the rear canoe. "The altitude of this part of Africa is not so high
+above the sea. The valley overhead is a pretty deep one, and this river
+is some distance beneath. Moreover, those natives would hardly have made
+an annual cruise down the river if the channel were very dangerous."
+
+"It was their custom to start at the close of the rainy season," said
+the Greek, "when the river was high and swollen."
+
+"Don't mention rapids, I beg of you," cried Sir Arthur. "It makes me
+nervous. I can't stand it at all."
+
+For an hour or more they traveled on in almost unbroken silence. On
+either side the shore was invisible, and overhead the glare of the torch
+revealed only black, empty space. The same intense silence prevailed,
+not even the faintest murmur of the river being audible.
+
+This peaceful monotony, however, was rudely shattered. A low humming
+sound was heard in the distance, which rapidly increased in volume, and
+left no room to doubt that a course of rapids was below. At Guy's
+suggestion Forbes relieved Sir Arthur of the torch, and scarcely had
+this change been effected when the current carried them into a swirling
+mass of spray.
+
+Both canoes grated and bumped against rocks, and then, before the
+frightened occupants could realize that it was over, the sullen roar was
+fading away in the distance, and the smooth current was bearing them
+rapidly ahead.
+
+This little episode considerably relieved their minds. If no more
+dangerous water than that lay before them, there was little cause for
+apprehension. A skilled eye and a strong hand would overcome the
+difficulty.
+
+Presently, for the first time, rocky walls appeared, now on one side,
+now on the other, but they fell sheer to the water, and gave no
+opportunity for landing. The atmosphere of the cavern was pure and
+fresh, a fact not readily accounted for, since no glimmer of daylight
+was anywhere visible.
+
+Guy began to grow sleepy, a sensation which was shared by his
+companions, for it was many hours since they had had any rest. It was
+impossible to tell how long or how far they had traveled. All passage of
+time was lost, and the periods for eating and sleeping must be regulated
+by their own feelings. Instinct goes wrong in such cases; yet there was
+little doubt that the night had come.
+
+A sharp lookout was kept on the shores, but, as the current swept them
+past the same monotonous ledges without a break, it began to look as
+though they would be compelled to take turns at sleeping in the bottom
+of the canoes.
+
+They were paddling close along the right shore when a sudden cry from
+Canaris, who was almost abreast of the other boat, and farther out in
+the current, attracted general attention, and peering out on the river
+they saw a dim object some yards away.
+
+The current bore them past it, but by dint of hard paddling the canoes
+were headed diagonally up stream, and a few moments later a landing was
+made on the lower end of a small spit of white sand, ten or fifteen
+yards in diameter.
+
+It sloped gently to the water's edge, and in the center was a cluster of
+smooth, water-worn stones.
+
+It was a perfect haven of refuge to the weary and exhausted voyagers,
+and with thankful hearts they hauled the canoes upon the strip of beach
+and spread out the rugs in readiness for a few hours' sleep.
+
+They ate sparingly of crackers and dates, for Guy had assumed charge of
+the commissary department and dispensed supplies with no liberal hand,
+the wisdom of which was readily acknowledged by all.
+
+The torch had been stuck end up in the sand, and its cheerful glow threw
+a radiance over all the little island and caused the silvery white sand
+to sparkle brilliantly.
+
+They stretched themselves out on the rugs near the center of the island,
+and as soon as they were arranged comfortably Guy rigorously
+extinguished the torch and hunted his place in the darkness.
+
+No thought of fear entered their mind. On all sides was the deep and
+rapid river. Whence could an enemy come? In five minutes not a man was
+awake. Even Sir Arthur was snoring profoundly, dreaming perhaps of the
+snug quarters in the residence at Zaila, from which he had been so
+rudely ousted a few short weeks before.
+
+Guy was dreaming, too, but far different were the visions that coursed
+through his brain. For the twentieth time he was living over again his
+awful experiences of the previous year. Once more he was a prisoner in
+the rajah's fortress, and Nana Sahib's cannons were awaiting their
+victim on the massive stone platform. Now he was being led out to die in
+the midst of his companions, the fiendish faces all about him, the
+Hindoos stood by the touch-holes with lighted torches. Now they were
+binding him, the gaping muzzle was pressing his back----
+
+Then he woke and sat up, trembling from head to foot, the dank
+perspiration standing in beads on his forehead. Thank God it was only a
+dream. The rajah's fortress was thousands of miles away.
+
+Suddenly a faint sound reached his ear, so indistinct that he could
+hardly be sure he heard anything at all. He listened a moment, but it
+was not repeated.
+
+"Some of the fellows stirring in their sleep," he muttered, and giving
+the matter no further thought, he lay down again.
+
+But as soon as his head touched the sand the sound was repeated, and
+this time it was more definable--a steady, rustling noise, with an
+occasional low splash that seemed to come from the water.
+
+It was caused by none of his companions, for they all lay on his left,
+while the alarming noise seemed to come from the right.
+
+Guy was a brave man, but in his nervous condition, resulting from the
+recent dream, this new alarm was too much, and he felt a cold chill run
+down his spine.
+
+Giving Forbes, who was next him, a gentle shake, he drew himself to his
+feet, and taking a match from his pocket, rubbed it with a trembling
+hand across the front of his trousers.
+
+It struck fire instantly, and as the sudden flare lit up the whole
+extent of the island the match dropped from Guy's nerveless fingers and
+he started back with a cry of horror that echoed horribly through the
+gloomy recesses of the cavern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+A WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
+
+
+Guy had presence of mind enough to strike a second match and ignite the
+torch, which was fortunately within reach of his hand, and as his
+companions, roused from their sleep by his sharp cry of alarm, sprang
+excitedly to their feet, the flaming glare revealed to their astonished
+gaze a monstrous serpent coiled half on land, half in the water, at the
+edge of the island.
+
+The flat, ugly head, with its wicked eyes, was darting angrily to and
+fro, and the body was as thick as a man's leg above the knee.
+
+"Great Caesar, it's a sea-serpent!" cried Forbes, making a dash for his
+rifle, while Sir Arthur, with a dismal groan, dropped down on his knees
+and had to be dragged forcibly away by the colonel.
+
+The glare of the torch seemed to anger the monster, for it advanced a
+yard or more up the island, and spattered the water furiously with its
+great tail.
+
+A general rush was made for the canoes, and it would have been no
+difficult matter to have slipped quickly away and left the hideous
+monster in undisputed possession of the island.
+
+Unluckily Forbes was bent on resistance. He seized his rifle, made sure
+that it was ready for use, and started forward just as Guy hurried to
+his assistance.
+
+"Come away, Melton," he cried; "it will only make things worse if you
+wound it."
+
+"But I don't intend to wound it," replied Melton. "I'm going to put a
+ball through that ugly head. Stand back, Chutney; stand back."
+
+As he spoke he advanced recklessly until the muzzle of his rifle was
+within two feet of the serpent's head, and, taking a quick aim, pulled
+the trigger.
+
+The stunning report shook the cavern; then, as Forbes turned to flee,
+the enraged monster, with blood streaming from a hole in his neck, threw
+his slimy coils forward in convulsions of agony, and, before the eyes of
+his horrified companions, Melton was pinned to the ground.
+
+He struggled to his knees, fighting desperately to loosen the tightening
+coils, and uttering heartrending appeals for help.
+
+Then, with a mighty hiss, the serpent flapped wildly toward the water,
+dragging his victim with him, and with a terrific splash and a
+resounding slap of the great tail on the moist sand, both disappeared in
+the gloom.
+
+With a terrible cry Guy ran to the water's edge and shouted again and
+again.
+
+No response came back. The black river flowed as smoothly and calmly as
+before.
+
+"Lost! Lost!" he cried hoarsely, and staggering backward he fell heavily
+on the sand.
+
+The colonel ran to his assistance, and at that moment a single cry came
+distinctly from a point below the island.
+
+"Listen!" exclaimed Canaris. "What is that?"
+
+"Help! Help!" rang mournfully through the recesses of the cavern.
+
+It was Melton's voice surely, and the familiar tones reached Guy's ears
+and brought him to his feet in an instant.
+
+"It's Forbes!" he shouted wildly. "The canoe, quick," and snatching the
+heavy craft, he fairly threw it into the river and sprang in.
+
+Canaris leaped after him, and seizing paddles they drove the canoe
+swiftly toward the distant sound.
+
+"We are coming, Melton; we are coming," cried Guy. "We'll save you yet."
+
+In their haste the lighted torch had been left behind, but fortunately
+the Greek had matches, and in an instant another torch was lit and
+flaring cheerfully over the water.
+
+"This way, Chutney," came a feeble voice below them. "Hurry up. I'm
+nearly exhausted."
+
+A few rapid strokes of the paddle brought them within sight of a
+struggling object on the surface of the water, and as the canoe ran
+skilfully alongside, Guy dropped his paddle, and, leaning out, seized
+the drowning man by the collar. With almost superhuman strength he
+dragged him into the canoe without assistance.
+
+"Thank God!" he cried, "he's safe. Speak to me, Forbes. Are you hurt?"
+
+But Melton lay white and helpless in the bottom of the boat, too
+exhausted to reply.
+
+"He's all right," said Canaris. "Don't make him talk. Take your paddle,
+Chutney. We'll have a struggle to make the island."
+
+The Greek was right. Far above them shone the flickering torch, and the
+current was bearing them further away.
+
+"I can't paddle and hold the torch at the same time," said Canaris. "We
+must be guided by the light on the island."
+
+And they bent to the paddles with a will, shouting from time to time to
+encourage the colonel and Sir Arthur. It was even a harder task than
+they had feared--to force the canoe through that fierce rush of water.
+And for a time it seemed as though they were losing instead of gaining.
+
+But at last the distant light grew brighter, and soon their friends
+could be seen standing on the edge of the island.
+
+Ten minutes' more labor brought the canoe to the small eddy behind the
+island, and then the colonel hauled it gently upon the sand. They
+climbed wearily out and bore Melton tenderly up the slope. His clothes
+were foul and slimy from the serpent's embrace, but he did not seem to
+be injured.
+
+A few drops of stimulant would have had a good effect, but as this was
+out of the question they did the next best thing under the
+circumstances. His wet clothes were stripped off and wrung out. Then he
+was wrapped snugly in three or four big rugs and laid in one of the
+canoes, which was emptied for the purpose. This heroic treatment had a
+speedy effect, and the patient, much to the relief of all, recovered
+from his prostration and insisted on sitting up.
+
+"No, I don't think I'm hurt," he said, in response to Guy's inquiries.
+"It was the closest shave I ever had in my life, though. You may imagine
+how I felt when the monster dragged me into the river. I gave myself up
+for lost at once. He dived straight down, and then shot through the
+water like a streak. One coil was still around my body, and hard as I
+struggled I couldn't tear loose. My ears began to sing, and I knew I
+would have to drown. Then I felt the coil grow a little looser, and with
+one desperate struggle I tore away and came to the top. The first thing
+I saw was the light away up on the island, and I shouted for help as
+loud as I could. I was terribly afraid you would not hear me, and all
+the time I was growing weaker and weaker, and the current was dragging
+me farther and farther away. Then I saw your torch almost beside me, and
+that is all I remember. I would have gone to the bottom in another
+minute, I know. It was horrible, Chutney. It makes me faint to think of
+it," and Melton closed his eyes with a little shudder.
+
+There were tears in the eyes of all as they listened to the marvelous
+story of his escape, and a sterner realization came to them of the
+unknown and unseen dangers that encompassed them.
+
+Further sleep was out of the question, and yet they could not well leave
+the island until Melton's clothes were partially dry.
+
+"Suppose we try some fishing," suggested Guy. "I have lines, and we can
+bait the hooks with bits of dried meat."
+
+"That would be an agreeable change in our bill of fare," said the
+colonel. "I second the motion."
+
+"Gentlemen, I beg of you, don't harass my feelings by talking of fish,"
+protested Sir Arthur, who was gradually recovering from his severe
+fright. "It makes me think of white-bait dinners at Greenwich. I dined
+there two days before I sailed for Africa."
+
+"And you will dine there again, many a time," replied the colonel. "Only
+keep up your spirits, Ashby."
+
+"I hope so, I'm sure," groaned Sir Arthur, with a dismal shake of the
+head that belied his words.
+
+Meanwhile Guy had been preparing the lines, and handing one to the
+Greek, they cast them in the eddy below the island. In less than five
+minutes Guy landed a trumpet, a fish of a deep purple color, a foot in
+length. Canaris hauled one out at the same time, and within an hour they
+had caught more than a dozen, all of the same species and of about the
+same length.
+
+"We'll take them along with us," said Guy. "We may find driftwood enough
+to build a fire and cook them."
+
+"And if we don't find any," cried Canaris, "we can cook them by holding
+them in the flame of the torch."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+SIR ARTHUR WAKES AT THE RIGHT TIME.
+
+
+At this point Forbes positively insisted on getting up, and, in spite of
+the slight dampness that still lingered about his clothes, he pulled
+them on and announced himself ready to start. All were glad to leave the
+spot which was connected with such a horrible event, and soon the island
+was far in the rear.
+
+The second stage of the journey was monotonous and uneventful. A few
+slight rapids were encountered, but for the most part the river was
+swift and smooth.
+
+The character of the shores now began to change, and instead of the
+sharp ledges falling sheer to the water, sandy beaches skirted the edge,
+and from the canoes they could make out gloomy holes and passages that
+pierced the sides of the cavern.
+
+They were strongly tempted at times to stop and explore these unknown
+mysteries, but the reflection that every moment thus wasted would
+prolong their stay on this underground stream always checked the
+impulse.
+
+A flat, rocky ledge served for their next resting-place. It extended
+back ten yards to a steep wall of rock, and here, in a hollow cavity,
+Canaris found a mass of driftwood that was dry enough to burn.
+
+The fish were cooked rudely over a fire, but without salt they were
+unpalatable and no one cared to eat them.
+
+The luxury of a camp fire was enjoyed while they slept, and, although no
+watch was kept, the night--if night it really was--passed without alarm.
+
+Colonel Carrington had managed to retain during his captivity a small
+note-book and pencil. In this he kept a record of the journey, jotting
+down each night the incidents of the day's cruise, and a page from this
+diary will convey to the reader a clear idea of the uneventful manner in
+which the first week passed away--a week in long-to-be-remembered
+contrast to the dreadful period that followed.
+
+_Third stage._--Traveled all day on smooth water. Rocky shores. Camped
+on an island. Could find no wood and slept in the dark.
+
+_Fourth stage._--Today we passed rocky islands in great profusion. Once
+far overhead we saw a single gleam of light shining in from a crevice.
+So far our calculation is correct. Day is day, and night is night.
+
+_Fifth stage._--Nothing important. Ran a few rapids and camped on the
+right shore on a sandy beach.
+
+_Sixth stage._--All goes well. We are making many miles a day. The
+current continues strong. Camped on flat rock in midstream.
+
+_Seventh stage._--Current still good. River very wide and obstructed
+with rocks. Narrowly missed an upset several times.
+
+_Eighth stage._--Traveled rapidly. Camped on a big spit of sand on right
+shore. Vast cavern behind us. Too sleepy to explore it.
+
+Here the peaceful monotony of the colonel's record ended. On this
+sloping, sandy beach began the first of that string of adventures which
+to their last moment will send a shudder through those who participated
+in them.
+
+As the colonel stated, they were so weary from the long day's journey
+that no investigation was made of the vast cavern that lay behind them.
+
+Guy advanced a few yards with his blazing torch.
+
+"It probably terminates with a rocky wall," he said carelessly: "It's no
+use looking into it tonight."
+
+Sir Arthur suggested that it would be well to make sure that no danger
+lurked in its darkness, but Guy handed him the torch and bade him go
+satisfy himself. He very promptly declined the honor.
+
+A meager supper was eaten, for already the stock of food showed a
+perceptible diminution, and by common consent Guy began from that time
+to serve out short rations.
+
+A quantity of driftwood had been brought in the canoes from a previous
+camping-place, and with this a small fire was built. In its cheerful
+flickering glow they fell asleep, and an hour later a faint gleam from
+the charred embers was all that relieved the darkness of the cavern.
+
+When Sir Arthur Ashby turned uneasily on his rugs some time afterward,
+even this feeble light was gone. The ex-governor was consumed with a
+burning thirst. He had an undeniable craving for champagne and iced
+claret, but in the unavoidable absence of these drinks water would have
+to do.
+
+As he sat up, a faint noise reached his ears from the direction of the
+canoes, and supposing it to be Canaris, who had performed similar favors
+for him before, he called out loudly:
+
+"My good fellow, fetch me a drink, will you? I'm deucedly dry."
+
+The noise instantly ceased and was not repeated, though Sir Arthur
+waited breathlessly for a full minute.
+
+Once he fancied he heard a slight rippling of water, but that, too,
+ceased at once.
+
+Then Sir Arthur uttered a loud shout, which speedily wakened his
+companions.
+
+"What's wrong?" cried the colonel anxiously. "Did some one call? I
+surely heard a noise."
+
+"I want a drink, that's all," said Sir Arthur. "I heard someone down at
+the canoes and supposed it was Canaris. Was it you, Carrington?"
+
+"No, certainly not," exclaimed the colonel, now thoroughly awake. "Here,
+Chutney, Forbes, pass me a match, quick. I have none about me."
+
+They were all on their feet instantly, and Guy lost no time in lighting
+the torch which he kept always by his side.
+
+Holding it over his head he led the way to the shore, and the first
+brief glance showed only too plainly what was the matter.
+
+"_One canoe is missing!_" he cried despairingly.
+
+"What, you don't mean it!" exclaimed Forbes. "How can that be possible?"
+
+"It's gone," said Guy blankly. "No doubt of it. Here is the mark of the
+keel leading down to the water. That's not the worst of it, though. Half
+our provisions are gone with it, and one lamp and an oil-flask as well."
+
+"By Jove, Chutney, it's that savage who has done this," cried Melton.
+"It can be accounted for in no other way. We forgot all about the
+scoundrel's presence in the cavern."
+
+"But how could he have lived all this time without food?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Melton. "He must have managed it in some way,
+though. These Gallas are tough, wiry fellows and can stand a good deal
+of hardship."
+
+The circumstances all seemed to confirm Melton's supposition.
+Unfortunately the fact that this Galla warrior was also making the
+cruise of the river had been overlooked, and now, as a result of this
+negligence they had lost a canoe and half of their supplies.
+
+"We have one thing to be thankful for," said Guy. "If Sir Arthur had not
+wakened when he did we would undoubtedly have lost all. His shout scared
+the rascal, and he did not wait to make off with the other canoe."
+
+"Yes, here is the mark of a third boat," announced the colonel, who had
+been making an investigation on his own account, "and footprints are
+visible on the sand. The scoundrel must have been here when we landed."
+
+"I wanted you to make a search," said Sir Arthur, "but my advice was
+disregarded. You see the result."
+
+"Prepare to start at once," interrupted Guy sharply. "We must pursue the
+thief and recover our canoe."
+
+In less than five minutes they embarked and pushed away from the shore.
+
+"Put out the torch," said Guy. "If the rascal sees the light he can get
+out of our way and we will pass him unperceived."
+
+"But how will we capture him in the dark?" asked Melton.
+
+"We must depend on our hearing," was the reply. "We will push ahead
+quietly and listen at intervals for the stroke of his paddle."
+
+Under these circumstances the recovery of the canoe was very doubtful,
+but there was plainly no other course, so they proceeded to carry out
+Guy's plan as carefully as possible.
+
+Five paddles were all that remained, one for each of them, and with
+quick, noiseless strokes they moved rapidly down the river, keeping the
+canoe headed with the current as far as possible, and pausing at times
+to listen for any trace of the thief.
+
+Thus they journeyed for an hour or more, but no sound of any kind
+reached their ears, and it began to look very much as though the Galla
+had been passed unseen in the darkness.
+
+"He could hardly have kept ahead of us for such a distance," said
+Forbes. "I'm afraid we have missed him, Chutney."
+
+Guy made no reply. The canoe at that instant grated harshly on some
+obstacle, and throwing out his arms, Melton discovered that the current
+had carried them against one of the steep, rocky shores. He was about to
+shove the canoe forcibly away with his paddle when Guy whispered
+sharply:
+
+"Hold tight to the rock. I hear something above us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE JOURNEY ON THE LAKE.
+
+
+In the deep silence all heard distinctly the low, steady dip of a
+paddle.
+
+"Be ready with a match," whispered Guy. "When the canoe comes opposite,
+light the torch and I will cover the fellow with my rifle."
+
+The sound grew louder and plainer, and Melton's finger was already
+trembling on the match when a terrific splash echoed over the water,
+followed instantly by a most awful and heartrending wail of agony, that
+caused every one to shudder from head to foot.
+
+Perfect silence ensued, and the dip of the paddle was no longer heard.
+With nervous haste Forbes lit the torch, and the sudden light revealed
+an empty canoe floating bottom up a few yards out in the stream.
+
+They paddled quickly alongside, and leaning over Guy turned the drifting
+boat right side up.
+
+It was empty, of course. The contents had gone to the bottom, and near
+the center the frail sides, seen plainly in the torchlight, were
+actually crushed inward like a shattered egg-shell.
+
+Where was the occupant of a moment before? What tremendous force had
+wrought this havoc?
+
+The current carried them on and on, but no one spoke; no one dared utter
+the thoughts that were in his mind.
+
+At last Guy said in faltering tones, "Nothing but a serpent could have
+inflicted that injury to the canoe."
+
+"That was the meaning of the splash," replied Melton. "The huge coils
+must have been thrown around it. The poor fellow had only time for one
+cry when he was dragged out."
+
+"Then the serpent must have been following us down the river," cried the
+colonel. "I supposed he was dead after that bullet lodged in his neck."
+
+"_That_ serpent is dead," said Forbes solemnly, "or I should never have
+escaped from his coils. This is another serpent. The river must be the
+abode of many like them."
+
+This alarming statement was unfortunately only too likely to be true.
+Sir Arthur was terribly distressed, and prophesied a speedy reappearance
+of the monster and a fate similar to that of the poor savage in store
+for them all.
