across_the_cameroons
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| - | <html><div style=' | + | < |
| - | A Story of War and Adventure</ | + | |
| - | <div style=' | + | |
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| <img style=" | <img style=" | ||
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| even to the most casual observer, that they stood to one another in the | even to the most casual observer, that they stood to one another in the | ||
| relation of master to man.</ | relation of master to man.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| nephew of Mr. Langton, the retired West African judge, who owned | nephew of Mr. Langton, the retired West African judge, who owned | ||
| Friar' | Friar' | ||
| Line 178: | Line 176: | ||
| across the inhospitable hills west of the Cameroon Peak, even to the | across the inhospitable hills west of the Cameroon Peak, even to the | ||
| great plains of the Sahara.</ | great plains of the Sahara.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| horseback, or when he carried a shot-gun and a pocketful of cartridges. | horseback, or when he carried a shot-gun and a pocketful of cartridges. | ||
| As for Jim, he was no rider, but there were few boys of his age who | As for Jim, he was no rider, but there were few boys of his age who | ||
| could hit a bolting rabbit or a rocketing pheasant with such surety of | could hit a bolting rabbit or a rocketing pheasant with such surety of | ||
| aim.</ | aim.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| recognized authority on the primitive races of Africa and the East. | recognized authority on the primitive races of Africa and the East. | ||
| For hours at a time he would shut himself up in the little bungalow he | For hours at a time he would shut himself up in the little bungalow he | ||
| Line 190: | Line 188: | ||
| was a boy well able to amuse himself; and where there were rabbits to | was a boy well able to amuse himself; and where there were rabbits to | ||
| be shot and ditches to be jumped, young Urquhart was in his element.</ | be shot and ditches to be jumped, young Urquhart was in his element.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In Jim Braid, the schoolboy found one who had kindred tastes, who was a |
| better shot than himself, who could manage ferrets, and who, on one | better shot than himself, who could manage ferrets, and who, on one | ||
| occasion, had even had the privilege of assisting his father in the | occasion, had even had the privilege of assisting his father in the | ||
| Line 198: | Line 196: | ||
| schoolboy knew that in Jim Braid he had found a companion after his | schoolboy knew that in Jim Braid he had found a companion after his | ||
| heart.</ | heart.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| they saw there was a light in the window, and within was Mr. Langton, a | they saw there was a light in the window, and within was Mr. Langton, a | ||
| tall, grey-haired man, who sat at his writing-desk, | tall, grey-haired man, who sat at his writing-desk, | ||
| books and papers.</ | books and papers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| nothing else. Every morning he has left the house directly after | nothing else. Every morning he has left the house directly after | ||
| breakfast to come here. I think there' | breakfast to come here. I think there' | ||
| seldom speaks at meals."</ | seldom speaks at meals."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| good deal of business to be done?"</ | good deal of business to be done?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his accounts and his cashbox in the bungalow, it is true, but he is | his accounts and his cashbox in the bungalow, it is true, but he is | ||
| much more interested in the ancient histories of India and Asia than in | much more interested in the ancient histories of India and Asia than in | ||
| Friar' | Friar' | ||
| that's a very great honour."</ | that's a very great honour."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| once and for all.</ | once and for all.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| drive. | drive. | ||
| dog-cart driving towards the house.</ | dog-cart driving towards the house.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| There' | There' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Captain von Hardenberg and I don't get on very well together."</ | Captain von Hardenberg and I don't get on very well together."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| never been friends. | never been friends. | ||
| to marry a German& | to marry a German& | ||
| you know, at the German Embassy in London."</ | you know, at the German Embassy in London."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| aside to let it pass. There was just sufficient light to enable them | aside to let it pass. There was just sufficient light to enable them | ||
| to see clearly the features of the young man who was seated by the side | to see clearly the features of the young man who was seated by the side | ||
| Line 239: | Line 237: | ||
| piercing eyes. Upon his upper lip was a small, black moustache. | piercing eyes. Upon his upper lip was a small, black moustache. | ||
| wore a heavy ulster, into the pockets of which his hands were thrust.</ | wore a heavy ulster, into the pockets of which his hands were thrust.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| time together, what with shooting and the ferrets, but I'm afraid it's | time together, what with shooting and the ferrets, but I'm afraid it's | ||
| all ended, now that the captain' | all ended, now that the captain' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Last time he was here he struck me."</ | Last time he was here he struck me."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| on, "and I was helping my father. | on, "and I was helping my father. | ||
| between Captain von Hardenberg and another gentleman, and they both | between Captain von Hardenberg and another gentleman, and they both | ||
| Line 259: | Line 257: | ||
| it. So I just jammed both my fists in my trousers pockets, and walked | it. So I just jammed both my fists in my trousers pockets, and walked | ||
| away, holding myself in, as it were, and cursing my luck."</ | away, holding myself in, as it were, and cursing my luck."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| be congratulated."</ | be congratulated."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a cocked hat, and near as a touch I did it."</ | a cocked hat, and near as a touch I did it."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| very unpopular in the diplomatic club in London to which he belongs. | very unpopular in the diplomatic club in London to which he belongs. | ||
| When I went back to school last term I happened to travel in the same | When I went back to school last term I happened to travel in the same | ||
| Line 270: | Line 268: | ||
| right and left, that he's always gambling and is already heavily in | right and left, that he's always gambling and is already heavily in | ||
| debt."</ | debt."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| when he sees one. You see, sir, we're always after foxes or poachers | when he sees one. You see, sir, we're always after foxes or poachers | ||
| or weasels; and the first time as ever I set eyes on Captain von | or weasels; and the first time as ever I set eyes on Captain von | ||
| Hardenberg, I said to myself: 'That man's one of them that try to live | Hardenberg, I said to myself: 'That man's one of them that try to live | ||
| by their wits.'"</ | by their wits.'"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| point of fact, Jim, I had no right to discuss my cousin at all. But I | point of fact, Jim, I had no right to discuss my cousin at all. But I | ||
| was carried away by my feelings when you told me he had struck you."</ | was carried away by my feelings when you told me he had struck you."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| for a month."</ | for a month."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| with him."</ | with him."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the path that led to his father' | the path that led to his father' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the hall Harry found his cousin, who had already taken off his hat |
| and overcoat, and was now seated before a roaring fire, with a | and overcoat, and was now seated before a roaring fire, with a | ||
| cigarette in one hand and an empty wine glass in the other.</ | cigarette in one hand and an empty wine glass in the other.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| know I was to have the pleasure of your company. | know I was to have the pleasure of your company. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| extremely hard at work."</ | extremely hard at work."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| carefully parted in the middle, and his neatly trimmed moustache, he | carefully parted in the middle, and his neatly trimmed moustache, he | ||
| had the appearance of a very superior person. | had the appearance of a very superior person. | ||
| attempt to disguise the fact that he looked upon his schoolboy cousin | attempt to disguise the fact that he looked upon his schoolboy cousin | ||
| barely with toleration, if not with actual contempt.</ | barely with toleration, if not with actual contempt.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| suppose you know I got into the Cricket Eleven, and took four wickets | suppose you know I got into the Cricket Eleven, and took four wickets | ||
| against Harrow?"</ | against Harrow?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He said this with frank, boyish enthusiasm. |
| about it. Von Hardenberg, raising his eyebrows, flicked some | about it. Von Hardenberg, raising his eyebrows, flicked some | ||
| cigarette-ash from his trousers.</ | cigarette-ash from his trousers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| in what you do against Harrow. | in what you do against Harrow. | ||
| think of nothing but play. As for us Germans, we have something better | think of nothing but play. As for us Germans, we have something better | ||
| to think of!"</ | to think of!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| within him, and he had half a mind to ask whether von Hardenberg had | within him, and he had half a mind to ask whether von Hardenberg had | ||
| forgotten his gambling debts. | forgotten his gambling debts. | ||
| went upstairs to dress for dinner.</ | went upstairs to dress for dinner.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his two nephews were seating themselves at the table, saying that he | his two nephews were seating themselves at the table, saying that he | ||
| had no time to change.</ | had no time to change.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| discovery of my life! I've hit upon a thing that will set the whole | discovery of my life! I've hit upon a thing that will set the whole | ||
| world talking for a month! | world talking for a month! | ||
| its mystery! | its mystery! | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| It is the key to the storehouse of one of the greatest treasures the | It is the key to the storehouse of one of the greatest treasures the | ||
| world contains. | world contains. | ||
| till this evening did I dream that I possessed it."</ | till this evening did I dream that I possessed it."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| </ | </ | ||
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| Line 346: | Line 344: | ||
| as a curiosity and a memento of a very unpleasant duty. Never for a | as a curiosity and a memento of a very unpleasant duty. Never for a | ||
| moment did I dream it was the Sunstone itself.</ | moment did I dream it was the Sunstone itself.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| something of Zoroaster. | something of Zoroaster. | ||
| was responsible for the most ancient religion in the world. | was responsible for the most ancient religion in the world. | ||
| Line 352: | Line 350: | ||
| framed the famous laws of the Medes and Persians. | framed the famous laws of the Medes and Persians. | ||
| have lived more than six thousand years before Christ.</ | have lived more than six thousand years before Christ.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hence the name of the Sunstone. | hence the name of the Sunstone. | ||
| Persians, who conquered Egypt, and thus spread their influence across | Persians, who conquered Egypt, and thus spread their influence across | ||
| Line 359: | Line 357: | ||
| are called the Maziris, and are believed still to follow the religion | are called the Maziris, and are believed still to follow the religion | ||
| of Zoroaster.</ | of Zoroaster.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| followers and admirers to present the sage with jewels and precious | followers and admirers to present the sage with jewels and precious | ||
| stones. | stones. | ||
| his fame extended, the treasure became so great that it far exceeded | his fame extended, the treasure became so great that it far exceeded | ||
| his needs.</ | his needs.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his body was embalmed in Egypt and conveyed by a party of Ethiopians | his body was embalmed in Egypt and conveyed by a party of Ethiopians | ||
| into the very heart of the Dark Continent, where it was buried in a | into the very heart of the Dark Continent, where it was buried in a | ||
| cave with all his treasure.</ | cave with all his treasure.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| known of it for years as the key to the treasure of Zoroaster. | known of it for years as the key to the treasure of Zoroaster. | ||
| have said, it is a circular piece of jade, bright yellow in colour, and | have said, it is a circular piece of jade, bright yellow in colour, and | ||
| Line 376: | Line 374: | ||
| distinct cuneiform character, similar to those which have been found | distinct cuneiform character, similar to those which have been found | ||
| upon the stone monuments of Persia and Arabia.</ | upon the stone monuments of Persia and Arabia.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Their vitality as a race is amazing. | Their vitality as a race is amazing. | ||
| thousands of years& | thousands of years& | ||
| Line 382: | Line 380: | ||
| cities to protect them from the Bedouins& | cities to protect them from the Bedouins& | ||
| to-day lead their caravans to Erzerum, Zanzibar, and Timbuctoo.</ | to-day lead their caravans to Erzerum, Zanzibar, and Timbuctoo.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| up their old nomad life. Somewhere in the Maziri country is a group of | up their old nomad life. Somewhere in the Maziri country is a group of | ||
| caves which no European has ever entered. | caves which no European has ever entered. | ||
| Line 392: | Line 390: | ||
| had been pursued across the continent by the Maziri chieftains, who | had been pursued across the continent by the Maziri chieftains, who | ||
| desired to recover the Sunstone.</ | desired to recover the Sunstone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Sunstone in the writings of a Persian historian, and that | the Sunstone in the writings of a Persian historian, and that | ||
| description led me to suspect that the very thing was in my own | description led me to suspect that the very thing was in my own | ||
| possession. | possession. | ||
| matter beyond all doubt."</ | matter beyond all doubt."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was leaning forward with his elbows on the table and his chin upon a | was leaning forward with his elbows on the table and his chin upon a | ||
| hand. Von Hardenberg lay back in a chair, his arms folded, his dark | hand. Von Hardenberg lay back in a chair, his arms folded, his dark | ||
| eyes fixed upon his uncle.</ | eyes fixed upon his uncle.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Zoroaster' | Zoroaster' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| for the present, it is almost impossible for any European to do. The | for the present, it is almost impossible for any European to do. The | ||
| Maziri are a wild and lawless tribe. | Maziri are a wild and lawless tribe. | ||
| Line 413: | Line 411: | ||
| and robbery. | and robbery. | ||
| have his work cut out."</ | have his work cut out."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| bungalow to-morrow morning, or& | bungalow to-morrow morning, or& | ||
| to-night."</ | to-night."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thing out of the house?"</ | thing out of the house?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Sunstone in a cabinet. | Sunstone in a cabinet. | ||
| of its value. | of its value. | ||
| appearances, | appearances, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| convenient to have my cashbox at hand. But it seldom contains more | convenient to have my cashbox at hand. But it seldom contains more | ||
| than twenty pounds& | than twenty pounds& | ||
| employed on the estate."</ | employed on the estate."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| treasure of Zoroaster, "that it should have existed for all these years | treasure of Zoroaster, "that it should have existed for all these years | ||
| and never have been plundered."</ | and never have been plundered."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| The Maziris, as I have told you, are of Arab descent, though they are | The Maziris, as I have told you, are of Arab descent, though they are | ||
| not followers of the Prophet. | not followers of the Prophet. | ||
| devout. | devout. | ||
| that would be to plunge his soul into eternal punishment."</ | that would be to plunge his soul into eternal punishment."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ever been able to enter the vault?"</ | ever been able to enter the vault?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| is why, when the Sunstone was stolen, they were so anxious to run the | is why, when the Sunstone was stolen, they were so anxious to run the | ||
| thief to earth."</ | thief to earth."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| appeared to be thinking.</ | appeared to be thinking.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| myself in the Caves of Zoroaster, with the Sunstone in my hand, I could | myself in the Caves of Zoroaster, with the Sunstone in my hand, I could | ||
| gain access to the vault."</ | gain access to the vault."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| uncle. | uncle. | ||
| no interest in the subject under discussion.</ | no interest in the subject under discussion.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| overcoats, and conducted by the Judge, who carried a lantern, they | overcoats, and conducted by the Judge, who carried a lantern, they | ||
| followed a path through the woods until they came to the bungalow.</ | followed a path through the woods until they came to the bungalow.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lit an oil lamp, which presently burned up and illumined the room. | lit an oil lamp, which presently burned up and illumined the room. | ||
| They found themselves in what to all intents and purposes was a | They found themselves in what to all intents and purposes was a | ||
| Line 463: | Line 461: | ||
| on the writing-desk was a fair-sized cash-box, in which several golden | on the writing-desk was a fair-sized cash-box, in which several golden | ||
| sovereigns glittered in the light.</ | sovereigns glittered in the light.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| leave my cash-box open. The truth is, I was so excited about this | leave my cash-box open. The truth is, I was so excited about this | ||
| discovery that I forgot to put it away."</ | discovery that I forgot to put it away."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| took out a large stone and laid it on the table in the light of the | took out a large stone and laid it on the table in the light of the | ||
| lamp. His two nephews, one on either side of him, leaned forward to | lamp. His two nephews, one on either side of him, leaned forward to | ||
| examine this extraordinary relic.</ | examine this extraordinary relic.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On one side of the Sunstone were the cuneiform characters already |
| mentioned by the Judge. | mentioned by the Judge. | ||
| the same primitive language, scratched upon the face of the jade, but | the same primitive language, scratched upon the face of the jade, but | ||
| so faint as to be barely legible.</ | so faint as to be barely legible.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| managed to decipher and translate this writing. | managed to decipher and translate this writing. | ||
| language. | language. | ||
| Line 482: | Line 480: | ||
| nor less than the definite instructions for using the Sunstone for the | nor less than the definite instructions for using the Sunstone for the | ||
| purpose of entering the vaults of Zoroaster."</ | purpose of entering the vaults of Zoroaster."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a circle 'in the way of the sun'& | a circle 'in the way of the sun'& | ||
| as with the hands of a clock. | as with the hands of a clock. | ||
| Line 492: | Line 490: | ||
| until the characters visible along a given line correspond with those | until the characters visible along a given line correspond with those | ||
| upon the Sunstone. | upon the Sunstone. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| seemed so romantic and so astonishing that it was almost impossible to | seemed so romantic and so astonishing that it was almost impossible to | ||
| believe it was true. After a while, it was von Hardenberg who spoke.</ | believe it was true. After a while, it was von Hardenberg who spoke.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| propose to do?"</ | propose to do?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| shrine. | shrine. | ||
| continue my researches. | continue my researches. | ||
| historical world desires to be enlightened. | historical world desires to be enlightened. | ||
| concerning the life of Zoroaster."</ | concerning the life of Zoroaster."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to yourself!"</ | to yourself!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Judge, "I will make the result of my investigations known to the | Judge, "I will make the result of my investigations known to the | ||
| authorities of the British Museum."</ | authorities of the British Museum."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| night von Hardenberg took his cousin aside and looked at him intently.</ | night von Hardenberg took his cousin aside and looked at him intently.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to, he could make himself a millionaire."</ | to, he could make himself a millionaire."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| at the whole matter from a scientific point of view."</ | at the whole matter from a scientific point of view."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| </ | </ | ||
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| Line 528: | Line 526: | ||
| been heard as late as twelve o' | been heard as late as twelve o' | ||
| not account.</ | not account.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| turned up, and carried his gun under his arm, with his hands thrust | turned up, and carried his gun under his arm, with his hands thrust | ||
| deep into his breeches pockets.</ | deep into his breeches pockets.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was moving along the edge of the coverts, which lay between Mr. |
| Langton' | Langton' | ||
| footsteps approaching stealthily through the woods. | footsteps approaching stealthily through the woods. | ||
| Line 538: | Line 536: | ||
| the path by which the intruder approached; he could also command a view | the path by which the intruder approached; he could also command a view | ||
| of the windows of Friar' | of the windows of Friar' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| whistle from his pocket, put it to his lips, and was about to sound the | whistle from his pocket, put it to his lips, and was about to sound the | ||
| alarm which would bring his father and the other keepers to the spot, | alarm which would bring his father and the other keepers to the spot, | ||
| when he was arrested by the man's singular appearance.</ | when he was arrested by the man's singular appearance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| in his hand& | in his hand& | ||
| umbrella. | umbrella. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| himself to the stranger and ask his business, when the front door of | himself to the stranger and ask his business, when the front door of | ||
| the house opened, and he made out the figure of Captain von Hardenberg | the house opened, and he made out the figure of Captain von Hardenberg | ||
| Line 553: | Line 551: | ||
| careful to keep in the shadow of the trees had already aroused his | careful to keep in the shadow of the trees had already aroused his | ||
| suspicions.</ | suspicions.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and went forward a little towards him. They met a few yards from where | and went forward a little towards him. They met a few yards from where | ||
| Jim Braid was hiding. | Jim Braid was hiding. | ||
| Hardenberg refused to take it.</ | Hardenberg refused to take it.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| other. | other. | ||
| thousand pounds!"</ | thousand pounds!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| German accent. | German accent. | ||
| You desire the services of a spy& | You desire the services of a spy& | ||
| Line 578: | Line 576: | ||
| I have only to report you to Berlin, and you are ruined, once and for | I have only to report you to Berlin, and you are ruined, once and for | ||
| all."</ | all."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| jerky voice.</ | jerky voice.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| you were coming, I made a clean breast of it to my uncle. | you were coming, I made a clean breast of it to my uncle. | ||
| that I was four thousand pounds in debt to a money-lender, | that I was four thousand pounds in debt to a money-lender, | ||
| Line 586: | Line 584: | ||
| that. I couldn' | that. I couldn' | ||
| butler in a private house. | butler in a private house. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| shilling!"</ | shilling!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his head, he threw out his hands and gesticulated wildly.</ | his head, he threw out his hands and gesticulated wildly.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| embezzled Government money. | embezzled Government money. | ||
| information, | information, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| will be on my side. You have made a fool of me."</ | will be on my side. You have made a fool of me."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| some getting. | some getting. | ||
| your office within a few days, and then I shall have something to tell | your office within a few days, and then I shall have something to tell | ||
| you."</ | you."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| remained a chance of getting his money he thought it worth while to | remained a chance of getting his money he thought it worth while to | ||
| take it. For all his threats, he knew enough of the Secret Service | take it. For all his threats, he knew enough of the Secret Service | ||
| Line 615: | Line 613: | ||
| for von Hardenberg, he returned to the house; and no sooner was he gone | for von Hardenberg, he returned to the house; and no sooner was he gone | ||
| than Jim Braid got to his feet.</ | than Jim Braid got to his feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| had been said, for they had lapsed from German into English, and back | had been said, for they had lapsed from German into English, and back | ||
| to German again. | to German again. | ||
| Line 622: | Line 620: | ||
| the conclusion that it was no business of his, and slept the sleep of | the conclusion that it was no business of his, and slept the sleep of | ||
| the just.</ | the just.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| series of hurdles to keep the cattle from the pheasant coverts, when he | series of hurdles to keep the cattle from the pheasant coverts, when he | ||
| was approached by Mr. Langton.</ | was approached by Mr. Langton.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| brought up from Boot's Hollow."</ | brought up from Boot's Hollow."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| crowbar with which Jim was working.</ | crowbar with which Jim was working.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that the Judge wished the boy " |
| the house. | the house. | ||
| his way through some thickets near at hand, and approached the young | his way through some thickets near at hand, and approached the young | ||
| gamekeeper. | gamekeeper. | ||
| passed between Jim Braid and the Judge.</ | passed between Jim Braid and the Judge.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to-morrow morning."</ | to-morrow morning."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| unwieldy tool from Jim's hands, he walked with it towards the house.</ | unwieldy tool from Jim's hands, he walked with it towards the house.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>No sooner was he out of sight, however, than he dropped down upon a |
| knee and looked furtively about him, as if to satisfy himself that he | knee and looked furtively about him, as if to satisfy himself that he | ||
| was not observed. | was not observed. | ||
| mouth of which he covered over with several fronds of bracken. | mouth of which he covered over with several fronds of bracken. | ||
| done, he walked quickly towards the house.</ | done, he walked quickly towards the house.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sound asleep, Captain Carl von Hardenberg sat, fully dressed, at the | sound asleep, Captain Carl von Hardenberg sat, fully dressed, at the | ||
| foot of his bed with a cigar between his lips. He had taken off his | foot of his bed with a cigar between his lips. He had taken off his | ||
| Line 653: | Line 651: | ||
| the clock, which was but dimly visible upon the mantelpiece through the | the clock, which was but dimly visible upon the mantelpiece through the | ||
| clouds of tobacco-smoke with which the room was filled.</ | clouds of tobacco-smoke with which the room was filled.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his feet and went on tiptoe to the door. Without a sound he passed | his feet and went on tiptoe to the door. Without a sound he passed | ||
| out, walked quickly down the passage, and descended the back stairs to | out, walked quickly down the passage, and descended the back stairs to | ||
| the kitchen. | the kitchen. | ||
| paused to listen. | paused to listen. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He walked rapidly past the lawns which lie between Friar' |
| the woods. | the woods. | ||
| that led straight to the bungalow. | that led straight to the bungalow. | ||
| Line 665: | Line 663: | ||
| match that attracted Jim Braid, who was again on duty in this part of | match that attracted Jim Braid, who was again on duty in this part of | ||
| the estate.</ | the estate.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| all his strength he drove the crowbar between the door and the jamb, | all his strength he drove the crowbar between the door and the jamb, | ||
| and with one wrench broke open the lock.</ | and with one wrench broke open the lock.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In his uncle' |
| table. | table. | ||
| cash-box on the desk. The cash-box, however, was not his business; he | cash-box on the desk. The cash-box, however, was not his business; he | ||