+
+His anxiety was shared by his companions, though not expressed as
+openly, and all possible haste was made to get away from the horrible
+spot.
+
+A brief search was carried on in hopes of finding the lost provision
+bags, but, with the exception of a single floating paddle, nothing was
+picked up. The bags must have sunk with the lamp and oil-flask.
+
+Nothing was seen of the other canoe--the one originally taken by the
+savage--and they came to the conclusion that it had been purposely
+abandoned farther up the river.
+
+The balance of that day they traveled with a dread sense of impending
+danger. The terrible scene so recently witnessed had left an
+ineffaceable impression and by tacit consent they paddled in silence,
+afraid of the sound of their own voices.
+
+The river had suddenly become narrow, and ran with dizzy speed between
+two rocky walls that reflected on both sides the glow of the torch which
+Sir Arthur carried in the stern.
+
+Half a dozen times they dashed through brawling rapids, but no mishap
+occurred, and, as their increasing drowsiness warned them that night was
+close at hand, they succeeded in finding a landing-place on the left
+shore which offered some protection until morning.
+
+A small quantity of wood still remained, and with this a fire was kept
+burning all night, while they took turns at guarding the camp, for after
+the recent events they no longer dared to sleep unprotected and in utter
+darkness.
+
+The scant amount of food now remaining was a source of great uneasiness,
+but Chutney infused fresh hope into the party by the confident
+prediction that if the present daily rate of speed were maintained the
+supply would last until the end of the journey.
+
+Already the pure air of the cavern had done wonders for Sir Arthur and
+the colonel, and they had nearly recovered their usual health and
+strength. The one canoe held them all very comfortably, and they seemed
+to make better progress than when they had been divided into separate
+parties.
+
+That night nothing occurred to cause any alarm, and they resumed the
+cruise in fairly good spirits. The river still continued narrow and the
+current swift. No dangerous water was encountered, and everything was
+going on satisfactorily when Guy suddenly shouted with all his might,
+"Back water! Quick! quick!" and looking ahead they saw a steep rocky
+promontory, against which the current split and swung off into two
+channels, one to the right, the other to the left.
+
+In spite of their utmost efforts they continued to float down inch by
+inch.
+
+Which was the proper channel? It was a puzzling problem on which perhaps
+hung life and death. There was no time for consideration, and under the
+circumstances Guy adopted the only possible course.
+
+"Head the canoe straight for the center of the rock and let her drift,"
+he cried. "The current shall decide for us."
+
+This was instantly done and they drifted with perfect accuracy straight
+for the splitting point in the stream.
+
+For a moment it looked as though they would be flung against the rocks
+and upset, but as the canoe reached the turning-point it trembled an
+instant in the balance and then darted headlong into the channel to the
+right.
+
+"A good omen," cried the colonel. "The river Juba lies on our right.
+This must be the proper channel."
+
+It was a very narrow channel, at all events, and a very swift one, too,
+for the rocky walls on either side were almost close enough to touch
+with the paddles, and they were moving at a dizzy rate of speed.
+
+"There are rapids below us," said Forbes. "I can hear them dimly."
+
+Melton's hearing was unusually acute, for as yet the rest could hear
+nothing, but in a few seconds the distant roar was audible to all, and
+it grew ominously louder with every second.
+
+They grasped the sides of the canoe in anxious suspense--for it was
+useless to paddle--and the angry waters were almost in sight, when Sir
+Arthur dropped his torch, and instantly they were plunged in total
+darkness.
+
+No time remained to strike a fresh light. The sullen crash of the waters
+drowned the sound of their voices, and the canoe blindly took its own
+course and they felt the chill spray spattering their faces.
+
+"Bump, bump, bump," went the quivering boat, grinding and crashing on
+loose rocks, and then with one terrific lurch, that sent them sprawling
+on their knees, the violent tossing subsided and the choppy waves
+smacked the bottom of the canoe.
+
+With some difficulty Guy lit a fresh torch, and its light revealed a
+strange condition of things.
+
+No shore was visible on either side, and overhead was empty space
+instead of the low lying roof that always met their gaze.
+
+"We are no longer moving," cried the colonel in astonishment.
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed Guy, but on putting his hand in the water all
+doubt was instantly removed. The canoe was stationary.
+
+They paddled on to the right, to the left, in every direction, but the
+dark water lay calm and sluggish on all sides.
+
+"We are on a lake," said Guy. "There is no doubt of it; a vast
+underground lake."
+
+"There must be an outlet on the other side, though," replied Melton.
+"All we need do is to paddle across and find it."
+
+"But which is the proper side?" said Canaris. "Are we headed straight
+now?"
+
+"By Jove, I don't believe we are," replied Guy. "I'm afraid we are
+completely mixed up. We will paddle until we reach the shore, and then
+follow it till we come to the outlet."
+
+"Yes, that will do very well," said the colonel. "The lake cannot be so
+very large. I wish we had time to complete a survey of it. I should like
+to make a report to the Royal Geographical Society."
+
+"I wish the honorable members of the R. G. S. could change places with
+us," said Sir Arthur, with a groan. "I have no doubt some of those
+lunatics would enjoy this beastly hole. There is no accounting for
+taste, Carrington."
+
+The colonel made no reply. He was keeping stroke with Chutney's paddle,
+sharing with him the outlook ahead. The minutes passed on, but still no
+signs of any shore.
+
+"It's a pretty fair-sized lake after all," said Guy.
+
+"And we are the first white men to navigate its waters," remarked the
+colonel solemnly. "This is a wonderful discovery. Our fame as great
+explorers will be assured if we ever get back to England."
+
+"Land ahead!" shouted Guy suddenly, and snatching the torch from Sir
+Arthur, he stood erect as the canoe shot gently toward a dim object that
+rose from the gloom twenty yards distant. Amid breathless silence the
+keel nicked the sandy beach and Guy sprang out.
+
+One brief second he held the flaming torch aloft.
+
+Then he turned and tottered with trembling limbs towards the canoe. He
+tried to speak, but no words came, and his face was pallid and
+horror-stricken.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE ISLE OF SKELETONS.
+
+
+Believing that some terrible danger threatened, Forbes was in readiness
+to push the canoe back into the lake, but Guy stopped him with a wave of
+the hand.
+
+"I'll be all right in a moment. My nerves went back on me; that's all."
+
+He glanced toward the shore with a shudder, and then filled the palm of
+his hand with water and drank it.
+
+"Come on," he said bravely; "don't be alarmed. It's nothing that can
+harm us."
+
+His companions followed him timidly up the sandy slope. The torch threw
+a bright light on the scene, and every one of them shuddered as Guy
+stopped and pointed before him.
+
+On a flat, rocky plateau, three or four feet above the level of the
+lake, lay a gleaming mass of bones, all dried and whitened by age.
+
+"Human skeletons, by gracious!" burst from the colonel, and it was easy
+to see that he spoke the truth.
+
+Human skeletons they were, but instead of being joined together, skulls,
+arms, and legs lay scattered about in awful confusion.
+
+"This is horrible," said Forbes. "Who were these unfortunates, and what
+could have caused such mutilation?"
+
+Guy advanced to the center of the plateau, flashing the torch around
+him, and turning to his companions, he cried: "This is an island; there
+is water all around it."
+
+"Look here," exclaimed Canaris eagerly; "here lies a raft of logs, half
+buried in the sand."
+
+This new discovery promised some light on the mystery, and they crowded
+hastily around the Greek, who was bending over the rude structure.
+
+It lay half way up the beach, and over the lower extremities of the logs
+a thick layer of sand had been washed. Close by were half a dozen coarse
+sacks, which proved on inspection to contain skins of leopards and
+tigers, bright colored feathers, coffee, and aromatic gums. All were in
+fairly good condition.
+
+"Here is something else," cried Forbes. "Arms, by Jove! Spears and axes,
+torches and paddles. Well, by gracious, what does this mean?"
+
+An inkling of the truth flashed upon them simultaneously, and they
+stared at each other in frightened silence.
+
+"This was the last load of natives to go down the river," said Canaris
+quietly. "Here is their raft, their trading goods. Yonder lie their
+bones. Their journey ended here."
+
+"And why did it end here?" demanded the colonel.
+
+"Yes, why?" echoed Chutney, and then no one spoke for a full minute.
+
+"What was to prevent them from continuing on their way?" resumed the
+colonel finally. "They had a raft and paddles; the water was all around
+them. What caused their death?"
+
+"Starvation," suggested the Greek.
+
+"It was not starvation that killed them," exclaimed Guy, who had turned
+back to the center of the island. "Here is a bag of dates and dried meat
+all shriveled and moldy. They met their death in some horribly sudden
+fashion, that is certain. How do you account for their skeletons being
+torn apart and the bones flung together? Could starvation do that?"
+
+"It was serpents," said the Greek; and that brief sentence made their
+blood run cold.
+
+"Yes," continued Canaris, observing the doubt in their faces; "they must
+have been surprised in the night and crushed to death. That alone can
+account for their broken bones. But, remember, all this was thirty years
+ago or more."
+
+"Yes, you are right, Canaris," said Chutney. "I believe, upon my word,
+what you say is true. The monstrous serpents of the cavern devoured
+them."
+
+Sir Arthur beat a rapid retreat to the canoe, and the rest were not slow
+in following his example.
+
+"Let us get away from this horrible spot as quickly as possible," said
+the colonel; "and, besides, we are losing precious time on this lake. We
+must seek the outlet at once and resume the journey."
+
+They paddled gladly away from the Isle of Skeletons, as the colonel
+insisted on naming it, and steered as straight a course as possible.
+
+Under the pressure of four paddles the canoe maintained a rapid speed,
+but in spite of this it was fully an hour, and probably much more,
+before they found the shore of the lake. They rested a little while
+beside the perpendicular wall of rock, uncertain which way to turn.
+
+"It won't make much difference," said Guy; "either course must bring us
+to the outlet. Suppose we try the right."
+
+This proposition met with favor, and off they started once more, taking
+care to keep the shore constantly in sight, lest they should lose their
+bearings again.
+
+In less than half an hour the sound of running water was heard in the
+distance, and they paddled faster than ever in their intense longing to
+escape from the lake.
+
+Louder and louder grew the roar of the water, until they seemed to be
+almost upon it, and just when they were preparing for a dash into the
+rapids Chutney rose in the canoe with a cry of surprise, and the
+torchlight showed plainly a fierce body of water running, not out of,
+but into the lake.
+
+They had come back to the starting point. It was here they had entered
+the lake, and now all must be done over again.
+
+"Back water," cried the colonel. "Don't get into the current. It may
+sweep us out and we shall lose our bearings. Turn the canoe and we will
+go back the way we came."
+
+There was no help for it. It only remained to atone for the lost time by
+paddling as rapidly as possible.
+
+With difficulty the canoe was snatched from the influx of the current
+and headed this time to the left.
+
+"It will be a lengthy paddle," said Guy. "The lake is by no means a
+small one."
+
+"I'm hungry," exclaimed Sir Arthur. "Isn't it about time for lunch?"
+
+"Your suggestion is eminently proper, Sir Arthur," declared the colonel.
+"On a full stomach we shall travel faster, Chauncey. Do you concur with
+our views?"
+
+Guy evidently did, for a supply of dates and crackers was forthwith
+produced, and while they were eating the canoe was permitted to remain
+stationary.
+
+They started away in somewhat better spirits, Chutney in the bow keeping
+a sharp watch for danger ahead, while Sir Arthur held his torch from the
+stern, lighting the water for some yards around.
+
+The dreary monotony of the journey was most trying. The shore presented
+an unbroken perpendicular wall of stone falling sheer to the water, damp
+and slimy with drippings, while overhead was empty space, a dome of vast
+height, to judge from the echo of their voices.
+
+They paddled on and on, pausing occasionally to rest their weary arms,
+then dashing away with more vigor than ever. Not for an instant did they
+lose sight of the shore. It was their only guide. At last Sir Arthur's
+arm dropped feebly, and it was seen that he was half asleep. Canaris
+took the torch from his hand, and sinking into the bottom of the canoe,
+the ex-governor fell instantly into a deep slumber.
+
+"I'm actually getting drowsy myself," confessed the colonel. "It must be
+night. Surely we ought to be halfway round the lake by this time."
+
+Guy admitted that he, too, was beginning to grow sleepy, and as Forbes
+and Canaris alone professed to be as fresh as ever, it was decided that
+they should navigate the canoe for a time and allow the others an
+opportunity to rest.
+
+Chutney and the colonel stretched themselves on the rugs and Melton
+paddled slowly forward, while Canaris held the torch from the stern.
+
+Hours passed, and still they continued to follow the rocky shore amid
+silence, broken only by the swish of the paddle, for neither Forbes nor
+Canaris cared to converse.
+
+Wrapped in their own gloomy reflections they crouched in the stern,
+keeping silent vigil over their sleeping companions.
+
+An intense desire for sleep now laid hold on Melton, and with great
+reluctance he woke Guy and the colonel. It required a dash of cold water
+to bring them to their senses.
+
+"Are we still on this horrible lake?" exclaimed Chutney. "How long have
+we been asleep?"
+
+"Several hours at least," replied Melton.
+
+"Several hours? Whew! What a lake this is! We must surely be near the
+outlet now. But you are sleepy and worn out, Melton, and so is Canaris.
+Look, he can hardly keep his eyes open. Go lie down, both of you. The
+colonel and I will see to the canoe, and you will wake up twenty miles
+down the river."
+
+Melton handed over his paddle to Guy, and the colonel relieved the Greek
+of the torch.
+
+Canaris was asleep almost instantly, and Melton was just arranging the
+rugs to make himself a comfortable spot, when Chutney cried gladly, "I
+can hear water running. I'm sure of it. Do you hear it, too, colonel?"
+
+"Yes," said the colonel, after a pause. "I do hear something, that's a
+fact. We are approaching the outlet of the lake, no doubt of it."
+
+Melton's drowsiness vanished, and he sprang up.
+
+"It would be advisable to waken Canaris and Sir Arthur," suggested the
+colonel. "No one ought to sleep at a time like this. All hands may be
+needed."
+
+A slight touch woke the Greek, but it required a severe shaking to rouse
+Sir Arthur.
+
+"Waiter, a deviled kidney and a pint of Pommery Sec," he cried drowsily,
+as Chutney pulled him to a sitting position. And then opening his eyes
+he groaned dismally, "Bless me, I thought I was dining at Gatti's. Why
+didn't you let me sleep?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+ALL HOPE VANISHES.
+
+
+"We are approaching the outlet of the lake, Sir Arthur," said Guy. "It
+is better that all should be awake in case we encounter bad water."
+
+"Yes, yes; very true. You want me to hold the torch, I suppose. Gad!
+what a dream I had! I was dining with Lord Balsover. I'd give my title
+and fortune to be back in London this minute."
+
+"Hold your torch straight," said the colonel dryly, and then under the
+regular strokes of four paddles the canoe moved swiftly toward the
+distant sound of running water.
+
+Every instant it grew louder and more distinct, and soon their voices
+were almost drowned in the roar.
+
+It was a period of terrible anxiety. That it was the outlet of the lake
+they were approaching no one for an instant doubted. Their chief concern
+was for a safe passage into the river beyond, for the angry splash of
+the water told plainly its turbulent and dangerous nature.
+
+"Keep a little off from the shore," cried Guy. "It won't do to make too
+sharp a curve or we shall upset. We must strike the current fairly in
+the center and keep the canoe straight as an arrow. Whatever happens,
+don't drop the torch," he added warningly.
+
+Close as they now were to the outlet, no signs of any current were yet
+visible. The colonel called attention to this strange fact, but Guy
+explained it by remarking that the current probably passed directly
+through the center of the lake and that dead water continued to the very
+edge.
+
+"I can see a white gleam ahead," he cried suddenly; "now paddle off from
+shore a little more and head the canoe as I tell you."
+
+His orders were obeyed in silence. Straight out from the shore the canoe
+shot deftly. A couple of quick strokes forward and backward and its bow
+faced the angry waters that raged and foamed thirty yards distant.
+
+The radius of the torch cast a faint gleam on the very edge of the
+glistening spray. It seemed to beckon them onward.
+
+"Now give way," cried Guy. Four paddles dipped and rose as one, the
+shining drops rolled from their blades like so many diamonds in the
+torch-glare, and then Guy sprang to his feet with a loud cry.
+
+The paddles wavered in mid-air. "Go ahead," he shouted fiercely. "Paddle
+with all your strength."
+
+Once more they dipped the water, the canoe moved slowly--with an
+effort, and as the paddles a second time paused in air, the canoe shot
+swiftly--not forward to the embrace of the angry waters, but back--_back
+at dizzy speed into the dark and dismal recesses of the lake_.
+
+Even then the awful, unspeakable horror of the situation never flashed
+upon them, Guy alone perhaps excepted.
+
+"We've blundered again," cried the colonel in hollow tones. "We have
+returned to the starting point. In some manner we have missed the
+outlet, and now all must be done over again."
+
+"Could the canoe have been turned completely about during our journey?"
+exclaimed Forbes.
+
+"Impossible," said the colonel. "I can prove it instantly. When we
+started away from the spot where the river enters on our trip around the
+lake, the shore was on our right. When we arrived here just now it was
+still on our right, whereas, had we unconsciously turned the canoe about
+and reversed our course, the shore would be on our left. We have
+circumnavigated the lake and returned to our starting point, and in some
+way missed the outlet."
+
+"No," cried Chutney in tones that chilled his hearers with horror. "We
+did not miss the outlet."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried the colonel.
+
+"I say we did not miss the outlet," continued Guy, "because there was
+no outlet to miss. No exit from the lake exists. We are entombed forever
+and ever. None of us will ever see the light of day again. We shall die
+here in the bowels of the earth, and the serpents will mangle us as they
+mangled those poor unfortunates yonder on the island. Better to know the
+truth now than later. It is useless to hope. I tell you we are doomed
+men and----" Here Guy's voice faltered, and sinking down into the canoe,
+he covered his face with his hands.
+
+Sir Arthur uttered a heartrending cry and fell back in a faint. He lay
+unnoticed. The torch dropped from the Greek's nerveless hands and
+expired with a hiss. In darkness and silence they floated on and on
+until the roar of the inflowing water became fainter and fainter. Then
+it died out entirely and all was intensely quiet.
+
+The darkness was grateful to their stricken hearts. They wanted time to
+realize the awful misfortune that had fallen so suddenly and heavily
+upon them.
+
+It was impossible to grasp the truth in a moment, especially when that
+truth meant utter hopelessness and a terrible death. So they drifted in
+silence under the great vault of the cavern, living-dead in a living
+tomb.
+
+Long afterward--it might have been an hour and it might have been a day,
+for all passage of time was lost--Chutney rose to a sitting posture.
+
+His brain was dizzy and reeling. The aching misery lay heavy on his
+heart, and yet one faint spark of hope lingered amid the black despair,
+the natural buoyancy of his nature that refused even to submit to the
+decrees of the inevitable.
+
+It was he who had first spoken the words of doom to his companions, and
+now he told himself he would show them the way to safety. He fumbled in
+his clothes for a match, and striking it deliberately, lit a fresh
+torch.
+
+The pale, haggard faces that looked into each other as the bright light
+shone over the water were ghastly and unnatural. Abject misery and
+hopelessness were stamped on each one.
+
+The colonel and Forbes faced Guy calmly. Canaris looked up with a
+shudder and then dropped his head again. Sir Arthur lay among the rugs
+as though asleep.
+
+At that instant the canoe struck some obstacle with a slight tremor and
+stopped.
+
+The colonel with a slight gesture pointed to the right, and there before
+them lay the _Isle of Skeletons_. A strange fatality had drifted them a
+second time to this awful spot.
+
+Guy shuddered, but the colonel rose, and brushing past him stepped on
+shore.
+
+Forbes followed him in silence, and then Canaris staggered blindly
+past.
+
+After a brief hesitation Guy stepped out, and dragged the canoe half way
+up the sand. Sir Arthur never moved. He was sleeping and no one dared
+disturb him. They sat down in a row on the sand.
+
+"It's as good a place as any to die," said Forbes hoarsely. "The bones
+will soon have company."
+
+He paused, frightened at his own voice, and no one replied. For a while
+they sat in silence.
+
+Guy stuck the torch in the sand and it blazed away with a merry light.
+Somehow or other the ray of hope that had animated him a little while
+before had vanished, leaving only a dull despair, a reluctance to face
+the horror of the situation.
+
+"Is there no--no chance--for us?" he ventured to say timidly.
+
+"Absolutely none," replied the colonel, in a firm voice. "You told us a
+while ago, Chutney, that our doom was sealed. I have faced the situation
+as calmly and clearly as possible from every conceivable aspect, and I
+now tell you on my own responsibility that we will never leave this
+cavern. The fatal error was made when we took the right-hand channel of
+the two, or rather when the current led us to the right. That was not
+our blunder, of course. We were in the hands of destiny. We are now, as
+you know, on the bosom of a vast lake. Water of an unknown depth is
+beneath us. Overhead is a vaulted dome of great height, probably the
+hollowed interior of a mountain; on all sides are massive and
+perpendicular walls of rock, impregnable and insurmountable.
+
+"The lake is undoubtedly ten miles or more in circumference, and, as you
+know well, there is no surface outlet. There is an entrance, but we can
+no more force our way back through that entrance than we could swim up
+through the Falls of Niagara or ride the Nile Cataracts in a Rob Roy
+canoe. As long as our provisions last we shall live. When we no longer
+have anything to eat we shall die, and the next explorer who enters this
+lake will find our bones mingled with those lying behind us."
+
+"And what will _he_ do?" asked Guy.
+
+"Perish like those before him," said the colonel. "This death trap
+caught many a victim and will catch many more. The light of day will
+never pierce this gloom."
+
+The colonel spoke as though he were demonstrating a problem in Euclid or
+laying down plans for a campaign.
+
+"I don't call myself a philosopher," he went on, "nor am I a fatalist,
+but I think that most men can face the inevitable with a certain
+calmness that is only born of absolute despair. Did you ever see a man
+hanged? I did once. He walked to the gallows as coolly and deliberately
+as though he were going to breakfast. A week before he had been
+defiant, blustering, terror-stricken. When he realized that he had
+absolutely no loophole of escape, he faced the inevitable with steady
+nerves. When you realize your position fully, you will be like that man.
+You will accept your fate."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A DESPERATE FIGHT.
+
+
+The colonel rose, and going down to the canoe helped himself to a
+handful of crackers and some figs. He came back to his seat and began to
+munch them very contentedly.
+
+"The most merciful thing we could do would be to cast our provisions
+into the lake," he said finally. "It would cut short the agony of
+waiting, but I don't suppose you would look at it in that way."
+
+"No, no; don't do that," cried Chutney. "Who knows what may happen yet?"
+
+"Ah! there you are again," said the colonel; "still clinging to hope of
+life; still unable to realize the truth. You are only making it so much
+the harder for yourself."
+
+"But there is surely some outlet to this vast body of water?" said
+Melton.
+
+"Yes," was the colonel's reply. "Undoubtedly, but it must be at the
+bottom of the lake; it certainly is not on the surface. Do you suppose
+those poor savages would have perished here if an outlet had existed?
+They, too, must have been carried by accident into the wrong channel,
+and no doubt they circumnavigated the lake, as we have done. Realizing
+that they were lost, they either slew themselves to end their
+sufferings or they fell victims to the serpents without much
+resistance."
+
+While Melton and the colonel were carrying on this conversation, Guy
+rose and went down to the water, with the intention of gathering some
+food, for he, too, was hungry.
+
+The canoe was pulled partly on shore, and as it leaked a little the
+water had all collected in the stern, where Sir Arthur still lay in
+merciful sleep, thus wetting the rugs.
+
+Guy noticed this, and with a view to making the sleeper more
+comfortable, he slid the canoe down until it lay flat in the water. It
+still retained a slight hold of an inch or two on the sand.
+
+A sudden cry from the Greek brought him back in a hurry to the top of
+the island.
+
+His companions were staring out on the lake, and Canaris was pointing
+with a trembling hand at some unseen object.
+
+"What is the matter?" cried Guy. "What do you see?"
+
+"Hush," said the colonel, holding up a warning finger. "Something is
+moving out on the lake. Do you hear it splashing in the water?"
+
+As yet nothing could be seen, but the noise was very plain and distinct,
+a steady swish! swish! not unlike the beating of a little steamer.
+
+A chilling fear grew on them as they listened to this strange,
+mysterious sound.
+
+"Whatever it is, it is moving in a circle round the island," said Guy,
+"and keeping an equal distance from the shore."
+
+"You are right, Chutney," said the colonel, after a pause. "The sound
+was on our left a moment ago. Now it is on our right."
+
+The Greek was correct. The surface of the lake was violently agitated,
+though not a breath of air was stirring, and a steady flow of ripples
+was breaking on the sandy beach like tiny ocean waves.
+
+The unknown navigator, whatever it was, had nearly completed the circuit
+of the island now, and was very near the spot where they had first heard
+it.
+
+"It must be a serpent," cried Guy. "Heaven grant that it doesn't
+approach the island."
+
+He hurriedly picked up the torch and ran with it to the shore. The
+radius of light thus thrown over the water illumined a space twenty
+yards ahead, and revealed a long, dark object moving in graceful
+undulations over the surface. It was beyond doubt a huge serpent, and,
+as though angered by the light, the monster suddenly changed its course,
+and with a terrific splash headed directly for the shore. The huge head
+was in plain view, and the eyes flashed back fire from the reflected
+glare of the torch.
+
+For an instant all seemed paralyzed with horror, and no one moved.
+
+Chutney was the first to recover himself.
+
+"We must kill him before he reaches the island," he cried, staggering
+back a pace or two. "Get the guns. Quick! quick! or it will be too
+late!"
+
+He turned to flee across the island toward the canoe, but as he gained
+the ridge a cry of horror broke from his lips, and as his companions
+hurriedly reached the spot a single glance showed them what was the
+matter.
+
+The canoe was no longer on the shore. The swell caused by the approach
+of the serpent had washed it from its slight support, and now it was
+twenty yards distant, and drifting farther and farther away with every
+second.
+
+"The guns! The guns!" shrieked Chutney. "They are all in the boat. We
+are left at the mercy of the serpent. Sir Arthur! Sir Arthur!" he
+shouted with all his might, but no response came from the sleeping man,
+and the canoe continued to recede into the gloom.
+
+At this terrible moment it was Forbes who brought a ray of hope into
+their despair.
+
+Springing forward he snatched up an armful of the native weapons,
+spears, and axes, and distributed them to his companions.
+
+"We must fight the monster with these," he cried; "and while we are
+keeping him off, you, Canaris, run to the shore and keep on shouting to
+Sir Arthur. He may wake and get here in time to save us yet."
+
+"He must be in a faint," exclaimed the colonel, "or the noise would
+surely have wakened him. Come on, Chutney, the serpent is halfway to the
+shore. We may keep him off with these arms."
+
+The torch was hastily placed in the sand near the water's edge, and,
+grasping their weapons firmly, they prepared to check the advance of the
+monster. Fortunately the spears and axes were of hard iron and fitted
+with strong handles which the long storage in the cavern seemed to have
+toughened.
+
+Meanwhile the air echoed with the Greek's loud cries, but at that moment
+none thought of Sir Arthur or of the canoe, for the serpent was within
+half a dozen yards of the island and his great body was undulating
+through the water for thirty feet behind him.
+
+"Keep cool," said Chutney. "Aim well for the head and make every stroke
+tell."
+
+The sight of the glaring eyes and the blood-red fangs was enough to
+appall the stoutest heart. They shrank back in uncontrollable fear, as
+the long neck rose four feet in air and the body sank under the water.
+
+The monster uttered an angry hiss, but before he could spring Forbes
+cast a spear with all his might and the sharp point pierced the
+serpent's body a foot below the head.
+
+"Back for your lives," he cried, and as they darted up the island the
+monster uttered a fearful sound, part hiss, part bellow, and flung half
+his length in contortions on the sand.
+
+Guy sprang forward and launched another spear that entered the slimy
+body near the center, but neither wound was mortal and the great serpent
+came on unchecked.
+
+In one respect they had the advantage of him, as Guy accidentally
+discovered, for the wicked eyes blinked in the torchlight and the
+monster's actions showed that his powers of sight were limited to
+darkness.
+
+He was wonderfully quick and agile, however, for a sudden convulsive
+leap carried him almost to the feet of his antagonists, and again they
+scattered in alarm.
+
+The serpent's whole body was now on shore, with the exception of the
+tail, which was lashing the water to a milky foam.
+
+Seizing another spear Guy circled to one side, and boldly approaching
+the trembling coils, with one terrific blow he planted his weapon into
+the serpent's body so deeply that the spear pinned the monster firmly to
+the ground.
+
+A cry of horror burst from his companions as the huge head swung round
+with awful quickness, but it missed Guy by barely an inch as he sprang
+aside.
+
+The serpent's contortions were now frightful to see, as he squirmed and
+twisted to tear loose from the weapon. "Now let him have it," cried Guy;
+and in an instant the remaining spears, half a dozen in number, were
+driven deeply into the venomous coils.
+
+The struggle was now at its crisis. With axes in hand they were dodging
+about the writhing monster, seeking a chance to reach the head, when an
+awful shriek echoed through the cavern, apparently from some distance
+out on the lake, and then the Greek's voice was raised in a loud and
+urgent appeal for help. What new disaster threatened?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+GUY SAVES SIR ARTHUR.
+
+
+This new alarm, coming just at the uncertain period of their struggle,
+was quite enough to strike despair to the hearts of all.
+
+"That was Sir Arthur's voice we heard first," exclaimed Forbes. "And it
+is Canaris who is shouting for help. What are we going to do about it?"
+
+"Tell him to hold out for a moment," cried Guy. "I'll wind up this
+affair pretty quick."
+
+Raising the axe, he made a sudden dart forward and buried the blade deep
+in the serpent's head. It was a clever stroke and so forcible that the
+axe was jerked from his hand.
+
+The colonel dragged him hastily back, but the danger was over. The
+monster was thrashing the blood-stained sand in his death agonies,
+powerless to do further harm.
+
+Canaris was still calling for help, and, leaving their dying antagonist,
+the others plunged across the island. The Greek was running up and down
+the strip of sand, and far out on the lake the canoe was visible in the
+radius of light, with Sir Arthur standing erect in the bow.
+
+"He won't take the paddle!" exclaimed Canaris. "He says there is
+something splashing in the lake beyond him. He's a dead man if he
+doesn't get back to the island."
+
+"Sir Arthur," shouted the colonel, "come back; paddle for your life. Do
+you hear me?"
+
+The only response was a cry of fright. Sir Arthur was plainly too dazed
+to be capable of action. He had just wakened, and the horror of his
+situation was too much for him.
+
+"Save me! Save me!" he cried. "The serpent is coming; I can hear it
+splashing the water."
+
+"Take the paddle," shouted Guy, "and steer for the island. If you don't
+you are lost."
+
+This seemed to arouse the imperiled man to action. He snatched up a
+paddle and, dropping to his knees, drove the canoe forward with frantic
+strokes.
+
+His companions encouraged him with cheering words as he came nearer. The
+island was barely twenty yards distant when the paddle slipped from his
+grasp. He turned round, apparently to pick up another, and then threw
+himself with a dismal cry to the bottom of the canoe.
+
+The cause of his new and sudden fright was readily seen. On the edge of
+the gloom, not many yards beyond the canoe, a violent agitation of the
+water was visible. There undoubtedly was another large serpent in
+pursuit, and at that moment it looked very much as though Sir Arthur
+was doomed.
+
+In spite of all the frantic shouts and directions of his friends he
+continued to utter piteous appeals for help from the bottom of the
+canoe. When at length he _did_ recover enough self-control to take hold
+of another paddle, a serpent's head and body were actually in sight,
+approaching at a rapid speed.
+
+Not only was Sir Arthur's life now at stake, but, in addition, guns,
+canoe, and all would be lost, thus leaving the rest of the party unarmed
+on the island, at the mercy of the ravenous serpents who appeared to
+swarm in the lake.
+
+One of those sudden impulses common to his nature now flashed into Guy's
+mind, and, without giving himself a second for deliberation, he flung
+off jacket and shoes, and before anyone could raise a hand to restrain
+him, dived headforemost into the lake.
+
+He came to the surface within ten yards of the canoe, which was making
+but feeble progress under Sir Arthur's erratic strokes.
+
+Swimming hand over hand, Guy reached the bow and quickly drew himself
+over the side, just as the pursuing serpent came within seven or eight
+yards of the stern of the canoe.
+
+His original intention to paddle for the island was instantly abandoned.
+Bidding Sir Arthur work lustily, he snatched up his rifle and took a
+careful aim at the approaching monster, who was snorting and hissing in
+a truly frightful manner.
+
+The sharp report came at once, producing a thousand echoes through the
+hollow vault of the cavern, and under cover of the drifting smoke, which
+for the moment concealed the result of the shot, Guy sprang to Sir
+Arthur's aid with another paddle.
+
+Half a dozen of his powerful strokes brought the canoe within a yard of
+the shore. A terrific splashing in his rear, as well as the loud shouts
+of his friends, warned Guy of the imminence of danger.
+
+Fairly pushing Sir Arthur out of the canoe into the water, waist deep,
+he tossed the provisions far out on the island, caught up the guns, and
+made a frantic leap. He landed on the edge of the sand, and was
+instantly caught by eager arms, and pulled far up the beach. He turned,
+to realize with a shudder the narrowness of his escape.
+
+Made furious by the bullet hole which Guy had put in his spotted skin,
+the monster threw himself on the abandoned canoe, which they had been
+unable to save, and with a sickening crunch it was shivered to a
+shapeless mass of fragments, under the pressure of the mighty coils.
+Then, as the serpent flung himself on shore, they realized that it was
+time to act. A blazing torch in the Greek's hand lit up the scene as
+Guy cocked his rifle and awaited an opportunity for a shot.
+
+It was not slow in coming. As the long neck and head darted forward, Guy
+fired, and the bullet tore its way through the reptile's throat.
+
+There was no necessity for a second shot. The death-agony began right
+there, and in its convulsive throes the serpent flung himself back into
+the water, and with a final quiver disappeared in the depths of the
+lake, leaving a trail of blood on the silvery white sand.
+
+With expressions of gratitude for their escape, all hurried down to the
+broken canoe.
+
+"A hundred men could never put this together again," said Guy, as he
+pulled a couple of floating fragments from the water.
+
+The torches and rugs were easily procured, and laid away to dry, but the
+lamp and the oil-flask could not be found. They were probably at the
+bottom, but no one cared to dive after them.
+
+"That was the closest shave I ever saw," said the colonel. "I gave you
+both up for lost, and as for that daring act of yours, Chutney, I cannot
+find words to express my admiration. You saved Sir Arthur's life."
+
+Guy modestly made no reply. He calmly pulled on his jacket and shoes,
+and suggested that they cross the island and take a look at the other
+serpent.
+
+The reptile was found to be quite dead, and little wonder, after all the
+spears that had entered his coils. As near as they could judge, he was
+between thirty and forty feet long, with a body as thick as a small keg.
+The skin was repulsive and slimy, of a dirty green color.
+
+"It's a regular sea-serpent," said Melton. "What a sensation a monster
+of this kind would make if he were put on exhibition at the Zoo."
+
+"And the other one was fully as large," added Guy. "That makes no less
+than four we have already encountered. There must be a great many in the
+river and lake."
+
+One glimpse of the creature sickened Sir Arthur. He turned away and sat
+down on the edge of the raft.
+
+Up to this moment the excitement had banished all else from their minds.
+They had fought a desperate fight for life and conquered. At the very
+flush of their success the shadow of certain death returned, blacker and
+more forbidding than ever, and in a moment their triumphant feelings
+were changed to deepest melancholy.
+
+A short time before, under the influence of the colonel's philosophical
+words, they had felt in some manner resigned to a fate that nothing
+could avert. Now it was ten times more horrible and loathsome to
+contemplate, ten times harder to realize.
+
+Absurd as it seemed, fresh hope sprang up in their hearts, and they
+tried to reason themselves into the belief that some unlooked-for chance
+of escape would offer itself yet.
+
+Even the colonel's mood had changed, and it was easy to see that he was
+struggling with some terrible emotion.
+
+The desire for life that was strong within him suggested to Guy a new
+plan; nothing, indeed, that offered any hope of escape, but merely a
+solution to his curiosity.
+
+He remembered that on each occasion when their canoe had been caught by
+the influx of the river it had been carried direct to this island, a
+fact which seemed to prove the existence of a sluggish current through
+the center of the lake.
+
+Did this current continue on past the island, and if so, whither did it
+lead?
+
+A solution to these two problems Guy was curious to obtain.
+
+It served to occupy his mind, to keep his thoughts from dwelling on the
+horrible fate that was in store for him.
+
+It was more than likely, he told himself, that whirlpools would be found
+in the center of the lake. Well, drowning would be an easy death
+compared to the lingering tortures of starvation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+A STRANGE DISCOVERY.
+
+
+Guy's explanation of his intentions was received without comment.
+Presently the colonel said, "You forget that we no longer have a canoe,
+Chutney. We are prisoners on this island."
+
+"But we have a raft," replied Guy, "and a good one, too. It would be
+much more convenient and comfortable to travel on."
+
+"Suppose we try it," said Forbes. "Anything to get away from this
+place."
+
+"We can't get into a worse hole, that's true," added the colonel. "I
+believe you are right about the current, Chutney, though it can only
+land us on the edge of some whirlpool."
+
+Sir Arthur was as eager as the rest to get away. He had passed through
+so many horrors, he said, that he had become accustomed to them, and it
+mattered little what the future held in store for him. The raft was dug
+out from the sand and found to be in perfect condition. It was fastened
+together with twisted withes of some flexible wood. It was no easy task
+to get it into the water, but by all working together, and using the
+guns and paddles as levers, it was finally pushed into the lake and
+floated lightly on the surface.
+
+The rugs, provisions, and what torches remained were carried on board,
+and with a final look round the island to see that nothing of importance
+had been forgotten, they quietly embarked, and Guy, with a shove of the
+paddle, sent the raft out on the lake. The object of the journey they
+hardly knew themselves. They were leaving behind them a spot associated
+with dreaded memories, and that was all they cared to know.
+
+"Don't do that," said Guy, as Canaris picked up a paddle and began to
+use it vigorously. "We must drift entirely with the current."
+
+The torch was placed securely in a crevice of the logs, and in a very
+short time it was proved beyond a doubt that some current did exist. The
+island faded slowly from view.
+
+Still reluctant to face their situation they grouped together and
+discussed various things. The Greek gave a long account of his curious
+wanderings and adventures. Guy and Melton spoke of their thrilling
+experiences in Burma only the previous year, and Colonel Carrington
+entertained them with the tale of his participation in the bombardment
+of Alexandria in '82.
+
+So the hours passed on, and still they chatted of the outside world,
+forgetting for the moment the hopelessness of their present situation,
+the living tomb that had cut them off forever from the light of day.
+
+"This reminds me of something I read a few months ago," said Sir Arthur,
+who was facing the situation with surprising calmness. "Some person
+mailed me from London _Blackwood's Monthly_ containing an installment of
+a story by the fellow who wrote that deucedly clever book, 'King
+Solomon's Wives.' Ah! what was the name now--aw, yes, Haggard--Rider
+Haggard----"
+
+"Beg pardon, Sir Arthur," interrupted the colonel, "but the title was
+'King Solomon's Mines,' not his wives."
+
+"Aw, that so, Carrington? Very well; doesn't make much difference.
+However, the hero of the story was traveling, as we are, on a lake, only
+it was in the open air, and the outlet was slightly beneath the surface.
+The water ran under a high wall of rock, and sucked the poor fellows and
+the canoe under. It would be funny if this lake had the same sort of an
+arrangement."
+
+"Well, it hasn't," replied the colonel. "We went all around the walls in
+a canoe, and if any such place as that had been in existence we would
+not be here now, that's all."
+
+"No, I suppose not," said Sir Arthur. "I'm going to take a nap. Wake me
+if anything turns up, will you?" And making a pillow of one of the
+rugs, he was soon snoring.
+
+"It will be a mercy if he never wakes," said Chutney in a husky voice.
+"Not much danger of that, however. We have food enough to last us a
+couple of weeks yet, and unless we take your suggestion, colonel, and
+toss it into the lake, we are good for that length of time, I suppose."
+
+"Yes," rejoined the colonel, "unless we get sucked into a whirlpool or
+the serpents attack the raft in force."
+
+After that nothing was said for an hour or more. Their fate stared them
+in the face with all its awful realism.
+
+But even under these circumstances they grew drowsy, and dropped off one
+by one among the rugs, except Guy, who declared his intention to stay
+awake and be on the lookout for any danger that might threaten.
+
+His was a solemn and lonely vigil. He envied his companions their power
+to sleep, as the canoe drifted on through the gloom. The torch burned
+slowly out, and he replaced it with a fresh one. His loaded rifle lay
+within reach, but nothing happened to arouse his fear.
+
+Sad and bitter were the reflections that surged into his mind. As the
+events of his life rose up before him with wonderful clearness time
+passed unheeded, and at last his brain grew weary, and rolling over on
+the rugs he fell instantly into a deep slumber.
+
+Strangely enough he was the first to awake. He had slept a long while,
+he saw at a glance, for the torch was burnt almost to a cinder. The rest
+were still sleeping.
+
+"We must have been drifting for at least twelve hours," he said half
+aloud. "We should be across the lake by this time."
+
+He picked up a fresh torch and lit it from the expiring flame of the
+other. As he stuck it in the crevice the glare suddenly revealed a wall
+of rock a few yards distant, and in a very short time the raft struck
+the shore with a harsh rattle that proved the impulse of the current
+beyond a doubt.
+
+The concussion failed to rouse the sleepers, and Guy was hesitating
+whether he ought to do so or not when a faint sound came indistinctly to
+his ear.
+
+At first he could scarcely believe the evidence of his own senses. He
+fancied it must be a delusion, a buzzing in his ears. The strangest part
+of it was that the sound actually resembled running water.
+
+He listened a while longer, and then quietly woke the Greek, who sat up,
+rubbing his eyes.
+
+"Canaris," he whispered, "do you hear anything?"
+
+An interval of silence followed, inexpressibly painful to Guy, and then
+the Greek cried excitedly, "Yes, I hear running water. It comes from the
+other side of the cliff."
+
+"Then I am not mistaken," was Guy's joyful exclamation. "We both hear
+it. It can be no delusion."
+
+Then his heart sank as he thought of the wall of rock before them.
+
+"It is the outlet of the river," he said bitterly, "only a few yards
+distant, and it might as well be a thousand miles."
+
+Remembering what Sir Arthur had told them, he looked anxiously at the
+surface of the lake, but the water was calm and quiet, and the raft hung
+motionless.
+
+"The outlet is far beneath the surface," said Canaris. "You can tell
+that by the sound. If it were near the top we would be instantly sucked
+under."
+
+Impelled by an irresistible impulse Guy seized the torch and held it
+above his head.
+
+"Look! Look!" he cried, in a voice that trembled with excitement. "The
+cliff slants at an angle. There are crevices to hold one's hands and
+feet. Make no noise, Canaris; don't wake the rest, but help me to reach
+that ledge yonder and I will see where this leads."
+
+The cliff slanted indeed, but at an almost imperceptible angle. The raft
+tilted slightly as Canaris pushed Guy up the face of the rock, but the
+latter succeeded in reaching a small ledge six feet above the water.
+
+"All right," he whispered. "I can see plenty of places to catch hold of
+beyond me. Now fasten a torch to one of the paddles, Canaris, and hold
+it as high as you can."
+
+This was a clever suggestion. The Greek fortunately had a bit of cord
+about him, and in a moment the torch was throwing a dull light far up
+the rugged slope of the rock.
+
+Guy continued to climb higher and higher, keeping a cool head in spite
+of his excitement, and testing well each crevice or projecting ledge
+before trusting his weight to it, and at last, with a throb of joy that
+nearly took his strength away, he pulled himself out upon the flat
+summit of the rock.