| was determined to possess himself of the Sunstone.</ | was determined to possess himself of the Sunstone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had provided himself with a bunch of skeleton keys. Those whose |
| business it is to employ Government spies are not infrequently provided | business it is to employ Government spies are not infrequently provided | ||
| with such things. | with such things. | ||
| Line 678: | Line 676: | ||
| in his hand, he rushed to the lamp and examined the Sunstone in the | in his hand, he rushed to the lamp and examined the Sunstone in the | ||
| light.</ | light.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| German Cameroons!"</ | German Cameroons!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| doorway was Jim Braid, the gamekeeper' | doorway was Jim Braid, the gamekeeper' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thief?"</ | thief?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| you broke in here by force."</ | you broke in here by force."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As he was speaking, before the last words had left his mouth, von |
| Hardenberg, with a quick and desperate action, had seized the gun by | Hardenberg, with a quick and desperate action, had seized the gun by | ||
| the barrel. | the barrel. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| on his face. Even as he rolled over upon the ground, a black pool of | on his face. Even as he rolled over upon the ground, a black pool of | ||
| blood spread slowly across the floor.</ | blood spread slowly across the floor.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the windows of the house, and one or two were thrown open. Near at | the windows of the house, and one or two were thrown open. Near at | ||
| hand he heard the strong voice of John Braid, the keeper, shouting to | hand he heard the strong voice of John Braid, the keeper, shouting to | ||
| his son. On the other side of the bungalow, an under-gamekeeper was | his son. On the other side of the bungalow, an under-gamekeeper was | ||
| hurrying to the place.</ | hurrying to the place.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lips moving with strange, convulsive jerks.</ | lips moving with strange, convulsive jerks.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He went quickly to the body of the unconscious boy, and, kneeling down, |
| felt Braid' | felt Braid' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| live to accuse von Hardenberg of the theft. | live to accuse von Hardenberg of the theft. | ||
| upright, his teeth fastened on his under lip. The voices without were | upright, his teeth fastened on his under lip. The voices without were | ||
| nearer to the house than before. | nearer to the house than before. | ||
| act.</ | act.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| blow with the crowbar. | blow with the crowbar. | ||
| sovereigns& | sovereigns& | ||
| Line 718: | Line 716: | ||
| crowbar and closed Jim's fingers about it. It was at that moment that | crowbar and closed Jim's fingers about it. It was at that moment that | ||
| John Braid, the gamekeeper, burst into the room.</ | John Braid, the gamekeeper, burst into the room.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a thief. | a thief. | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| Line 727: | Line 725: | ||
| head-gamekeeper' | head-gamekeeper' | ||
| Langton himself and Harry, followed by several servants from the house.</ | Langton himself and Harry, followed by several servants from the house.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| theft, it was as if a blow had been struck him. He looked about him | theft, it was as if a blow had been struck him. He looked about him | ||
| like a man dazed, and then carried a hand across his eyes. Then, | like a man dazed, and then carried a hand across his eyes. Then, | ||
| without a word, he went down upon his knees at his son's side and | without a word, he went down upon his knees at his son's side and | ||
| examined the wounded boy.</ | examined the wounded boy.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| distinctly."</ | distinctly."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was at this moment that the Judge rushed into the room. His bare |
| feet were encased in bedroom slippers; he was dressed in a shirt and a | feet were encased in bedroom slippers; he was dressed in a shirt and a | ||
| pair of trousers.</ | pair of trousers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He repeated the question several times before anyone answered, and by |
| then the room was full. The chauffeur was sent back post-haste to the | then the room was full. The chauffeur was sent back post-haste to the | ||
| stables, with orders to drive for a doctor.</ | stables, with orders to drive for a doctor.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| completely master of his senses.</ | completely master of his senses.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| himself, all his presence of mind was necessary.</ | himself, all his presence of mind was necessary.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| tones of complete assurance, "as you may imagine, I had several letters | tones of complete assurance, "as you may imagine, I had several letters | ||
| to write, and to-night I did not think of getting into bed till nearly | to write, and to-night I did not think of getting into bed till nearly | ||
| Line 757: | Line 755: | ||
| possible I left the house and walked in the direction I knew the man | possible I left the house and walked in the direction I knew the man | ||
| had taken."</ | had taken."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| element, and might have been examining a witness in the box.</ | element, and might have been examining a witness in the box.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| answered his uncle slowly, but without the slightest hesitation.</ | answered his uncle slowly, but without the slightest hesitation.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| fool of myself. | fool of myself. | ||
| gamekeeper."</ | gamekeeper."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| he was, and, secondly, because a man who has just learnt he is to | he was, and, secondly, because a man who has just learnt he is to | ||
| remain a pauper for life does not, as a rule, feel inclined for sleep. | remain a pauper for life does not, as a rule, feel inclined for sleep. | ||
| I wanted to go out into the air."</ | I wanted to go out into the air."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the direction of the bungalow. | the direction of the bungalow. | ||
| quickly as I could. | quickly as I could. | ||
| with a crowbar. | with a crowbar. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Braid was almost incomprehensible. | Braid was almost incomprehensible. | ||
| perfectly honest and trustworthy; | perfectly honest and trustworthy; | ||
| had said, there was the crowbar in his hand.</ | had said, there was the crowbar in his hand.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| could see him through the window. | could see him through the window. | ||
| the cash-box, and burst it open with the crowbar. | the cash-box, and burst it open with the crowbar. | ||
| lying on the floor. | lying on the floor. | ||
| truth."</ | truth."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was the Judge himself who emptied Jim's pockets, and there sure |
| enough he found the sovereigns which had been taken from the cash-box.</ | enough he found the sovereigns which had been taken from the cash-box.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| think that one of my own servants should have treated me thus!"</ | think that one of my own servants should have treated me thus!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was then that Harry Urquhart spoke for the first time. He could not |
| stand by and see his old friend so basely accused and not offer a word | stand by and see his old friend so basely accused and not offer a word | ||
| in his defence.</ | in his defence.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| unmitigated lie! Uncle," | unmitigated lie! Uncle," | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| or the other, before the boy has had a chance to speak in his own | or the other, before the boy has had a chance to speak in his own | ||
| defence. | defence. | ||
| against him."</ | against him."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A hurdle was fetched, upon which a mattress was laid; and upon this the |
| wounded boy was carried to the house, which was nearer to the bungalow | wounded boy was carried to the house, which was nearer to the bungalow | ||
| than his father' | than his father' | ||
| very hurdles that Jim had been setting up that afternoon.</ | very hurdles that Jim had been setting up that afternoon.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| After a short examination of the patient he was able to give a | After a short examination of the patient he was able to give a | ||
| satisfactory report. | satisfactory report. | ||
| Line 813: | Line 811: | ||
| and before they reached the house, and Jim had been laid upon the bed | and before they reached the house, and Jim had been laid upon the bed | ||
| in Harry' | in Harry' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| see anyone. | see anyone. | ||
| way. During that time he was attended with the greatest care, not only | way. During that time he was attended with the greatest care, not only | ||
| by the housekeeper and Harry Urquhart, but by Mr. Langton himself.</ | by the housekeeper and Harry Urquhart, but by Mr. Langton himself.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the end of a week, a naturally strong constitution, |
| health resulting from a life that is lived in the open air, had done | health resulting from a life that is lived in the open air, had done | ||
| their work, and Jim was allowed to get up. It was soon after that that | their work, and Jim was allowed to get up. It was soon after that that | ||
| Line 823: | Line 821: | ||
| of the table, pen in hand, he might have been back in his old place in | of the table, pen in hand, he might have been back in his old place in | ||
| the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone.</ | the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| on a chair, facing the Judge. | on a chair, facing the Judge. | ||
| whom Mr. Langton proposed to call as witnesses& | whom Mr. Langton proposed to call as witnesses& | ||
| Hardenberg, John Braid, and the under-gamekeeper.</ | Hardenberg, John Braid, and the under-gamekeeper.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Urquhart stood behind his uncle' | Urquhart stood behind his uncle' | ||
| commiseration in his eyes and a deep sympathy in his heart.</ | commiseration in his eyes and a deep sympathy in his heart.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| had said before. | had said before. | ||
| cunning. | cunning. | ||
| Line 840: | Line 838: | ||
| testimony of von Hardenberg. | testimony of von Hardenberg. | ||
| guilt had seemed manifest.</ | guilt had seemed manifest.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In his own defence Jim could state as much of the truth as he knew. He |
| said that he had seen von Hardenberg break into the bungalow; he swore | said that he had seen von Hardenberg break into the bungalow; he swore | ||
| that he had lent him the crowbar that very day. Asked why he supposed | that he had lent him the crowbar that very day. Asked why he supposed | ||
| Line 847: | Line 845: | ||
| he had not the slightest idea what von Hardenberg did immediately after | he had not the slightest idea what von Hardenberg did immediately after | ||
| entering.</ | entering.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ridiculous to suppose that a young man of von Hardenberg' | ridiculous to suppose that a young man of von Hardenberg' | ||
| would rifle a cash-box, containing about twenty pounds. | would rifle a cash-box, containing about twenty pounds. | ||
| Line 854: | Line 852: | ||
| prosecuting, | prosecuting, | ||
| but he was unwilling any longer to employ Jim on the estate.</ | but he was unwilling any longer to employ Jim on the estate.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| speak, and then turned upon his son with a savage fierceness that was | speak, and then turned upon his son with a savage fierceness that was | ||
| terrible to see. He disowned him; he was no longer a son of his. He | terrible to see. He disowned him; he was no longer a son of his. He | ||
| Line 861: | Line 859: | ||
| As far as he was concerned, he had done with his son, once and for all. | As far as he was concerned, he had done with his son, once and for all. | ||
| He would blot out his memory. | He would blot out his memory. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| than ever came from physical hurt, the boy rose to his feet and slowly | than ever came from physical hurt, the boy rose to his feet and slowly | ||
| and in silence left the room. He went to his father' | and in silence left the room. He went to his father' | ||
| Line 868: | Line 866: | ||
| to carry on the end of a stick, he went his way down the drive of | to carry on the end of a stick, he went his way down the drive of | ||
| Friar' | Friar' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had not gone far before he heard footsteps approaching, |
| turning, beheld Harry Urquhart, running forward in haste. | turning, beheld Harry Urquhart, running forward in haste. | ||
| waited until his friend had come up with him. He tried to speak, but | waited until his friend had come up with him. He tried to speak, but | ||
| found that impossible. | found that impossible. | ||
| power of utterance.</ | power of utterance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| heart."</ | heart."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| can get away from this place where I am suspected and despised!"</ | can get away from this place where I am suspected and despised!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his friend' | his friend' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| carefully and putting it into his waistcoat pocket.</ | carefully and putting it into his waistcoat pocket.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| I'm confident I will succeed in the end. For the present, good-bye!"</ | I'm confident I will succeed in the end. For the present, good-bye!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| face, for his eyes were filling fast with tears.</ | face, for his eyes were filling fast with tears.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| with life before him to be started all anew. Under his own name, and | with life before him to be started all anew. Under his own name, and | ||
| with his old surroundings, | with his old surroundings, | ||
| dishonoured. | dishonoured. | ||
| forget and to live down the past.</ | forget and to live down the past.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the gate of the drive he came into the highroad, and, turning his |
| face towards London, set forward, walking as quickly as he could.</ | face towards London, set forward, walking as quickly as he could.</ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| Line 903: | Line 901: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| more reasons than one to be anxious to return to London.</ | more reasons than one to be anxious to return to London.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Langton' | Langton' | ||
| old researches, and then it was that for the first time he discovered | old researches, and then it was that for the first time he discovered | ||
| Line 914: | Line 912: | ||
| that, as well as the contents of the cash-box, the boy had stolen the | that, as well as the contents of the cash-box, the boy had stolen the | ||
| Sunstone, though poor Jim could have had no idea as to its value.</ | Sunstone, though poor Jim could have had no idea as to its value.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a great deal of money on advertisements, | a great deal of money on advertisements, | ||
| Braid to the police; but no trace of the boy could be found. | Braid to the police; but no trace of the boy could be found. | ||
| not until Christmas had come, and Harry Urquhart was again at Friar' | not until Christmas had come, and Harry Urquhart was again at Friar' | ||
| Court, that the Judge told his nephew of his suspicions.</ | Court, that the Judge told his nephew of his suspicions.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Judge. | the Judge. | ||
| conclusions upon the testimony of facts, and never allowed his personal | conclusions upon the testimony of facts, and never allowed his personal | ||
| opinions to influence him in the least.</ | opinions to influence him in the least.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| determined to find him. Since he had now left school, he obtained | determined to find him. Since he had now left school, he obtained | ||
| permission from his uncle to go to London. | permission from his uncle to go to London. | ||
| Line 929: | Line 927: | ||
| man to hide himself from the eyes of the world, even to bury his | man to hide himself from the eyes of the world, even to bury his | ||
| identity.</ | identity.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the meantime, Captain von Hardenberg had presented himself before |
| Peter Klein, the informer, and a long interview had taken place between | Peter Klein, the informer, and a long interview had taken place between | ||
| them.</ | them.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| moment, believed it the next; and fingered the strange jade ornament, | moment, believed it the next; and fingered the strange jade ornament, | ||
| first with reverence, and then almost with suspicion. | first with reverence, and then almost with suspicion. | ||
| Line 942: | Line 940: | ||
| once in his possession, he swore that he would pay Klein, not only the | once in his possession, he swore that he would pay Klein, not only the | ||
| full amount that was due to him, but ten per cent of the total profits.</ | full amount that was due to him, but ten per cent of the total profits.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| drove a hard bargain, who was relentless to his victims. | drove a hard bargain, who was relentless to his victims. | ||
| he himself was tired of cities, that the suspicions of the British | he himself was tired of cities, that the suspicions of the British | ||
| Line 951: | Line 949: | ||
| even to the Caves of Zoroaster. | even to the Caves of Zoroaster. | ||
| cent: they would share and share alike.</ | cent: they would share and share alike.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| clutches. | clutches. | ||
| ever his conduct was made known to the departmental heads of the German | ever his conduct was made known to the departmental heads of the German | ||
| Line 957: | Line 955: | ||
| hand by enlisting in his services an Arab whom he found starving in the | hand by enlisting in his services an Arab whom he found starving in the | ||
| vicinity of the docks.</ | vicinity of the docks.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| cold, was learned in many things. | cold, was learned in many things. | ||
| man who had roamed the world throughout his life, who had even been | man who had roamed the world throughout his life, who had even been | ||
| Line 971: | Line 969: | ||
| hidden somewhere in the mist-shrouded mountains that guard Lake Chad to | hidden somewhere in the mist-shrouded mountains that guard Lake Chad to | ||
| the east.</ | the east.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>To return to Jim Braid. |
| streets of London. | streets of London. | ||
| He had no trade but that of a gamekeeper, and such business was at a | He had no trade but that of a gamekeeper, and such business was at a | ||
| Line 981: | Line 979: | ||
| clothes in rags, he saw employment in sweeping the pavements and the | clothes in rags, he saw employment in sweeping the pavements and the | ||
| roads.</ | roads.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| himself in Jermyn Street. | himself in Jermyn Street. | ||
| drew up before a doorway, upon which was a brass plate bearing the name | drew up before a doorway, upon which was a brass plate bearing the name | ||
| "Peter Klein" | "Peter Klein" | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| could not remember where. | could not remember where. | ||
| misery in his heart had broken the boy completely; it was as if his | misery in his heart had broken the boy completely; it was as if his | ||
| Line 996: | Line 994: | ||
| the word "Old Calabar" | the word "Old Calabar" | ||
| half-dazed, without understanding what they meant.</ | half-dazed, without understanding what they meant.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| work was finished, and the driver had strapped them securely together, | work was finished, and the driver had strapped them securely together, | ||
| two men came from the house, followed by one who wore a turban, and | two men came from the house, followed by one who wore a turban, and | ||
| shivered from the cold.</ | shivered from the cold.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thin. He had a great black beard, and his eyes were like those of a | thin. He had a great black beard, and his eyes were like those of a | ||
| bird of prey. They were cruel, bloodshot, and passionate.</ | bird of prey. They were cruel, bloodshot, and passionate.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| paused with his foot upon the step and looked Jim Braid in the face. | paused with his foot upon the step and looked Jim Braid in the face. | ||
| Near by a street lamp flared and flickered, and in the light Jim | Near by a street lamp flared and flickered, and in the light Jim | ||
| recognized the features of Captain von Hardenberg, the man who had been | recognized the features of Captain von Hardenberg, the man who had been | ||
| his accuser.</ | his accuser.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He stared at him in amazement. |
| thought, at first, that he, too, would be recognized. | thought, at first, that he, too, would be recognized. | ||
| that misfortune had so changed him that his own mother would not have | that misfortune had so changed him that his own mother would not have | ||
| known him. He was thin and haggard-looking; | known him. He was thin and haggard-looking; | ||
| his gaunt form; his hair was so long that it extended over his ears.</ | his gaunt form; his hair was so long that it extended over his ears.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| helped to carry the boxes?"</ | helped to carry the boxes?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that the Prussian jumped into the taxi, telling the driver to go to |
| Charing Cross. | Charing Cross. | ||
| later the taxi was driving down the street.</ | later the taxi was driving down the street.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sixpence in his hand. He was starving; his bones ached from physical | sixpence in his hand. He was starving; his bones ached from physical | ||
| exhaustion; his head throbbed in a kind of fever. | exhaustion; his head throbbed in a kind of fever. | ||
| would sleep. | would sleep. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| spasmodic action he hurled the coin into the gutter, and walked away | spasmodic action he hurled the coin into the gutter, and walked away | ||
| quickly in the direction of the Haymarket.</ | quickly in the direction of the Haymarket.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He knew not where he was going. |
| going to the theatre. | going to the theatre. | ||
| gorgeous opera-cloak brushed against him, and uttered an exclamation of | gorgeous opera-cloak brushed against him, and uttered an exclamation of | ||
| Line 1035: | Line 1033: | ||
| footbridge; and there, pausing, with his folded arms upon the rails, he | footbridge; and there, pausing, with his folded arms upon the rails, he | ||
| looked down into the water.</ | looked down into the water.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that moment the sound of footsteps attracted his attention. |
| looked up into a face that he recognized at once. It was that of Harry | looked up into a face that he recognized at once. It was that of Harry | ||
| Urquhart, his only friend, the only person in the world who had | Urquhart, his only friend, the only person in the world who had | ||
| Line 1043: | Line 1041: | ||
| <h2 class=" | <h2 class=" | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>So astonished was he that he reeled backward as though he had been |
| struck.</ | struck.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| everywhere, and had almost given up hope of finding you. I don't know | everywhere, and had almost given up hope of finding you. I don't know | ||
| what led my footsteps to the bridge."</ | what led my footsteps to the bridge."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that Jim Braid burst into tears.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Northumberland Avenue he hailed a taxi, and the driver looked somewhat | Northumberland Avenue he hailed a taxi, and the driver looked somewhat | ||
| astonished when this ragged pauper got into the cab and seated himself | astonished when this ragged pauper got into the cab and seated himself | ||
| at the side of his well-dressed companion.</ | at the side of his well-dressed companion.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| before the fire, upon which he heaped more coals. | before the fire, upon which he heaped more coals. | ||
| forward, held out his hands before the cheerful blaze. | forward, held out his hands before the cheerful blaze. | ||
| at him, a great feeling of pity arose in his heart. | at him, a great feeling of pity arose in his heart. | ||
| miserable and wretched that he appeared barely to cling to life.</ | miserable and wretched that he appeared barely to cling to life.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| fell upon his food like a wolf. He had had absolutely nothing to eat | fell upon his food like a wolf. He had had absolutely nothing to eat | ||
| for two days.</ | for two days.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It is not wise to feed a starving man to repletion. |
| Braid' | Braid' | ||
| the verge of double pneumonia. | the verge of double pneumonia. | ||
| Line 1068: | Line 1066: | ||
| his life. Starvation, cold, dirt, to say nothing of his wound, had | his life. Starvation, cold, dirt, to say nothing of his wound, had | ||
| done their work; but a strong heart and youth pulled him through.</ | done their work; but a strong heart and youth pulled him through.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was nearly three months afterwards, when the spring was well |
| advanced, that one afternoon the two friends talked the whole matter | advanced, that one afternoon the two friends talked the whole matter | ||
| out.</ | out.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| One night the doctor gave you up. He actually left the house believing | One night the doctor gave you up. He actually left the house believing | ||
| you were dead."</ | you were dead."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Court."</ | Court."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sometimes sleeping in the open air, sometimes& | sometimes sleeping in the open air, sometimes& | ||
| bad& | bad& | ||
| great city like this I felt I could not be recognized and pointed out | great city like this I felt I could not be recognized and pointed out | ||
| as a thief. | as a thief. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| believe you guilty."</ | believe you guilty."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| laid a trap for me from which I could not escape. | laid a trap for me from which I could not escape. | ||
| went to the bungalow that night, my story might have been believed."</ | went to the bungalow that night, my story might have been believed."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Sunstone."</ | the Sunstone."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| knows of its value but my uncle, von Hardenberg, and myself. | knows of its value but my uncle, von Hardenberg, and myself. | ||
| be no doubt that my cousin took it."</ | be no doubt that my cousin took it."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| this cloud for the rest of your life. I know my cousin to be guilty; I | this cloud for the rest of your life. I know my cousin to be guilty; I | ||
| will not rest until I have proved him to be so. He has the Sunstone in | will not rest until I have proved him to be so. He has the Sunstone in | ||
| his possession, and I intend to do my best to recover it!"</ | his possession, and I intend to do my best to recover it!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a turban. | a turban. | ||
| carried their boxes on to the taxi. They were going to Old Calabar."</ | carried their boxes on to the taxi. They were going to Old Calabar."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Harry had seized him by the shoulders, and was shaking him as a terrier | Harry had seized him by the shoulders, and was shaking him as a terrier | ||
| shakes a rat.</ | shakes a rat.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| already. | already. | ||
| to Africa? | to Africa? | ||
| Line 1118: | Line 1116: | ||
| my uncle hears of this, I promise you he will take a very different | my uncle hears of this, I promise you he will take a very different | ||
| view of the question."</ | view of the question."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| but in certain caves which are situated upon the watershed on the | but in certain caves which are situated upon the watershed on the | ||
| southern side of the Sahara, the thing is worth thousands of pounds. | southern side of the Sahara, the thing is worth thousands of pounds. | ||
| Line 1128: | Line 1126: | ||
| will supply us with funds. | will supply us with funds. | ||
| fortune in order to recover the Sunstone."</ | fortune in order to recover the Sunstone."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| up and down the little sitting-room& | up and down the little sitting-room& | ||
| steps that& | steps that& | ||
| shook him violently to emphasize his words.</ | shook him violently to emphasize his words.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| had left early to go back to Friar' | had left early to go back to Friar' | ||
| the following day. In the meantime, Harry had given instructions that | the following day. In the meantime, Harry had given instructions that | ||
| his landlady was to look after his guest. | his landlady was to look after his guest. | ||
| had only to ring the bell.</ | had only to ring the bell.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On the afternoon of the second day Harry returned to London.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| he will not say openly that he has been guilty of a great injustice. | he will not say openly that he has been guilty of a great injustice. | ||
| In any case he intends to do everything in his power to get the | In any case he intends to do everything in his power to get the | ||
| Line 1147: | Line 1145: | ||
| his strength is failing, and he feels he is getting old. Jim, there' | his strength is failing, and he feels he is getting old. Jim, there' | ||
| hope yet, my lad. You and I together will see this matter through."</ | hope yet, my lad. You and I together will see this matter through."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| done! You have saved my life twice, and now you mean to save my | done! You have saved my life twice, and now you mean to save my | ||
| reputation."</ | reputation."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of us; we must stick to each other through thick and thin. I am | of us; we must stick to each other through thick and thin. I am | ||