+
+Seventy feet below him was the raft and its occupants, glowing in the
+torchlight. Guy crawled forward on his hands and knees, and soon reached
+the verge of the rock on the other side. The running water was below
+him, much farther, indeed, than the level of the lake, but the roar of
+the torrent was loud and distinct to the ear.
+
+He turned and crawled back.
+
+"Canaris," he whispered down, "I have reached the top of the cliff.
+There is running water on the other side. Waken the rest as quickly as
+possible, and send some one up with a torch. I forgot to bring one with
+me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+A TERRIBLE BLUNDER.
+
+
+From his gloomy perch on top of the rock Guy could see all that happened
+plainly.
+
+Canaris woke his companions as speedily as possible. Their astonishment
+at finding Guy missing was very great, and at first they seemed scarcely
+able to comprehend the Greek's explanation.
+
+Then they glanced eagerly overhead; and hailed Guy with shouts of joy.
+
+"Here, hoist me up," cried the colonel. "I'll take him up the torch."
+
+"No, I'll go!" exclaimed Forbes. "I'm a pretty expert climber, colonel,
+and won't run any risk."
+
+"Bless me!" ejaculated Sir Arthur. "Did that young man Chutney walk up
+the face of that wall? Why, he's a freak."
+
+Canaris solved the matter by picking up one of the leathern bags and
+tearing it open.
+
+"Look!" he shouted up to Guy. "It was fortunate we kept these. Here are
+the ropes and hooks by which we scaled the walls of Harar."
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Chutney. "Just the thing! I had forgotten about them."
+
+"Now," continued the Greek, "both of you can go up the rock and I will
+remain here with Sir Arthur."
+
+He dragged out the four ropes, spliced two of them together to make the
+required length, and then, giving the end to Forbes to hold, he threw
+the iron hook skillfully toward Guy. It landed on top of the cliff, and
+Guy fastened it securely to a crevice.
+
+"Now you can come up," he shouted down.
+
+Placing a torch in each pocket, Forbes began the ascent, and speedily
+reached the top. The colonel followed with equal dexterity.
+
+"All right?" called the Greek.
+
+"Yes," replied Chutney; "all right. We will return as soon as possible.
+If anything happens fire your gun."
+
+Guy lit a torch, and the glare revealed only the narrow ledge on which
+they stood. Beneath and overhead was empty space.
+
+They paused a moment to listen to the sound of the running water.
+
+"It is far beneath us," said the colonel; "possibly a hundred feet, but
+it is the outlet of the lake, I am sure. Upon my word, Chutney, I
+believe we will get out of this scrape yet."
+
+"Come on," said Guy briefly; and he led the way along the narrow path.
+
+They traveled in silence for five minutes, until the light from the raft
+had nearly vanished, and then Guy halted suddenly. A wall of rock,
+steep and smooth, prevented further advance.
+
+"Come, let us go back," he said; they retraced their steps until they
+were near the starting point.
+
+Under foot were loose fragments of stone. Guy picked up one of these and
+tossed it over the edge. A faint splash was distinctly heard a few
+seconds later.
+
+"The river is directly beneath us," said the colonel.
+
+He picked up another stone, and moving off a few yards, cast it down.
+This time it struck something hard after the same interval.
+
+"There must be a shore to the river," he said. "What shall we do now?
+Follow the top of the cliff in the other direction?"
+
+"No," said Guy. "We must scale the precipice right here."
+
+"Impossible!" declared Forbes. "Our ropes are not long enough."
+
+"Canaris has two more," replied Guy; "go and get them."
+
+Melton hurried off at once.
+
+The raft was close at hand, and in five minutes he was back.
+
+"Here are the ropes," he said. "Canaris tied them together and tossed up
+one end."
+
+Guy skillfully made one continuous rope about eighty feet long. In
+breathless silence he let the hook drop over the edge, paying out the
+line yard by yard.
+
+Seventy-five feet from the top the strain slackened.
+
+"It has reached the bottom," cried Guy joyfully.
+
+"We had better make sure," said Forbes. "Haul up the rope again."
+
+As the hook came over the top Melton grasped it.
+
+"Are the ropes securely tied?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; they won't part," replied Guy.
+
+"All right, then. Hold the end tightly. Here goes."
+
+He flung the hook far into the air, and the next instant Guy felt a
+sharp jerk.
+
+"The hook is swinging in air," he cried in wonder.
+
+"I was right," said Melton; "that was only a ledge it struck before. The
+bottom may be a hundred feet or more distant."
+
+Guy hurriedly pulled the rope back and fastened the hook to the top of
+the cliff. He made a noose in the other end and placed it under his
+shoulders.
+
+"Now let me down," he said coolly. "If I miss the ledge you can haul me
+up again."
+
+No one made any objections.
+
+It was perilous, of course, but some one had to do it, and why not
+Chutney?
+
+They lowered him into the darkness foot by foot, and at last the strain
+slackened.
+
+"All right," came the welcome cry from below. "I'm on the ledge. It's
+two or three feet wide. Now come down hand over hand, one of you."
+
+"I'll go," said Forbes. "You will have to remain here, colonel, to help
+us again."
+
+Meanwhile Guy had lit a torch, and when Melton began the descent the
+yellow glare was visible far below.
+
+The face of the cliff, though sheer, was full of rough projections for
+his feet, and in a short time he stood beside Chutney on the ledge.
+
+Wrapping the end of the rope about his arm, Guy called loudly, "Throw
+the hook far into the air, colonel. Do you understand?"
+
+"All right," was the immediate response, and in a moment, as the rope
+swung over their heads, a heavy sound was heard beneath.
+
+"It reaches the bottom," cried Guy joyfully. "The rope is slack."
+
+He hauled on it eagerly, until ten yards or more lay in coils at his
+feet. Then it became taut. The bottom of the cliff was fifty feet below.
+
+The roar of the water was now loud and fierce, but it lay more to one
+side. Directly beneath them was solid ground.
+
+With a trembling hand Guy pulled at the hook and secured it to the
+ledge. Claiming the right to go first, he let himself over the verge,
+and a joyful hail announced that he had reached the bottom in safety.
+
+Melton stuck his torch in a crevice of the rock and started after him.
+As his feet touched the ground Guy lit a fresh torch and the light
+revealed a level space of white sand, strewn with rocks.
+
+Overhead was the glow of Melton's torch on the ledge, and far beyond on
+the dizzy summit of the cliff twinkled the light that the colonel held.
+
+"We are on the bottom," shouted Guy, with all his might.
+
+His voice echoed again and again through the cavern. A reply came back,
+but it was almost lost in the roar of the unseen waters.
+
+With feelings that it would be difficult to describe they now advanced
+along the sand, bearing the torches high over their heads.
+
+With each step the sound grew louder. It was not the harsh, spasmodic
+roar of water dashing among sunken rocks, but resembled rather the swift
+outpour of a torrent gliding over a smooth, unbroken bed.
+
+"Here we are," cried Chutney. "I nearly stepped in the water without
+seeing it."
+
+He held his torch out with one hand, and its glowing radius revealed a
+strange sight.
+
+Twenty yards to their left a rapid, unbroken sheet of water burst with
+terrific force from a dark archway in the very face of the smooth
+cliff. It was the outlet of the lake.
+
+In width it was about forty feet, though the opposite side of the river
+was shrouded in darkness. On the spot where they stood a reflux current
+had worn an inlet into the sandy shore, and here a stretch of
+comparatively calm water was circling in swirling eddies, a startling
+contrast to the furious sweep of the torrent beyond.
+
+Yes, there was no doubt of it, here was the continuation of the
+underground river, the way that led to safety and hope.
+
+With strange emotions they watched in silence the dark flood pouring
+from its natural archway in the face of the cliff. To their right the
+sandy shore seemed to spread away smoothly into the darkness, but before
+they could scrutinize their surroundings more closely a strange, sharp
+sound echoed through the vaulted roof of the vast cavern, succeeded by a
+faint shout.
+
+"It was the report of the Greek's rifle," exclaimed Melton, in
+horror-stricken tones, "and it was Carrington who shouted. Some calamity
+has happened."
+
+Staggering with fear, they hastened back to the edge of the cliff.
+Melton clutched the dangling rope.
+
+"Stop!" cried Guy, in tones of agony. "My heavens, Melton, we are lost,
+doomed to the most horrible of deaths. What blind, desperate fools we
+were. We can never get back to the lake, and our companions can never
+reach us here. We could not be more widely separated were the world
+itself rolling between us."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Forbes. "Are you mad, Chutney?"
+
+"Mad? No. I wish I were. You are blind, Melton. _How can we get that
+rope up the seventy feet stretch from the ledge to the summit of the
+cliff?_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+GOOD-BY TO THE LAKE.
+
+
+Melton dropped the rope and staggered back from the cliff, his face
+deadly pale.
+
+"Yes," he said hoarsely, "you--you are right, Chutney. How could we have
+done such a foolish thing? From that narrow width of the ledge one could
+not throw a rope twenty feet in air. We are hopelessly cut off from our
+companions."
+
+"Hullo, down there!"
+
+It was Carrington hailing them from the top of the cliff, and they could
+make out his figure dimly in the torchlight.
+
+"What is the matter?" shouted Guy lustily, making a trumpet of his
+hands.
+
+In a moment the reply came distinctly to their ears.
+
+"Canaris hears a strange cry from the lake. You had better come up."
+
+"We are cut off," Guy shouted back. "We cannot get the rope back to the
+top of the cliff. Go tell Canaris"--his voice sank to a whisper, and he
+dropped on the sand beside Melton.
+
+The colonel did not answer. The torch moved off along the cliff and then
+stopped, no doubt directly above the raft.
+
+"He has gone to aid Canaris," said Guy. "I would like to know what is
+taking place on the lake."
+
+"Ah!" said Forbes, "here he comes back now."
+
+The torch moved along until it was directly over their heads, and then
+the colonel called down:
+
+"Come up to the ledge. I have a way to save you."
+
+Guy and Melton sprang to their feet in amazement. They could hardly
+believe they had heard aright.
+
+"What can he mean?" cried Guy.
+
+He seized the rope and started up hand over hand, placing his feet on
+the rough places in the wall.
+
+Melton joined him on the ledge a moment later. The torch he had left
+there was still burning, and its light showed the colonel where they
+were.
+
+"Watch sharp below there," he cried, and almost instantly Guy felt
+something dangling before his face. He put out his hand and clutched a
+thin cord.
+
+"By Jove, Melton, it's the fishing lines!" he exclaimed. "The colonel
+has tied them together."
+
+No directions were needed to tell them what to do next. Guy loosened the
+hook and fastened the line to it securely.
+
+"Go ahead," he shouted to the colonel, and the rope instantly began to
+ascend.
+
+In less than five minutes, though it really seemed an hour, the colonel
+signaled down that all was ready.
+
+It was a perilous undertaking to go up the face of the cliff with
+nothing but a smooth rope to hold to, but at Guy's bidding Forbes made
+the attempt.
+
+A great load seemed lifted from Guy's mind when he heard his friend's
+voice at the top, and without a moment's hesitation he started up
+himself.
+
+Had the face of the rock been perfectly smooth he could never have
+reached the summit, and even by the aid of the rough places he found it
+a terribly difficult task. Two or three times he swung helpless in
+mid-air, and just when he felt that he could go no farther he was pulled
+to the top without any effort of his own, and fell over from sheer
+exhaustion. He was all right in a moment or two and, hauling up the
+rope, they hurried back to the raft.
+
+Canaris and Sir Arthur hailed them gladly. It was the work of a moment
+to attach the hook to the top of the ledge, and one by one they slid
+down to the raft.
+
+Here a startling surprise awaited them. Among the rugs lay a
+dark-skinned savage, half naked and frightfully emaciated, while on the
+end of the raft rested a canoe much worn and battered.
+
+"What on earth does this mean?" exclaimed Chutney. "Where did you get
+that fellow? Is he dead?"
+
+"No, he lives," replied Canaris. "I heard a strange cry out on the
+lake. That was the time I fired my rifle. Then I saw this canoe drifting
+toward the raft, and when it came near enough for me to catch hold of I
+found this poor fellow lying in the bottom. Nothing else was in the
+canoe, not even a paddle. Just before you came I was talking to him. I
+know a little of the language, and he managed to tell me that he belongs
+to Oko Sam's tribe of Gallas. His name is Bildad, and he is the same
+native who was pursued into the cavern by the Abyssinians."
+
+"But how did he get away from the serpent?" asked Forbes.
+
+"I don't know," replied Canaris. "When he gets a little stronger I will
+find out. I gave him some food and he devoured it like a wild beast. He
+was terribly afraid we would kill him, and I could hardly make him
+believe otherwise."
+
+"And what have _you_ discovered?" exclaimed Sir Arthur, who was bursting
+with impatience. "Must we die in this horrible place or is there hope of
+escape?"
+
+Chutney hurriedly related their adventures and the great discovery that
+had been made.
+
+"Yes," he concluded fervently, "we have every reason to hope. If all
+goes well we shall resume our journey down the river in a few hours."
+
+"Chutney," cried the colonel solemnly, "I fear you are deceiving us and
+yourself with false hopes. The outlet of the lake is found, it is true,
+and by means of this rope we can reach it, but how are we to travel on
+down the river? Can you carry this raft over the cliff yonder?"
+
+"Yes," said Guy, with a confident smile. "I can take the raft over the
+rocks. It can be taken apart, and one by one the logs can be hauled to
+the top of the cliff and let down on the other side. To put it together
+again will prove no difficult matter."
+
+"A splendid plan, Chutney," cried the colonel. "I retract what I said.
+And how about the canoe? Can we take that along also?"
+
+"Yes," answered Guy, "we will take it with us on the raft. It may prove
+of use; but the raft, I think, will be safer for us to travel on. And
+now let us set about the task without losing any time. The
+transportation of the raft will be a difficult and arduous undertaking."
+
+"The first thing in order is to get Bildad to the top of the cliff,"
+said Canaris.
+
+This was not accomplished without some difficulty, for the poor fellow
+was in a pitiable state of weakness; but finally, by putting a noosed
+rope under his arms, Chutney and the colonel, who had gone up ahead,
+drew him in safety to the top and placed him on a couple of rugs.
+
+Then one by one the bags of provisions, the torches, the paddles, and
+the arms were tied to the rope and pulled up. Sir Arthur was sent up
+last, and Forbes and the Greek were left alone on the empty raft.
+
+After some consideration they decided on the following plan: Forbes and
+Canaris would take the raft apart and fasten the rope to the logs. Sir
+Arthur and the colonel would draw them up, pull them along the top of
+the cliff, and lower them gently to Chutney on the other side, who would
+receive them on the ledge, loosen the rope, and throw them down the
+remaining fifty feet to the ground, where the soft sand would receive
+them without injury.
+
+Guy was speedily lowered to the ledge, where the torch was still
+burning. Three more stuck in the crevices served to illuminate the top
+of the cliff.
+
+Down in the lake Melton and Canaris quickly severed the withes that
+bound the raft together, and in a short time the first log was swung
+gently down to Guy, who stood it endwise on the ledge, loosened the
+noose, and pushed it over the brink. It fell with a dull crash.
+
+In half an hour the raft was lying at the bottom of the cliff, and then
+several alterations were made. Chutney exchanged places with Forbes, and
+Sir Arthur, who found himself unequal to the task of pulling the heavy
+logs to the top of the cliff and dragging them along the summit, took
+the Greek's place, and went down to assist Chutney with the raft.
+
+Sir Arthur and Guy transferred themselves to the canoe as the raft grew
+smaller, and when the last log went up they noosed the rope about the
+center of the canoe itself and went up hand over hand and joined the
+others.
+
+The canoe was pulled up with some difficulty, and lowered to Guy, who
+allowed it to remain on the ledge, which, though narrow, was ten or
+twelve yards long. The baggage was next lowered, and then, one at a
+time, Bildad going first, they descended to the platform where Guy was
+awaiting them.
+
+Forbes was the last one down, and, with a dexterous jerk, he threw the
+hook loose from above, and it but narrowly missed their heads as it
+cleared the ledge and struck the ground. It was dragged back and hooked
+in place.
+
+The final descent was not free from accident, for the canoe slipped from
+the noose and fell with a crash, but with no other mishap all reached
+the solid earth, and with the casting off of the rope from the ledge was
+severed the last link that connected them with the underground lake and
+its horrors.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+A TERRIBLE RIDE.
+
+
+Their first act showed the true character of these brave men.
+
+"Let us thank God for our deliverance," said Guy solemnly, and kneeling
+on the wet sand--an example that was followed by all--he offered a
+simple and fervent prayer.
+
+Renewed hope was visible on their faces when they rose to their feet in
+the dim light of the torch.
+
+"We will put the raft together," said Guy, "and then have something to
+eat before we start."
+
+It was but a short distance to the water's edge, and by all working
+industriously the logs were soon lying on the sandy beach, and Forbes
+was fastening them together as before.
+
+Bildad, from the warmth of the rugs, watched these proceedings with a
+look of mute wonder on his dusky features.
+
+As soon as the raft was ready the baggage was placed on it.
+
+"Take the canoe along," said Forbes. "It is too badly shattered by the
+fall to use, but it will furnish us with torches and firewood."
+
+There was room to spare, so the boat was placed on one end of the raft,
+and then sitting on the sand they made a hearty meal of crackers and
+figs.
+
+"I don't admire the appearance of that river very much," remarked the
+colonel. "It comes through the cliff as though shot by a cannon. No
+wonder, though, when you think of the terrible pressure from above."
+
+"We will make up for lost time by rapid traveling, then," said Forbes.
+
+"Ah, you think so?" cried Sir Arthur. "Bless me, I hope we will. I have
+an engagement to dine with Lord Balsover at the Hotel Bombay at Aden on
+the 10th at six o'clock in the evening. He touches there on his way to
+India, and I can't disappoint him, you know."
+
+"Drop him a few lines, Ashby, and postpone the engagement a couple of
+weeks," remarked the colonel dryly.
+
+"Bless me! Can I do that?" ejaculated Sir Arthur.
+
+The laugh that followed was cut short by Guy's short, decisive voice:
+"Get ready, it's time to start."
+
+The raft lay partly in the water, and with a hearty shove from all it
+was pushed clear of the shore. Forbes and Canaris held it while it
+tossed up an down in the swirling eddies.
+
+"Get on board," directed Guy, setting the example himself, and assisting
+Bildad.
+
+Forbes remained on shore, holding the corner of the raft till all had
+passed on board. It trembled fiercely in his grasp, as though eager to
+be off on the journey.
+
+Far overhead the abandoned torch was glowing dimly on the summit of the
+cliff, a patch of brightness that made the gloom round about all the
+blacker by contrast. For the first time a sudden realization of the
+unknown perils that lay before them flashed into the minds of the little
+party.
+
+"Let go, Forbes," said Guy in a firm voice.
+
+Melton sprang nimbly on board and grasped a paddle. The raft quivered a
+moment and then shot, swift as an arrow, toward the turbulent stretch of
+water beyond.
+
+Then came a tremendous lurch, a riotous dash of spray that took away
+their breath, and with a dizzy speed that was simply indescribable the
+trembling craft was whirled down the torrent.
+
+The first sensation was one of uncontrollable fear, and they hung with
+all their might to the logs, expecting every instant to be tossed into
+the water. Round and round spun the raft in dizzy revolutions, until
+their heads were dizzy and aching. Then the harsh roar subsided, and in
+a little while the raft became quiet and rested on the surface of the
+water with hardly a quiver.
+
+And now they ventured to sit up. They appeared to be moving with the
+velocity of a railroad train.
+
+On both sides, a few yards from the raft, smooth walls of rock were
+visible. Overhead was empty space.
+
+"If this could continue," said Guy, "we should reach the end of the
+river in a few days."
+
+"It won't last," said Forbes gloomily. "We'll soon run across some bad
+water."
+
+His fears were shared by the rest, but as time passed on and they
+continued to speed smoothly between the rocky walls, they began to feel
+less apprehensive of danger.
+
+"Bildad seems to be feeling quite chipper," said Guy. "Suppose you ask
+him how he tricked that serpent, Canaris."
+
+"Well, I'll try him," was the reply.
+
+The conversation commenced, and the harsh jabber which they carried on
+was very interesting to the rest of the party.
+
+"Bless me; you'd think the Greek was talking in his own tongue,"
+remarked Sir Arthur. "Reminds me of our old Greek professor at Balliol
+College, Oxford. He loved the language of the Athenians so much that he
+hated to use the English tongue at all. Worst of it was he expected all
+of us to be as fluent as himself. Made us all talk Greek in the
+class-room. I'll never forget how we got even with him. Lord Somebody or
+other--I can't recall the name now, but it was some celebrated
+man--visited the college. I don't suppose he knew Greek from Hottentot,
+but we made the professor believe it was a famous Greek scholar who was
+coming, one who had been making excavations on the site of old Troy
+during the past four years, and who, strangely enough, was then in
+England and expected on a visit to Oxford. The professor prepared an
+elaborate address in pure Greek, and when the visitor entered the
+class-room he delivered it in the most eloquent manner.
+
+"'What's that fool talking about?' asked the visitor.
+
+"'Oh,' says young Ormsby, who was sitting near me, 'he's lecturing the
+class on 'Political Economy in Ancient Athens.' He'll be through in a
+moment and able to receive you.'
+
+"The visitor left the room highly insulted, and the professor, when he
+discovered the truth a day or two later, nearly took apoplexy."
+
+As the laughter that greeted this little reminiscence of Sir Arthur's
+ceased, Canaris finished his conversation with Bildad.
+
+"It is difficult to converse with him," he reported, "but from what I
+can learn he dived from the very embrace of the serpent, and succeeded
+in swimming to the other canoe, which he had turned adrift only a
+moment or two before. Without paddles or food he floated behind us into
+the lake."
+
+"It's a miracle that he escaped the serpents," said the colonel,
+"floating about on the lake all the time."
+
+"But how did he know anything about the entrance to the river?"
+exclaimed Guy. "Did you ask him that, Canaris?"
+
+"Yes," said the Greek. "He says he discovered it himself a year or two
+ago just as the old Englishman must have done."
+
+"Well, it's a lucky thing for Bildad that he ran across us," was Guy's
+comment; and Bildad, to judge from his contented expression, seemed
+thoroughly to appreciate this fact.
+
+As the river continued swift and smooth, with no signs of danger ahead,
+all went to sleep except Canaris and the colonel, who were intrusted
+with the care of the raft. Several hours later they were relieved by
+Chutney and Forbes, and thus all secured a fair night's rest.
+
+A scanty share of food was doled out for breakfast, as the supply was
+getting very low. Some time afterward a faint roar was heard in the
+distance, and almost before they could prepare for danger a violent
+cross current struck the raft, tossing it about most perilously, and
+they caught a glimpse of a furious body of water issuing from a narrow
+passageway.
+
+"That was the other channel, the one we should have taken in the first
+place," exclaimed Guy. "We are now on the main river again."
+
+"They travel separately for quite a distance," remarked the colonel.
+"The lake must be seventy or eighty miles in our rear. We are making
+splendid time."
+
+Little did they imagine at that moment how great a change was close at
+hand. The river glided smoothly between its massive walls with scarce a
+murmur.
+
+An hour later Forbes held up a warning finger. An ominous sound was
+heard far below that increased in volume with every second.
+
+"Cling to the raft for your lives," shouted Chutney.
+
+The first words were audible; the last were drowned in the mighty roar
+of the water, so sudden was its approach. By the torchlight they saw for
+an instant the billows of tossing spray. Then the raft plunged madly
+like a thing of life, a great wave broke over it with stunning force,
+and all was darkness.
+
+None could remember clearly what happened after that. Plunging over the
+crests of enormous waves, whirling round and round in dizzy
+revolutions, drenched by icy showers of spray, grinding and crashing on
+countless rocks, the raft went on its way through that awful stretch of
+rapids, holding together by nothing short of a miracle. A full hour it
+lasted, though it must have seemed like days to the wretched voyagers.
+
+Then the wild pitching and tossing subsided, the crash of the furious
+water grew fainter, and all was calm and peaceful as before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+MORE MISERY.
+
+
+Perceiving that the danger was over, Guy ventured to sit up. His clothes
+were dripping wet, but fortunately he kept his matches in a tin box, and
+striking one cautiously, he lit a torch which had been lying partly
+under his body, and was not too damp to burn.
+
+His companions were still sprawled out on the raft, holding to the logs
+with all their strength. When Guy assured them that all danger was past
+they sat up, looking very pale and dazed.
+
+"That was awful," said the colonel. "It's a miracle the raft lived
+through such a ride."
+
+"The canoe is gone," exclaimed Forbes. "Washed clear off the deck,
+and----Why, hello, what's the matter, Chutney?"
+
+Guy was looking about the raft with a ghastly and fear-stricken
+countenance, holding the torch over his head.
+
+"A terrible calamity has happened," he cried in a voice that was
+strangely unnatural. "I fear we are lost men. Where are the provisions?
+Where are our torches?"
+
+"By gracious, they are gone!" declared the colonel. "Clean gone!"
+
+It was truly a terrible situation in which they found themselves. The
+provisions and the torches had been washed off the raft. If they did not
+reach the open air in two or three days starvation was certain.
+
+"No," cried the Greek suddenly, "all hope is not gone. Look! here is a
+bag that was lying partly under me. It is half full of crackers."
+
+"And I have three torches in my pocket," added Sir Arthur. "Bless me if
+I know how they got there but here they are, anyhow."
+
+"That scant supply of food may last us to the journey's end, if used in
+moderation," said Guy solemnly. "God grant us a speedy passage to the
+mouth of the river."
+
+In spite of Chutney's brave attempts to cheer them up, the spirits of
+the party sank very low.
+
+That meager bag of crackers must feed six mouths until they reached the
+end of the cavern. That event might be in a week, and it might be in a
+month. The uncertainty and the suspense were terribly trying.
+
+It was some consolation to discover that the river was still flowing
+very rapidly. The possibility of encountering more rapids they now
+dreaded but little, for it was very improbable that worse places could
+exist than that which the raft had navigated so stanchly.
+
+"We must travel night and day," said Guy, "and in darkness. We have four
+torches left. Only when we hear the sound of rapids dare we light one of
+them."
+
+He emphasized his words by putting out the torch that was burning, and
+instantly they were plunged in total darkness.
+
+This marked the commencement of a period in which all trace of time was
+lost. Huddled together on the few remaining rugs, they drifted on and on
+with the current, alternately asleep and awake.
+
+At certain intervals a torch was lit for a few moments while they ate
+the pitiful scraps of food that Guy distributed with rigorous
+impartiality.
+
+The short periods of light were taken advantage of by the colonel to
+record in his diary the brief incidents of the journey.
+
+A few extracts from it, made with his permission, will make sufficiently
+clear to the reader in what gloomy monotony that part of their cruise
+was spent which began with the departure from the lake and terminated
+abruptly in a misfortune remarkable for the utter despair that followed
+on its track:
+
+_First stage._--This is the second day since leaving the lake. We
+received three crackers apiece. Twice a torch was lit to aid us in
+passing rapids. They proved to be insignificant.
+
+_Second stage._--We slept by turns. Had three crackers apiece. All
+complain of hunger. Bildad clamors for food. Current still good. Plenty
+of small rapids.
+
+_Third stage._--We now sleep most of the time. Chutney has cut down the
+rations to two crackers apiece. Bildad is ill. Drinks water incessantly
+and demands food. We are compelled to hide the bag.
+
+_Fourth stage._--Current not so rapid. All in low spirits. We are
+tortured by hunger. Sir Arthur dreams of banquets in his sleep. Harrows
+our feelings by his accounts of them. Bildad very ill. No longer wants
+food.
+
+_Fifth stage._--Alas! worse and worse! Bildad and Sir Arthur ill.
+Chutney is a hero. He tries to cheer us all. Gave half his share of food
+to Sir Arthur. Thinks I don't know. Bildad raving. Had to tie him to the
+raft.
+
+_Sixth stage._--Bildad and Sir Arthur very weak. Today a gleam of hope.
+Canaris, after many trials, caught a fish a foot long. We devoured it
+raw with the utmost greed. Our strength is fast leaving us.
+
+_Seventh stage._--Chutney still hopeful. Bildad and Sir Arthur in a bad
+way. Provisions for three days still remain. We _must_ reach the mouth
+of the river by that time. Canaris fished, but caught nothing.
+
+_Eighth stage._--The outlook is dark. I fear none will ever read these
+pages. The river begins to run sluggishly. Bildad shrieks and raves
+continually. Sir Arthur is better. They are all asleep now. Forbes and
+I were put on guard, but Forbes has gone to sleep, and I am afraid I
+shall do the same without knowing it. A dizzy weakness is coming over
+me, and----
+
+At this point the writer appears to have dropped his book and pencil and
+fallen asleep.
+
+Just what space of time was covered by the above quoted entries from the
+colonel's book is uncertain. A week would probably be a fair guess. The
+misery of these unfortunate voyagers during that period can hardly be
+imagined. They suffered continually from the pangs of hunger. They
+traveled in utter darkness, and, to add to the horror of it all, two
+sick men had to be ministered to. Under these circumstances we again
+take up the thread of the story.
+
+It is not to be wondered at that Forbes and the colonel were so derelict
+as to fall asleep at their post of duty. To remain awake in their
+condition was simply impossible. It was terribly unfortunate that it
+should be so, as what follows will prove.
+
+The raft encountered no rapids during the time that all were sleeping,
+and as far as personal danger was concerned it mattered not whether any
+one was on guard or not.
+
+Forbes and Chutney awoke about the same time. As was Guy's usual habit
+after sleeping, he lit a torch to see how the current was running. The
+light woke Canaris and the colonel almost immediately, while Sir Arthur
+turned on his rug and asked feebly for something to eat.
+
+The very mention of food brought a hungry glare to their eyes, and Guy
+turned round to reach the bag. It was not in its accustomed place, and
+he staggered to his feet in astonishment.
+
+"It's gone," he cried savagely. "The bag is gone. Who has taken it?"
+
+They glared at each other with fierce mistrust.
+
+"Ah, look! look!" shrieked Canaris suddenly. "The black wretch!" and
+springing across the raft he flung himself on Bildad and grasped him
+with both hands savagely by the throat.
+
+Melton and Guy tore him away by main force and there beside the African
+lay the bag--empty.
+
+Bildad's lips were full of crumbs, and half a cracker was still clutched
+in one grimy hand.
+
+"Kill him. Throw him in the river!" shrieked the Greek, who was fairly
+beside himself with rage and hunger.
+
+"He is out of his mind," said Guy gravely. "He took them in his
+delirium. Not one is left;" as he shook the bag in the air.
+
+Sir Arthur made another piteous appeal for food, and Guy took the half
+cracker from Bildad's hand and gave it to him.
+
+"None left!" repeated the colonel blankly. "What are we going to do?
+We'll starve in two days. I feel now as if I were on fire inside."
+
+"All our rifles are gone, too," said Guy suddenly. "Bildad has thrown
+them overboard. The crafty scoundrel feared we would shoot him for
+stealing the crackers, and he threw away the guns on purpose. There was
+method in his madness, after all."
+
+"The fiend!" hissed Canaris between his teeth. "And it was I who saved
+his life for this. If I only had known! If I only had left him to perish
+in the lake!"
+
+"Hark! I hear rapids or something ahead," said Guy at that instant.
+
+For the moment this diverted their attention from poor Bildad, who lay
+in a half stupor unconscious of all that was taking place.
+
+The sound that Guy had heard was close at hand, and in a moment the raft
+was flung heavily upon a sand bar and remained there motionless.
+
+The channel made a sudden, sharp turn, and the current, being too swift
+to round the sharp angle, dashed with a sullen splash against the shore.
+
+Guy grasped the torch and staggered forward on the beach. It was the
+first time his feet had touched land for more than a week.
+
+"Here is shore and rocks beyond it," he exclaimed. "I see a cavern,
+too, in the face of the cliff."
+
+He continued to move forward with uplifted torch. Suddenly he paused
+and uttered a loud cry. A terrible roar echoed from the cavern a second
+later, and then with a single bound a great tawny beast sprang out of
+the shadows, and striking Guy to the earth with one blow of his mighty
+paw, threw himself furiously on the prostrate body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+BILDAD DRINKS NEW LIFE.
+
+
+The stricken man had no time to utter another cry. The lion--for such it
+proved to be--paused a moment, with uplifted head, snarling angrily. The
+torch had been flung back a yard or more toward the water, and was
+spluttering on the damp sand.
+
+Guy's companions were helpless with fear and dread. Forbes alone had
+self-possession enough to remember that he had a revolver. It was not
+loaded, and he trembled so much that he could scarcely draw the shells
+from his pocket.
+
+"Hurry! Hurry!" whispered the colonel. "The brute may tear him apart any
+moment."
+
+Meanwhile Guy lay white and motionless in the grasp of the lion. Not a
+muscle quivered, and his eyes were closed.
+
+Suddenly, as Forbes was nervously ramming the shells into the revolver,
+the beast turned on his prey with a vicious growl and seized Guy's arm
+loosely in his mighty jaws. In another instant Chutney would have been
+dragged off, but help was to come from an unlooked-for source.
+
+With a single bound Bildad sprang out upon the sand, brandishing a huge
+spear that Canaris had brought with him from the lake.
+
+Another leap carried him within a yard or two of the lion, and the
+amazed spectators had a brief vision of the enraged beast quivering for
+a spring at the audacious African.
+
+Then the spear flashed in the torchlight, and as Bildad sprang to one
+side, the lion, with a mighty roar, toppled over on the sand--dead. The
+spear had pierced his heart.
+
+For an instant no one realized what had happened. The lion in his fall
+had cleared his victim entirely, and before any one thought of moving
+forward Guy pulled himself to his feet and staggered feebly toward the
+raft. Melton ran forward just in time to catch him in his arms.
+
+"Thank God," he exclaimed fervently. "You are not hurt, Chutney?"
+
+"No, I think not," was Guy's response; "only stunned and bruised a
+little. It was a close call."
+
+"Close! I should say it was. It's the first time I ever saw a lion
+killed in that way. Bildad saved your life, for Melton could never have
+killed the brute with that toy he has there."
+
+A strange sound suddenly diverted their attention to Bildad.
+
+The savage was ripping open the dead lion's throat with a spear, and
+throwing himself on his knees, he lapped up greedily the red blood as it
+flowed from the wound.
+
+It was a horrible and fascinating sight. He drank long and deeply, and
+when at length he rose from his savage feast the ferocity of the lion
+seemed actually to have flowed into his own veins, so horrible and
+demon-like was the expression on his dusky face.
+
+Shaking the blood-stained spear, he shouted two or three times in a
+frenzied manner, and then tottering to the raft, flung himself among the
+rugs.
+
+"We are saved," cried Forbes with sudden inspiration. "There lies meat
+in plenty."
+
+Melton's words caused a speedy revulsion of feeling. The colonel shouted
+for very joy, and Canaris sprang toward the dead lion with drawn knife.
+
+"Cut off as much of the meat as you can," said Guy. "Here, give me my
+saber. Let me help."
+
+He turned to reach it, but a sudden weakness came over him, and he was
+compelled to lie down on the rugs. The colonel, in deep alarm, made a
+hasty examination to see if he had sustained any injury, but with the
+exception of a severe bruising and a slight laceration of the left arm,
+caused by the lion's teeth, he appeared to be all right.
+
+Melton and Canaris were just on the point of cutting into the dead lion
+with their sabers, the only weapons that remained to them, when a fierce
+roar echoed through the cavern, repeated two or three times in rapid
+succession, and in the gloom they could see a pair of shining eyes.
+
+"Run for the raft," cried the Greek; and, as they reached the shore, a
+superb lioness bounded forward and stood by the body of her mate.
+
+"See!" cried the colonel, pointing a trembling finger. "Two more lions
+coming out of the cavern. Push the raft into the water at once or we
+shall be devoured."
+
+The danger was indeed imminent, and yet, in their starving condition, it
+was hard to leave all that meat behind. Forbes, impelled by some mad
+impulse, pointed his revolver at the angry lioness, but Guy grasped his
+arm before he could pull the trigger. Two more lions were now in plain
+view, stalking slowly out of the shadows.
+
+"The pistol is useless," said Guy. "We dare not resist. We must get away
+as silently as possible."
+
+The raft had been tossed but lightly upon the beach, and with but little
+effort it was pushed free of the shore and trembled on the water.
+
+A loud roar close at hand caused them to fall on board in frantic haste,
+and as the swift current whirled them away the three lions trotted down
+to the water's edge and howled in concert.
+
+"We may be thankful we got away with whole skins," said Chutney. "It was
+a great misfortune to have to abandon all that meat, but a delay or an
+attempt at resistance would have cost us our lives."
+
+"It means starvation," said Melton bitterly. "Those lions came down from
+the open air to drink. That hole in the rocks led out of the cavern, I
+have no doubt, and we could have followed it up and perhaps found food,
+or we might even have abandoned the cavern entirely and finished our
+journey on top of ground. We must be close to the coast now."
+
+This statement of what "might have been" sent their spirits down to the
+lowest ebb. They realized that Melton was undoubtedly right. Safety had
+actually been within their grasp, but the lions had driven them off, and
+now they were doomed to almost certain death by starvation. Even had
+they chosen to go back and risk the chances it was too late, for the
+current had taken them far from the spot, and the sandy shores had given
+way to perpendicular walls of rock.
+
+The torch continued to burn brightly, a piece of extravagance that
+called forth no rebuke.
+
+The journey continued amid unbroken silence. Sir Arthur and Bildad were
+both asleep, though it was no peaceful slumber, to judge from their
+restless tossings.
+
+Sir Arthur's illness had now lasted a week. It was more of a nervous
+attack than anything else, but without food it was hopeless to look for
+recovery. He was extremely weak, and lay most of the time in a stupor.
+
+The painful bruises Guy had sustained kept him awake much longer than
+the rest, but at last he too fell asleep.
+
+Thus several hours passed away, and they awoke in utter darkness. The
+torch had burnt out during the night, but Guy recklessly lit another.
+
+The river was flowing rapidly among scattered rocks, and as the raft
+approached a jagged ledge that cropped up from the water, a dark object
+was seen clinging to it.
+
+"Why, it is our lost canoe," said Forbes as they drew near. "Help me
+catch it, Chutney. We will pass close to it."
+
+The raft struck the edge of the rocks, and as it swung round with the
+current they grasped the end of the canoe and pulled it on board.
+
+"It will do for firewood," said Guy. "We won't have to travel in the
+dark any more."
+
+"Yes, yes; build a fire," said Sir Arthur feebly, sitting up among the
+rugs. "I'm cold, Chutney; icy cold. Have we come to the end of the
+cavern yet?"
+
+"He seems a little better," whispered the colonel, coming close up to
+Guy. "Do you know, Chutney, I've been thinking for the last hour that we
+must surely be near the end of the river. Since first we entered this
+cavern we have traveled eight hundred miles. Calculate the rate of speed
+at which the current flows, and you must see that I am right. Moreover,
+we cannot be very far beneath the surface of the earth. Those lions do
+not dwell in the cavern. They only came down for water."
+
+"I believe you are right," said Guy. "Two more days will tell. If we
+don't reach the open air in that time--well, it won't matter after that
+whether we reach it or not. I can hardly stand on my feet, and as for
+the torments of hunger, I need not speak of that. You know them
+yourself."
+
+"Yes, I do indeed know what it is," said the colonel bitterly, "but we
+must endure it a while longer. For myself I do not care so much, but Sir
+Arthur is in a bad way, and as for Bildad, we may have to bind him hand
+and foot. He sleeps now, but no one can tell what he may do when he
+awakes."
+
+"We will watch him closely," said Guy. "Canaris is splitting up the
+canoe for firewood, and it will no longer be necessary to travel in
+darkness."
+
+"See!" cried the Greek, pausing with uplifted axe. "The shores have
+disappeared. Has the river become wide or is this another lake?"
+
+"There is still a strong current," said Guy. "The channel has suddenly
+become broad. That is all."
+
+A cheerful fire was soon blazing, and the ruddy reflection stained the
+water far and near, as the raft drifted on with the current. Sir Arthur
+fell asleep again, and Bildad lay among the rugs as one dead, glutted
+with his savage feast, and his lips and hands still red with clotted
+blood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+BILDAD TURNS CANNIBAL.
+
+
+All through that day--for such we shall call it--they floated on without
+a single glimpse of the shores, though a good current still existed.
+
+Their sufferings had now reached a point that was almost unendurable.
+The emptiness at the stomach and the pangs of hunger had given way to
+the fierce pains and the appalling weakness that come to those perishing
+of starvation.
+
+For two days, it must be remembered, they had eaten nothing, and for a
+week previous three dry crackers apiece had been their daily allowance.
+
+Chutney, with marvelous endurance, retained his strength and affected a
+hopefulness he was far from feeling, though, if the truth were known, a
+share of his food for a week past had been secretly given to Sir Arthur,
+whose illness had roused his compassion.
+
+The colonel was almost too weak to stand--for his previous captivity had
+undermined his constitution, while Melton and the Greek made no efforts
+to conceal their sufferings.
+
+Bildad, instead of becoming violent, woke up very weak, and lay helpless
+on his rug.
+
+It was pitiful to see how they all turned their pockets inside out and
+drove their fingers into the crannies of the logs, hoping to discover a
+stray crumb. It was useless to fish, for they had nothing to put on the
+hook.
+
+After nightfall, as near as Guy could guess, the river became very
+narrow and the current increased perceptibly in speed. The steep and
+rocky shores seemed scarcely ten yards apart, and overhead hung masses
+of stalactite almost close enough to strike with the paddle.
+
+"We are near the end," said Guy, making an effort to speak calmly in
+spite of his sufferings. "Hold out a little longer. I feel sure that
+we shall be saved."
+
+"Yes, we are near the end," said the colonel, "very near, Chutney. Our
+sufferings will soon be over. You deserve a better fate. I wish----"
+
+"No, no, don't talk that way," cried Guy. "You will live to see the
+sunlight again--I am sure of it."
+
+The colonel turned over on his side without making a reply.
+
+"If we don't reach the mouth of the cavern in twenty-four hours, I for
+one will never see the light of day," said Melton huskily. "I'd hate to
+die in this place. It wouldn't be so hard out under the open sky."
+
+"Water! water!" moaned Sir Arthur feebly, and crawling to the edge of
+the raft Guy filled his helmet and put it to the sick man's lips. He
+drank deeply and sank back on the rugs.
+
+Guy crept cautiously forward to the front of the raft again--for every
+motion was a torture--and resumed his watch ahead, straining his eyes to
+catch the first glimpse of light that he felt sure must come before
+long.
+
+Faster and faster ran the current now and the shores flitted past like
+dim specters. The channel became more turbulent and rocky, and the raft
+tossed and trembled as it swept over brawling rapids and grated over
+unseen obstructions.
+
+When Guy turned toward his companions again they seemed to be all
+sleeping, and he envied them their merciful oblivion.
+
+Bildad was muttering excitedly in his own tongue, and as Guy watched him
+he tossed his arms and sat bolt upright. The ugly face was frightfully
+distorted and the fever-stricken eyes shone with a baleful light. With
+an apprehension that he took no pains to disguise Guy watched him
+sharply. There was no telling what this savage might do in the delirium
+of illness--a delirium aggravated tenfold by the tortures of hunger.
+
+Guy noted with secret uneasiness that no weapon was lying anywhere near.
+Melton alone had a revolver, and he was half inclined to waken him and
+ask him for it.
+
+Bildad, however, made no attempt to leave his place on the rugs. He kept
+on talking to himself at intervals, his eyes staring vacantly out on the
+river.
+
+A dingy leopard skin was still bound around his loins, and suddenly
+seizing the end of it he began to chew it greedily.
+
+Then he noticed the blood still sticking to his fingers, and placing his
+hand in his mouth he sucked it with a hollow noise that made Guy sick.