| impatient to be off."</ | impatient to be off."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| could start upon their journey, war descended upon Europe like a | could start upon their journey, war descended upon Europe like a | ||
| thunderbolt, | thunderbolt, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was not so with the Germans. |
| feather had been employed for years in every country liable to prove | feather had been employed for years in every country liable to prove | ||
| hostile to the Fatherland. | hostile to the Fatherland. | ||
| Line 1167: | Line 1165: | ||
| servants either as spies themselves or as agents for the purpose of | servants either as spies themselves or as agents for the purpose of | ||
| engaging and rewarding informers.</ | engaging and rewarding informers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the whip hand at the start, that Belgium, Poland, and Serbia were | the whip hand at the start, that Belgium, Poland, and Serbia were | ||
| overrun, and Paris herself saved only at the eleventh hour.</ | overrun, and Paris herself saved only at the eleventh hour.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to do. He was wishful to serve his country, and could without | to do. He was wishful to serve his country, and could without | ||
| difficulty have secured a commission within a few weeks of the | difficulty have secured a commission within a few weeks of the | ||
| Line 1179: | Line 1177: | ||
| wealth that they contained would ultimately find its way to the | wealth that they contained would ultimately find its way to the | ||
| Fatherland.</ | Fatherland.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| departure had to be postponed whilst Mr. Langton obtained permission | departure had to be postponed whilst Mr. Langton obtained permission | ||
| from the War Office authorities for his two protégés to visit the West | from the War Office authorities for his two protégés to visit the West | ||
| Line 1186: | Line 1184: | ||
| themselves sitting together in a first-class railway compartment on | themselves sitting together in a first-class railway compartment on | ||
| their way to Southampton.</ | their way to Southampton.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A few hours afterwards, on a dark windy night, they were on board a |
| ship that rolled and pitched upon its way to Ushant. | ship that rolled and pitched upon its way to Ushant. | ||
| flashed good-bye from England, and the dark sea, as they knew quite | flashed good-bye from England, and the dark sea, as they knew quite | ||
| Line 1197: | Line 1195: | ||
| pitched and rolled in a confused sea, and the wind howled round | pitched and rolled in a confused sea, and the wind howled round | ||
| Finisterre, which was wrapped in an impenetrable fog.</ | Finisterre, which was wrapped in an impenetrable fog.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| coast, after which the heat became excessive.</ | coast, after which the heat became excessive.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| from which place they intended to strike inland through the bush, after | from which place they intended to strike inland through the bush, after | ||
| engaging the services of a party of Kru boys to act as carriers.</ | engaging the services of a party of Kru boys to act as carriers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On these still tropic seas, dazzling in the sunshine, there was no sign |
| of war, except an occasional torpedo-boat destroyer which flew past | of war, except an occasional torpedo-boat destroyer which flew past | ||
| them at a speed of thirty knots an hour.</ | them at a speed of thirty knots an hour.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At Sierra Leone, Harry betook himself to a certain gentleman holding an |
| influential position in the Civil Service, to whom he had a letter of | influential position in the Civil Service, to whom he had a letter of | ||
| introduction from his uncle, and who received the boy with courtesy and | introduction from his uncle, and who received the boy with courtesy and | ||
| Line 1217: | Line 1215: | ||
| Victoria he would find his hands tied by those in command of the | Victoria he would find his hands tied by those in command of the | ||
| Expeditionary Force, who had no liking for civilians at the front.</ | Expeditionary Force, who had no liking for civilians at the front.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| enter Maziriland."</ | enter Maziriland."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| there."</ | there."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| tell you frankly the country is by no means safe. All the natives are | tell you frankly the country is by no means safe. All the natives are | ||
| in arms, some purchased by rum by the Germans, others loyal to us. In | in arms, some purchased by rum by the Germans, others loyal to us. In | ||
| Line 1233: | Line 1231: | ||
| and the natives you encounter may sell you as prisoners to the Germans. | and the natives you encounter may sell you as prisoners to the Germans. | ||
| Some of them will do anything for drink."</ | Some of them will do anything for drink."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the object of his journey was of more than vital importance, and | the object of his journey was of more than vital importance, and | ||
| shortly afterwards took his leave, returning to the ship.</ | shortly afterwards took his leave, returning to the ship.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| clothing, arms and ammunition; and at Old Calabar they purchased a | clothing, arms and ammunition; and at Old Calabar they purchased a | ||
| canoe and engaged the services of six stalwart Kru boys. Harry' | canoe and engaged the services of six stalwart Kru boys. Harry' | ||
| Line 1251: | Line 1249: | ||
| Governor, who had hoped to rule the West Coast native with the iron | Governor, who had hoped to rule the West Coast native with the iron | ||
| discipline of Potsdam.</ | discipline of Potsdam.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| birth& | birth& | ||
| Maziriland unless his brother was engaged to come with him.</ | Maziriland unless his brother was engaged to come with him.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He explained that this brother of his was younger and more agile than |
| himself. | himself. | ||
| days when the West Coast was practically unexplored, and they had | days when the West Coast was practically unexplored, and they had | ||
| worked together hand-in-glove.</ | worked together hand-in-glove.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| expedition; and when they presented themselves before Harry Urquhart, | expedition; and when they presented themselves before Harry Urquhart, | ||
| the young Englishman could hardly refrain from smiling at their | the young Englishman could hardly refrain from smiling at their | ||
| personal appearance.</ | personal appearance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| themselves Europeans, though neither had ever set eyes upon the | themselves Europeans, though neither had ever set eyes upon the | ||
| northern continent. | northern continent. | ||
| Line 1280: | Line 1278: | ||
| early ' | early ' | ||
| to rebellion, heavily fined, and banished from the country.</ | to rebellion, heavily fined, and banished from the country.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Before leaving Calabar they supplemented their commissariat with a new | Before leaving Calabar they supplemented their commissariat with a new | ||
| supply of provisions; and, a few days after, it was a small but | supply of provisions; and, a few days after, it was a small but | ||
| Line 1294: | Line 1292: | ||
| a poison-cloud. | a poison-cloud. | ||
| Grave.</ | Grave.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| valley, and unloading the canoes& | valley, and unloading the canoes& | ||
| swamp& | swamp& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It would be tedious to describe in detail the long weeks that followed |
| or the hardships they had to undergo. | or the hardships they had to undergo. | ||
| them, to find their own way back to the coast. | them, to find their own way back to the coast. | ||
| Fernando proved loyal to the hilt, and eventually the party came out | Fernando proved loyal to the hilt, and eventually the party came out | ||
| from the jungle upon the high ground in the central part of the colony.</ | from the jungle upon the high ground in the central part of the colony.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| vegetation save rank mountain grass and withered shrubs in sheltered | vegetation save rank mountain grass and withered shrubs in sheltered | ||
| places. | places. | ||
| native villages a wide berth and always on the look-out for an | native villages a wide berth and always on the look-out for an | ||
| ambuscade.</ | ambuscade.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| brother prided himself upon his skill as a runner. | brother prided himself upon his skill as a runner. | ||
| on the line of march to jump fallen trees and brooks.</ | on the line of march to jump fallen trees and brooks.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In these higher altitudes there was a plenitude of game, whereas in the |
| bush they had been near to starving, and one morning they were crossing | bush they had been near to starving, and one morning they were crossing | ||
| a spur of a great cloud-wrapped mountain when Cortes, who had been | a spur of a great cloud-wrapped mountain when Cortes, who had been | ||
| Line 1317: | Line 1315: | ||
| idea as to what had happened, and suspected that the guide had sighted | idea as to what had happened, and suspected that the guide had sighted | ||
| a party of the enemy.</ | a party of the enemy.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| horns branching from the crown of his shaggy head.</ | horns branching from the crown of his shaggy head.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wild goats, though perhaps not so good as that of the wild sheep, is by | wild goats, though perhaps not so good as that of the wild sheep, is by | ||
| no means unwelcome when one must journey far from civilization in the | no means unwelcome when one must journey far from civilization in the | ||
| wilds of the African hills.</ | wilds of the African hills.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| deep breath, took long and careful aim. Gently he pressed the trigger, | deep breath, took long and careful aim. Gently he pressed the trigger, | ||
| the rifle kicked, there came a sharp report, and the bullet sped upon | the rifle kicked, there came a sharp report, and the bullet sped upon | ||
| its way. On the instant the beast was seen galloping at breakneck | its way. On the instant the beast was seen galloping at breakneck | ||
| speed down what seemed an almost perpendicular cliff.</ | speed down what seemed an almost perpendicular cliff.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Finally it was decided that Fernando should go on ahead with the camp | Finally it was decided that Fernando should go on ahead with the camp | ||
| kit and cooking-utensils, | kit and cooking-utensils, | ||
| and Jim in pursuit of the wounded goat. They agreed to meet at | and Jim in pursuit of the wounded goat. They agreed to meet at | ||
| nightfall at a place known to the brothers.</ | nightfall at a place known to the brothers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It took them nearly an hour to scramble across the valley, to reach the |
| place where the animal had been wounded. | place where the animal had been wounded. | ||
| predicted, there were drops of blood upon the stones. | predicted, there were drops of blood upon the stones. | ||
| they followed the spoor, and about two o' | they followed the spoor, and about two o' | ||
| sighted the wounded beast, lying down in the open.</ | sighted the wounded beast, lying down in the open.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was still well out of range, and, unfortunately for them, on the |
| windward side. That meant they would have to make a detour of several | windward side. That meant they would have to make a detour of several | ||
| miles in order to come within range.</ | miles in order to come within range.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| not to show themselves, for the eyes of the wild goat are like those of | not to show themselves, for the eyes of the wild goat are like those of | ||
| the eagle. | the eagle. | ||
| Line 1354: | Line 1352: | ||
| place. | place. | ||
| the valley.</ | the valley.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| valley to the west. Here there was no chance of being seen or winded | valley to the west. Here there was no chance of being seen or winded | ||
| by the beast; and, since it was now possible to walk in an upright | by the beast; and, since it was now possible to walk in an upright | ||
| position, they progressed more rapidly.</ | position, they progressed more rapidly.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| immediately above the wounded animal they climbed stealthily up the | immediately above the wounded animal they climbed stealthily up the | ||
| hill. On the crest-line they sought cover behind great boulders, which | hill. On the crest-line they sought cover behind great boulders, which | ||
| Line 1365: | Line 1363: | ||
| field-glasses to his eyes, they scanned the valley where they had left | field-glasses to his eyes, they scanned the valley where they had left | ||
| their quarry.</ | their quarry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| mysteriously as if it had been spirited away.</ | mysteriously as if it had been spirited away.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was about to rise to his feet, but the half-caste held him down by |
| force.</ | force.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| yonder."</ | yonder."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| got their wind. Otherwise he would not have gone."</ | got their wind. Otherwise he would not have gone."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| being father to the thought.</ | being father to the thought.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Germans."</ | Germans."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| reality of their situation. | reality of their situation. | ||
| and Peter Klein or else the Germans had received news of their having | and Peter Klein or else the Germans had received news of their having | ||
| reached the frontier.</ | reached the frontier.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| will be awaiting us."</ | will be awaiting us."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had learnt his English on the Coast. |
| but with the strange, clipped words used by the natives themselves, | but with the strange, clipped words used by the natives themselves, | ||
| though the man was half a Spaniard.</ | though the man was half a Spaniard.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| straight there. | straight there. | ||
| danger is close at hand."</ | danger is close at hand."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| beating quickly.</ | beating quickly.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| started, my brother thought he heard a shot, far in the distance. | started, my brother thought he heard a shot, far in the distance. | ||
| Also," he added, " | Also," he added, " | ||
| game. Something has scared them away."</ | game. Something has scared them away."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| time to get back before nightfall."</ | time to get back before nightfall."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As he said this he rose to his feet, and the moment he did so there |
| came the double report of a rifle from far away in the hills, and a | came the double report of a rifle from far away in the hills, and a | ||
| bullet cut past him and buried itself in the ground, not fifteen paces | bullet cut past him and buried itself in the ground, not fifteen paces | ||
| from his feet.</ | from his feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| </ | </ | ||
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| Line 1413: | Line 1411: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| second bullet whistled over his head.</ | second bullet whistled over his head.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As he uttered these words, he turned upon his heel and ran down the |
| hill, followed by the two boys. The man held himself in a crouching | hill, followed by the two boys. The man held himself in a crouching | ||
| position until he was well over the crest-line. | position until he was well over the crest-line. | ||
| waited for his companions.</ | waited for his companions.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| as from running.</ | as from running.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| In this part of the world only those natives carry rifles who are paid | In this part of the world only those natives carry rifles who are paid | ||
| by Kaiser Wilhelm."</ | by Kaiser Wilhelm."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| country. | country. | ||
| not cross the valley, they would have to make a detour; which meant | not cross the valley, they would have to make a detour; which meant | ||
| Line 1431: | Line 1429: | ||
| then, for all they knew, they might find him lying in his own blood, | then, for all they knew, they might find him lying in his own blood, | ||
| their provisions and their reserve ammunition stolen.</ | their provisions and their reserve ammunition stolen.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| height, his fingers playing with his chin.</ | height, his fingers playing with his chin.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| than for you and your friend to go to him. My brother and I are | than for you and your friend to go to him. My brother and I are | ||
| hunters; we can pass through the bush in silence; we can travel amid | hunters; we can pass through the bush in silence; we can travel amid | ||
| Line 1441: | Line 1439: | ||
| Englishmen; you have not lived your lives in the mountains and the | Englishmen; you have not lived your lives in the mountains and the | ||
| bush; you do not understand these things."</ | bush; you do not understand these things."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He said this with some scorn in his voice. |
| the man& | the man& | ||
| the aspect of their surroundings, | the aspect of their surroundings, | ||
| cruel. | cruel. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Yonder," | Yonder," | ||
| the hill-side like a mantle. | the hill-side like a mantle. | ||
| Line 1452: | Line 1450: | ||
| Germans come, you can hide. I will go alone to my brother and bring | Germans come, you can hide. I will go alone to my brother and bring | ||
| him back with me."</ | him back with me."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| on the mountain-side. | on the mountain-side. | ||
| the forest of which the man had spoken. | the forest of which the man had spoken. | ||
| swamp, thousands of feet below them, where the heat hung like a fog.</ | swamp, thousands of feet below them, where the heat hung like a fog.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the sun was setting; but as the daylight dwindled a great moon arose. | the sun was setting; but as the daylight dwindled a great moon arose. | ||
| Cortes led them to a place, on the verge of a deep ravine, where there | Cortes led them to a place, on the verge of a deep ravine, where there | ||
| was an old tree with a hollow trunk that looked as if it had been | was an old tree with a hollow trunk that looked as if it had been | ||
| struck by lightning.</ | struck by lightning.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| be as quick as I can, but in any case I cannot be back until midnight. | be as quick as I can, but in any case I cannot be back until midnight. | ||
| If I do not return by then, you will know that I am dead; then& | If I do not return by then, you will know that I am dead; then& | ||
| are wise& | are wise& | ||
| hide." | hide." | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of the living rock like some gigantic lizard.</ | of the living rock like some gigantic lizard.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| every side they were surrounded by the impenetrable hills. | every side they were surrounded by the impenetrable hills. | ||
| of the forest stood forth in the semi-darkness like great, ghostly | of the forest stood forth in the semi-darkness like great, ghostly | ||
| Line 1476: | Line 1474: | ||
| bush. A few yards away was the ravine, the bottom of which was wide | bush. A few yards away was the ravine, the bottom of which was wide | ||
| and bare and stony.</ | and bare and stony.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| patience. | patience. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| brothers.</ | brothers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| forest to go rolling down into the ravine. | forest to go rolling down into the ravine. | ||
| expectant.</ | expectant.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| approaching through the bush. If this were an enemy they would have | approaching through the bush. If this were an enemy they would have | ||
| small chance of escaping, for the side of the ravine was inaccessible; | small chance of escaping, for the side of the ravine was inaccessible; | ||
| it was like a precipice.</ | it was like a precipice.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the very tree by which they were standing, there crawled a dying, | the very tree by which they were standing, there crawled a dying, | ||
| wounded mountain goat.</ | wounded mountain goat.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It died almost as it reached them. Indeed, it was almost a miracle |
| that the animal had lived as long as it had, for Harry' | that the animal had lived as long as it had, for Harry' | ||
| penetrated its chest.</ | penetrated its chest.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| half-caste brothers. | half-caste brothers. | ||
| first time the extreme danger of their mission, that they were alone in | first time the extreme danger of their mission, that they were alone in | ||
| Line 1501: | Line 1499: | ||
| friends and civilization, | friends and civilization, | ||
| returning in safety to the coast.</ | returning in safety to the coast.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| get out of this alive."</ | get out of this alive."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to die, we'll make a fight of it, at least."</ | to die, we'll make a fight of it, at least."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was then that a sound came to their ears that caused them to hold |
| their breath. | their breath. | ||
| and which, moreover, came from not far away.</ | and which, moreover, came from not far away.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| grass, they were able to look down into the ravine, where they beheld a | grass, they were able to look down into the ravine, where they beheld a | ||
| company of German native troops with whom were two or three European | company of German native troops with whom were two or three European | ||
| Line 1516: | Line 1514: | ||
| features they might have learned their drill on the parade-grounds of | features they might have learned their drill on the parade-grounds of | ||
| Potsdam and Berlin.</ | Potsdam and Berlin.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| amazement& | amazement& | ||
| European whose hands were bound behind his back and around whose neck | European whose hands were bound behind his back and around whose neck | ||
| was a kind of halter.</ | was a kind of halter.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| </ | </ | ||
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| Line 1532: | Line 1530: | ||
| native kings. | native kings. | ||
| which enables them to use their powers for bribery and corruption.</ | which enables them to use their powers for bribery and corruption.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the centre of the ravine, immediately below the place where the two |
| boys were hiding, the officer in command called a halt. When the men | boys were hiding, the officer in command called a halt. When the men | ||
| had fallen out and released their packs from their shoulders, the | had fallen out and released their packs from their shoulders, the | ||
| Line 1539: | Line 1537: | ||
| grimaces and gesticulations were so expressive that they could have no | grimaces and gesticulations were so expressive that they could have no | ||
| doubt that he was performing some kind of religious ceremony.</ | doubt that he was performing some kind of religious ceremony.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was evident that the party intended to pitch their camp in the |
| ravine, for several men under the command of one of the | ravine, for several men under the command of one of the | ||
| non-commissioned officers set about collecting wood with which to make | non-commissioned officers set about collecting wood with which to make | ||
| a fire.</ | a fire.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| take to their heels, seeking refuge in the forest. | take to their heels, seeking refuge in the forest. | ||
| remembered that if they did this there would be small chance of their | remembered that if they did this there would be small chance of their | ||
| Line 1549: | Line 1547: | ||
| silently as possible they crawled on hands and knees to the hollow | silently as possible they crawled on hands and knees to the hollow | ||
| tree, and hid themselves in the trunk.</ | tree, and hid themselves in the trunk.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| just able to see into the gorge. | just able to see into the gorge. | ||
| groups: the German officers sat alone; the European noncommissioned | groups: the German officers sat alone; the European noncommissioned | ||
| officers formed a ring around a smaller fire; whereas the natives were | officers formed a ring around a smaller fire; whereas the natives were | ||
| congregated around the fetish-man.</ | congregated around the fetish-man.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| standing over him. His lips were bloodless, his eyes staring, his face | standing over him. His lips were bloodless, his eyes staring, his face | ||
| like that of a ghost. | like that of a ghost. | ||
| laughed. | laughed. | ||
| refused to eat, though now his hands had been unbound.</ | refused to eat, though now his hands had been unbound.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| upon the bare rocks about the embers of the fire. The officer in | upon the bare rocks about the embers of the fire. The officer in | ||
| command& | command& | ||
| Line 1567: | Line 1565: | ||
| language& | language& | ||
| kill him.</ | kill him.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| which were the two boys, but on the other side, overlooking the valley | which were the two boys, but on the other side, overlooking the valley | ||
| to the east. It was apparently from this direction that the Germans | to the east. It was apparently from this direction that the Germans | ||
| seemed to fear for their safety.</ | seemed to fear for their safety.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| not think why they had not returned. | not think why they had not returned. | ||
| Cortes had said he would be back certainly before twelve.</ | Cortes had said he would be back certainly before twelve.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| droning of myriads of insects from the mangrove swamp and the gurgling | droning of myriads of insects from the mangrove swamp and the gurgling | ||
| sound of the river. | sound of the river. | ||
| Line 1580: | Line 1578: | ||
| together in the tree-trunk. | together in the tree-trunk. | ||
| standing position. | standing position. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| knees. | knees. | ||
| To the boy's surprise, he observed that not only the Germans and the | To the boy's surprise, he observed that not only the Germans and the | ||
| native soldiers, but also the sentry, were sound asleep. | native soldiers, but also the sentry, were sound asleep. | ||
| huddled attitudes around the dying fires.</ | huddled attitudes around the dying fires.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the man moved and heaved a sigh. Presently he groaned.</ | the man moved and heaved a sigh. Presently he groaned.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| spy, one fit to be despised, and moreover a German, an enemy of his | spy, one fit to be despised, and moreover a German, an enemy of his | ||
| country. | country. | ||
| Line 1594: | Line 1592: | ||
| Peter Klein himself, who might be disposed to speak in gratitude for | Peter Klein himself, who might be disposed to speak in gratitude for | ||
| his deliverance.</ | his deliverance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| not possible for Harry to descend the sides of the ravine, neither was | not possible for Harry to descend the sides of the ravine, neither was | ||
| it possible for Klein, even had his hands and legs not been bound, to | it possible for Klein, even had his hands and legs not been bound, to | ||
| climb up the cliffs.</ | climb up the cliffs.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As stealthily as before, Urquhart crawled back into the wood, until he |
| came to a place where there was a long, rope-like creeper& | came to a place where there was a long, rope-like creeper& | ||
| vegetable parasites which are so common in the forests of the tropics. | vegetable parasites which are so common in the forests of the tropics. | ||
| Line 1604: | Line 1602: | ||
| so tenaciously was the work of not many minutes, and Harry was in | so tenaciously was the work of not many minutes, and Harry was in | ||
| possession of what to all intents and purposes was a very useful rope.</ | possession of what to all intents and purposes was a very useful rope.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the end of it to the trunk of a tree. That done, hand over hand he let | the end of it to the trunk of a tree. That done, hand over hand he let | ||
| himself down to the bottom.</ | himself down to the bottom.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| captive, and with his jack-knife cut the bonds that bound Klein' | captive, and with his jack-knife cut the bonds that bound Klein' | ||
| and hands.</ | and hands.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was all he could do to walk. With faltering steps he stumbled towards | was all he could do to walk. With faltering steps he stumbled towards | ||
| the dangling rope, and Harry feared that he would fall and wake the | the dangling rope, and Harry feared that he would fall and wake the | ||
| sleeping Germans.</ | sleeping Germans.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| climb. | climb. | ||
| despair upon his face.</ | despair upon his face.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the top you are safe. They cannot follow you. They have no rope, and | the top you are safe. They cannot follow you. They have no rope, and | ||
| will be obliged to go a long way round."</ | will be obliged to go a long way round."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a great stimulant; it sometimes leads a man to perform prodigies of | a great stimulant; it sometimes leads a man to perform prodigies of | ||
| strength that he could never accomplish in calmer moments. | strength that he could never accomplish in calmer moments. | ||
| hand the man scrambled to the top of the ravine, and there lay down, | hand the man scrambled to the top of the ravine, and there lay down, | ||
| panting and exhausted.</ | panting and exhausted.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| looked down again.</ | looked down again.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| snoring like a pig.</ | snoring like a pig.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| by the hand.</ | by the hand.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| verily believe those villains would have shot me."</ | verily believe those villains would have shot me."</ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| Line 1646: | Line 1644: | ||
| he had a dread of being left alone. | he had a dread of being left alone. | ||
| some way back into the forest, to remain at his side till dawn.</ | some way back into the forest, to remain at his side till dawn.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| who were at the bottom of the ravine and unable to reach them. Still, | who were at the bottom of the ravine and unable to reach them. Still, | ||
| they could not continue their march, since without the guides they were | they could not continue their march, since without the guides they were | ||
| Line 1652: | Line 1650: | ||
| where they were, there was always a chance that one, or both, of the | where they were, there was always a chance that one, or both, of the | ||
| brothers would return.</ | brothers would return.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hands of those who should be your friends?"</ | hands of those who should be your friends?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| weeks ago. The party consisted of Captain von Hardenberg, our | weeks ago. The party consisted of Captain von Hardenberg, our | ||
| guide& | guide& | ||
| Line 1662: | Line 1660: | ||
| importance& | importance& | ||
| penetrate the bush.</ | penetrate the bush.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| were tracked, and were obliged to fly for our lives.</ | were tracked, and were obliged to fly for our lives.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| we were harassed and tormented, until two nights ago a raid was made | we were harassed and tormented, until two nights ago a raid was made | ||
| upon our bivouac. | upon our bivouac. | ||
| Line 1673: | Line 1671: | ||
| bare slope, and I think they managed to escape. | bare slope, and I think they managed to escape. | ||
| downhill with a score of native soldiers at my heels.</ | downhill with a score of native soldiers at my heels.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| valleys, across the hills, striving to reach the bush, where I knew I | valleys, across the hills, striving to reach the bush, where I knew I | ||
| would be safe. Sometimes I found myself buried in the gloom of | would be safe. Sometimes I found myself buried in the gloom of | ||
| forests; at others I stood upon the edge of precipices so deep that the | forests; at others I stood upon the edge of precipices so deep that the | ||
| clouds were at my feet.</ | clouds were at my feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and scourged me with a whip. They gave me to understand they would | and scourged me with a whip. They gave me to understand they would | ||
| eventually put me to a traitor' | eventually put me to a traitor' | ||
| Line 1686: | Line 1684: | ||
| too fatigued and too disturbed in mind to sleep. | too fatigued and too disturbed in mind to sleep. | ||
| at the eleventh hour. That is all my story."</ | at the eleventh hour. That is all my story."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| part of the world, or why von Hardenberg& | part of the world, or why von Hardenberg& | ||
| from the Germans?"</ | from the Germans?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ashamed.</ | ashamed.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| never lets it out of his possession. | never lets it out of his possession. | ||
| it. He has had a special pocket made for it in the inside of his coat, | it. He has had a special pocket made for it in the inside of his coat, | ||
| on the left-hand side."</ | on the left-hand side."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that my cousin stole it from my uncle, but you are perhaps ignorant of | that my cousin stole it from my uncle, but you are perhaps ignorant of | ||
| the fact that, to cover his own guilt, he wrongfully accused one who | the fact that, to cover his own guilt, he wrongfully accused one who | ||
| Line 1709: | Line 1707: | ||
| fact that our nations are at war, you consider the Sunstone of far | fact that our nations are at war, you consider the Sunstone of far | ||
| greater importance than your Fatherland?"</ | greater importance than your Fatherland?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| my honour for gold long ago. I would not say that in Europe, in London | my honour for gold long ago. I would not say that in Europe, in London | ||
| or Berlin, but here we are in the very midst of death, and all things | or Berlin, but here we are in the very midst of death, and all things | ||
| are different& | are different& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| money, even should the treasure be discovered. | money, even should the treasure be discovered. | ||
| come here to recover the treasure, so much as to prevent it from | come here to recover the treasure, so much as to prevent it from | ||
| falling into the hands of the enemies of my country. | falling into the hands of the enemies of my country. | ||
| to capture the Sunstone, be the risk and danger what it may be."</ | to capture the Sunstone, be the risk and danger what it may be."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| earth."</ | earth."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Germany. | Germany. | ||
| part with the Sunstone at a lesser price than his life."</ | part with the Sunstone at a lesser price than his life."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| When the guest of the British nation he was to all intents and purposes | When the guest of the British nation he was to all intents and purposes | ||
| a spy; he swindled you; and now, in the midst of war, he proves himself | a spy; he swindled you; and now, in the midst of war, he proves himself | ||
| a traitor once again."</ | a traitor once again."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of the past few days had seriously affected his health; he was | of the past few days had seriously affected his health; he was | ||
| suffering from a kind of St. Vitus' | suffering from a kind of St. Vitus' | ||
| moment.</ | moment.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Long since I had forgotten all about it. I have now but one idea& | Long since I had forgotten all about it. I have now but one idea& | ||
| get back to Europe, if I can. I dare not return to my home, which is | get back to Europe, if I can. I dare not return to my home, which is | ||
| in Frankfort. | in Frankfort. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was then that somewhere in the forest, near at hand, a twig broke. |
| Both sprang instantly to their feet.</ | Both sprang instantly to their feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A dark figure came suddenly out of the thickets, and Urquhart, with his |
| finger upon the trigger of his revolver, was about to fire, when he was | finger upon the trigger of his revolver, was about to fire, when he was | ||
| arrested by a voice.</ | arrested by a voice.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was the voice of Jim Braid.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| heavens. | heavens. | ||
| arc of light, heralding the approach of day. It was as if even the | arc of light, heralding the approach of day. It was as if even the | ||
| abundant vegetation of the jungle was itself awakening after sleep. | abundant vegetation of the jungle was itself awakening after sleep. | ||
| When he was quite close to Harry, Braid took him by the arm.</ | When he was quite close to Harry, Braid took him by the arm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Germans have discovered their prisoner has escaped."</ | Germans have discovered their prisoner has escaped."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Klein.</ | Klein.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| endeavoured to escape. | endeavoured to escape. | ||
| think of searching. | think of searching. | ||
| climbed up the side of the ravine."</ | climbed up the side of the ravine."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| later they had ample proof that Harry was perfectly right. | later they had ample proof that Harry was perfectly right. | ||
| remained behind, whilst the two boys crawled back to the edge of the | remained behind, whilst the two boys crawled back to the edge of the | ||
| gorge and thence looked down into the bivouac.</ | gorge and thence looked down into the bivouac.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| heavens, the shadows fled from the valleys, and the bush became alive | heavens, the shadows fled from the valleys, and the bush became alive | ||
| with the songs of thousands of birds.</ | with the songs of thousands of birds.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| again. | again. | ||
| with trembling knees and shaking lips before the major in command, who, | with trembling knees and shaking lips before the major in command, who, | ||
| Line 1776: | Line 1774: | ||
| a dog, sentenced him to be shot. And then and there the sentence was | a dog, sentenced him to be shot. And then and there the sentence was | ||
| carried out before their eyes.</ | carried out before their eyes.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| two parties, evidently with the idea of searching both ends of the | two parties, evidently with the idea of searching both ends of the | ||
| ravine. | ravine. | ||
| which we have to tell.</ | which we have to tell.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and sergeants. | and sergeants. | ||
| listening to his words with silent respect. | listening to his words with silent respect. | ||
| Line 1794: | Line 1792: | ||
| training, and the curses of the German non-commissioned officers, the | training, and the curses of the German non-commissioned officers, the | ||
| Cameroon native became the untutored savage once again.</ | Cameroon native became the untutored savage once again.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the panic of the moment the native soldiers took to their heels, |
| evidently under the impression that they had been surprised by a | evidently under the impression that they had been surprised by a | ||
| British force. | British force. | ||
| somewhere in the midst of the shrubbery that grew on the farther side | somewhere in the midst of the shrubbery that grew on the farther side | ||
| of the gorge.</ | of the gorge.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| from his hiding-place upon the mountain-side was a marksman of repute. | from his hiding-place upon the mountain-side was a marksman of repute. | ||
| He fired in haste at running figures, and more than once his bullets | He fired in haste at running figures, and more than once his bullets | ||
| found their mark. The German-trained soldiers vanished as by a | found their mark. The German-trained soldiers vanished as by a | ||
| conjuring-trick, | conjuring-trick, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| field-glasses from their case, scanned the mountain that overtopped the | field-glasses from their case, scanned the mountain that overtopped the | ||
| ravine, endeavouring to discover the form of the mysterious and | ravine, endeavouring to discover the form of the mysterious and | ||
| terrible marksman who had created such alarm.</ | terrible marksman who had created such alarm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| silent as the grave. | silent as the grave. | ||
| the dazzling sunlight with the gladness of their songs.</ | the dazzling sunlight with the gladness of their songs.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| no sign of them. I expect one or the other will show himself in a | no sign of them. I expect one or the other will show himself in a | ||
| minute."</ | minute."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| suspense no longer. | suspense no longer. | ||
| long-drawn shout.</ | long-drawn shout.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| but no voice came back in answer.</ | but no voice came back in answer.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| which he could offer no sort of explanation.</ | which he could offer no sort of explanation.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| rocks. | rocks. | ||
| sure of foot. Upon his head he wore a turban. | sure of foot. Upon his head he wore a turban. | ||
| of flowing white, and in his hand he carried a rifle.</ | of flowing white, and in his hand he carried a rifle.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Beyond the fact that he was a tall man with a great black beard, he | Beyond the fact that he was a tall man with a great black beard, he | ||
| could see little or nothing, by reason of the prodigious pace at which | could see little or nothing, by reason of the prodigious pace at which | ||
| Line 1833: | Line 1831: | ||
| that this man& | that this man& | ||
| scattered the Germans& | scattered the Germans& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that he was about to approach to within speaking distance of | that he was about to approach to within speaking distance of | ||
| themselves. | themselves. | ||
| belt of trees almost as suddenly as he had come.</ | belt of trees almost as suddenly as he had come.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that was the last they saw of him for some days, and it was not until | that was the last they saw of him for some days, and it was not until | ||
| then that they discovered who he was. He came and vanished like a | then that they discovered who he was. He came and vanished like a | ||
| Line 1844: | Line 1842: | ||
| human being. | human being. | ||
| mystery of the wild hills of the German Cameroons.</ | mystery of the wild hills of the German Cameroons.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| guides; they had practically no provisions; and they had not the least | guides; they had practically no provisions; and they had not the least | ||
| idea where they were or in which direction they should go.</ | idea where they were or in which direction they should go.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Klein to their counsels. | Klein to their counsels. | ||
| incapable of giving advice. | incapable of giving advice. | ||
| Line 1853: | Line 1851: | ||
| and shook his head. It was as if the physical and moral strain he had | and shook his head. It was as if the physical and moral strain he had | ||
| undergone had actually made him mad.</ | undergone had actually made him mad.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pointed out that they were helpless without their guides, and argued | pointed out that they were helpless without their guides, and argued | ||
| that it was wisest to remain where they were, in case either of the | that it was wisest to remain where they were, in case either of the | ||
| half-castes should repair to their meeting-place and find them gone.</ | half-castes should repair to their meeting-place and find them gone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| roasted some bananas& | roasted some bananas& | ||
| the bush. After they had eaten these, Harry and Klein lay down to | the bush. After they had eaten these, Harry and Klein lay down to | ||
| sleep, Jim Braid consenting to keep watch during the earlier hours of | sleep, Jim Braid consenting to keep watch during the earlier hours of | ||
| the night.</ | the night.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Jim Braid, who sat upon a boulder with his rifle upon his knees, heard | Jim Braid, who sat upon a boulder with his rifle upon his knees, heard | ||
| on a sudden a short cough immediately behind him. He turned quickly in | on a sudden a short cough immediately behind him. He turned quickly in | ||
| alarm.</ | alarm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| immediately between them, calmly biting the end from a cheroot, was the | immediately between them, calmly biting the end from a cheroot, was the | ||
| figure of Fernando.</ | figure of Fernando.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| could have killed all three of you."</ | could have killed all three of you."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was then that Braid awakened Harry and told him the news. The boy |
| was heartily glad to see the guide, whom he had certainly believed to | was heartily glad to see the guide, whom he had certainly believed to | ||
| be dead.</ | be dead.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| You could never have got back to Calabar. | You could never have got back to Calabar. | ||
| German troops."</ | German troops."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| brother has already struck out across the mountains. | brother has already struck out across the mountains. | ||
| a place where they will never find us. I have come here to take you | a place where they will never find us. I have come here to take you | ||
| Line 1899: | Line 1897: | ||
| were often obliged to go on all fours, and Klein, who was both weak and | were often obliged to go on all fours, and Klein, who was both weak and | ||
| nervous, stood in constant danger of his life.</ | nervous, stood in constant danger of his life.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| like a bowl. It was evidently the crater of an extinct volcano. | like a bowl. It was evidently the crater of an extinct volcano. | ||
| one place an enormous rock had a cleft in it like a sword-cut, and | one place an enormous rock had a cleft in it like a sword-cut, and | ||
| Line 1907: | Line 1905: | ||
| spring of water bubbled to the surface. | spring of water bubbled to the surface. | ||
| the air was delightfully refreshing and cool.</ | the air was delightfully refreshing and cool.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| boulder as round as a football and about five times the size, lay upon | boulder as round as a football and about five times the size, lay upon | ||
| the ground. | the ground. | ||
| Line 1913: | Line 1911: | ||
| " | " | ||
| Wales.</ | Wales.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hands; then he dropped, and they heard him alight upon the ground about | hands; then he dropped, and they heard him alight upon the ground about | ||
| ten feet beneath. | ten feet beneath. | ||
| last to descend into the darkness.</ | last to descend into the darkness.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of the crater, a great rent caused by some volcanic disturbance in | of the crater, a great rent caused by some volcanic disturbance in | ||
| bygone times. | bygone times. | ||
| moonlight was admitted through several cracks in the walls.</ | moonlight was admitted through several cracks in the walls.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the farthermost end of the gallery a fire burnt, and at this a man |
| was seated, whom they found to be Cortes, the younger of the two | was seated, whom they found to be Cortes, the younger of the two | ||
| guides. | guides. | ||
| deliberately to the wall, and thrust his head into one of the fissures.</ | deliberately to the wall, and thrust his head into one of the fissures.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| remembered, was extremely slim and agile& | remembered, was extremely slim and agile& | ||
| Gradually, it became manifest that he was squeezing himself through | Gradually, it became manifest that he was squeezing himself through | ||
| with the greatest difficulty. | with the greatest difficulty. | ||
| his body, and finally his legs and feet disappeared through the wall.</ | his body, and finally his legs and feet disappeared through the wall.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| My brother is no fool. Life in the bush has taught us many things."</ | My brother is no fool. Life in the bush has taught us many things."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| through the narrow opening. | through the narrow opening. | ||
| places upon his back and shoulders where his clothes had been torn, and | places upon his back and shoulders where his clothes had been torn, and | ||
| where the rents were stained with blood. | where the rents were stained with blood. | ||
| wounds in the least, but laughed when Harry pointed them out.</ | wounds in the least, but laughed when Harry pointed them out.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| days, until the Germans have left the district. | days, until the Germans have left the district. | ||
| us; no one could ever find us."</ | us; no one could ever find us."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| climate, it will keep for days. Besides, my brother and I can hunt | climate, it will keep for days. Besides, my brother and I can hunt | ||
| upon the mountain; but you and your two friends must remain here until | upon the mountain; but you and your two friends must remain here until | ||
| the Germans have left the district. | the Germans have left the district. | ||
| towards Maziriland."</ | towards Maziriland."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In his heart Harry Urquhart felt more than gratitude towards these |
| strange, gallant men. They were loyal, faithful, courageous, and full | strange, gallant men. They were loyal, faithful, courageous, and full | ||
| of infinite resource. | of infinite resource. | ||
| after the manner of the old Spanish explorers& | after the manner of the old Spanish explorers& | ||
| Columbus& | Columbus& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| morning the brothers went out to hunt. Harry and Braid did not mind | morning the brothers went out to hunt. Harry and Braid did not mind | ||
| the monotony of their temporary imprisonment, | the monotony of their temporary imprisonment, | ||
| Line 1959: | Line 1957: | ||
| were glad enough of a few days' rest after all the exertions and | were glad enough of a few days' rest after all the exertions and | ||
| privations they had undergone in the wilderness of the bush.</ | privations they had undergone in the wilderness of the bush.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At midnight on the third night, something that was well-nigh miraculous |
| occurred. | occurred. | ||
| turn on watch. | turn on watch. | ||
| reached a spot immediately underneath the hole which was covered by the | reached a spot immediately underneath the hole which was covered by the | ||
| stone, when suddenly a great shaft of moonlight shot down into the cave.</ | stone, when suddenly a great shaft of moonlight shot down into the cave.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was a moment before the boy realized what had happened& |
| stone had been rolled away. Before he had time to give the alarm, to | stone had been rolled away. Before he had time to give the alarm, to | ||
| cry out, or bring his rifle to his shoulder, the stone was rolled back | cry out, or bring his rifle to his shoulder, the stone was rolled back | ||
| again, and all was dim and silent as before.</ | again, and all was dim and silent as before.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He ran to the fire and woke up his companions. |
| feet. In a few breathless words Harry told them what had happened. | feet. In a few breathless words Harry told them what had happened. | ||
| Jim Braid seized a lighted brand from the fire, which was burning | Jim Braid seized a lighted brand from the fire, which was burning | ||
| brightly, and carried this to the end of the gallery. | brightly, and carried this to the end of the gallery. | ||
| stone was back in its place.</ | stone was back in its place.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the floor.</ | the floor.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| written in German, which was addressed to:</ | written in German, which was addressed to:</ | ||
| < | < | ||
| Line 1985: | Line 1983: | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| The whole thing was amazing.</ | The whole thing was amazing.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| other end of the gallery, and, kneeling down, read it by the light of | other end of the gallery, and, kneeling down, read it by the light of | ||
| the fire.</ | the fire.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| knowledge of the German language.</ | knowledge of the German language.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a ghost.</ | a ghost.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| handwriting. | handwriting. | ||
| indelible pencil. | indelible pencil. | ||
| Line 2005: | Line 2003: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| him& | him& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that a groan escaped from the man's lips, and he threw out his hands |
| with a gesture of despair.</ | with a gesture of despair.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| power, but in this wild country I am at his mercy; for there is one | power, but in this wild country I am at his mercy; for there is one | ||
| with him who is pitiless and terrible, who carries his crimes as a | with him who is pitiless and terrible, who carries his crimes as a | ||
| jester jangles his bells."</ | jester jangles his bells."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| would not do for money. | would not do for money. | ||
| when I thought that they meant to kill me. When I fell asleep at the | when I thought that they meant to kill me. When I fell asleep at the | ||
| Line 2022: | Line 2020: | ||
| was to come here!" he broke out in despair. | was to come here!" he broke out in despair. | ||
| I was safe?"</ | I was safe?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wrote it?"</ | wrote it?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| whether he himself brought it here or the rascal who serves him, I am | whether he himself brought it here or the rascal who serves him, I am | ||
| quite unable to say. At any rate," he added, with a smile, "your | quite unable to say. At any rate," he added, with a smile, "your | ||
| hiding-place has been discovered."</ | hiding-place has been discovered."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hands to warm them. He remained thus for some time, seemingly deep in | hands to warm them. He remained thus for some time, seemingly deep in | ||
| thought; then he returned to Harry.</ | thought; then he returned to Harry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| by any chance Bayram; for he is a devil, in truth."</ | by any chance Bayram; for he is a devil, in truth."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Cameroons& | the Cameroons& | ||
| all the hills and plains and forests of this huge, amazing continent, | all the hills and plains and forests of this huge, amazing continent, | ||
| Line 2050: | Line 2048: | ||
| slave-trader in Africa. | slave-trader in Africa. | ||
| that he was starving and penniless in London."</ | that he was starving and penniless in London."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| saw that morning on the mountain-side, | saw that morning on the mountain-side, | ||
| bivouac at dawn."</ | bivouac at dawn."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| before."</ | before."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| your brother with even more than life."</ | your brother with even more than life."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| take me into your counsels. | take me into your counsels. | ||
| and the Black Dog have an old score to pay. For myself, I am | and the Black Dog have an old score to pay. For myself, I am | ||
| Line 2064: | Line 2062: | ||
| voice, he turned calmly to Peter Klein. | voice, he turned calmly to Peter Klein. | ||
| Hardenberg," | Hardenberg," | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ancestors, presiding at the Spanish Inquisition.</ | ancestors, presiding at the Spanish Inquisition.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| "They will kill me! I know they will!"</ | "They will kill me! I know they will!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| The Black Dog has marked you for his own."</ | The Black Dog has marked you for his own."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At these words the spy fell down upon his knees at Harry Urquhart' |
| feet.</ | feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the advantage of those men to kill me. They brought me here to do away | the advantage of those men to kill me. They brought me here to do away | ||
| with my life. They do not intend that I shall live to claim my share | with my life. They do not intend that I shall live to claim my share | ||
| of the treasure, if they should ever find it."</ | of the treasure, if they should ever find it."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| arrant coward. | arrant coward. | ||
| find it in his heart to support Fernando' | find it in his heart to support Fernando' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| enemy to my country and a spy; you are even a traitor to the rascals | enemy to my country and a spy; you are even a traitor to the rascals | ||
| whom formerly you were pleased to serve. | whom formerly you were pleased to serve. | ||
| severe penalty which a state of war allows."</ | severe penalty which a state of war allows."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was about to go on, when the man, losing all control of himself, |
| seized him by both hands and begged him to be merciful.</ | seized him by both hands and begged him to be merciful.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| forgive me. I will give up all claim to a share in the treasure. | forgive me. I will give up all claim to a share in the treasure. | ||
| swear to be faithful to you, if you will only get me out of this alive."</ | swear to be faithful to you, if you will only get me out of this alive."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| establish the innocence of an injured man and to checkmate von | establish the innocence of an injured man and to checkmate von | ||
| Hardenberg."</ | Hardenberg."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| have the Black Dog of the Cameroons to aid him, but we have these two | have the Black Dog of the Cameroons to aid him, but we have these two | ||
| gallant fellows, who do not seem to know what it is to fear, to | gallant fellows, who do not seem to know what it is to fear, to | ||
| hesitate, or to give up hope."</ | hesitate, or to give up hope."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He half turned, and with a motion of the hand indicated the two |
| brothers, who were seated side by side.</ | brothers, who were seated side by side.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| no place for clemency. | no place for clemency. | ||
| cruel plan perhaps. | cruel plan perhaps. | ||
| Line 2108: | Line 2106: | ||
| enemy to reckon with in the sheikh. | enemy to reckon with in the sheikh. | ||
| the hill-side for his victim." | the hill-side for his victim." | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wringing his hands like one demented. | wringing his hands like one demented. | ||
| likely to be of no use to them, that I was a coward who could neither | likely to be of no use to them, that I was a coward who could neither | ||
| Line 2115: | Line 2113: | ||
| savage hills! | savage hills! | ||
| than that of a mosquito."</ | than that of a mosquito."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the verge of lunacy with panic and alarm.</ | the verge of lunacy with panic and alarm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| presence was worse than useless, a mere encumbrance on the line of | presence was worse than useless, a mere encumbrance on the line of | ||
| march. | march. | ||