+
+Suddenly his eyes became fixed and glaring, his hands dropped to his
+side, trembling nervously, and his lips parted in a wolfish expression,
+that displayed two rows of glistening teeth.
+
+A thrill of horror ran through Guy from head to foot as he saw what had
+unmistakably fascinated Bildad's gaze. Two yards distant, facing the
+savage, lay Sir Arthur, propped up slightly among the rugs. His head was
+thrown back, and in the perspiration, caused probably by his slight
+fever, he had torn loose the fore part of his flannel shirt, so that the
+throat and part of the breast were fully exposed, and shone clearly in
+the soft glow from the fire.
+
+To Chutney Bildad's wolfish gaze admitted of no misconstruction. The
+sight of the white flesh had roused the savage's fiercest instincts.
+_At that moment Bildad was a cannibal at heart!_
+
+No words can describe Guy's feelings as he realized the awful truth.
+
+At first a deadly faintness threatened to deprive him of all
+consciousness. Then came a thrill of strength, and his quick mind sought
+some plan of action. There was no weapon within reach. He must waken the
+Greek.
+
+"Canaris," he muttered in a low voice, but the word stuck in his throat
+and died away in a whisper.
+
+The sound, slight as it was, drew Bildad's attention. A glance at Guy's
+frightened countenance told him his horrible design was discovered. His
+thick lips parted in a glare of ferocious hatred--the blind fury of a
+madman.
+
+He thrust his hand to his side, drew out a long, gleaming knife, and
+with a demoniacal laugh sprang at Sir Arthur, brandishing his weapon.
+
+At the first flash of the steel Guy uttered a shout that might have
+wakened the seven sleepers, and threw himself across the raft. He fell
+short of the African, and staggered to his knees with another wild cry.
+
+The glittering blade wavered a second in mid-air, not ten inches from
+Sir Arthur's heart, and then, his eyes flashing and his face distorted
+with passion, Bildad turned and threw himself on the man who had
+thwarted him.
+
+Guy staggered to his feet in time to meet the shock, and they fell
+together with a crash, the madman on top. As he blindly threw out his
+arms in self protection he grasped Bildad's wrist, arresting the course
+of the descending knife. Before the fiend could snatch the knife with
+the other hand he twisted the brawny wrist till the bone cracked. The
+knife dropped from the nerveless fingers, and Bildad shrieked with rage
+and agony. Guy tried to shout, but the savage's uninjured arm clutched
+his throat, and he felt himself jerked violently along the raft. He
+struggled and kicked in vain. A mist swam before his eyes, and he felt
+the agonies of suffocation. With both hands he tore at the brawny arm,
+but the grip only seemed to tighten, and then he realized that he was on
+the edge of the raft. He was powerless. He wondered vaguely why the rest
+did not come to his assistance. He felt his head and shoulders slip over
+the edge, and then opening his eyes he saw the madman's leering face,
+flushed with rage and triumph, staring into his own. His eyes closed
+with a shudder as he seemed to feel the icy waters close over him. Then
+the grasp on his throat suddenly relaxed, and he knew nothing more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When Guy opened his eyes some minutes later, and saw with wonder the
+familiar faces of his friends bending over him, he felt as a man might
+who had come back from the grave. He tried to rise, but a firm hand
+pushed him gently back, and the colonel's voice said softly, "No; lie
+down. Not a word until you are better."
+
+Gradually memory came back as he rested, and he knew why his throat felt
+so queer. In the firelight he saw Bildad lying motionless across the
+logs. The ugly face was smeared with blood, and Forbes and Canaris were
+binding the brawny arms and legs.
+
+And there lay the knife, flashing back the light from its polished
+steel.
+
+"You came as near to death, Chutney, as any man can come," said the
+colonel a little later, when Guy was able to sit up and lean against the
+fragments of the canoe. "Forbes saved you on this occasion. He got awake
+just in time, and crawling over the logs--for he was unable to walk--he
+brought down the butt of the revolver on the fiend's head. He first
+tried to shoot, but his weapon missed fire."
+
+"Is he dead?" asked Guy.
+
+"No," replied the colonel; "more's the pity. He seems to be only
+stunned. We've tied him up securely, so he can't do any more harm. But
+what started him, anyhow?"
+
+Guy, with many a shudder, related the events that led to the attack, and
+his audience were horror-stricken at the terrible tale. The strangest
+part of it was that Sir Arthur had slept through it all and was still
+sleeping.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+THE END OF THE CAVERN.
+
+
+After that Guy himself fell asleep--a deep, heavy slumber that caused
+his friends some uneasiness as they listened to his labored breathing
+and saw the red flush that mounted over his pallid face.
+
+Later on he struggled back to a wretched consciousness of his misery. He
+made an effort to rise, but such keen pains darted through his body that
+his head dropped back on the rug. The least movement was an agony, and
+his head was aching with a fierce intensity that he had never known
+before.
+
+"I _will_ rise," he muttered between his clinched teeth, and summoning
+all the power of his iron will he sat up.
+
+The remaining half of the canoe was just behind him, and dragging his
+body a foot or more over the raft he fell back against it with a groan
+of agony.
+
+The glowing embers of the fire shed a dim light over the scene. On his
+right lay Sir Arthur, white and motionless. On the left was Bildad, his
+arms and legs drawn up about his body in the throes of suffering. Near
+the front of the raft lay the colonel, face downward on the logs, and
+close by was the Greek, his white features turned toward the firelight.
+
+One alone showed any signs of life. Melton was leaning over the edge
+apparently drinking, and presently he raised his head and crawled feebly
+toward the fire.
+
+"How long have I slept?" asked Guy in a hoarse whisper.
+
+Melton turned in astonishment as though frightened by the sound of a
+human voice.
+
+"I don't know," he said, speaking with a great effort. "Hours, Chutney,
+hours. A day and a night must have passed since I cracked that fellow
+there on the head. I hoped you would never wake. This is like dying a
+thousand times over. It won't last long now. A few hours at the
+most--and then--"
+
+"But tell me," interrupted Guy, "the rest, are they--are they----?"
+
+"Dead?" said Melton. "No, I think not. Very near the end, though. They
+can't move. They can't even reach the edge of the raft to drink. Water
+has kept me up a little."
+
+Crawling inch by inch, he drew himself beside Guy and propped his back
+against the canoe. They sat side by side, too exhausted to speak,
+mercifully indifferent to their fate.
+
+It is doubtful if they realized their position. The last stages of
+starvation had blunted their sensibilities, thrown a veil over their
+reasoning faculties.
+
+Presently Guy observed that the raft had entered upon a most turbulent
+stretch of water. At frequent intervals he heard dimly the hoarse roar
+of rapids and felt the logs quiver and tremble as they struck the rocks.
+The shores appeared almost close enough to touch as they whirled past
+with a speed that made him close his eyes with dizziness, and the jagged
+roof seemed about to fall and crush him.
+
+He saw these things as a man sees in a dream. He could no longer reason
+over them or draw conclusions from the facts. The increasing roar of the
+water, the cumulative force of the current, told him dimly that a crisis
+was approaching.
+
+So they drifted on, lost to all passage of time. Presently the last
+embers of the fire expired with a hiss as a dash of spray was flung on
+them, and all was dark.
+
+Guy whispered Melton's name, but a feeble groan was the only response.
+He reached out a trembling arm and found that his friend had slipped
+down from the canoe and was lying prostrate on the rugs. He alone
+retained consciousness, such as it was.
+
+Bildad was jabbering in delirium, and Guy could catch broken sentences
+muttered at intervals by Carrington or the Greek.
+
+He felt that his own reason was fast going, and he conceived a sudden
+horror of dying in darkness.
+
+A torch was lying under his hand and he had matches.
+
+The effort of striking the light was a prodigious one, but at last he
+succeeded and the torch flared up brightly over the raft and its
+occupants.
+
+The sudden transition from darkness to light had a startling effect on
+the very man whom Guy supposed to be past all feeling. Sir Arthur
+suddenly sat straight up, his white face lit with a ghastly light.
+
+"Ha, ha!" he shouted, waving his shrunken hands. "The light, the light!
+We are saved! Do you see it, Carrington; do you see it?"
+
+Then the wild gleam faded from his eyes, and in a quavering voice--a
+mere ghost of his old pompous manner--he exclaimed:
+
+"To the Guards' Club, Waterloo Place! Do it in twenty minutes, driver,
+and the half sovereign is yours. Go by way of Piccadilly; it's the near
+cut."
+
+A moment later he added: "I'll be late. What beastly luck!"
+
+Then a swift change passed over his face.
+
+"Ha! ha! There's the light again," he cried exultantly. "Look,
+Carrington, look----" His lips trembled over the unfinished sentence,
+and without another word he dropped back on the logs and lay there
+perfectly motionless.
+
+This was the last thing that Guy remembered.
+
+The torch still burned beside him, and the raft plunged on its dizzy
+course, but his mind was wandering far away, and the past was being
+lived over again.
+
+He was riding through London streets, dining with his old friends at the
+club, pulling a skiff over the placid current of the Thames, shooting
+quail on his brother's estate, dancing at a ball at Government House,
+Calcutta, marching through Indian jungles at the head of his men,
+plotting the capture of the Rajah, Nana Sahib, in far-away Burma--thus
+the merciful past stole his mind away from the horrors of the present,
+and he alternately smiled or shuddered as he recalled some pleasant
+association or stern reminiscence of peril.
+
+So the hours passed on. The torch faded and dimmed, burned to a charred
+ember, and then went out.
+
+The water hissed and boiled, crashing on rocks and shoals, beating its
+fury against the barren shores, and rushing down the narrow channel at
+an angle that was frightful and appalling.
+
+Guided by an unseen power, the frail raft rose and fell with the
+current, whirling round and round like an eggshell, creaking, groaning,
+and straining at its bonds, like a fettered giant; but the wretched
+castaways, sprawled in careless attitude across the logs, heard nothing,
+knew nothing--simply lay with their pallid faces turned toward the
+blackness and the gloom overhead.
+
+Ah, how pitiful! If they could only have known what was close at hand,
+fresh life would have flowed into their wasted veins. They would have
+gone mad with joy.
+
+The roar of the water had now become softened and less violent. The
+rocks had disappeared, the river slipped like an avalanche through the
+fast narrowing channel, and at such a prodigious speed that a cold blast
+of air whistled about the raft.
+
+Chutney, still propped against the canoe, caught its full effect on his
+face. It stirred up the flickering spark of life within him and he
+opened his eyes; he thought he saw a faint gleam of daylight.
+
+Like the fabled giant that sprang from an uncorked phial, the gray
+streak expanded with marvelous celerity, growing longer and wider and
+brighter until it shone like burnished silver on the hurrying tide of
+the river.
+
+Guy saw it and that was all. It dazzled his eyes and he closed them.
+When he looked again the raft was trembling on the edge of the silvery
+sheet, and then, swift as the lightning flash, a flood of brightness
+sprang up and around it.
+
+He closed his eyes, but the fierce glare seemed to be burning into his
+very brain. He could not shut it out, though he thrust a trembling arm
+across his closed eyes.
+
+The next instant something rough and pliable struck his face with
+stinging force, and he felt the warm blood trickle down his cheeks.
+Instantly there came a second shock. The canoe was whirled forcibly from
+under him, and a heavy blow from some unseen object struck him with
+stunning violence to the hard logs.
+
+An icy wave dashed over the raft, and then another and another. Smarting
+with pain, the blood dripping from his lacerated face and hands, he
+staggered to his knees.
+
+He opened his eyes. At first he could see nothing for the dazzling light
+that was all around him. Then the blindness passed suddenly away, and he
+saw clearly.
+
+The glorious, entrancing light of day was shining on the raft, on the
+sparkling water, on his motionless companions--everywhere.
+
+The raft was dancing on the bosom of a vast and mighty stream that
+rolled in the blessed sunlight between shores of sparkling green. He saw
+sloping hillsides and mangrove jungles, wind-tossed patches of reeds and
+waving palm trees, mountains shooting their rugged peaks heavenward, and
+billows of forest land rolling off into the distant horizon, while
+overhead was the deep blue vault of the sky, that perfect sky that had
+haunted his memory in many a dream--the sky that he had never hoped to
+see again. The air was redolent with perfume and melodious with the
+sweet notes of countless birds.
+
+Flushed and trembling, Guy staggered, with new-found strength, to his
+feet.
+
+"Saved! Saved! Saved!" he cried aloud. "Thank God! Melton! Canaris! Do
+you hear? The blessed sunlight is shining around us. Why don't you
+answer? Why don't you shout for joy?"
+
+But no response came, and the five ghastly figures on the raft remained
+as stiff and motionless as before.
+
+A swift change passed over Guy's face.
+
+"Merciful heavens!" he cried. "Can it be? All dead!"
+
+He gasped for breath, beating the air with stiffened fingers, and then
+dropped like a log.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The warm sunlight still played on the raft, and the yellow tide of the
+river lapped the roughened logs with a soft and musical murmur.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+CAPTAIN BECKER LOSES A WAGER.
+
+
+"No, no, gentlemen. I respectfully beg leave to differ with you. Africa
+never gives up her white slaves."
+
+Captain Lucius Becker emphasized his words by bringing his fist down
+heavily on the frail table before him, and replacing his meerschaum
+between his lips, he glared defiantly at his two companions.
+
+It was a hot and sultry afternoon in March--such a March as only
+tropical Africa knows--and the place was the German military station of
+New Potsdam, on the left bank of the river Juba, a few miles from its
+mouth, in eastern Africa.
+
+On the broad bosom of the river the sun was beating fiercely, and the
+mangrove jungles and lofty palm trees drooped motionless in the dead
+calm. Upon the flat roof of the little station, however, the refining
+touches of civilization had done much to mitigate the severity and
+discomfort of the heat. An awning of snowy canvas, shaded by the
+projecting clusters of a group of palms, made a cool and grateful
+shelter, and under this the three officers had been dining.
+
+Captain Becker continued to blow out great clouds of white smoke as
+though he had completely squelched all further argument on the subject
+under discussion.
+
+The silence was broken at last by Dr. Moebius Goldbeck.
+
+"My dear captain," he said, in slow, measured tones, as he adjusted his
+eyeglass, "I cannot agree with you. Africa has passed through many
+changes of late years. These men will surely be heard from again, and
+may even be freed eventually."
+
+"Yes, yes, you are right, doctor; your views are eminently sound," said
+Lieutenant Carl von Leyden.
+
+Captain Becker removed his meerschaum from his lips, and shook himself
+in his chair until his sword clanked on the floor.
+
+"Now listen," he cried. "These men of whom we speak, the governor of
+Zaila, the English colonel, the captain of the Aden steamer, and the
+other two unfortunate Englishmen, not one of these men will ever come
+out of Africa alive, I will wager a hundred thalers."
+
+"Done!" cried Lieutenant von Leyden.
+
+"Done!" echoed Dr. Goldbeck.
+
+Hardly had the echoes of their voices died away when the sentry wheeled
+about hastily and said: "Captain, something comes down the river. It has
+just rounded the bend. It looks too large for a boat."
+
+Captain Becker rushed down below, hurried back with a pair of glasses,
+and took a long survey.
+
+"It is a raft," he cried, turning to his companions. "Men are lying on
+it; whether dead or alive I cannot tell. Man a boat at once. The current
+runs swift, and we will have barely time to reach it."
+
+The boat was ready almost as soon as they reached the ground, and under
+the steady movement of four pairs of oars they shot swiftly out on the
+yellow tide of the Juba.
+
+In silence they approached the drifting object, the boat's prow cutting
+sharply the opposing waves.
+
+Now it was twenty yards away--ten yards--five yards--then the boat
+bumped gently on the logs and Dr. Goldbeck boarded the raft, followed
+quickly by his two companions.
+
+"_Mein himmel!_" he cried. "What can this mean? Six dead bodies!
+Horrible! horrible!"
+
+He turned pale for a moment. Then, as his professional instinct asserted
+itself, he knelt beside the motionless forms, and one by one tore the
+breast covering away and applied his hand to the heart.
+
+"Ach!" he cried joyfully, rising to his feet, "they still live; there
+still remains a spark of life! To the shore, quick! lose no time, or all
+will die!"
+
+A rope was speedily hitched to the raft, and the men began to pull
+lustily for the bank.
+
+"Captain Becker," exclaimed Lieutenant von Leyden, suddenly smacking
+his knee, "you are two hundred thalers out of pocket. There lie the lost
+men now. That is Sir Arthur Ashby with the sandy beard, and the others
+are no doubt his companions."
+
+"_Tausend donner!_ that is true!" cried the doctor. "You are right,
+Carl. It is miraculous!"
+
+Captain Becker smiled grimly, but said nothing.
+
+A severe pull of ten minutes brought the raft to the little wharf, and
+in the strong arms of the German soldiers the rescued men were borne
+tenderly into the garrison-house and placed on cots that had been made
+up in readiness for them.
+
+Never did Dr. Goldbeck have a more arduous task, but with medicine chest
+at his side, and two able assistants to carry out his instructions, he
+toiled unceasingly for hours.
+
+Then success crowned his efforts, and the patients came slowly back to
+consciousness. For nearly a week they hovered between life and death,
+but finally all were pronounced out of danger except Bildad, who was
+struggling in a high fever.
+
+At first they knew nothing, could remember nothing, but gradually memory
+returned, and they realized the full measure of their wonderful escape.
+
+Guy was the first to rally, and Sir Arthur was the last, but ten days
+after their rescue all were able to sit up, and after that they gained
+strength rapidly.
+
+The marvelous tale of their adventures was discussed over and over with
+their new friends--for most of the Englishmen could speak German--and
+from Captain Becker they learned the latest news from Zaila, which was
+to the effect that the place had been retaken by the English after a
+brief but desperate struggle. This information had been brought to the
+station by a German gunboat six weeks before.
+
+Guy was very curious to know how far they had drifted down the Juba
+before they were rescued, but of course it was impossible to tell.
+
+"It's my opinion," said Captain Becker, "that the exit from that
+underground river is somewhere in the vicinity of the big falls, fifty
+miles above here. I have heard that there are caverns along the bank
+from which the water pours furiously."
+
+"That is probably the place, then," returned Guy, "for the bushes hung
+so low that they dragged the canoe from the raft and tore the skin from
+my face. I have a dim recollection of all that, but I remember nothing
+more."
+
+Guy's companions, however, could not remember even this. The struggle
+with Bildad was the last tangible recollection. After that all was a
+blank. Although they had regained a fair share of strength, the awful
+experiences of the cruise down the underground river had left indelible
+traces of suffering. Colonel Carrington's hair had turned white, and
+even Chutney and Forbes had gray locks sprinkled through their dark
+ones. Their faces were hollow, their bodies lean and emaciated, and, in
+fact, they were changed beyond all power of recognition. Contrary to
+expectation, Bildad was now also convalescent.
+
+As soon as their recovery was assured, Captain Becker had very
+courteously sent to the chief station on the Durnford River, some miles
+south of the Juba, to obtain, if possible, a steamer; and one morning,
+four weeks after their arrival at New Potsdam, a noble vessel steamed up
+the river and anchored before the station.
+
+It was the German steamer Rhine Castle, and was at the disposal of Sir
+Arthur, who had assumed the expense of chartering it on behalf of his
+government.
+
+The commander of the vessel, Captain Wassman, brought a piece of news
+that made Sir Arthur desperately anxious to get back to Zaila, and very
+considerably stirred up the rest of the party.
+
+A certain Portuguese, he said, was in high favor at Zaila on account of
+services rendered in retaking the town from the Arabs and Somalis, and
+it was rumored that the government intended to bestow upon him an
+influential post.
+
+"That must be Manuel Torres," remarked Sir Arthur to Chutney. "Bless
+me, we'll make it hot for the scoundrel!"
+
+With many regrets they parted from Captain Becker and his friends, and a
+few hours after the German flag on the garrison house faded from view
+the Rhine Castle was beating swiftly up the eastern coast of Africa on
+her two-thousand-mile trip.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+On a warm, sultry evening in the latter part of May the Arabs and
+Somalis who hovered about the outskirts of Zaila, keeping well out of
+reach of the newly-erected fortifications which bristled with guns and
+British soldiery, heard the sweet strains of "Rule Britannia" and "God
+Save the Queen" floating over the desert.
+
+It was the regimental band of the Ninth Lancers playing in the square of
+the town on the occasion of the installation of the new governor of
+Zaila--Colonel Conyers Gordon.
+
+It was Colonel Gordon who had conducted the assault on the town some
+weeks previous, and in recognition of his valor--for the enemy had made
+a desperate stand--he was now the newly commissioned governor.
+
+The official documents had arrived that day, and the town was _en fete_,
+if we may use the expression; for, in addition to the native population
+and the soldiery, a number of visitors had come across from Aden to do
+honor to the brave commandant.
+
+As the band ceased playing, Colonel Gordon appeared on the steps of the
+residency and briefly addressed the expectant people in a few
+well-chosen words.
+
+"The tragedy of a few months ago," he concluded, "is still fresh in our
+minds. I had the honor to know Sir Arthur Ashby, an honor which many of
+you likewise enjoyed, and the sad fate of that brave man and his
+companions comes vividly to our minds tonight. I trust that I shall be
+enabled to discharge the duties of my office with the same unswerving
+fidelity."
+
+Colonel Gordon sat down, and the band played "Rule Britannia."
+
+At that moment the Rhine Castle was dropping anchor in the harbor.
+
+As the band ceased Colonel Gordon rose again, and the people instantly
+became quiet. By his side was a short, thickset man with dark, sallow
+features.
+
+"I beg to call your attention," began the colonel, "to one who has
+played an important part in our recent struggle--Mr. Manuel Torres, a
+Portuguese, of whom I can say nothing better than that he deserves to be
+an Englishman. At the risk of his own life he tried to save Sir Arthur
+Ashby, and after suffering much at the hands of the enemy, he finally
+escaped in time to do us valuable service in retaking the town. As a
+recognition of his aid, I propose to appoint him Assistant Political
+Resident."
+
+Mr. Torres bowed profoundly, and as the people evinced a decided desire
+to hear from him, he cleared his throat and began to speak in sleek,
+oily tones.