| the hill-side to fall upon the poor, blind fool whom avarice had led so | the hill-side to fall upon the poor, blind fool whom avarice had led so | ||
| far from the land where he could spy and inform in safety.</ | far from the land where he could spy and inform in safety.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| not a little amusement at the expense of Klein. | not a little amusement at the expense of Klein. | ||
| again broke in upon their talk.</ | again broke in upon their talk.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| intentions."</ | intentions."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that he turned to his brother, and for some minutes the two spoke in |
| Spanish. | Spanish. | ||
| him on the arm.</ | him on the arm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Cortes put on the tattered white ducks, torn in a score of places by | Cortes put on the tattered white ducks, torn in a score of places by | ||
| the thorn-trees in the bush, the pith helmet and the leather leggings, | the thorn-trees in the bush, the pith helmet and the leather leggings, | ||
| and then returned to the fire.</ | and then returned to the fire.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| carbine. | carbine. | ||
| through the crack in the wall, and disappeared beyond it.</ | through the crack in the wall, and disappeared beyond it.</ | ||
| Line 2146: | Line 2144: | ||
| remained near the opening through which the man had passed, straining | remained near the opening through which the man had passed, straining | ||
| their ears to catch the slightest sound without.</ | their ears to catch the slightest sound without.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| again.</ | again.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| He must have been sleeping lightly, or else feigning slumber.</ | He must have been sleeping lightly, or else feigning slumber.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| therefore the shot was fired in this direction. | therefore the shot was fired in this direction. | ||
| from you, you hear but one report, which is like the crack of a whip. | from you, you hear but one report, which is like the crack of a whip. | ||
| Line 2162: | Line 2160: | ||
| trigger was pressed by the Black Dog, whose bullet seldom misses its | trigger was pressed by the Black Dog, whose bullet seldom misses its | ||
| mark. Therefore, in all probability, | mark. Therefore, in all probability, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| an easy matter. | an easy matter. | ||
| malaria, some by Black Jack, which is the most deadly fever in the | malaria, some by Black Jack, which is the most deadly fever in the | ||
| world. | world. | ||
| a bullet finds its mark?"</ | a bullet finds its mark?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| man's views of life and death.</ | man's views of life and death.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| prove that the Black Dog of the Cameroons intended to murder Klein?"</ | prove that the Black Dog of the Cameroons intended to murder Klein?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| it is, I can live, at least, for revenge."</ | it is, I can live, at least, for revenge."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the opening in the wall. Harry felt as if a heavy weight had been | the opening in the wall. Harry felt as if a heavy weight had been | ||
| placed upon his heart.</ | placed upon his heart.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and the stars. | and the stars. | ||
| heights was blowing upon the mountain.</ | heights was blowing upon the mountain.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| spoke in a whisper.</ | spoke in a whisper.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Fernando, my brother, hold out a hand to me, that I may speak to you | Fernando, my brother, hold out a hand to me, that I may speak to you | ||
| before I die."</ | before I die."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thrust him back.</ | thrust him back.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| approached the fissure on tiptoe.</ | approached the fissure on tiptoe.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| opening and fired. | opening and fired. | ||
| strong smell of cordite was driven to their nostrils.</ | strong smell of cordite was driven to their nostrils.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| through. | through. | ||
| Fernando& | Fernando& | ||
| laugh of a fiend.</ | laugh of a fiend.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| brother to the eagle. | brother to the eagle. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| once again my brother is dead. The Black Dog slew him; and then, | once again my brother is dead. The Black Dog slew him; and then, | ||
| recognizing the man he had killed, he guessed that I, too, was with | recognizing the man he had killed, he guessed that I, too, was with | ||
| Line 2211: | Line 2209: | ||
| practising the cunning which has made him feared from the Niger to the | practising the cunning which has made him feared from the Niger to the | ||
| Congo. | Congo. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| killed my brother, Cortes, whom I love, I swear now by the saints that | killed my brother, Cortes, whom I love, I swear now by the saints that | ||
| I will avenge my brother' | I will avenge my brother' | ||
| shades. | shades. | ||
| against my wits; it is the fox against the serpent."</ | against my wits; it is the fox against the serpent."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| When events of startling magnitude occur in such quick succession it | When events of startling magnitude occur in such quick succession it | ||
| sometimes happens that the obvious is overlooked. | sometimes happens that the obvious is overlooked. | ||
| Line 2224: | Line 2222: | ||
| gravity of their situation. | gravity of their situation. | ||
| maniac, and seized him by the arm.</ | maniac, and seized him by the arm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| </ | </ | ||
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| Line 2233: | Line 2231: | ||
| think how it was that they had overlooked so simple a deduction, so | think how it was that they had overlooked so simple a deduction, so | ||
| obvious a fact.</ | obvious a fact.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of their number who could manage to squeeze himself through the narrow | of their number who could manage to squeeze himself through the narrow | ||
| opening. | opening. | ||
| could not be moved from the inside. | could not be moved from the inside. | ||
| deemed so secure a refuge was nothing but a death-trap.</ | deemed so secure a refuge was nothing but a death-trap.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| belt. One half of him was a savage, and the other half a Spaniard.</ | belt. One half of him was a savage, and the other half a Spaniard.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| think I do not love him because I do not weep like a woman and gnash my | think I do not love him because I do not weep like a woman and gnash my | ||
| teeth. | teeth. | ||
| the surface of which is still. | the surface of which is still. | ||
| again, we can hate."</ | again, we can hate."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| "if you hold me up to ridicule, you die. I am ready enough to admit | "if you hold me up to ridicule, you die. I am ready enough to admit | ||
| that my judgment was at fault& | that my judgment was at fault& | ||
| we were unable to leave the cave& | we were unable to leave the cave& | ||
| is more than I will endure!"</ | is more than I will endure!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| though he had been struck. | though he had been struck. | ||
| taut, his eyes ablaze, his clenched teeth showing in the blackness of | taut, his eyes ablaze, his clenched teeth showing in the blackness of | ||
| his long moustache. | his long moustache. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| "You are not worthy of my anger!"</ | "You are not worthy of my anger!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| an adversary, why did you send your brother into the night dressed in | an adversary, why did you send your brother into the night dressed in | ||
| Klein' | Klein' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| "but all the time I believed in my brother. | "but all the time I believed in my brother. | ||
| second only to the sheikh himself. | second only to the sheikh himself. | ||
| Line 2274: | Line 2272: | ||
| the double report, my heart sank within me. I knew that my brother had | the double report, my heart sank within me. I knew that my brother had | ||
| been outwitted& | been outwitted& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to remove the stone at the entrance before he went, in case of any | to remove the stone at the entrance before he went, in case of any | ||
| mishap. | mishap. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| this, encompassed upon every hand by death and dangers of all kinds, | this, encompassed upon every hand by death and dangers of all kinds, | ||
| there are a thousand things to think of. I would be the last to blame | there are a thousand things to think of. I would be the last to blame | ||
| you."</ | you."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| are the most generous race on earth; and because they are just, I | are the most generous race on earth; and because they are just, I | ||
| honour them. We have food and water to last for some days. We can but | honour them. We have food and water to last for some days. We can but | ||
| put our trust in Providence."</ | put our trust in Providence."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>Of the days that followed it is unnecessary to tell in detail. |
| gallery, shut out from the outside world, from the pure air of the | gallery, shut out from the outside world, from the pure air of the | ||
| mountains and the sunlight, existence was a living death. | mountains and the sunlight, existence was a living death. | ||
| Line 2294: | Line 2292: | ||
| physical exertion. | physical exertion. | ||
| beating of his heart so slow, that Harry feared he was dying.</ | beating of his heart so slow, that Harry feared he was dying.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was during these days that the boys came to love the wizened |
| half-caste in whose hands was their fate. Fernando' | half-caste in whose hands was their fate. Fernando' | ||
| bounds; it was as if his will-power was invincible. | bounds; it was as if his will-power was invincible. | ||
| word of despair or hopelessness leave his lips.</ | word of despair or hopelessness leave his lips.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the same to them, except that sometimes the sunshine, sometimes the | the same to them, except that sometimes the sunshine, sometimes the | ||
| moonshine, invaded the depths of their prison through the great | moonshine, invaded the depths of their prison through the great | ||
| fissures in the wall. As time went on it was difficult not to give up | fissures in the wall. As time went on it was difficult not to give up | ||
| hope.</ | hope.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At last, one night, Fernando rose to his feet and approached Harry, who |
| found it impossible to sleep.</ | found it impossible to sleep.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| can save you."</ | can save you."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| think I can creep through the opening in the wall."</ | think I can creep through the opening in the wall."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pass through. | pass through. | ||
| opening was very narrow, and his frame was larger than his brother' | opening was very narrow, and his frame was larger than his brother' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| remains but death."</ | remains but death."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| complaint. | complaint. | ||
| unhappy lot. Even he had learnt to prepare himself for death.</ | unhappy lot. Even he had learnt to prepare himself for death.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lay upon the floor in a kind of faint.</ | lay upon the floor in a kind of faint.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was bitterly cold. They had no fire. They had burned all their |
| wood. Only a little water remained. | wood. Only a little water remained. | ||
| horrible to contemplate. | horrible to contemplate. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| him, and, lying down upon the floor, he immediately fell asleep. | him, and, lying down upon the floor, he immediately fell asleep. | ||
| he awoke it was daylight. | he awoke it was daylight. | ||
| little that remained into four equal parts. | little that remained into four equal parts. | ||
| found that the bucket was empty.</ | found that the bucket was empty.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He uttered a loud exclamation, |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| nor Fernando could have been capable of such treachery. | nor Fernando could have been capable of such treachery. | ||
| fiercely upon Peter Klein.</ | fiercely upon Peter Klein.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was also a drop of water upon the floor by the place where he had been | was also a drop of water upon the floor by the place where he had been | ||
| sitting. | sitting. | ||
| man had pretended to be asleep until the three others were buried in | man had pretended to be asleep until the three others were buried in | ||
| slumber. | slumber. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| from weakness, approached the German spy.</ | from weakness, approached the German spy.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| only live to see us go before him. He has done no more than prolong | only live to see us go before him. He has done no more than prolong | ||
| the agony of his death!"</ | the agony of his death!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| for the end. Towards afternoon a raging thirst began to consume them; | for the end. Towards afternoon a raging thirst began to consume them; | ||
| their blood grew hot in a kind of fever; their tongues clave to the | their blood grew hot in a kind of fever; their tongues clave to the | ||
| roofs of their mouths.</ | roofs of their mouths.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| stupor. | stupor. | ||
| Both Braid and Klein fell asleep, but Harry found sleep impossible.</ | Both Braid and Klein fell asleep, but Harry found sleep impossible.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to the Almighty, and, burying his face in his hands, he began to pray.</ | to the Almighty, and, burying his face in his hands, he began to pray.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his prayer was finished he felt happier. | his prayer was finished he felt happier. | ||
| hands clasped about his knees, looking upward at the round stone which | hands clasped about his knees, looking upward at the round stone which | ||
| confined them in their prison.</ | confined them in their prison.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| round hole above, the light of the moon streamed down into the darkened | round hole above, the light of the moon streamed down into the darkened | ||
| vault.</ | vault.</ | ||
| Line 2373: | Line 2371: | ||
| truth burst upon him in a flood. | truth burst upon him in a flood. | ||
| loud cry which immediately awoke both Braid and Peter Klein.</ | loud cry which immediately awoke both Braid and Peter Klein.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that their prison doors were opened, that the stone had been rolled | that their prison doors were opened, that the stone had been rolled | ||
| away from the circular hole in the roof.</ | away from the circular hole in the roof.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By that time Fernando had got to his feet. He came swaying towards |
| them, and clutched hold of Jim's arm for support. | them, and clutched hold of Jim's arm for support. | ||
| of the Coast had weakened his constitution. | of the Coast had weakened his constitution. | ||
| far weaker than the others& | far weaker than the others& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Black Dog may be hiding at the entrance."</ | the Black Dog may be hiding at the entrance."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| air, were worth all the risk in the world. | air, were worth all the risk in the world. | ||
| hold of the edge of the hole, and with great difficulty managed to pull | hold of the edge of the hole, and with great difficulty managed to pull | ||
| himself through, so that he stood in the light of the stars, amid the | himself through, so that he stood in the light of the stars, amid the | ||
| mists that wrapped the mountain.</ | mists that wrapped the mountain.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At his feet lay a still, dark form. It was that of a human being, but |
| so motionless that the boy feared that it was that of a dead man. | so motionless that the boy feared that it was that of a dead man. | ||
| Going down upon his knees, he turned the body over, so that the face | Going down upon his knees, he turned the body over, so that the face | ||
| was uplifted to the moon; and at once he recognized the features of | was uplifted to the moon; and at once he recognized the features of | ||
| Cortes, the younger guide, who had gone out to slay the sheikh.</ | Cortes, the younger guide, who had gone out to slay the sheikh.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He spoke to the man, but received no answer. |
| spring that was near by and quenched his burning thirst.</ | spring that was near by and quenched his burning thirst.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| their knees at the spring-side to drink their fill.</ | their knees at the spring-side to drink their fill.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| prison in which they had spent so many days. They sprinkled water upon | prison in which they had spent so many days. They sprinkled water upon | ||
| the lips of the younger man, and at last he opened his eyes.</ | the lips of the younger man, and at last he opened his eyes.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Dog of the Cameroons. | Dog of the Cameroons. | ||
| cautious and on my guard.</ | cautious and on my guard.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| alarm. | alarm. | ||
| dressed in his white Arab robes; he was seated on a boulder, with his | dressed in his white Arab robes; he was seated on a boulder, with his | ||
| rifle on his knees.</ | rifle on his knees.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| distance, pretending that I was the German. | distance, pretending that I was the German. | ||
| the sheikh fired I would assuredly be hit. In the end I decided to | the sheikh fired I would assuredly be hit. In the end I decided to | ||
| Line 2416: | Line 2414: | ||
| man like the Black Dog it is best to strike the first blow, and also to | man like the Black Dog it is best to strike the first blow, and also to | ||
| strike hard.</ | strike hard.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| he discovered me and fired, and I was wounded. | he discovered me and fired, and I was wounded. | ||
| chest. | chest. | ||
| eyes the sheikh himself was kneeling over me, looking into my face. He | eyes the sheikh himself was kneeling over me, looking into my face. He | ||
| recognized me, and called me by my name.</ | recognized me, and called me by my name.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| went his way up the mountain. | went his way up the mountain. | ||
| after the Black Dog came past me, running as if for life. When he was | after the Black Dog came past me, running as if for life. When he was | ||
| Line 2428: | Line 2426: | ||
| How that happened I do not know. At the time I thought little about | How that happened I do not know. At the time I thought little about | ||
| it. I did not doubt that I myself stood at the door of death.</ | it. I did not doubt that I myself stood at the door of death.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| terrible thirst. | terrible thirst. | ||
| managed to drag myself to the side of a spring, where I drank great | managed to drag myself to the side of a spring, where I drank great | ||
| Line 2436: | Line 2434: | ||
| to my feet there was a pain in my chest like a red-hot sword, and I | to my feet there was a pain in my chest like a red-hot sword, and I | ||
| came near to fainting.</ | came near to fainting.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| I remembered that you were unable to escape from your prison.</ | I remembered that you were unable to escape from your prison.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| endeavouring to get to you to rescue you. Every minute I thought that | endeavouring to get to you to rescue you. Every minute I thought that | ||
| I was dying; sometimes I was so weak that I felt I could go no farther. | I was dying; sometimes I was so weak that I felt I could go no farther. | ||
| Line 2444: | Line 2442: | ||
| the stream. | the stream. | ||
| provisions I carried with me.</ | provisions I carried with me.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| remember no more."</ | remember no more."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| said the last words he fell backward in a faint.</ | said the last words he fell backward in a faint.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a fire. They remained upon the mountain-top for four days. The German | a fire. They remained upon the mountain-top for four days. The German | ||
| troops had evidently left the district, and though Harry and Jim hunted | troops had evidently left the district, and though Harry and Jim hunted | ||
| Line 2454: | Line 2452: | ||
| signs of von Hardenberg and the sheikh, who had evidently pushed | signs of von Hardenberg and the sheikh, who had evidently pushed | ||
| forward on their way towards Maziriland and the Caves of Zoroaster.</ | forward on their way towards Maziriland and the Caves of Zoroaster.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It is remarkable how quickly they were completely restored to health. |
| Food and water and the freshness of the mountain air lent their | Food and water and the freshness of the mountain air lent their | ||
| assistance to Nature; and even Cortes, who had been so severely | assistance to Nature; and even Cortes, who had been so severely | ||
| wounded, rapidly regained his strength. | wounded, rapidly regained his strength. | ||
| healed, and all he required was nourishment and rest.</ | healed, and all he required was nourishment and rest.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| with the greatest caution. | with the greatest caution. | ||
| long valley, two hundred miles in length, which led directly towards | long valley, two hundred miles in length, which led directly towards | ||
| Line 2468: | Line 2466: | ||
| taken by surprise, either by the Germans or von Hardenberg and the | taken by surprise, either by the Germans or von Hardenberg and the | ||
| sheikh.</ | sheikh.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At first they marched by easy stages, in order not to overtax their |
| strength. | strength. | ||
| rock-rabbits, | rock-rabbits, | ||
| these rabbits soon found their way into the cooking-pot.</ | these rabbits soon found their way into the cooking-pot.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By degrees they made their daily marches longer. |
| overtake Captain von Hardenberg and the Black Dog, who were evidently | overtake Captain von Hardenberg and the Black Dog, who were evidently | ||
| several miles in advance. | several miles in advance. | ||
| taking a direct route by the stars.</ | taking a direct route by the stars.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a small light, dim and twinkling in the distance like a star, far below | a small light, dim and twinkling in the distance like a star, far below | ||
| them in the valley.</ | them in the valley.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| together.</ | together.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Dog of the Cameroons."</ | Dog of the Cameroons."</ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| Line 2492: | Line 2490: | ||
| appeared deserted. | appeared deserted. | ||
| the valleys being too barren and infertile for agriculture.</ | the valleys being too barren and infertile for agriculture.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| than before. | than before. | ||
| miles in rear of those whom they pursued.</ | miles in rear of those whom they pursued.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On these occasions they were careful that their own fire should not be |
| observed. | observed. | ||
| boulders, screening it from the north. | boulders, screening it from the north. | ||
| Line 2501: | Line 2499: | ||
| Black Dog had doubtless told his employer that their pursuers had been | Black Dog had doubtless told his employer that their pursuers had been | ||
| buried alive in the crater of the old volcano.</ | buried alive in the crater of the old volcano.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| when the first signs of dawn were visible in the east, Harry& | when the first signs of dawn were visible in the east, Harry& | ||
| on watch& | on watch& | ||
| behind his back.</ | behind his back.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He turned quickly, but could see nothing. |
| holding his breath, with his finger ready on the trigger of his | holding his breath, with his finger ready on the trigger of his | ||
| revolver.</ | revolver.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| rock-rabbit or a mountain-rat, | rock-rabbit or a mountain-rat, | ||
| position, when something descended upon him with a spring like that of | position, when something descended upon him with a spring like that of | ||
| a tiger.</ | a tiger.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the nick of time he jumped aside. |
| violently through space. | violently through space. | ||
| that missed him by the fraction of an inch, and the next moment he was | that missed him by the fraction of an inch, and the next moment he was | ||
| Line 2526: | Line 2524: | ||
| lips of Braid, and at that the two guides sprang to their feet and | lips of Braid, and at that the two guides sprang to their feet and | ||
| hastened to Harry' | hastened to Harry' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| fingers gripped Harry by the throat, and the next his adversary was | fingers gripped Harry by the throat, and the next his adversary was | ||
| gone. He had vanished like a ghost; he had slipped away like an eel.</ | gone. He had vanished like a ghost; he had slipped away like an eel.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wild, fiendish laugh& | wild, fiendish laugh& | ||
| bare knife that was lying on the ground.</ | bare knife that was lying on the ground.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| design.</ | design.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sign; it means that the German troops are in the neighbourhood."</ | sign; it means that the German troops are in the neighbourhood."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sign of the camp-fire of von Hardenberg and the Arab. The sheikh, | sign of the camp-fire of von Hardenberg and the Arab. The sheikh, | ||
| having failed in his enterprise on the previous evening, was evidently | having failed in his enterprise on the previous evening, was evidently | ||
| Line 2545: | Line 2543: | ||
| his glasses, not only to the north but also to the west and to the | his glasses, not only to the north but also to the west and to the | ||
| east. However, he could see no sign of their enemies.</ | east. However, he could see no sign of their enemies.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| where the Black Dog was, we had the whip hand of him. We must be | where the Black Dog was, we had the whip hand of him. We must be | ||
| prepared for the worst."</ | prepared for the worst."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| likely as not he has gone back upon his tracks, and even now is | likely as not he has gone back upon his tracks, and even now is | ||
| encamped somewhere behind us."</ | encamped somewhere behind us."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| rocks on the crest-line of the hills, where the wind moaned and howled | rocks on the crest-line of the hills, where the wind moaned and howled | ||
| from the west, they held a council of war. It was decided that, during | from the west, they held a council of war. It was decided that, during | ||
| Line 2558: | Line 2556: | ||
| the elder moving some distance in advance of the three Europeans, | the elder moving some distance in advance of the three Europeans, | ||
| Cortes following in rear.</ | Cortes following in rear.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By the time the sun rose above the mountain-tops, |
| their way. At mid-day they halted for a meal, and it was then that | their way. At mid-day they halted for a meal, and it was then that | ||
| Cortes came running to the bivouac.</ | Cortes came running to the bivouac.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Only Peter Klein remained by the fire. Since they had escaped from the | Only Peter Klein remained by the fire. Since they had escaped from the | ||
| crater of the volcano no one had spoken to the man. The guides showed | crater of the volcano no one had spoken to the man. The guides showed | ||
| Line 2568: | Line 2566: | ||
| were disposed to forgive the scoundrel for having stolen their last | were disposed to forgive the scoundrel for having stolen their last | ||
| drop of water.</ | drop of water.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| perpendicular cliff. | perpendicular cliff. | ||
| which a stream meandered, its waters glistening in the sunshine. | which a stream meandered, its waters glistening in the sunshine. | ||
| Line 2574: | Line 2572: | ||
| bridle-path that led to the north, were five men, one of whom was | bridle-path that led to the north, were five men, one of whom was | ||
| dressed in robes of flowing white.</ | dressed in robes of flowing white.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| German."</ | German."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| their services during the last three days. The natives dare not refuse | their services during the last three days. The natives dare not refuse | ||
| him labour. | him labour. | ||
| Line 2583: | Line 2581: | ||
| such as this, he is doubly to be dreaded, because he has friends among | such as this, he is doubly to be dreaded, because he has friends among | ||
| the Maziris themselves."</ | the Maziris themselves."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| chiefs and head-men, who resent the authority he wields over many of | chiefs and head-men, who resent the authority he wields over many of | ||
| the people."</ | the people."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| endeavour to secure the treasure."</ | endeavour to secure the treasure."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| shoulder, "tell me, how far away is Black Dog?"</ | shoulder, "tell me, how far away is Black Dog?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| oath by the saints."</ | oath by the saints."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>So saying, he lay down upon his face and loaded his rifle. |
| back-sight, he took long and careful aim, and then pressed the trigger. | back-sight, he took long and careful aim, and then pressed the trigger. | ||
| There came a sharp report, and the bullet sped across the valley.</ | There came a sharp report, and the bullet sped across the valley.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the space of a few seconds the sheikh and his followers had |
| vanished. | vanished. | ||
| impossible task, but that the bullet had not been far from its mark was | impossible task, but that the bullet had not been far from its mark was | ||
| apparent from the way in which the party had so suddenly disappeared.</ | apparent from the way in which the party had so suddenly disappeared.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| companions on the other. | companions on the other. | ||
| Harry reached the caves first, he would be unable to enter the vault, | Harry reached the caves first, he would be unable to enter the vault, | ||
| by reason of the fact that the Sunstone was not in his possession. | by reason of the fact that the Sunstone was not in his possession. | ||
| would have to lie in wait for the Black Dog and the German.</ | would have to lie in wait for the Black Dog and the German.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| plenty in the district, and presently springs and streams became even | plenty in the district, and presently springs and streams became even | ||
| more numerous, and they entered into a country that was thickly wooded. | more numerous, and they entered into a country that was thickly wooded. | ||
| At the same time the mountains became more wild and rugged, and it was | At the same time the mountains became more wild and rugged, and it was | ||
| soon impossible to make progress by way of the hills.</ | soon impossible to make progress by way of the hills.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| scattered trees, which gradually became a forest, where they were shut | scattered trees, which gradually became a forest, where they were shut | ||
| out from the sunlight and the light of the stars. | out from the sunlight and the light of the stars. | ||
| Line 2619: | Line 2617: | ||
| by reason of the tangled undergrowth through which they had to cut a | by reason of the tangled undergrowth through which they had to cut a | ||
| passage.</ | passage.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| which, the guides told them, mounted to the summit of Maziriland. | which, the guides told them, mounted to the summit of Maziriland. | ||
| Their first camp in this district was under the lee of a hill; and, | Their first camp in this district was under the lee of a hill; and, | ||
| Line 2637: | Line 2635: | ||
| of shots rang out, and the whistling bullets cut the earth about their | of shots rang out, and the whistling bullets cut the earth about their | ||
| feet.</ | feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lost!"</ | lost!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| dispatch. | dispatch. | ||
| fire, which poured down upon them from all directions. | fire, which poured down upon them from all directions. | ||
| Line 2645: | Line 2643: | ||
| up on every hand, like so many living tongues of flame. | up on every hand, like so many living tongues of flame. | ||
| the enemy was in force.</ | the enemy was in force.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| musketry continued; the hissing of the bullets was like heavy rain. | musketry continued; the hissing of the bullets was like heavy rain. | ||
| And all this time the German soldiers were working nearer and nearer, | And all this time the German soldiers were working nearer and nearer, | ||
| until at last they formed a complete circle around the foot of the hill.</ | until at last they formed a complete circle around the foot of the hill.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| again, as a bullet found its mark, a shriek went up in the night.</ | again, as a bullet found its mark, a shriek went up in the night.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By then, not one of Harry' |
| to the boulders which lay upon the hill-top, and behind which it was | to the boulders which lay upon the hill-top, and behind which it was | ||
| possible to obtain cover, and partly to the inferiority of the German | possible to obtain cover, and partly to the inferiority of the German | ||
| marksmanship.</ | marksmanship.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| situation, Harry took counsel with the two guides and Jim.</ | situation, Harry took counsel with the two guides and Jim.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lost. So far, we have managed to escape death only by reason of the | lost. So far, we have managed to escape death only by reason of the | ||
| darkness."</ | darkness."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| must either fight our way through the enemy or commend our souls to | must either fight our way through the enemy or commend our souls to | ||
| Heaven."</ | Heaven."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| body and endeavour to charge through the enemy."</ | body and endeavour to charge through the enemy."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| else die in our tracks."</ | else die in our tracks."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| we may be able to cover some miles before dawn is upon us. We must | we may be able to cover some miles before dawn is upon us. We must | ||
| hold together, however. | hold together, however. | ||
| one who is lost."</ | one who is lost."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| freedom. | freedom. | ||
| They could not advance, however, without acquainting Peter Klein of | They could not advance, however, without acquainting Peter Klein of | ||
| their intention, and when the man was told of what they proposed to do | their intention, and when the man was told of what they proposed to do | ||
| he set to shaking in his limbs.</ | he set to shaking in his limbs.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| patience with their uninvited guest.</ | patience with their uninvited guest.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| with us, or stay here, or else you can go over to the enemy. | with us, or stay here, or else you can go over to the enemy. | ||
| not matter very much to us which you decide to do."</ | not matter very much to us which you decide to do."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| incoherent from fear, though it was his own countrymen who opposed | incoherent from fear, though it was his own countrymen who opposed | ||
| them. German and German-trained native troops were in the valley in | them. German and German-trained native troops were in the valley in | ||
| about equal numbers.</ | about equal numbers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| are going to creep as near to the enemy as we can, and then charge | are going to creep as near to the enemy as we can, and then charge | ||
| through together."</ | through together."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hand.</ | hand.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| over the stones, advancing as stealthily as possible.</ | over the stones, advancing as stealthily as possible.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| traditions of the Prussian army& | traditions of the Prussian army& | ||
| the continuous rattle of musketry that had lasted for so long, only an | the continuous rattle of musketry that had lasted for so long, only an | ||
| occasional shot resounded in the valley.</ | occasional shot resounded in the valley.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| twenty yards from the place where a German officer was shouting hoarse, | twenty yards from the place where a German officer was shouting hoarse, | ||
| guttural words of command, Harry whispered to his followers to halt. | guttural words of command, Harry whispered to his followers to halt. | ||
| He desired to give them time to gain their breath, that the charge | He desired to give them time to gain their breath, that the charge | ||
| might be as swift as it was sudden and unexpected.</ | might be as swift as it was sudden and unexpected.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| eternity. | eternity. | ||
| amazing effect upon Peter Klein, who was a coward from the day of his | amazing effect upon Peter Klein, who was a coward from the day of his | ||
| birth. | birth. | ||
| bull in a bull-ring or a baited bear.</ | bull in a bull-ring or a baited bear.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| command, he discharged the magazine of his rifle in the direction of | command, he discharged the magazine of his rifle in the direction of | ||
| his own countrymen. | his own countrymen. | ||
| down hill, swinging it round and round his head as a man uses a club.</ | down hill, swinging it round and round his head as a man uses a club.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and left. Though it was dark, they were near enough to Klein to see | and left. Though it was dark, they were near enough to Klein to see | ||
| what happened. | what happened. | ||
| Line 2720: | Line 2718: | ||
| longer, and now rushed furiously, demented and panic-stricken, | longer, and now rushed furiously, demented and panic-stricken, | ||
| what looked like certain death.</ | what looked like certain death.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A German sergeant jumped out of the grass before him, and the butt of |
| Klein' | Klein' | ||
| man& | man& | ||
| Line 2726: | Line 2724: | ||
| tremendous was the stroke that sent him to his death that Klein' | tremendous was the stroke that sent him to his death that Klein' | ||
| broke at the small of the butt.</ | broke at the small of the butt.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his revolver in the other, he went onward in the dark, filling the | his revolver in the other, he went onward in the dark, filling the | ||
| night with an infinity of savage and appalling yells.</ | night with an infinity of savage and appalling yells.</ | ||
| Line 2737: | Line 2735: | ||
| a horse. | a horse. | ||
| forward, seized him by the arm.</ | forward, seized him by the arm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On they went, racing for freedom, crossing hills and minor valleys, |
| passing beneath trees, and sometimes knee-deep in the water of forest | passing beneath trees, and sometimes knee-deep in the water of forest | ||
| streams.</ | streams.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| At last these became inaudible in the distance. | At last these became inaudible in the distance. | ||
| able to follow on their tracks, since they had no way of knowing which | able to follow on their tracks, since they had no way of knowing which | ||
| route the fugitives had taken.</ | route the fugitives had taken.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At last Harry deemed it safe to call a halt.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| force. | force. | ||
| him up. Harry, followed by Fernando, came upon them shortly afterwards.</ | him up. Harry, followed by Fernando, came upon them shortly afterwards.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| half an hour it will be daylight."</ | half an hour it will be daylight."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the mountains on the sky-line. | the mountains on the sky-line. | ||
| where we can hide, and where& | where we can hide, and where& | ||
| able to hold our own for many days."</ | able to hold our own for many days."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>No one answered. |
| younger guide was missing.</ | younger guide was missing.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his hands to his mouth and let out a long-drawn howl which was like | his hands to his mouth and let out a long-drawn howl which was like | ||
| that of a jackal, and which carried far in the stillness of the | that of a jackal, and which carried far in the stillness of the | ||
| Line 2765: | Line 2763: | ||
| repeated it, and each time lifted a hand to his ear, and stood | repeated it, and each time lifted a hand to his ear, and stood | ||
| listening expectant.</ | listening expectant.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>No answering cry came back. A death-like silence reigned over the |
| valleys and forests and the mountain-side.</ | valleys and forests and the mountain-side.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| been struck by a bullet. | been struck by a bullet. | ||
| of God."</ | of God."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| signal. | signal. | ||
| on; the day approaches. | on; the day approaches. | ||
| safe."</ | safe."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As the grey light extended from the mountain-tops to the valleys, |
| Fernando led them to a kind of ancient fort, constructed of great stone | Fernando led them to a kind of ancient fort, constructed of great stone | ||
| boulders and surrounded by a deep ditch. | boulders and surrounded by a deep ditch. | ||
| Line 2787: | Line 2785: | ||
| in the heart of Africa. | in the heart of Africa. | ||
| that the Maziris themselves trace their origin.</ | that the Maziris themselves trace their origin.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As the daylight increased they were able to take in their surroundings. |
| Many miles up the valley, it was just possible to see a little village, | Many miles up the valley, it was just possible to see a little village, | ||
| which, Fernando assured them, was in Maziriland itself. | which, Fernando assured them, was in Maziriland itself. | ||
| to the west was a great forest which extended as far as the eye could | to the west was a great forest which extended as far as the eye could | ||
| reach.</ | reach.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| could hold it against hundreds."</ | could hold it against hundreds."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the door of the hut.</ | the door of the hut.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of six Maziris sought refuge in this fort, which was built in the olden | of six Maziris sought refuge in this fort, which was built in the olden | ||
| times, when the Ancients crossed the deserts from the east. For eight | times, when the Ancients crossed the deserts from the east. For eight | ||
| Line 2804: | Line 2802: | ||
| They had laid in a great store of food. They made the defence even | They had laid in a great store of food. They made the defence even | ||
| stronger. | stronger. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| escaped."</ | escaped."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| underground& | underground& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| astonishment.</ | astonishment.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| tunnel. | tunnel. | ||
| brought spades and picks from Maziriland. | brought spades and picks from Maziriland. | ||
| until at last the tunnel became a mile in length, extending from the | until at last the tunnel became a mile in length, extending from the | ||
| inside of the fort into the very heart of the forest."</ | inside of the fort into the very heart of the forest."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| these he gathered together in his arms and piled in a great heap before | these he gathered together in his arms and piled in a great heap before | ||
| the doorway. | the doorway. | ||
| is often found on the top of a well. Lifting this, Fernando pointed to | is often found on the top of a well. Lifting this, Fernando pointed to | ||
| a flight of steps that led down into impenetrable darkness.</ | a flight of steps that led down into impenetrable darkness.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| dying, covered up the entrance with rushes. | dying, covered up the entrance with rushes. | ||
| they found only four men& | they found only four men& | ||
| held at bay during all those months by four men instead of six."</ | held at bay during all those months by four men instead of six."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| come to us by way of the tunnel. | come to us by way of the tunnel. | ||
| shrugged his shoulders.</ | shrugged his shoulders.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Fernando protested that it would not be safe to push on towards | Fernando protested that it would not be safe to push on towards | ||
| Maziriland, since the enemy was certainly in the district. | Maziriland, since the enemy was certainly in the district. | ||
| still hoped that Cortes would return.</ | still hoped that Cortes would return.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| charge of Peter Klein, who could not be trusted to hold his own in case | charge of Peter Klein, who could not be trusted to hold his own in case | ||
| of sudden attack, whilst Harry and Fernando departed into the forest by | of sudden attack, whilst Harry and Fernando departed into the forest by | ||
| way of the tunnel.</ | way of the tunnel.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| unpleasant experiences that Harry Urquhart ever had in his life. Not | unpleasant experiences that Harry Urquhart ever had in his life. Not | ||
| only was the place pitch dark, but water had filtered through the walls | only was the place pitch dark, but water had filtered through the walls | ||
| and lay here and there in pools upon the floor. | and lay here and there in pools upon the floor. | ||
| stagnant, and the air was humid, tainted with the foulest smells.</ | stagnant, and the air was humid, tainted with the foulest smells.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At last, they came forth into the forest. |
| night, they collected a great store of provisions. | night, they collected a great store of provisions. | ||
| their rifles, but there was no necessity to shoot. | their rifles, but there was no necessity to shoot. | ||
| Line 2853: | Line 2851: | ||
| these, until finally they had sufficient supplies to last for several | these, until finally they had sufficient supplies to last for several | ||
| days& | days& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| provisions they had obtained, since it was not possible to carry a | provisions they had obtained, since it was not possible to carry a | ||
| heavy load through the narrow, stifling tunnel.</ | heavy load through the narrow, stifling tunnel.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On the third day they set to work cutting up the meat and drying it in |
| the sun. Sun-dried meat is uncommonly tough, but it has this | the sun. Sun-dried meat is uncommonly tough, but it has this | ||
| advantage& | advantage& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| followed by another, and yet a third, and towards midnight the whole | followed by another, and yet a third, and towards midnight the whole | ||
| valley was alive with musketry.</ | valley was alive with musketry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| or a fight is taking place between them and the Black Dog& | or a fight is taking place between them and the Black Dog& | ||
| case I may be robbed of my revenge."</ | case I may be robbed of my revenge."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| they could not trust in any responsible position requiring strong | they could not trust in any responsible position requiring strong | ||
| nerves and presence of mind. They set the man to the most menial | nerves and presence of mind. They set the man to the most menial | ||
| tasks& | tasks& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| at hand. They could see the figures of the Germans racing across the | at hand. They could see the figures of the Germans racing across the | ||
| valley, advancing in extended order or else in small groups which at | valley, advancing in extended order or else in small groups which at | ||
| that distance resembled families of mice.</ | that distance resembled families of mice.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hill upon which stood the fort. The defenders lay in hiding behind the | hill upon which stood the fort. The defenders lay in hiding behind the | ||
| parapet, determined not to show themselves, not to disclose their | parapet, determined not to show themselves, not to disclose their | ||
| hiding-place, | hiding-place, | ||
| the hill-top.</ | the hill-top.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| from the ditch when Fernando rose to his feet, and cried out in the | from the ditch when Fernando rose to his feet, and cried out in the | ||
| German language, ordering them to halt on peril of their lives.</ | German language, ordering them to halt on peril of their lives.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the same time, he raised his rifle to his shoulder and sent a bullet |
| over their heads. | over their heads. | ||
| forest, and were lost to sight.</ | forest, and were lost to sight.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was from that moment that the siege commenced. |
| refuge became a citadel encompassed on every hand by a hostile force. | refuge became a citadel encompassed on every hand by a hostile force. | ||
| The Germans gathered round them in companies, and day and night strove | The Germans gathered round them in companies, and day and night strove | ||
| Line 2899: | Line 2897: | ||
| was covered by the rifles of the defenders. | was covered by the rifles of the defenders. | ||
| artillery at their disposal.</ | artillery at their disposal.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At first they charged up this path after the manner in which they were |
| wont to hurl themselves upon the lines of trenches in Poland and in | wont to hurl themselves upon the lines of trenches in Poland and in | ||
| Flanders. | Flanders. | ||
| Line 2905: | Line 2903: | ||
| as each man appeared before the loopholes he paid the price of his | as each man appeared before the loopholes he paid the price of his | ||
| daring.</ | daring.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| succeed. | succeed. | ||
| defence, the nights were fine and starry, a full moon was up, and it | defence, the nights were fine and starry, a full moon was up, and it | ||
| was possible to see the enemy long before he reached the walls of the | was possible to see the enemy long before he reached the walls of the | ||
| fort.</ | fort.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| night, to avoid being taken by surprise. | night, to avoid being taken by surprise. | ||
| was always on guard. | was always on guard. | ||
| Line 2919: | Line 2917: | ||
| had learnt something of the Sunstone and von Hardenberg' | had learnt something of the Sunstone and von Hardenberg' | ||
| mission to the Cameroons.</ | mission to the Cameroons.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By night, when the fort might be rushed, they thought it best not to |
| leave their destiny in the hands of one who had failed them so | leave their destiny in the hands of one who had failed them so | ||
| constantly. | constantly. | ||
| credit was at a moment when fear had so possessed him that he lost all | credit was at a moment when fear had so possessed him that he lost all | ||
| sense of danger and became for the time being a raving madman.</ | sense of danger and became for the time being a raving madman.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It would be wearisome to describe the details of the siege as it |
| continued day by day. There is no question that the defenders would | continued day by day. There is no question that the defenders would | ||
| have held their own for many weeks had it not been that gradually a | have held their own for many weeks had it not been that gradually a | ||
| calamity was drawing down upon them. They were running short of | calamity was drawing down upon them. They were running short of | ||
| ammunition. | ammunition. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| self-defence, | self-defence, | ||
| the greatest economy, they had cartridges sufficient to last them only | the greatest economy, they had cartridges sufficient to last them only | ||
| Line 2935: | Line 2933: | ||
| the hut and held consultation together. | the hut and held consultation together. | ||
| stationed on the parapet. | stationed on the parapet. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was Fernando who was the first to speak.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ammunition is exhausted, and then retire by way of the tunnel, still | ammunition is exhausted, and then retire by way of the tunnel, still | ||
| hoping to reach the caves in advance of von Hardenberg, or we may | hoping to reach the caves in advance of von Hardenberg, or we may | ||
| retire to-night.</ | retire to-night.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ammunition on our return journey to the coast. | ammunition on our return journey to the coast. | ||
| traverse. | traverse. | ||
| ammunition. | ammunition. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was then that there came a loud and sudden burst of firing from down |
| the valley, from the direction of the forest. | the valley, from the direction of the forest. | ||
| their feet.</ | their feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| running as if for life towards the forest. | running as if for life towards the forest. | ||
| in his rear, came a large party of Germans, shouting so loudly that | in his rear, came a large party of Germans, shouting so loudly that | ||
| their voices were audible even at that great distance, and firing their | their voices were audible even at that great distance, and firing their | ||
| rifles as they ran.</ | rifles as they ran.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| forest like a wave. It was not until ten o' | forest like a wave. It was not until ten o' | ||
| still.</ | still.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| carry. | carry. | ||
| before morning."</ | before morning."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| brought to an abrupt standstill. | brought to an abrupt standstill. | ||
| unable at first to believe the evidence of his own eyes. For there, in | unable at first to believe the evidence of his own eyes. For there, in | ||
| the doorway, within the enclosure of the fort, stood the figure of a | the doorway, within the enclosure of the fort, stood the figure of a | ||
| man& | man& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| shoulder.</ | shoulder.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| never flinched. | never flinched. | ||
| deliberate tones of one who is in full possession of his senses.</ | deliberate tones of one who is in full possession of his senses.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| services at your disposal. | services at your disposal. | ||
| Every rifle counts. | Every rifle counts. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| question of surrender."</ | question of surrender."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the way you came. We mean to escape to-night."</ | the way you came. We mean to escape to-night."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| reinforcements; | reinforcements; | ||
| swarms with their reconnoitring-parties and patrols. | swarms with their reconnoitring-parties and patrols. | ||
| are approaching up the valley, and may be here at any moment. | are approaching up the valley, and may be here at any moment. | ||
| the truth. | the truth. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He spoke slowly, as if choosing his words with care; but his English |
| accent was singularly good.</ | accent was singularly good.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| blackness of his beard.</ | blackness of his beard.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| We are men of honour."</ | We are men of honour."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| proposal of him who sent me& | proposal of him who sent me& | ||
| to terms. | to terms. | ||
| Line 3013: | Line 3011: | ||
| Moreover, in order to cover your retreat, I swear by Allah that I will | Moreover, in order to cover your retreat, I swear by Allah that I will | ||
| lead the Germans on a false scent across the mountains to the east."</ | lead the Germans on a false scent across the mountains to the east."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the pursuit, to allow my employer and myself to pass unmolested in | the pursuit, to allow my employer and myself to pass unmolested in | ||
| Maziriland."</ | Maziriland."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At this base suggestion, a feeling of such powerful indignation arose |
| in Harry Urquhart that for some moments he could not find his voice. | in Harry Urquhart that for some moments he could not find his voice. | ||
| When he spoke at last, his voice trembled with passion.</ | When he spoke at last, his voice trembled with passion.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| him from me that he has often enough proved himself a rascal, but that | him from me that he has often enough proved himself a rascal, but that | ||
| I never thought that he would sink to such perfidy as to offer us | I never thought that he would sink to such perfidy as to offer us | ||
| Line 3030: | Line 3028: | ||
| are neither one nor the other. | are neither one nor the other. | ||
| and I advise you to leave by the way you came as quickly as you can."</ | and I advise you to leave by the way you came as quickly as you can."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| fixed upon Harry Urquhart his cruel bloodshot eyes.</ | fixed upon Harry Urquhart his cruel bloodshot eyes.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thousand slaves. | thousand slaves. | ||
| have it. It is apparent from the way in which you speak that you know | have it. It is apparent from the way in which you speak that you know | ||
| little or nothing of the man with whom you have to deal. You shall | little or nothing of the man with whom you have to deal. You shall | ||
| see. I shall prove to you that I am not one who uses empty words."</ | see. I shall prove to you that I am not one who uses empty words."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that he turned sharply on his heel, entered the hut, and was gone.</ |
| </ | </ | ||
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| Line 3045: | Line 3043: | ||
| without artillery, which would have battered the old fort to dust and | without artillery, which would have battered the old fort to dust and | ||
| ashes in the space of half an hour.</ | ashes in the space of half an hour.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On each occasion when the Germans ventured to assault they were driven |
| back with considerable loss. Indeed, their dead lay so thick upon the | back with considerable loss. Indeed, their dead lay so thick upon the | ||
| path upon the hill-side that those who followed after mounted on the | path upon the hill-side that those who followed after mounted on the | ||
| bodies of those who had gone before.</ | bodies of those who had gone before.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On one occasion a company of native troops actually gained the parapet |
| of the fort. It was a dark night, and they had crept up the hill-side | of the fort. It was a dark night, and they had crept up the hill-side | ||
| unobserved. | unobserved. | ||
| upon the ramparts.</ | upon the ramparts.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| defence, but some half-dozen leapt the ditch and clambered over the | defence, but some half-dozen leapt the ditch and clambered over the | ||
| wall. Thereupon a brief hand-to-hand encounter ensued. | wall. Thereupon a brief hand-to-hand encounter ensued. | ||
| Line 3059: | Line 3057: | ||
| the end the enclosure of the fort was free of the enemy& | the end the enclosure of the fort was free of the enemy& | ||
| motionless forms that lay silent on the ground.</ | motionless forms that lay silent on the ground.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| put off their retreat until too late, for one night they were brought | put off their retreat until too late, for one night they were brought | ||
| face to face with the unexpected fact that the Germans had discovered | face to face with the unexpected fact that the Germans had discovered | ||