+
+He related, with many gestures, a thrilling tale of his captivity among
+the Arabs, the desperate attempts he had made to save Sir Arthur and the
+Englishmen from slavery, and how finally he had effected his own
+marvelous escape.
+
+At this point a sudden commotion on the outskirts of the crowd
+temporarily interrupted the speaker.
+
+"It grieves me deeply," he went on, "to reflect on the sad destiny of my
+dear friend, Sir Arthur Ashby, and of those brave men, for whom I had
+the highest honor and regard. I risked my life to save them. I
+interceded with the Arab leader, Makar Makalo, but in vain. He was
+obdurate. To bring them back from slavery I would willingly lay down my
+life this minute. I would gladly----"
+
+What else Mr. Manuel Torres was willing to do no one ever knew or will
+know. He ceased speaking abruptly, and his sallow face assumed a ghastly
+look.
+
+Through the opening ranks of the people advanced a group of pale and
+haggard men, led by a ghastly figure with sandy side whiskers in a faded
+uniform that hung about his shrunken limbs.
+
+"Bless my soul!" exclaimed this odd-looking stranger. "It's that
+rascally Portuguese, Manuel Torres!"
+
+A great silence fell on the people. For one second the Portuguese
+trembled like a leaf, then he turned and bolted through the residency
+door, shoving Colonel Gordon roughly aside in his mad haste.
+
+"Stop him! Stop him!" roared the stranger. "A thousand pounds to the man
+who takes him alive. He's the ringleader of the insurrection!"
+
+Colonel Gordon hurried down the steps in bewildered amazement.
+
+"What does this mean?" he demanded. "Who are you?"
+
+"Who am I?" shouted he of the sandy whiskers. "Why, blast your
+impudence, I'm Sir Arthur Ashby, the governor of Zaila. Who the deuce
+are you?"
+
+The scene that followed baffles all description. The air rang with
+frenzied shouts and cheers, soldiers, natives, and visitors surged madly
+round the little band, and the musicians, quick to grasp the situation,
+struck up the inspiring strains of "Lo, the Conquering Hero Comes!"
+
+Sir Arthur shook himself loose from the embrace of his enthusiastic
+friends.
+
+"The Portuguese!" he roared. "The rascal will escape. Pursue him!
+Capture him!"
+
+Now the people comprehended for the first time. A furious rush was made
+for the residency, the door was jammed in an instant with a struggling
+crowd of troops and civilians, and then they swept on through the broad
+hallway in pursuit of the wretched fugitive.
+
+In five minutes the town was in an indescribable uproar. The vessels in
+the harbor fired showers of rockets, and the alarm guns boomed hoarsely
+from the fortifications.
+
+Manuel Torres, however, overthrown at the very moment of his greatest
+triumph, made good his escape. He bolted through the back door of the
+residency, evaded the sentries at the town wall, and fled to the desert.
+
+That same night, after a sumptuous repast, Guy Chutney, at Sir Arthur's
+request, modestly related the story of their adventures to the most
+interested audience that ever graced the walls of the residency. A
+breathless silence greeted the speaker as he showed the damnable proofs
+of Manuel Torres' guilt and treachery, and described with thrilling
+effect the awful journey through the bowels of the earth. When he
+concluded the tale that made him a hero in spite of himself, a burst of
+applause fairly made the residency tremble.
+
+Then Sir Arthur rose to his feet.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, in a voice which quivered with emotion, "I deem
+this to be a fitting time to express my--to express _our_--admiration of
+my young countryman. All my comrades, I am glad to say, displayed a
+heroism, during our days of trial and suffering, which has never been
+surpassed by any men in any clime. But, if one man is worthy of special
+mention for cool bravery, for dogged perseverance, for unflinching,
+unwavering fortitude and unselfishness, that man is Guy Chutney.
+Gentlemen," he continued, raising his glass, "I ask you to drink with me
+to the health of the bravest man I ever met--Guy Chutney."
+
+Again a frantic outburst of applause shook the building, and the toast
+was drunk with indescribable enthusiasm. But Guy strove to make himself
+heard above the uproar.
+
+"It is unfair," he said earnestly, when quiet had been partially
+restored, "of Sir Arthur to credit me with what I am aware is far more
+than my just due. Truthfully, it should be said that no one of us
+surpassed his fellows in displaying the qualities Sir Arthur has just
+enumerated. Such an experience is enough for a lifetime, but if I am
+ever again called upon to face such perils as we encountered while under
+Africa, may God grant that I have for comrades such true-hearted, loyal
+friends as these."
+
+Carrington, Forbes, and Canaris each spoke briefly in turn; and Bildad,
+under the undue excitement of some wine he had managed to secure,
+attempted to perform a Galla war-dance on the table, and was promptly
+relegated to the guard-house to sober up.
+
+At midnight a steamer left Zaila for Aden with the glad news, and
+twenty-four hours later the streets of London were blocked with crowds
+of people reading the amazing telegram that the newspapers had posted on
+their bulletin boards.
+
+Colonel Conyers Gordon, of course, was not governor of Zaila at all, and
+though it must have been a sore disappointment to the brave old soldier,
+he readily and gladly installed Sir Arthur in the residency and assumed
+his former command of the troops.
+
+Sir Arthur, however, had very different views. "Do you mean to say,
+Gordon," he demanded, "that the government actually gave me up for lost,
+and had no intention of sending an expedition after me at all?"
+
+Colonel Gordon hesitatingly admitted that such was the case.
+
+"Then," cried Sir Arthur, "I wash my hands of such a government. I will
+go home to England, and may the infernal Arabs hang, draw, and quarter
+me if I ever set foot on African soil again."
+
+"I trust, Sir Arthur," argued Colonel Gordon, "you will not act hastily
+in this matter. You will admit that the government was somewhat
+justified in believing your case a hopeless one. The fate of you and
+your brave companions was thought by everybody to have been nothing
+short of death. I am sure, had the authorities had the slightest idea
+that you were living, an expedition would have been sent out. No stone
+would have been left unturned to rescue you."
+
+"Well," said Sir Arthur, somewhat mollified, "I cannot deny that things
+pointed to our demise. We expected to see you again as little as you
+expected to see us, probably."
+
+"I am glad," said Colonel Gordon, "that you have decided to take a more
+reasonable view of the matter. Will you not reconsider your
+determination of resigning your post? Let no consideration for me stop
+you, I beg of you. I should, of course, be glad to accept the position,
+but yours is undoubtedly the prior right, and your previous experience
+has amply proven your ability."
+
+"Colonel," Sir Arthur replied solemnly, "I'm going back to England. I'm
+sick of Africa. I've had a little more than a genteel sufficiency during
+the past few months, and I'm pining for a sight of dear old England. I'm
+going home."
+
+Sir Arthur kept his word. On the same day he mailed his resignation, and
+handed the reins of office to Colonel Gordon.
+
+After careful consideration, Colonel Carrington decided to accept the
+post of Assistant Political Resident that Gordon offered him, subject,
+of course, to the wishes of the Foreign Office.
+
+Chutney had at first intended going on to India, but letters from home
+informing him of the serious illness of his brother decided his return
+to England, and he sailed from Aden a week later, in company with Sir
+Arthur and Melton Forbes, who had been recalled by his paper as soon as
+they learned of his wonderful journey.
+
+Canaris accompanied them as far as Port Said, where he changed to a
+vessel bound for Rhodes. He was eager to see Greece after his long
+captivity among the Somalis, and at last accounts he was the proprietor
+of a celebrated cafe at Athens, having inherited a tidy sum of money
+from a deceased relative.
+
+Bildad expressed a desire to go back to the Galla country, and Colonel
+Gordon finally succeeded in obtaining safe passage for him with a
+caravan bound for the interior.
+
+Manuel Torres met the fate his treachery duly merited. Two days after
+his escape from Zaila he fell into the hands of a party of prowling
+Arabs, and was conveyed by them to Makar Makalo, who determined that he
+should receive fitting punishment for his renegade conduct. Accordingly
+he sent him under strong escort to Harar, and Rao Khan very obligingly
+carried out his friend Makar's wishes by cooking the wretched Portuguese
+in a caldron of boiling oil.
+
+A remarkable thing occurred in the fourth month of Governor Gordon's
+rulership at Zaila.
+
+A bronzed Englishman arrived one day with a caravan from the interior.
+
+He was speedily recognized as Captain Waller, and he told a strange
+story of his adventures.
+
+Mombagolo, the Burman, who, in company with the captain and the Hindoos,
+had been taken into slavery by a tribe of Gallas who dwelt far to the
+west, had been chosen chief of this tribe on the death of its king,
+probably on account of his stature and strength.
+
+His first royal act was to effect the deliverance of Captain Waller by
+sending him to the coast. The Hindoos had chosen to remain where they
+were. Captain Waller eventually returned to England, and Forbes was
+deeply grieved to learn that he would never see Momba again, though it
+was some consolation to know that, instead of a slave, he was an African
+monarch.
+
+Guy reached England barely in time to see his brother before he died. As
+Sir Lucius Chutney was unmarried, Guy succeeded to the titles and
+estates.
+
+As a landed proprietor, his duties very plainly lay at home, so he
+resigned his commission and settled down on the Hampshire estate.
+
+He spends much of his time in London. He and Sir Arthur Ashby are
+members of the same club, and the two baronets invariably dine
+together.
+
+"Chutney," Sir Arthur said one day, as he lit his cigar after dinner,
+"have you ever felt any desire to leave England and resume an
+adventurous life?"
+
+Chutney puffed a moment in silence.
+
+"Sometimes," he said finally. "Sometimes I feel as though I should enjoy
+laying aside home comforts, and, gun in hand, enter the trackless
+forests once more. Somehow civilization palls on a man after years of
+campaigning. Don't you find it so, Ashby?"
+
+"That," replied Sir Arthur, "is just what I was getting at. Generally I
+feel a placid contentment with things in general, but once in a while a
+sort of fever stirs my blood, and I long to get out and rough it
+somewhere. I tell you, a wild life has a certain charm about it that
+dies out reluctantly when the fever once gets into a man's blood. Some
+day I really believe I'll return to Africa, or some other wild land, for
+big game. I should enjoy it."
+
+Chutney grasped his hand.
+
+"When you do, old fellow, I'm with you," he said. But so far they have
+not decided on any definite arrangements. They talk it over frequently,
+but continue to dine at the club.
+
+Sometimes Forbes drops in, and then from soup to the wine the
+conversation is sure to cling with unwavering fidelity to that topic of
+deepest interest--the strange and thrilling things that befell them when
+they were under Africa.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A PIPE OF MYSTERY.
+
+
+A jovial party were gathered round a blazing fire in an old grange near
+Warwick. The hour was getting late; the very little ones had, after
+dancing round the Christmas-tree, enjoying the snap-dragon, and playing
+a variety of games, gone off to bed; and the elder boys and girls now
+gathered round their uncle, Colonel Harley, and asked him for a
+story--above all, a ghost story.
+
+"But I have never seen any ghosts," the colonel said, laughing; "and,
+moreover, I don't believe in them one bit. I have traveled pretty well
+all over the world, I have slept in houses said to be haunted, but
+nothing have I seen--no noises that could not be accounted for by rats
+or the wind have I ever heard. I have never"--and here he paused--"never
+but once met with any circumstances or occurrence that could not be
+accounted for by the light of reason, and I know you prefer hearing
+stories of my own adventures to mere invention."
+
+"Yes, uncle. But what was the 'once' when circumstances happened that
+you could not explain?"
+
+"It's rather a long story," the colonel said, "and it's getting late."
+
+"Oh! no, no, uncle; it does not matter a bit how late we sit up on
+Christmas Eve, and the longer the story is, the better; and if you don't
+believe in ghosts how can it be a story of something you could not
+account for by the light of nature?"
+
+"You will see when I have done," the colonel said. "It is rather a story
+of what the Scotch call second sight, than one of ghosts. As to
+accounting for it, you shall form your own opinion when you have heard
+me to the end.
+
+"I landed in India in '50, and after going through the regular drill
+work marched with a detachment up country to join my regiment, which was
+stationed at Jubbalpore, in the very heart of India. It has become an
+important place since; the railroad across India passes through it and
+no end of changes have taken place; but at that time it was one of the
+most out-of-the-way stations in India, and, I may say, one of the most
+pleasant. It lay high, there was capital boating on the Nerbudda, and,
+above all, it was a grand place for sport, for it lay at the foot of the
+hill country, an immense district, then but little known, covered with
+forests and jungle, and abounding with big game of all kinds.
+
+"My great friend there was a man named Simmonds. He was just of my own
+standing; we had come out in the same ship, had marched up the country
+together, and were almost like brothers. He was an old Etonian, I an old
+Westminster, and we were both fond of boating, and, indeed, of sport of
+all kinds. But I am not going to tell you of that now. The people in
+these hills are called Gonds, a true hill tribe--that is to say,
+aborigines, somewhat of the negro type. The chiefs are of mixed blood,
+but the people are almost black. They are supposed to accept the
+religion of the Hindus, but are in reality deplorably ignorant and
+superstitious. Their priests are a sort of compound of a Brahmin priest
+and a negro fetish man, and among their principal duties is that of
+charming away tigers from the villages by means of incantations. There,
+as in other parts of India, were a few wandering fakirs, who enjoyed an
+immense reputation for holiness and wisdom. The people would go to them
+from great distances for charms or predictions, and believed in their
+power with implicit faith.
+
+"At the time when we were at Jubbalpore there was one of these fellows
+whose reputation altogether eclipsed that of his rivals, and nothing
+could be done until his permission had been asked and his blessing
+obtained. All sorts of marvelous stories were constantly coming to our
+ears of the unerring foresight with which he predicted the termination
+of diseases, both in men and animals; and so generally was he believed
+in that the colonel ordered that no one connected with the regiment
+should consult him, for these predictions very frequently brought about
+their own fulfillment; for those who were told that an illness would
+terminate fatally, lost all hope, and literally lay down to die.
+
+"However, many of the stories that we heard could not be explained on
+these grounds, and the fakir and his doings were often talked over at
+mess, some of the officers scoffing at the whole business, others
+maintaining that some of these fakirs had, in some way or another, the
+power of foretelling the future, citing many well-authenticated
+anecdotes upon the subject.
+
+"The older officers were the believers, we young fellows were the
+scoffers. But for the well-known fact that it is very seldom indeed that
+these fakirs will utter any of their predictions to Europeans, some of
+us would have gone to him to test his powers. As it was, none of us had
+ever seen him.
+
+"He lived in an old ruined temple, in the middle of a large patch of
+jungle at the foot of the hills, some ten or twelve miles away.
+
+"I had been at Jubbalpore about a year, when I was woke up one night by
+a native, who came in to say that at about eight o'clock a tiger had
+killed a man in his village, and had dragged off the body.
+
+"Simmonds and I were constantly out after tigers, and the people in all
+the villages within twenty miles knew that we were always ready to pay
+for early information. This tiger had been doing great damage, and had
+carried off about thirty men, women, and children. So great was the fear
+of him, indeed, that the people in the neighborhood he frequented
+scarcely dared stir out of doors, except in parties of five or six. We
+had had several hunts after him, but, like all man-eaters, he was old
+and awfully crafty; and although we got several snap shots at him, he
+had always managed to save his skin.
+
+"In a quarter of an hour after the receipt of the message Charley
+Simmonds and I were on the back of an elephant which was our joint
+property; our shikaree, a capital fellow, was on foot beside us, and
+with the native trotting on ahead as guide we went off at the best pace
+of old Begaum, for that was the elephant's name. The village was fifteen
+miles away, but we got there soon after daybreak, and were received with
+delight by the population. In half an hour the hunt was organized; all
+the male population turned out as beaters, with sticks, guns, tom-toms,
+and other instruments for making a noise.
+
+"The trail was not difficult to find. A broad path, with occasional
+smears of blood, showed where he had dragged his victim through the long
+grass to a cluster of trees a couple of hundred yards from the village.
+
+"We scarcely expected to find him there, but the villagers held back,
+while we went forward with cocked rifles. We found, however, nothing but
+a few bones and a quantity of blood. The tiger had made off at the
+approach of daylight into the jungle, which was about two miles distant.
+We traced him easily enough, and found that he had entered a large
+ravine, from which several smaller ones branched off.
+
+"It was an awkward place, as it was next to impossible to surround it
+with the number of people at our command. We posted them at last all
+along the upper ground, and told them to make up in noise what they
+wanted in numbers. At last all was ready, and we gave the signal.
+However, I am not telling you a hunting story, and need only say that we
+could neither find nor disturb him. In vain we pushed Begaum through the
+thickest of the jungle which clothed the sides and bottom of the ravine,
+while the men shouted, beat their tom-toms, and showered imprecations
+against the tiger himself and his ancestors up to the remotest
+generations.
+
+"The day was tremendously hot, and, after three hours' march, we gave it
+up for a time, and lay down in the shade, while the shikarees made a
+long examination of the ground all round the hillside, to be sure that
+he had not left the ravine. They came back with the news that no traces
+could be discovered, and that, beyond a doubt, he was still there. A
+tiger will crouch up in an exceedingly small clump of grass or bush, and
+will sometimes almost allow himself to be trodden on before moving.
+However, we determined to have one more search, and if that should
+prove unsuccessful, to send off to Jubbalpore for some more of the men
+to come out with elephants, while we kept up a circle of fires, and of
+noises of all descriptions, so as to keep him a prisoner until the
+arrival of the re-enforcements. Our next search was no more successful
+than our first had been; and having, as we imagined, examined every
+clump and crevice in which he could have been concealed, we had just
+reached the upper end of the ravine, when we heard a tremendous roar,
+followed by a perfect babel of yells and screams from the natives.
+
+"The outburst came from the mouth of the ravine, and we felt at once
+that he had escaped. We hurried back to find, as we had expected, that
+the tiger was gone. He had burst out suddenly from his hiding-place, had
+seized a native, torn him horribly, and had made across the open plain.
+
+"This was terribly provoking, but we had nothing to do but follow him.
+This was easy enough, and we traced him to a detached patch of wood and
+jungle, two miles distant. This wood was four or five hundred yards
+across, and the exclamations of the people at once told us that it was
+the one in which stood the ruined temple of the fakir of whom I have
+been telling you. I forgot to say that as the tiger broke out one of the
+village shikarees had fired at and, he declared, wounded him.
+
+"It was already getting late in the afternoon, and it was hopeless to
+attempt to beat the jungle that night. We therefore sent off a runner
+with a note to the colonel, asking him to send the work-elephants, and
+to allow a party of volunteers to march over at night, to help surround
+the jungle when we commenced beating it in the morning.
+
+"We based our request upon the fact that the tiger was a notorious
+man-eater, and had been doing immense damage. We then had a talk with
+our shikaree, sent a man off to bring provisions for the people out with
+us, and then set them to work cutting dry sticks and grass to make a
+circle of fires.
+
+"We both felt much uneasiness respecting the fakir, who might be seized
+at any moment by the enraged tiger. The natives would not allow that
+there was any cause for fear, as the tiger would not dare to touch so
+holy a man. Our belief in the respect of the tiger for sanctity was by
+no means strong, and we determined to go in and warn him of the presence
+of the brute in the wood. It was a mission which we could not intrust to
+anyone else, for no native would have entered the jungle for untold
+gold; so we mounted the Begaum again, and started. The path leading
+towards the temple was pretty wide, and as we went along almost
+noiselessly, for the elephant was too well trained to tread upon fallen
+sticks, it was just possible we might come upon the tiger suddenly, so
+we kept our rifles in readiness in our hands.
+
+"Presently we came in sight of the ruins. No one was at first visible;
+but at that very moment the fakir came out from the temple. He did not
+see or hear us, for we were rather behind him and still among the trees,
+but at once proceeded in a high voice to break into a sing-song prayer.
+He had not said two words before his voice was drowned in a terrific
+roar, and in an instant the tiger had sprung upon him, struck him to the
+ground, seized him as a cat would a mouse, and started off with him at a
+trot. The brute evidently had not detected our presence, for he came
+right towards us. We halted the Begaum, and, with our fingers on the
+triggers, awaited the favorable moment. He was a hundred yards from us
+when he struck down his victim; he was not more than fifty when he
+caught sight of us. He stopped for an instant in surprise. Charley
+muttered, 'Both barrels, Harley,' and as the beast turned to plunge into
+the jungle, and so showed us his side, we sent four bullets crashing
+into him, and he rolled over lifeless.
+
+"We went up to the spot, made the Begaum give him a kick, to be sure
+that he was dead, and then got down to examine the unfortunate fakir.
+The tiger had seized him by the shoulder, which was terribly torn, and
+the bone broken. He was still perfectly conscious.
+
+"We at once fired three shots, our usual signal that the tiger was dead,
+and in a few minutes were surrounded by the villagers, who hardly knew
+whether to be delighted at the death of their enemy, or to grieve over
+the injury to the fakir. We proposed taking the latter to our hospital
+at Jubbalpore, but this he positively refused to listen to. However, we
+finally persuaded him to allow his arm to be set and the wounds dressed
+in the first place by our regimental surgeon, after which he could go to
+one of the native villages and have his arm dressed in accordance with
+his own notions. A litter was soon improvised, and away we went to
+Jubbalpore, which we reached about eight in the evening.
+
+"The fakir refused to enter the hospital, so we brought out a couple of
+trestles, laid the litter upon them, and the surgeon set his arm and
+dressed his wounds by torchlight, when he was lifted into a dhoolie, and
+his bearers again prepared to start for the village.
+
+"Hitherto he had only spoken a few words; but he now briefly expressed
+his deep gratitude to Simmonds and myself. We told him that we would
+ride over to see him shortly, and hoped to find him getting on rapidly.
+Another minute and he was gone.
+
+"It happened that we had three or four fellows away on leave or on staff
+duty, and several others laid up with fever just about this time, so
+that the duty fell very heavily upon the rest of us, and it was over a
+month before we had time to ride over to see the fakir.