| Line 3067: | Line 3065: | ||
| was guarding their only line of retreat. | was guarding their only line of retreat. | ||
| that the Black Dog had found some means by which to betray them.</ | that the Black Dog had found some means by which to betray them.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| since they were still in ignorance of the strength of the little | since they were still in ignorance of the strength of the little | ||
| garrison; and in any case the narrowness and exceeding darkness of the | garrison; and in any case the narrowness and exceeding darkness of the | ||
| Line 3074: | Line 3072: | ||
| blind to the fact that those in the fort were running short of | blind to the fact that those in the fort were running short of | ||
| ammunition, and they could afford to play a waiting game.</ | ammunition, and they could afford to play a waiting game.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pleasantest; | pleasantest; | ||
| so often proved himself a man of iron, could see no chance of their | so often proved himself a man of iron, could see no chance of their | ||
| deliverance.</ | deliverance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As a great storm drives up upon the wind, so this tragedy drew to a |
| close. | close. | ||
| mouthful of food that was eaten, brought it a step nearer the end. | mouthful of food that was eaten, brought it a step nearer the end. | ||
| Line 3084: | Line 3082: | ||
| come from the south; both German and native troops were in the district | come from the south; both German and native troops were in the district | ||
| in battalions, with transport and ammunition columns and machine-guns.</ | in battalions, with transport and ammunition columns and machine-guns.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By then it was manifest that the Germans could capture the fort |
| whenever they wished, provided they made the necessary sacrifice in | whenever they wished, provided they made the necessary sacrifice in | ||
| lives& | lives& | ||
| do. They had not yet, however, deployed their whole strength against | do. They had not yet, however, deployed their whole strength against | ||
| the garrison& | the garrison& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| morning, soon after daybreak, when the Germans, their whole force in | morning, soon after daybreak, when the Germans, their whole force in | ||
| the valley, advanced in close formation upon the fort.</ | the valley, advanced in close formation upon the fort.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the same time a battery of artillery opened fire from the |
| neighbouring hills, and the immediate vicinity of the fort became a | neighbouring hills, and the immediate vicinity of the fort became a | ||
| pandemonium of dust and smoke and flying stones and masonry, whereas | pandemonium of dust and smoke and flying stones and masonry, whereas | ||
| the defenders were well-nigh deafened by the bursting of high-explosive | the defenders were well-nigh deafened by the bursting of high-explosive | ||
| shells.</ | shells.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In spite of this hurricane of lead and steel, time and again shots |
| sounded from the fort; but the great wave came on, overwhelming and | sounded from the fort; but the great wave came on, overwhelming and | ||
| irresistible. | irresistible. | ||
| defenders kept up a withering fire, until the barrels of their rifles | defenders kept up a withering fire, until the barrels of their rifles | ||
| were so hot they could not touch them. And still the enemy advanced.</ | were so hot they could not touch them. And still the enemy advanced.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As the Germans gathered themselves together for a final charge, Harry, |
| Jim Braid, and the half-caste rushed together from the parapet to the | Jim Braid, and the half-caste rushed together from the parapet to the | ||
| only box of ammunition that remained. | only box of ammunition that remained. | ||
| of the hut. Fernando was the first to reach it.</ | of the hut. Fernando was the first to reach it.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He pulled up sharply, standing motionless and erect. |
| down and took out from the box the only cartridge that was there.</ | down and took out from the box the only cartridge that was there.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| dire distress.</ | dire distress.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| excellent use."</ | excellent use."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>So saying he slipped it into the chamber of his rifle and closed the |
| breech with a snap.</ | breech with a snap.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that they must be prisoners in the enemy' | that they must be prisoners in the enemy' | ||
| eyes to travel over the parapet of the fort. He saw the German | eyes to travel over the parapet of the fort. He saw the German | ||
| officers reorganizing their scattered ranks in preparation for a final | officers reorganizing their scattered ranks in preparation for a final | ||
| charge.</ | charge.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was like the bursting of a thunder-cloud. | was like the bursting of a thunder-cloud. | ||
| hooted in the air, and a great shell from a heavy gun burst in a flash | hooted in the air, and a great shell from a heavy gun burst in a flash | ||
| Line 3135: | Line 3133: | ||
| the enclosure of the fort, there reigned a death-like silence& | the enclosure of the fort, there reigned a death-like silence& | ||
| silence of suspense. | silence of suspense. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thundered in the valley, and went echoing far above the tree-tops of | thundered in the valley, and went echoing far above the tree-tops of | ||
| the forests, over the ridges of the mountains, towards Maziriland.</ | the forests, over the ridges of the mountains, towards Maziriland.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| alive with shells, which flew upon their way, shrieking and hooting as | alive with shells, which flew upon their way, shrieking and hooting as | ||
| if in savage glee. Shrapnel burst high overhead, with white puffs of | if in savage glee. Shrapnel burst high overhead, with white puffs of | ||
| Line 3146: | Line 3144: | ||
| Germans. | Germans. | ||
| flew far and wide, inflicting the most terrible of wounds.</ | flew far and wide, inflicting the most terrible of wounds.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| down the hill, to face this new and far more formidable danger. | down the hill, to face this new and far more formidable danger. | ||
| assembled on a long spur that jutted into the valley, which they deemed | assembled on a long spur that jutted into the valley, which they deemed | ||
| the most suitable position whence to oppose the advance of the British.</ | the most suitable position whence to oppose the advance of the British.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A long line of glittering bayonets appeared upon the sky-line, |
| advancing like a running wave upon a low-lying, sandy beach. | advancing like a running wave upon a low-lying, sandy beach. | ||
| forward without checking, each man keeping his distance from his | forward without checking, each man keeping his distance from his | ||
| Line 3158: | Line 3156: | ||
| movements on parade. | movements on parade. | ||
| Germans.</ | Germans.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hills, and the white dust caused by the bullets flew at their feet. | hills, and the white dust caused by the bullets flew at their feet. | ||
| They answered back in volleys, each one of which sounded like the " | They answered back in volleys, each one of which sounded like the " | ||
| of tearing paper. | of tearing paper. | ||
| bayonets, their polished buttons, and the badges on their coats.</ | bayonets, their polished buttons, and the badges on their coats.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| fired; and thus the long lines of infantry were ever firing, ever | fired; and thus the long lines of infantry were ever firing, ever | ||
| advancing upon the enemy' | advancing upon the enemy' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A battle fought under such conditions& |
| days when the spade has become an even more important weapon than the | days when the spade has become an even more important weapon than the | ||
| rifle& | rifle& | ||
| Line 3175: | Line 3173: | ||
| of interminable " | of interminable " | ||
| only a thousand times greater in volume and more continuous.</ | only a thousand times greater in volume and more continuous.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ground itself with a series of sullen " | ground itself with a series of sullen " | ||
| with great vibrations, drum-like echoes, and rolling clouds of smoke.</ | with great vibrations, drum-like echoes, and rolling clouds of smoke.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ancient, crumbling fort. As the gods of Olympus reviewed the struggles | ancient, crumbling fort. As the gods of Olympus reviewed the struggles | ||
| of the Greeks and the Trojans, so those two looked down upon the wide | of the Greeks and the Trojans, so those two looked down upon the wide | ||
| amphitheatre where the conflict was taking place, where men were | amphitheatre where the conflict was taking place, where men were | ||
| marching shoulder to shoulder into the very jaws of death.</ | marching shoulder to shoulder into the very jaws of death.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ridge, firing rapidly into the advancing British troops; they could see | ridge, firing rapidly into the advancing British troops; they could see | ||
| the British coming on and on, regardless of danger, heeding only the | the British coming on and on, regardless of danger, heeding only the | ||
| words of command shouted from line to line.</ | words of command shouted from line to line.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sun. There was the officer in command. | sun. There was the officer in command. | ||
| signallers, he controlled the army at his feet, disposing his | signallers, he controlled the army at his feet, disposing his | ||
| battalions as a player moves his chessmen on a board.</ | battalions as a player moves his chessmen on a board.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| driving straight forward with the tenacity of a pack of hounds that | driving straight forward with the tenacity of a pack of hounds that | ||
| hold the fox in view.</ | hold the fox in view.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| as if the world was only thunder and flashes of fire and clouds of | as if the world was only thunder and flashes of fire and clouds of | ||
| yellow smoke. | yellow smoke. | ||
| again. | again. | ||
| a chained, infuriated dog.</ | a chained, infuriated dog.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| from little undulations in the ground, arose thousands of small khaki | from little undulations in the ground, arose thousands of small khaki | ||
| figures.</ | figures.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of music. | of music. | ||
| other, and, in the rear of all, the helio still blinked and glittered, | other, and, in the rear of all, the helio still blinked and glittered, | ||
| there where the brains of the machine were working the destruction of | there where the brains of the machine were working the destruction of | ||
| prophets of " | prophets of " | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A bugle sounded in the air, its thin, piercing notes carrying far. |
| Each of the boys experienced a thrill of pride and exultation, a | Each of the boys experienced a thrill of pride and exultation, a | ||
| sensation of sublime excitement, as the British lines answered the | sensation of sublime excitement, as the British lines answered the | ||
| bugle with a charge.</ | bugle with a charge.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| towards the enemy, the bayonets flashing, the bugle speaking again and | towards the enemy, the bayonets flashing, the bugle speaking again and | ||
| again.</ | again.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the throats of gallant Haussas& | the throats of gallant Haussas& | ||
| superior even to the constant growling of the guns.</ | superior even to the constant growling of the guns.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| were swamped, as a tide carries away a castle on the sands. | were swamped, as a tide carries away a castle on the sands. | ||
| man, they broke and fled, panic-stricken and defeated.</ | man, they broke and fled, panic-stricken and defeated.</ | ||
| Line 3228: | Line 3226: | ||
| about to leave the fort, passing through the tunnel in single file, the | about to leave the fort, passing through the tunnel in single file, the | ||
| guide leading the way and Harry Urquhart bringing up the rear.</ | guide leading the way and Harry Urquhart bringing up the rear.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By the time they entered the forest the afternoon was well advanced, |
| the sun sinking in the heavens. | the sun sinking in the heavens. | ||
| that night, but there was no question that darkness would overtake them | that night, but there was no question that darkness would overtake them | ||
| long before they could do so.</ | long before they could do so.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Germans from the district. | Germans from the district. | ||
| Cameroons was conquered, and the remnants of the enemy were returning | Cameroons was conquered, and the remnants of the enemy were returning | ||
| in hot haste towards the Spanish territory to the east.</ | in hot haste towards the Spanish territory to the east.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| entrance to the tunnel they found a heap of hot, charred wood upon the | entrance to the tunnel they found a heap of hot, charred wood upon the | ||
| ground. | ground. | ||
| that the picket that guarded the tunnel had retreated only at the | that the picket that guarded the tunnel had retreated only at the | ||
| eleventh hour.</ | eleventh hour.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| marching in a bee-line towards the bivouac fires of the British camp. | marching in a bee-line towards the bivouac fires of the British camp. | ||
| They moved forward in the following order& | They moved forward in the following order& | ||
| distance behind him came Jim Braid and Peter Klein, and a greater | distance behind him came Jim Braid and Peter Klein, and a greater | ||
| distance in the rear was Harry Urquhart.</ | distance in the rear was Harry Urquhart.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ground. | ground. | ||
| to be.</ | to be.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He knew that von Hardenberg had stolen the Sunstone, that he carried it |
| upon his person. | upon his person. | ||
| life, to recover the Sunstone for his uncle. | life, to recover the Sunstone for his uncle. | ||
| Line 3255: | Line 3253: | ||
| treasure. | treasure. | ||
| was prepared to sacrifice his country and his honour.</ | was prepared to sacrifice his country and his honour.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As he walked, Harry was thinking of these things, when, on a sudden, |
| there came a flash of fire, not ten paces to the right. | there came a flash of fire, not ten paces to the right. | ||
| with a jerk, and heard a bullet sing past his head like some evil | with a jerk, and heard a bullet sing past his head like some evil | ||
| Line 3261: | Line 3259: | ||
| lobe of an ear, and a moment later he felt the warm blood flowing down | lobe of an ear, and a moment later he felt the warm blood flowing down | ||
| his neck.</ | his neck.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He saw a figure flying in the night, and with a loud cry took up the |
| pursuit. | pursuit. | ||
| struggled in his grasp. | struggled in his grasp. | ||
| throat, and in the moonlight Harry recognized that he had come to | throat, and in the moonlight Harry recognized that he had come to | ||
| death-grips with his cousin, Captain von Hardenberg himself.</ | death-grips with his cousin, Captain von Hardenberg himself.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>No sooner was he aware who his opponent was than he saw at once that |
| here was a chance to capture the Sunstone, and for that end he | here was a chance to capture the Sunstone, and for that end he | ||
| struggled with the desperation that means more than strength.</ | struggled with the desperation that means more than strength.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| upon his chest, he endeavoured to throw von Hardenberg backward. | upon his chest, he endeavoured to throw von Hardenberg backward. | ||
| even as he wrestled he felt the Sunstone, sewn in the lining of the | even as he wrestled he felt the Sunstone, sewn in the lining of the | ||
| Prussian' | Prussian' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| coming heavily to the ground. | coming heavily to the ground. | ||
| rock, and after that he lay quite motionless and silent.</ | rock, and after that he lay quite motionless and silent.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Braid and Fernando hastened to the boy's assistance; on the other, the | Braid and Fernando hastened to the boy's assistance; on the other, the | ||
| Black Dog came forward with rapidity.</ | Black Dog came forward with rapidity.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As quick as thought Harry pulled out his pocketknife. |
| rip open von Hardenberg' | rip open von Hardenberg' | ||
| was at an end.</ | was at an end.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A sharp cut with the knife, a hand that trembled with excitement thrust |
| through the opening, and Harry' | through the opening, and Harry' | ||
| he had come so many miles to gain.</ | he had come so many miles to gain.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| stretched him senseless on the ground. | stretched him senseless on the ground. | ||
| assistance of his employer in the nick of time. His quick eyes had | assistance of his employer in the nick of time. His quick eyes had | ||
| Line 3291: | Line 3289: | ||
| hands of Harry Urquhart, and, lifting his rifle by the barrel, he had | hands of Harry Urquhart, and, lifting his rifle by the barrel, he had | ||
| brought down the butt upon the boy's head.</ | brought down the butt upon the boy's head.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| moment afterwards the Black Dog was flying in the night, carrying in | moment afterwards the Black Dog was flying in the night, carrying in | ||
| his arms the unconscious body of von Hardenberg.</ | his arms the unconscious body of von Hardenberg.</ | ||
| Line 3300: | Line 3298: | ||
| the darkness. | the darkness. | ||
| the distance.</ | the distance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the wounded boy.</ | the wounded boy.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>So saying he lifted Harry in his arms and carried him a distance of |
| about a hundred yards to a place where there was a small stream in the | about a hundred yards to a place where there was a small stream in the | ||
| valley.</ | valley.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wound in his ear. Presently Harry recovered consciousness, | wound in his ear. Presently Harry recovered consciousness, | ||
| looked about him.</ | looked about him.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It took but a word to remind him of what had happened, and then he |
| remembered that he had held the Sunstone in his grasp. | remembered that he had held the Sunstone in his grasp. | ||
| Jim and smiled.</ | Jim and smiled.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| life. I thought you had been killed."</ | life. I thought you had been killed."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In a little time he was able to continue on his way. The bullet wound |
| in his ear was nothing; it was scarcely painful.</ | in his ear was nothing; it was scarcely painful.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| towards the British camp. When the sun rose, however, they found to | towards the British camp. When the sun rose, however, they found to | ||
| their surprise that the whole column was already on the line of march, | their surprise that the whole column was already on the line of march, | ||
| moving towards the east in pursuit of the retreating enemy.</ | moving towards the east in pursuit of the retreating enemy.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| burning, but no sign of life remained.</ | burning, but no sign of life remained.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hospital-wagons were to be seen trundling slowly southward.</ | hospital-wagons were to be seen trundling slowly southward.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the centre of the deserted bivouac stood a tall solitary tree, and |
| it was under this that they rested throughout the heat of the day. | it was under this that they rested throughout the heat of the day. | ||
| Fernando, who had been dozing, rose to his feet, stretched and yawned. | Fernando, who had been dozing, rose to his feet, stretched and yawned. | ||
| As he did so he caught sight of a star-shaped cut in the bark of the | As he did so he caught sight of a star-shaped cut in the bark of the | ||
| tree, and on the instant it was as if the man had become transfigured.</ | tree, and on the instant it was as if the man had become transfigured.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pleasure were stamped on every feature of his face.</ | pleasure were stamped on every feature of his face.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| night he was here& | night he was here& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hunted together we sometimes lost one another in the bush, and on such | hunted together we sometimes lost one another in the bush, and on such | ||
| occasions we blazed the trees along the tracks of bush elephants in | occasions we blazed the trees along the tracks of bush elephants in | ||
| just such a manner as this."</ | just such a manner as this."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the British?"</ | the British?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| would he go. Both he and I know this district well."</ | would he go. Both he and I know this district well."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| with an exclamation, | with an exclamation, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He did not return until long after nightfall; and then it was with the |
| joyful news that he had found his brother, sound asleep& | joyful news that he had found his brother, sound asleep& | ||
| boxes of German ammunition.</ | boxes of German ammunition.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| They found Cortes, sleeping heavily, in a little dried-up watercourse | They found Cortes, sleeping heavily, in a little dried-up watercourse | ||
| well screened by trees. | well screened by trees. | ||
| not awakened his brother.</ | not awakened his brother.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| up, rubbed his eyes, and then looked about him. The light of the moon | up, rubbed his eyes, and then looked about him. The light of the moon | ||
| fell full upon his face.</ | fell full upon his face.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| struck against a boulder and I fell upon my face. I think the fall did | struck against a boulder and I fell upon my face. I think the fall did | ||
| some injury to my wound& | some injury to my wound& | ||
| for, when I tried to run, I found myself unable to do so.</ | for, when I tried to run, I found myself unable to do so.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| would be overtaken. | would be overtaken. | ||
| to a place where there was a great hole in the ground covered with | to a place where there was a great hole in the ground covered with | ||
| bushes, and there I hid, allowing the Germans to pass.</ | bushes, and there I hid, allowing the Germans to pass.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| I knew where my brother would take you; I knew he would go to the old | I knew where my brother would take you; I knew he would go to the old | ||
| fort. I might have rejoined you by way of the tunnel. | fort. I might have rejoined you by way of the tunnel. | ||
| Line 3381: | Line 3379: | ||
| secured also a haversack of revolver ammunition. | secured also a haversack of revolver ammunition. | ||
| sleepy dogs."</ | sleepy dogs."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| go to the British camp. It was there that I blazed the tree whilst the | go to the British camp. It was there that I blazed the tree whilst the | ||
| troops were marching away. I returned to the hills, because I was | troops were marching away. I returned to the hills, because I was | ||
| tired and wished to sleep. | tired and wished to sleep. | ||
| would follow me here."</ | would follow me here."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the frontier of Maziriland. | the frontier of Maziriland. | ||
| the hills, and thence across a valley thick with undergrowth and | the hills, and thence across a valley thick with undergrowth and | ||
| Line 3397: | Line 3395: | ||
| high ground once again, and set forward across the plateau beyond which | high ground once again, and set forward across the plateau beyond which | ||
| the Maziri mountains stood up like a line of thrones.</ | the Maziri mountains stood up like a line of thrones.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| had held so gallantly against the Germans, and had even appeared quite | had held so gallantly against the Germans, and had even appeared quite | ||
| near at hand. But in these high altitudes the atmosphere was | near at hand. But in these high altitudes the atmosphere was | ||
| Line 3403: | Line 3401: | ||
| dominating the surrounding country far into the interior of the | dominating the surrounding country far into the interior of the | ||
| Cameroons.</ | Cameroons.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It took them in all six more days to reach the frontier, when once |
| again they found themselves in the midst of hidden dangers.</ | again they found themselves in the midst of hidden dangers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Maziris themselves; indeed, concerning this strange race very | the Maziris themselves; indeed, concerning this strange race very | ||
| little is known, either to anthropologists or explorers.</ | little is known, either to anthropologists or explorers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It is generally supposed that the Maziris are a race that emigrated |
| from north-eastern Africa very early in the known history of the world. | from north-eastern Africa very early in the known history of the world. | ||
| Their features are aquiline, their lips thin, and the colour of their | Their features are aquiline, their lips thin, and the colour of their | ||
| Line 3417: | Line 3415: | ||
| how they brought to the wilds of Western Africa the religion and | how they brought to the wilds of Western Africa the religion and | ||
| traditional customs of the followers of Zoroaster.</ | traditional customs of the followers of Zoroaster.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As soon as they had crossed the frontier, Cortes and Fernando guided |
| the party towards the west, in which direction were the caves. | the party towards the west, in which direction were the caves. | ||
| also was the most deserted part of the country, nearly all the Maziri | also was the most deserted part of the country, nearly all the Maziri | ||
| villages being towards the east, where the country was more fertile and | villages being towards the east, where the country was more fertile and | ||
| suitable for pasture.</ | suitable for pasture.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the famous cities of the Pharaohs& | the famous cities of the Pharaohs& | ||
| extremely ancient civilization. | extremely ancient civilization. | ||
| Line 3435: | Line 3433: | ||
| East, in much the same way as the inhabitants of northern Spain are | East, in much the same way as the inhabitants of northern Spain are | ||
| distantly related to the Irish.</ | distantly related to the Irish.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| record that there befell a certain tragedy. | record that there befell a certain tragedy. | ||
| having contracted a fever in the jungle, and, being much weakened in | having contracted a fever in the jungle, and, being much weakened in | ||
| Line 3441: | Line 3439: | ||
| fell into a rapid decline& | fell into a rapid decline& | ||
| spared.</ | spared.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| mountains, and he goes out of this story as he came into it& | mountains, and he goes out of this story as he came into it& | ||
| mean object, a man of no account.</ | mean object, a man of no account.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As for our four adventurers, |
| more upon the hill-tops, shrouded in the mists. | more upon the hill-tops, shrouded in the mists. | ||
| Maziris the guides led the party by a roundabout way, giving the | Maziris the guides led the party by a roundabout way, giving the | ||
| valleys, and even the lower mountain slopes, a wide berth; for there | valleys, and even the lower mountain slopes, a wide berth; for there | ||
| they were more likely to fall in with parties of the inhabitants.</ | they were more likely to fall in with parties of the inhabitants.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On the next day, from the far south, there came a noise like thunder |
| that continued until the afternoon. | that continued until the afternoon. | ||
| spoke in the distance. | spoke in the distance. | ||
| Cameroons.</ | Cameroons.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| growing fainter and more distant as they advanced. | growing fainter and more distant as they advanced. | ||
| after Klein' | after Klein' | ||
| Line 3460: | Line 3458: | ||
| cliff, and they were obliged to walk many miles to find a place where | cliff, and they were obliged to walk many miles to find a place where | ||
| they could descend.</ | they could descend.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At length they reached a mountain-top. |
| another mountain, up which there was a path leading to a flight of | another mountain, up which there was a path leading to a flight of | ||
| steps. | steps. | ||
| mountain-side. | mountain-side. | ||
| appeared absolutely deserted. | appeared absolutely deserted. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| "Tell me, in which direction are the caves?"</ | "Tell me, in which direction are the caves?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| slope. | slope. | ||
| which the Black Dog and von Hardenberg have come all these thousands of | which the Black Dog and von Hardenberg have come all these thousands of | ||
| miles to gain."</ | miles to gain."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In single file, Cortes leading the way, they descended towards the |
| valley.</ | valley.</ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| Line 3481: | Line 3479: | ||
| are many standing proofs of an advanced stage of civilization many | are many standing proofs of an advanced stage of civilization many | ||
| centuries before the Christian era.</ | centuries before the Christian era.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| passages extending for miles; there are the Pyramids, the Great Wall of | passages extending for miles; there are the Pyramids, the Great Wall of | ||
| China, the hanging gardens of Babylon& | China, the hanging gardens of Babylon& | ||