+
+"We had heard he was going on well; but we were surprised, on reaching
+the village, to find that he had already returned to his old abode in
+the jungle. However, we had made up our minds to see him, especially as
+we had agreed that we would endeavor to persuade him to do a prediction
+for us; so we turned our horses' heads towards the jungle. We found the
+fakir sitting on a rock in front of the temple, just where he had been
+seized by the tiger. He rose as we rode up.
+
+"'I knew that you would come to-day, sahibs, and was joyful in the
+thought of seeing those who have preserved my life.'
+
+"'We are glad to see you looking pretty strong again, though your arm is
+still in a sling,' I said, for Simmonds was not strong in Hindustani.
+
+"'How did you know that we were coming?' I asked, when we had tied up
+our horses.
+
+"'Siva has given to his servant to know many things,' he said quietly.
+
+"'Did you know beforehand that the tiger was going to seize you?' I
+asked.
+
+"'I knew that a great danger threatened, and that Siva would not let me
+die before my time had come.'
+
+"'Could you see into our future?' I asked.
+
+"The fakir hesitated, looked at me for a moment earnestly to see if I
+was speaking in mockery, and then said:
+
+"'The sahibs do not believe in the power of Siva or of his servants.
+They call his messengers impostors, and scoff at them when they speak of
+the events of the future.'
+
+"'No indeed,' I said. 'My friend and I have no idea of scoffing. We have
+heard of so many of your predictions coming true, that we are really
+anxious that you should tell us something of the future.'
+
+"The fakir nodded his head, went into the temple, and returned in a
+minute or two with two small pipes used by the natives for
+opium-smoking, and a brazier of burning charcoal. The pipes were already
+charged. He made signs to us to sit down, and took his place in front of
+us. Then he began singing in a low voice, rocking himself to and fro,
+and waving a staff which he held in his hand. Gradually his voice rose,
+and his gesticulations and actions became more violent. So far as I
+could make out, it was a prayer to Siva that he would give some glimpse
+of the future which might benefit the sahibs who had saved the life of
+his servant. Presently he darted forward, gave us each a pipe, took two
+pieces of red-hot charcoal from the brazier in his fingers, without
+seeming to know that they were warm, and placed them in the pipes; then
+he recommenced his singing and gesticulations.
+
+"A glance at Charley, to see if, like myself, he was ready to carry the
+thing through, and then I put the pipe to my lips. I felt at once that
+it was opium, of which I had before made experiment, but mixed with some
+other substance, which was, I imagine, hasheesh, a preparation of hemp.
+A few puffs, and I felt a drowsiness creeping over me. I saw, as through
+a mist, the fakir swaying himself backwards and forwards, his arms
+waving and his face distorted. Another minute, and the pipe slipped from
+my fingers, and I fell back insensible.
+
+"How long I lay there I do not know. I woke with a strange and not
+unpleasant sensation, and presently became conscious that the fakir was
+gently pressing, with a sort of shampooing action, my temples and head.
+When he saw that I opened my eyes he left me, and performed the same
+process upon Charley. In a few minutes he rose from his stooping
+position, waved his hand in token of adieu, and walked slowly back into
+the temple.
+
+"As he disappeared I sat up; Charley did the same.
+
+"We stared at each other for a minute without speaking, and then Charley
+said:
+
+"'This is a rum go, and no mistake, old man.'
+
+"'You're right, Charley. My opinion is, we've made fools of ourselves.
+Let's be off out of this.'
+
+"We staggered to our feet, for we both felt like drunken men, made our
+way to our horses, poured a mussuk of water over our heads, took a
+drink of brandy from our flasks, and then, feeling more like ourselves,
+mounted and rode out of the jungle.
+
+"'Well, Harley, if the glimpse of futurity which I had is true, all I
+can say is that it was extremely unpleasant.'
+
+"'That was just my case, Charley.'
+
+"'My dream, or whatever you like to call it, was about a mutiny of the
+men.'
+
+"'You don't say so, Charley; so was mine. This is monstrously strange,
+to say the least of it. However, you tell your story first, and then I
+will tell mine.'
+
+"'It was very short,' Charley said. 'We were at mess--not in our present
+mess-room--we were dining with the fellows of some other regiment.
+Suddenly, without any warning, the windows were filled with a crowd of
+Sepoys, who opened fire right and left into us. Half the fellows were
+shot down at once; the rest of us made a rush to our swords just as the
+niggers came swarming into the room. There was a desperate fight for a
+moment. I remember that Subadar Piran--one of the best native officers
+in the regiment, by the way--made a rush at me, and I shot him through
+the head with a revolver. At the same moment a ball hit me, and down I
+went. At the moment a Sepoy fell dead across me, hiding me partly from
+sight. The fight lasted a minute or two longer. I fancy a few fellows
+escaped, for I heard shots outside. Then the place became quiet. In
+another minute I heard a crackling, and saw that the devils had set the
+mess-room on fire. One of our men, who was lying close by me, got up and
+crawled to the window, but he was shot down the moment he showed
+himself. I was hesitating whether to do the same or to lie still and be
+smothered, when suddenly I rolled the dead Sepoy off, crawled into the
+anteroom half-suffocated by smoke, raised the lid of a very heavy
+trapdoor, and stumbled down some steps into a place, half-storehouse
+half-cellar, under the mess-room. How I knew about it being there I
+don't know. The trap closed over my head with a bang. That is all I
+remember.'
+
+"'Well, Charley, curiously enough my dream was also about an
+extraordinary escape from danger, lasting, like yours, only a minute or
+two. The first thing I remember--there seems to have been something
+before, but what, I don't know--I was on horseback, holding a very
+pretty but awfully pale girl in front of me. We were pursued by a whole
+troop of Sepoy cavalry, who were firing pistol-shots at us. We were not
+more than seventy or eighty yards in front, and they were gaining fast,
+just as I rode into a large deserted temple. In the center was a huge
+stone figure. I jumped off my horse with the lady, and as I did so she
+said, "blow out my brains, Edward; don't let me fall into their hands."
+
+"'Instead of answering, I hurried her round behind the idol, pushed
+against one of the leaves of a flower in the carving, and the stone
+swung back, and showed a hole just large enough to get through, with a
+stone staircase inside the body of the idol, made, no doubt, for the
+priest to go up and give responses through the mouth. I hurried the girl
+through, crept in after her, and closed the stone, just as our pursuers
+came clattering into the courtyard. That is all I remember.'
+
+"'Well, it is monstrously rum,' Charley said, after a pause. 'Did you
+understand what the old fellow was singing about before he gave us the
+pipes?'
+
+"'Yes; I caught the general drift. It was an entreaty to Siva to give us
+some glimpse of futurity which might benefit us.'
+
+"We lit our cheroots and rode for some miles at a brisk canter without
+remark. When we were within a short distance of home we reined up.
+
+"'I feel ever so much better,' Charley said. 'We have got that opium out
+of our heads now. How do you account for it all, Harley?'
+
+"'I account for it in this way, Charley. The opium naturally had the
+effect of making us both dream, and as we took similar doses of the same
+mixture, under similar circumstances, it is scarcely extraordinary that
+it should have effected the same portion of the brain, and caused a
+certain similarity in our dreams. In all nightmares something terrible
+happens, or is on the point of happening; and so it was here. Not
+unnaturally in both our cases our thoughts turned to soldiers. If you
+remember, there was a talk at mess some little time since as to what
+would happen in the extremely unlikely event of the Sepoys mutinying in
+a body. I have no doubt that was the foundation of both our dreams. It
+is all natural enough when we come to think it over calmly. I think, by
+the way, we had better agree to say nothing at all about it in the
+regiment.'
+
+"'I should think not,' Charley said. 'We should never hear the end of
+it; they would chaff us out of our lives.'
+
+"We kept our secret, and came at last to laugh over it heartily when we
+were together. Then the subject dropped, and by the end of a year had as
+much escaped our minds as any other dream would have done. Three months
+after the affair the regiment was ordered down to Allahabad, and the
+change of place no doubt helped to erase all memory of the dream. Four
+years after we had left Jubbalpore we went to Beerapore. The time is
+very marked in my memory, because, the very week we arrived there, your
+aunt, then Miss Gardiner, came out from England, to her father, our
+colonel. The instant I saw her I was impressed with the idea that I knew
+her intimately. I recollected her face, her figure, and the very tone of
+her voice, but wherever I had met her I could not conceive. Upon the
+occasion of my first introduction to her I could not help telling her
+that I was convinced that we had met, and asking her if she did not
+remember it. No, she did not remember, but very likely she might have
+done so, and she suggested the names of several people at whose houses
+we might have met. I did not know any of them. Presently she asked how
+long I had been out in India?
+
+"'Six years,' I said.
+
+"'And how old, Mr. Harley,' she said, 'do you take me to be?'
+
+"I saw in one instant my stupidity, and was stammering out an apology,
+when she went on:
+
+"'I am very little over eighteen, Mr. Harley, although I evidently look
+ever so many years older; but papa can certify to my age; so I was only
+twelve when you left England.'
+
+"I tried in vain to clear matters up. Your aunt would insist that I took
+her to be forty, and the fun that my blunder made rather drew us
+together, and gave me a start over the other fellows at the station,
+half of whom fell straightway in love with her. Some months went on, and
+when the mutiny broke out we were engaged to be married. It is a proof
+of how completely the opium-dreams had passed out of the minds of both
+Simmonds and myself, that even when rumors of general disaffection among
+the Sepoys began to be current, they never once recurred to us; and
+even when the news of the actual mutiny reached us we were just as
+confident as were the others of the fidelity of our own regiment. It was
+the old story, foolish confidence and black treachery. As at very many
+other stations, the mutiny broke out when we were at mess. Our regiment
+was dining with the 34th Bengalees. Suddenly, just as dinner was over,
+the window was opened, and a tremendous fire poured in. Four or five men
+fell dead at once, and the poor colonel, who was next to me, was shot
+right through the head. Everyone rushed to his sword and drew his
+pistol--for we had been ordered to carry pistols as part of our uniform.
+I was next to Charley Simmonds as the Sepoys of both regiments, headed
+by Subadar Piran, poured in at the windows.
+
+"'I have it now,' Charley said; 'it is the scene I dreamed.'
+
+"As he spoke he fired his revolver at the subadar, who fell dead in his
+tracks.
+
+"A Sepoy close by leveled his musket and fired. Charley fell, and the
+fellow rushed forward to bayonet him. As he did so I sent a bullet
+through his head, and he fell across Charley. It was a wild fight for a
+minute or two, and then a few of us made a sudden rush together, cut our
+way through the mutineers, and darted through an open window on to the
+parade. There were shouts, shots, and screams from the officers'
+bungalows, and in several places flames were already rising. What
+became of the other men I knew not; I made as hard as I could tear for
+the colonel's bungalow. Suddenly I came upon a sowar sitting on his
+horse watching the rising flames. Before he saw me I was on him, and ran
+him through. I leapt on his horse and galloped down to Gardiner's
+compound. I saw lots of Sepoys in and around the bungalow, all engaged
+in looting. I dashed into the compound.
+
+"'May! May!' I shouted. 'Where are you?'
+
+"I had scarcely spoken before a dark figure rushed out of a clump of
+bushes close by with a scream of delight.
+
+"In an instant she was on the horse before me, and, shooting down a
+couple of fellows who made a rush at my reins, I dashed out again. Stray
+shots were fired after us. But fortunately the Sepoys were all busy
+looting, most of them had laid down their muskets, and no one really
+took up the pursuit. I turned off from the parade-ground, dashed down
+between the hedges of two compounds, and in another minute we were in
+the open country.
+
+"Fortunately, the cavalry were all down looting their own lines, or we
+must have been overtaken at once. May happily had fainted as I lifted
+her on to my horse--happily, because the fearful screams that we heard
+from the various bungalows almost drove me mad, and would probably have
+killed her, for the poor ladies were all her intimate friends.
+
+"I rode on for some hours, till I felt quite safe from any immediate
+pursuit, and then we halted in the shelter of a clump of trees.
+
+"By this time I had heard May's story. She had felt uneasy at being
+alone, but had laughed at herself for being so, until upon her speaking
+to one of the servants he had answered in a tone of gross insolence,
+which had astonished her. She at once guessed that there was danger, and
+the moment that she was alone caught up a large, dark carriage rug,
+wrapped it round her so as to conceal her white dress, and stole out
+into the veranda. The night was dark, and scarcely had she left the
+house than she heard a burst of firing across at the mess-house. She at
+once ran in among the bushes and crouched there, as she heard the rush
+of men into the room she had just left. She heard them searching for
+her, but they were looking for a white dress, and her dark rug saved
+her. What she must have suffered in the five minutes between the firing
+of the first shots and my arrival, she only knows. May had spoken but
+very little since we started. I believe that she was certain that her
+father was dead, although I had given an evasive answer when she asked
+me; and her terrible sense of loss, added to the horror of that time of
+suspense in the garden, had completely stunned her. We waited in the
+tope until the afternoon, and then set out again.
+
+"We had gone but a short distance when we saw a body of the rebel
+cavalry in pursuit. They had no doubt been scouring the country
+generally, and the discovery was accidental. For a short time we kept
+away from them, but this could not be for long, as our horse was
+carrying double. I made for a sort of ruin I saw at the foot of a hill
+half a mile away. I did so with no idea of the possibility of
+concealment. My intention was simply to get my back to a rock and to
+sell my life as dearly as I could, keeping the last two barrels of the
+revolver for ourselves. Certainly no remembrance of my dream influenced
+me in any way, and in the wild whirl of excitement I had not given a
+second thought to Charley Simmonds' exclamation. As we rode up to the
+ruins only a hundred yards ahead of us, May said:
+
+"'Blow out my brains, Edward; don't let me fall alive into their hands.'
+
+"A shock of remembrance shot across me. The chase, her pale face, the
+words, the temple--all my dream rushed into my mind.
+
+"'We are saved,' I cried, to her amazement, as we rode into the
+courtyard, in whose center a great figure was sitting.
+
+"I leapt from the horse, snatched the mussuk of water from the saddle,
+and then hurried May round the idol, between which and the rock behind
+there was but just room to get along.
+
+"Not a doubt entered my mind but that I should find the spring as I had
+dreamed. Sure enough there was the carving, fresh upon my memory as if
+I had seen it but the day before. I placed my hand on the leaflet
+without hesitation, a solid stone moved back, I hurried my amazed
+companion in, and shut to the stone. I found, and shot to, a massive
+bolt, evidently placed to prevent the door being opened by accident or
+design when anyone was in the idol.
+
+"At first it seemed quite dark, but a faint light streamed in from
+above; we made our way up the stairs, and found that the light came
+through a number of small holes pierced in the upper part of the head,
+and through still smaller holes lower down, not much larger than a
+good-sized knitting-needle could pass through. These holes, we
+afterwards found, were in the ornaments round the idol's neck. The holes
+enlarged inside, and enabled us to have a view all round.
+
+"The mutineers were furious at our disappearance, and for hours searched
+about. Then, saying that we must be hidden somewhere, and that they
+would wait till we came out, they proceeded to bivouac in the courtyard
+of the temple.
+
+"We passed four terrible days, but on the morning of the fifth a scout
+came in to tell the rebels that a column of British troops marching on
+Delhi would pass close by the temple. They therefore hastily mounted and
+galloped off.
+
+"Three-quarters of an hour later we were safe among our own people. A
+fortnight afterwards your aunt and I were married. It was no time for
+ceremony then; there were no means of sending her away; no place where
+she could have waited until the time for her mourning for her father was
+over. So we were married quietly by one of the chaplains of the troops,
+and, as your story-books say, have lived very happily ever after."
+
+"And how about Mr. Simmonds, uncle? Did he get safe off too?"
+
+"Yes, his dream came as vividly to his mind as mine had done. He crawled
+to the place where he knew the trapdoor would be, and got into the
+cellar. Fortunately for him there were plenty of eatables there, and he
+lived there in concealment for a fortnight. After that he crawled out,
+and found the mutineers had marched for Delhi. He went through a lot,
+but at last joined us before that city. We often talked over our dreams
+together, and there was no question that we owed our lives to them. Even
+then we did not talk much to other people about them, for there would
+have been a lot of talk, and inquiry, and questions, and you know
+fellows hate that sort of thing. So we held our tongues. Poor Charley's
+silence was sealed a year later at Lucknow, for on the advance with Lord
+Clyde he was killed.
+
+"And now, boys and girls, you must run off to bed. Five minutes more and
+it will be Christmas Day. So you see, Frank, that although I don't
+believe in ghosts, I have yet met with a circumstance which I cannot
+account for."
+
+"It is very curious anyhow, uncle, and beats ghost stories into fits."
+
+"I like it better, certainly," one of the girls said, "for we can go to
+bed without being afraid of dreaming about it."
+
+"Well, you must not talk any more now. Off to bed, off to bed," Colonel
+Harley said, "or I shall get into terrible disgrace with your fathers
+and mothers, who have been looking very gravely at me for the last
+three-quarters of an hour."
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+    A second story, A PIPE OF MYSTERY, appears after the end of
+    Guy in the Jungle in the publication of the book from which
+    this transcription has been made. The page numbering does
+    not continue from the first story, indicating that perhaps
+    plates from a different book may have been used, possibly
+    from "Among Malay Pirates--A Tale of Adventure and Peril"
+    by G. A. Henty, published also by M. A. Donohue & Company.
+
+    The words "weazened" and "dhoolie", alternative spelling
+    for burnous/burnouse, and alternative hyphenation in
+    today/to-day and eggshell/egg-shell have been retained as
+    they appear in the original publication.
+
+    Changes have been made as follows:
+
+    Page 3
+
+    Copyrighted 1890 _changed to_
+    Copyrighted 1890,
+
+    Page 7
+
+    to old friends, and, to attend to _changed to_
+    to old friends, and to attend to
+
+    Page 9
+
+    and to distingussh, if possible, _changed to_
+    and to distinguish, if possible,
+
+    Page 10
+
+    is a remarkably fine day, sir," _changed to_
+    is a remarkably fine day, sir."
+
+    Page 11
+
+    "Well, Mr. Torres" he said _changed to_
+    "Well, Mr. Torres," he said
+
+    Page 12
+
+    but my name in Chutney." _changed to_
+    but my name is Chutney."
+
+    Page 18
+
+    gold-dust,aromatic spices, _changed to_
+    gold-dust, aromatic spices,
+
+    Page 21
+
+    while the blood dripped down frrm _changed to_
+    while the blood dripped down from
+
+    Page 31
+
+    we proced to Zaila _changed to_
+    we proceed to Zaila
+
+    Page 36
+
+    and were delayed by an acident _changed to_
+    and were delayed by an accident
+
+    Page 42
+
+    but no hostile demnostration was _changed to_
+    but no hostile demonstration was
+
+    Page 45
+
+    Kakar's investing this bloody outbreak _changed to_
+    Makar's investing this bloody outbreak
+
+    Page 46
+
+    who suddenly appearedover the sand,hills _changed to_
+    who suddenly appeared over the sand-hills
+
+    Page 49
+
+    and Markar is his servant. _changed to_
+    and Makar is his servant."
+
+    know what was coming _changed to_
+    knew what was coming
+
+    Page 50
+
+    prayers would aiike be _changed to_
+    prayers would alike be
+
+    Page 53
+
+    In the original publication, the following paragraph appeared
+    as:
+
+    The caravan was now ready to start. At the last filed at a slow
+    trot over the sandy plain in a southerly minute Makar Makalo
+    passed carelessly by Guy and whispered, "Keep good heart. Makar
+    no forget." Then he vanished in the crowd, and, with a loud cheer
+    to speed them on their way, the line of camels direction.
+
+    and has been _changed to_:
+
+    The caravan was now ready to start. At the last minute Makar
+    Makalo passed carelessly by Guy and whispered, "Keep good heart.
+    Makar no forget." Then he vanished in the crowd, and, with a loud
+    cheer to speed them on their way, the line of camels filed at a
+    slow trot over the sandy plain in a southerly direction.
+
+    Page 55
+
+    layind hold of Sir Arthur _changed to_
+    laying hold of Sir Arthur
+
+    Page 61
+
+    with, hatred that fanaticism alone _changed to_
+    with hatred that fanaticism alone
+
+    Page 71
+
+    resisting the invaders., _changed to_
+    resisting the invaders.
+
+    Page 106
+
+    we'll be out of reach of these fiends. ages." _changed to_
+    we'll be out of reach of these fiends."
+
+    Page 112
+
+    Arican sun had gone down _changed to_
+    African sun had gone down
+
+    Page 128
+
+    "We have found it?" _changed to_
+    "We have found it!"
+
+    snatched from sight immediately _changed to_
+    snatched from sight immediately.
+
+    Page 129
+
+    where shall ge get more _changed to_
+    where shall we get more
+
+    Page 134
+
+    Must we starve, then" _changed to_
+    Must we starve, then?"
+
+    Page 136
+
+    Makaol at Zaila _changed to_
+    Makalo at Zaila
+
+    Page 141
+
+    declaration had it seffect _changed to_
+    declaration had its effect
+
+    Page 156
+
+    groaned Sir Arthus _changed to_
+    groaned Sir Arthur
+
+    Page 174
+
+    peaceful montony of the colonel's record _changed to_
+    peaceful monotony of the colonel's record
+
+    Page 183
+
+    "Melton's hearing was unusually _changed to_
+    Melton's hearing was unusually
+
+    Page 226
+
+    Melton huried off at once _changed to_
+    Melton hurried off at once
+
+    Page 243
+
+    "Oh,' says young Ormsby _changed to_
+    "'Oh,' says young Ormsby
+
+    Page 253
+
+    I see a cavern, _changed to_
+    "I see a cavern,
+
+    Page 263
+
+    Hold out a little longer. "I _changed to_
+    Hold out a little longer. I
+
+    Page 292
+
+    and was conveyed by them to Makar Makolo _changed to_
+    and was conveyed by them to Makar Makalo
+
+    Page 293
+
+    Mombagolo, the burman _changed to_
+    Mombagolo, the Burman
+
+    Page 213 in the second story, A PIPE OF MYSTERY
+
+    half-storehouse half cellar, _changed to_
+    half-storehouse half-cellar,
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Guy in the Jungle, by William Murray Graydon
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