| eternal monuments of the labour, energy and genius of the past.</ | eternal monuments of the labour, energy and genius of the past.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Indeed, it is much to be wondered at that they were not included in the | Indeed, it is much to be wondered at that they were not included in the | ||
| seven wonders of the ancient world. | seven wonders of the ancient world. | ||
| Line 3491: | Line 3489: | ||
| great vaults fashioned by human labour out of the living and | great vaults fashioned by human labour out of the living and | ||
| everlasting rock.</ | everlasting rock.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| entrance to the caves, they decided to camp on the lower slopes of the | entrance to the caves, they decided to camp on the lower slopes of the | ||
| mountain, for it was already growing dark. It would take them several | mountain, for it was already growing dark. It would take them several | ||
| Line 3498: | Line 3496: | ||
| there was a great hollow among the rocks, and here they deemed it safe | there was a great hollow among the rocks, and here they deemed it safe | ||
| to light a fire and cook their evening meal.</ | to light a fire and cook their evening meal.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| on without loss of time. There was no knowing where von Hardenberg and | on without loss of time. There was no knowing where von Hardenberg and | ||
| the sheikh were. Perhaps they had already gained the caves.</ | the sheikh were. Perhaps they had already gained the caves.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As soon as they had breakfasted, |
| way. The two boys, led by the guides, crossed the valley and then | way. The two boys, led by the guides, crossed the valley and then | ||
| ascended the mountain opposite by way of a bridle-path, | ascended the mountain opposite by way of a bridle-path, | ||
| Line 3507: | Line 3505: | ||
| the caves from the deserts of northern Africa and Arabia& | the caves from the deserts of northern Africa and Arabia& | ||
| caravan routes that extend in all directions across these arid wastes.</ | caravan routes that extend in all directions across these arid wastes.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| presently they found themselves at the foot of a flight of steps. | presently they found themselves at the foot of a flight of steps. | ||
| heavy mist still wrapped the mountain in a kind of shroud. | heavy mist still wrapped the mountain in a kind of shroud. | ||
| ascended, one above the other, into the very heart of the mist which | ascended, one above the other, into the very heart of the mist which | ||
| completely obscured the entrance.</ | completely obscured the entrance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| very zenith of the heavens; and on either side of them, as far as Harry | very zenith of the heavens; and on either side of them, as far as Harry | ||
| could see, were ranged strange statues& | could see, were ranged strange statues& | ||
| Line 3518: | Line 3516: | ||
| watch-dogs, guarding the treasure that lay beyond. | watch-dogs, guarding the treasure that lay beyond. | ||
| the same rough mountain stone.</ | the same rough mountain stone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hail and the rain had lashed these mute, immobile sentinels, so that in | hail and the rain had lashed these mute, immobile sentinels, so that in | ||
| many cases they were broken and corroded like the gargoyles on a Norman | many cases they were broken and corroded like the gargoyles on a Norman | ||
| church.</ | church.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>To mount that flight of nearly a thousand steps in the mists of |
| morning, between these weird and hideous images, was an experience that | morning, between these weird and hideous images, was an experience that | ||
| bordered on the uncanny. | bordered on the uncanny. | ||
| the heart of the mountains.</ | the heart of the mountains.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| graveyard of the past, where the wisdom of the Medes and Persians lay | graveyard of the past, where the wisdom of the Medes and Persians lay | ||
| buried to the end of time, where the rugged mountain-tops stood forth | buried to the end of time, where the rugged mountain-tops stood forth | ||
| like tombstones, piercing the very clouds.</ | like tombstones, piercing the very clouds.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At last they came to the entrance. |
| upon a great stone terrace, level as a table-top, on the farther side | upon a great stone terrace, level as a table-top, on the farther side | ||
| of which arose the side of the mountain, formidably smooth and | of which arose the side of the mountain, formidably smooth and | ||
| perpendicular, | perpendicular, | ||
| that struggled through the mist. It was like a wall of polished steel.</ | that struggled through the mist. It was like a wall of polished steel.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| abreast, and about ten feet in height. | abreast, and about ten feet in height. | ||
| the savage cliff. | the savage cliff. | ||
| Line 3542: | Line 3540: | ||
| their heads which one has learnt to associate with the Persians, the | their heads which one has learnt to associate with the Persians, the | ||
| Assyrians, and the Medes.</ | Assyrians, and the Medes.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to Harry.</ | to Harry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| race& | race& | ||
| superstition, | superstition, | ||
| Call it what you like, I have the sense of a calamity impending. | Call it what you like, I have the sense of a calamity impending. | ||
| quite sure of that."</ | quite sure of that."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| curtain is about to be raised."</ | curtain is about to be raised."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to follow."</ | to follow."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| shown fear or hesitation before.</ | shown fear or hesitation before.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and Fernando followed at their heels.</ | and Fernando followed at their heels.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| transfixed in wonderment at the solemn magnificence and beauty of the | transfixed in wonderment at the solemn magnificence and beauty of the | ||
| Caves of Zoroaster.</ | Caves of Zoroaster.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| by two lines of pillars. | by two lines of pillars. | ||
| They had not been built up from the floor to the ceiling, but were part | They had not been built up from the floor to the ceiling, but were part | ||
| Line 3569: | Line 3567: | ||
| aisles had been hollowed out by human labour, and the rounded pillars | aisles had been hollowed out by human labour, and the rounded pillars | ||
| left at regular intervals to support the immense weight above.</ | left at regular intervals to support the immense weight above.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| mountain, and which threw convergent beams of light across the shadows. | mountain, and which threw convergent beams of light across the shadows. | ||
| Giving upon each of the side aisles were three doors constructed of | Giving upon each of the side aisles were three doors constructed of | ||
| Line 3576: | Line 3574: | ||
| connected with the roof by a series of smaller and more frequent | connected with the roof by a series of smaller and more frequent | ||
| pillars.</ | pillars.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the far end, upon an altar, a single oil-lamp was burning. |
| the altar, and about twenty paces distant, was a wall of rock which | the altar, and about twenty paces distant, was a wall of rock which | ||
| immediately attracted the attention of the boys.</ | immediately attracted the attention of the boys.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| cave& | cave& | ||
| smooth that it resembled masonry. | smooth that it resembled masonry. | ||
| Line 3585: | Line 3583: | ||
| the quartz and mica crystals glittered in the flickering light of the | the quartz and mica crystals glittered in the flickering light of the | ||
| lamp.</ | lamp.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>By the side of the granite rock was something which Harry Urquhart |
| recognized at once. On a single axis, supported at each end by grooves | recognized at once. On a single axis, supported at each end by grooves | ||
| cut in the pillars, were nine enormous wheels of bronze. | cut in the pillars, were nine enormous wheels of bronze. | ||
| outside& | outside& | ||
| wheels, were hundreds of strange cuneiform characters.</ | wheels, were hundreds of strange cuneiform characters.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| contained the treasure, and these wheels composed the Bramah lock by | contained the treasure, and these wheels composed the Bramah lock by | ||
| sole means of which the vault itself could be opened.</ | sole means of which the vault itself could be opened.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of the Sunstone was the explanation, | of the Sunstone was the explanation, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| first this way and then that. Each revolved independently of the | first this way and then that. Each revolved independently of the | ||
| others, and could be turned either backwards or forwards.</ | others, and could be turned either backwards or forwards.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| turned until the characters visible along a given line corresponded to | turned until the characters visible along a given line corresponded to | ||
| those upon the Sunstone. | those upon the Sunstone. | ||
| was, for, across the wheels, at about the height of a man's eyes, a bar | was, for, across the wheels, at about the height of a man's eyes, a bar | ||
| of gold extended.</ | of gold extended.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the side aisles beneath the gallery. | the side aisles beneath the gallery. | ||
| companions on tiptoe, with a finger raised to his lips.</ | companions on tiptoe, with a finger raised to his lips.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the guide motioned him to stoop down and listen.</ | the guide motioned him to stoop down and listen.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Then there came to his ears a sound that was unearthly.</ | Then there came to his ears a sound that was unearthly.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was a low, continuous, moaning sound, like the howl of a dog in the |
| distance. | distance. | ||
| on the other side of the door.</ | on the other side of the door.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| its gloom, that was at once depressing and alarming. | its gloom, that was at once depressing and alarming. | ||
| felt that he was rapidly losing confidence in himself. | felt that he was rapidly losing confidence in himself. | ||
| Line 3620: | Line 3618: | ||
| the entrance, the shadowy vault of the cave, pierced by shafts of | the entrance, the shadowy vault of the cave, pierced by shafts of | ||
| light, and the solitary burning lamp& | light, and the solitary burning lamp& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| but here he was confronted by what was suggestive of the supernatural. | but here he was confronted by what was suggestive of the supernatural. | ||
| A feeling of fear possessed him& | A feeling of fear possessed him& | ||
| shuddering, and turned quickly to the guide.</ | shuddering, and turned quickly to the guide.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that moment there came a loud rapping on the other side of the door, |
| which shook and trembled under the blows of someone who seemed like a | which shook and trembled under the blows of someone who seemed like a | ||
| maniac. | maniac. | ||
| Line 3635: | Line 3633: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| led the way. If the boys were alarmed, the men were even more so.</ | led the way. If the boys were alarmed, the men were even more so.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| acceptation of the term, but, in their thinking, in this place they | acceptation of the term, but, in their thinking, in this place they | ||
| trespassed upon the precincts of the other world.</ | trespassed upon the precincts of the other world.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| entrance, when Harry called him back.</ | entrance, when Harry called him back.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the semi-darkness he had caught sight of a narrow flight of stone |
| steps which led to the gallery above. | steps which led to the gallery above. | ||
| had not a natural curiosity to see who approached on the other side of | had not a natural curiosity to see who approached on the other side of | ||
| the door.</ | the door.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of the cave. It was a noise of bolts withdrawn, chains jangling, locks | of the cave. It was a noise of bolts withdrawn, chains jangling, locks | ||
| unfastened, whilst a voice that was hardly human was continuously | unfastened, whilst a voice that was hardly human was continuously | ||
| uplifted in a long, plaintive moan.</ | uplifted in a long, plaintive moan.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In the semi-darkness of the gallery the four trespassers knelt down, |
| hiding behind the pillars in such position that they could see into the | hiding behind the pillars in such position that they could see into the | ||
| central aisle below. | central aisle below. | ||
| these strange, uncanny sounds.</ | these strange, uncanny sounds.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lamp the most extraordinary apparition it had ever been the lot of any | lamp the most extraordinary apparition it had ever been the lot of any | ||
| one of them to see.</ | one of them to see.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was a madman. |
| was of a great age, for the hair of his beard and of his head was white | was of a great age, for the hair of his beard and of his head was white | ||
| as snow. And yet he was very tall of stature, and had the appearance | as snow. And yet he was very tall of stature, and had the appearance | ||
| of a man of colossal strength.</ | of a man of colossal strength.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was clothed in rags& |
| that his dark skin was visible upon his arms and back. The hair of his | that his dark skin was visible upon his arms and back. The hair of his | ||
| head was so long that it reached to his waist, a great beard spread | head was so long that it reached to his waist, a great beard spread | ||
| Line 3666: | Line 3664: | ||
| sword such as was used by warriors in ancient days. In one hand he | sword such as was used by warriors in ancient days. In one hand he | ||
| held a staff.</ | held a staff.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He came forward, singing a wild song that somehow was reminiscent of |
| the desert and the East. He approached the altar where burned the | the desert and the East. He approached the altar where burned the | ||
| lamp, and there flung himself upon the ground, tearing his hair, | lamp, and there flung himself upon the ground, tearing his hair, | ||
| gnashing his teeth, and actually foaming at the mouth.</ | gnashing his teeth, and actually foaming at the mouth.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| breaking off in his singing to beat himself upon the chest. | breaking off in his singing to beat himself upon the chest. | ||
| terrible to behold. | terrible to behold. | ||
| Line 3676: | Line 3674: | ||
| enormous pillars& | enormous pillars& | ||
| rather to one of the worlds of which we sometimes dream.</ | rather to one of the worlds of which we sometimes dream.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| He has lived here all his life."</ | He has lived here all his life."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lifting his voice, he uttered an endless string of words that were | lifting his voice, he uttered an endless string of words that were | ||
| incomprehensible to both boys. As far as Harry could make out, the man | incomprehensible to both boys. As far as Harry could make out, the man | ||
| either uttered some fearful curse or else he prayed in anguish.</ | either uttered some fearful curse or else he prayed in anguish.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| language. | language. | ||
| years, but this very day it will return. | years, but this very day it will return. | ||
| opened before nightfall. | opened before nightfall. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ancients, who could read the stars and knew of many things long since | ancients, who could read the stars and knew of many things long since | ||
| forgotten. | forgotten. | ||
| Line 3696: | Line 3694: | ||
| holiness that he can see into the future, that he can read from the | holiness that he can see into the future, that he can read from the | ||
| Book of Fate."</ | Book of Fate."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| stood erect and motionless before the altar like one transfigured into | stood erect and motionless before the altar like one transfigured into | ||
| a kind of deity. | a kind of deity. | ||
| know as human.</ | know as human.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was straight of back, his bare arms folded upon his chest, his head |
| a little lowered. | a little lowered. | ||
| cave converged upon the whiteness of his head, so that he was like a | cave converged upon the whiteness of his head, so that he was like a | ||
| saint, solemn and magnificent, | saint, solemn and magnificent, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and then they saw that his madness was not feigned. | and then they saw that his madness was not feigned. | ||
| he hurled himself upon the wheels and set them all in motion, some | he hurled himself upon the wheels and set them all in motion, some | ||
| Line 3710: | Line 3708: | ||
| he shook his fist at the entrance to the vault& | he shook his fist at the entrance to the vault& | ||
| the extremity of the cave.</ | the extremity of the cave.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Zoroaster!"</ | Zoroaster!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was inanimate would heed his infuriated words. | was inanimate would heed his infuriated words. | ||
| bronze wheels reflected the light from the lamp, but there came no | bronze wheels reflected the light from the lamp, but there came no | ||
| answer to the man's cries but the echoes of his own voice in the | answer to the man's cries but the echoes of his own voice in the | ||
| dimness of the cavern.</ | dimness of the cavern.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that the spirit of Zoroaster might descend and show him how to open the | that the spirit of Zoroaster might descend and show him how to open the | ||
| vault. | vault. | ||
| Line 3723: | Line 3721: | ||
| to him then and there, or that the Sunstone itself might be returned to | to him then and there, or that the Sunstone itself might be returned to | ||
| the cave.</ | the cave.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to his feet. For some seconds he stood quite motionless, in the | to his feet. For some seconds he stood quite motionless, in the | ||
| attitude of one who listens.</ | attitude of one who listens.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that he lifted a hand to an ear and turned his head towards the |
| entrance to the cave.</ | entrance to the cave.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| approaching.</ | approaching.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A little after, the daylight at the entrance was obscured by a |
| figure& | figure& | ||
| a European. | a European. | ||
| with a hand.</ | with a hand.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was apparent that, newly come from the daylight, the new-comer was |
| unable to see in the half-light of the cavern. | unable to see in the half-light of the cavern. | ||
| himself be recognized by those in the gallery.</ | himself be recognized by those in the gallery.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Cave, and the light from the burning lamp fell full upon his face.</ | Cave, and the light from the burning lamp fell full upon his face.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| handle of his revolver, when he recognized von Hardenberg, who had come | handle of his revolver, when he recognized von Hardenberg, who had come | ||
| to his journey' | to his journey' | ||
| Line 3749: | Line 3747: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| nor moved.</ | nor moved.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As they stood thus, a third person entered, swiftly, silently, without |
| being seen either by von Hardenberg or the Guardian of the Cave. Those | being seen either by von Hardenberg or the Guardian of the Cave. Those | ||
| in the gallery saw who it was: the man was the sheikh, the Black Dog of | in the gallery saw who it was: the man was the sheikh, the Black Dog of | ||
| the Cameroons.</ | the Cameroons.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>Of the scene that followed the watchers in the gallery were amazed and |
| horrified spectators. | horrified spectators. | ||
| been idle during the time the Sunstone had been in his possession; with | been idle during the time the Sunstone had been in his possession; with | ||
| Teuton thoroughness and industry he had even learnt to speak in the | Teuton thoroughness and industry he had even learnt to speak in the | ||
| Maziri tongue.</ | Maziri tongue.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| behold.</ | behold.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Harry by Fernando.</ | Harry by Fernando.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| you to deliver it up!"</ | you to deliver it up!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| tiger behind one of the pillars, unseen by either of the speakers.</ | tiger behind one of the pillars, unseen by either of the speakers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Sunstone?"</ | Sunstone?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| things I know because I am one who holds converse with the gods. Me | things I know because I am one who holds converse with the gods. Me | ||
| you cannot deceive. | you cannot deceive. | ||
| dreamed a dream& | dreamed a dream& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Deliver up the Sunstone!"</ | Deliver up the Sunstone!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| score years, and never once have I ventured beyond the entrance of the | score years, and never once have I ventured beyond the entrance of the | ||
| Caves of Zoroaster. | Caves of Zoroaster. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his hand crept to his belt, where he carried the holster of his | his hand crept to his belt, where he carried the holster of his | ||
| revolver.</ | revolver.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| had no time to interfere. | had no time to interfere. | ||
| that the tragedy should be played out to its end, to the falling of the | that the tragedy should be played out to its end, to the falling of the | ||
| curtain.</ | curtain.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| two-handed sword and flourished it on high. Then, with a spring like | two-handed sword and flourished it on high. Then, with a spring like | ||
| that of a tiger, he hurled himself upon the Prussian.</ | that of a tiger, he hurled himself upon the Prussian.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| fire, like jets of flame, and then three puffs of smoke. | fire, like jets of flame, and then three puffs of smoke. | ||
| filled with an echo that went on and on as if it would never cease.</ | filled with an echo that went on and on as if it would never cease.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| upon the floor, silent and still. | upon the floor, silent and still. | ||
| for a hundred years he had stood guardian of the Caves of | for a hundred years he had stood guardian of the Caves of | ||
| Zoroaster& | Zoroaster& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Hardenberg had not Cortes held him down by force.</ | Hardenberg had not Cortes held him down by force.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| straight, and the Black Dog will escape us."</ | straight, and the Black Dog will escape us."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A horrid silence reigned in the great, domed chamber. |
| more tragic, more fantastic than ever. The shafts of light from above | more tragic, more fantastic than ever. The shafts of light from above | ||
| struck the body of the murdered man; the lamp still flickered before | struck the body of the murdered man; the lamp still flickered before | ||
| the altar. | the altar. | ||
| deeper recesses of the place.</ | deeper recesses of the place.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thin wreaths of smoke issuing from the muzzle. | thin wreaths of smoke issuing from the muzzle. | ||
| of the stillness there came a chuckle: the Black Dog was pleased to | of the stillness there came a chuckle: the Black Dog was pleased to | ||
| laugh.</ | laugh.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was implacable, relentless. | was implacable, relentless. | ||
| contemplated a greater crime, for the commission of which he was hiding | contemplated a greater crime, for the commission of which he was hiding | ||
| in the darkness like a snake, biding his time to strike.</ | in the darkness like a snake, biding his time to strike.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| over with his foot.</ | over with his foot.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| now looked sane and beautiful in death. | now looked sane and beautiful in death. | ||
| had gone altogether from his features, which were now calm and wholly | had gone altogether from his features, which were now calm and wholly | ||
| at peace. | at peace. | ||
| the patriarchs of old.</ | the patriarchs of old.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was all that he could do to control within him a feeling that was akin | was all that he could do to control within him a feeling that was akin | ||
| to terror. | to terror. | ||
| pillars, at the darkened corners of the aisles, at the shafts of | pillars, at the darkened corners of the aisles, at the shafts of | ||
| sunlight that pierced the darkness like the blades of swords.</ | sunlight that pierced the darkness like the blades of swords.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| were so shaken, and he in such feverish haste, that he could not at | were so shaken, and he in such feverish haste, that he could not at | ||
| first succeed. | first succeed. | ||
| Line 3839: | Line 3837: | ||
| forth the Sunstone and placed it on the altar by the side of the | forth the Sunstone and placed it on the altar by the side of the | ||
| burning lamp.</ | burning lamp.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| laughter& | laughter& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had gone through so much; he had faced so many dangers; he had been |
| guilty of a score of crimes; he had lost everything& | guilty of a score of crimes; he had lost everything& | ||
| honour and position& | honour and position& | ||
| lay beyond the red granite rock.</ | lay beyond the red granite rock.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| else but laugh, in a kind of wild delirium, whilst tear-drops in quick | else but laugh, in a kind of wild delirium, whilst tear-drops in quick | ||
| succession coursed down his cheeks.</ | succession coursed down his cheeks.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| went to the nine wheels and turned them all ways in a fever of | went to the nine wheels and turned them all ways in a fever of | ||
| excitement.</ | excitement.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| notice of the cuneiform writing on the " | notice of the cuneiform writing on the " | ||
| for the Sunstone and brought it to the Bramah lock.</ | for the Sunstone and brought it to the Bramah lock.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| took it back to the altar, and laid it down once more before the lamp. | took it back to the altar, and laid it down once more before the lamp. | ||
| Then he studied the character in the first segment, and, having | Then he studied the character in the first segment, and, having | ||
| committed it to memory, he went back to the wheels.</ | committed it to memory, he went back to the wheels.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| above the golden bar. At last he appeared satisfied. | above the golden bar. At last he appeared satisfied. | ||
| figure, or character, which lay immediately above the golden bar | figure, or character, which lay immediately above the golden bar | ||
| corresponded to that upon the Sunstone.</ | corresponded to that upon the Sunstone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the wheel in the correct position he compared the two characters& | the wheel in the correct position he compared the two characters& | ||
| upon the Sunstone and that upon the wheel& | upon the Sunstone and that upon the wheel& | ||
| same.</ | same.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that those in the gallery could see that he was trembling violently in | that those in the gallery could see that he was trembling violently in | ||
| every limb.</ | every limb.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He troubled no longer with the Sunstone. |
| slowly, with his eyes fixed upon the red granite rock. Presently there | slowly, with his eyes fixed upon the red granite rock. Presently there | ||
| was a " | was a " | ||
| Captain von Hardenberg held the wheel quite still.</ | Captain von Hardenberg held the wheel quite still.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| And then slowly, like some great living monster, the rock began to | And then slowly, like some great living monster, the rock began to | ||
| turn, as if it revolved upon a pivot.</ | turn, as if it revolved upon a pivot.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It turned evenly, slowly, noiselessly, |
| from the lamp caused the quartz and mica and felspar in the granite to | from the lamp caused the quartz and mica and felspar in the granite to | ||
| glisten like a thousand fire-flies on a summer' | glisten like a thousand fire-flies on a summer' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| four feet across; and when this was immediately opposite the altar | four feet across; and when this was immediately opposite the altar | ||
| there was another " | there was another " | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| breath. | breath. | ||
| vent to a cry that was half a cheer and half a sob. Then, snatching | vent to a cry that was half a cheer and half a sob. Then, snatching | ||
| the lamp from the altar, he rushed through the archway into the | the lamp from the altar, he rushed through the archway into the | ||
| darkness beyond.</ | darkness beyond.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Prussian descended a narrow flight of steps. | the Prussian descended a narrow flight of steps. | ||
| out, and there came up from the vault beyond a faint cry of exultation. | out, and there came up from the vault beyond a faint cry of exultation. | ||
| Captain von Hardenberg had attained the treasure of Zoroaster.</ | Captain von Hardenberg had attained the treasure of Zoroaster.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Now that the lamp had gone, the cave was darker than before. | Now that the lamp had gone, the cave was darker than before. | ||
| the light that came from above, and through the entrance, those in the | the light that came from above, and through the entrance, those in the | ||
| gallery could see his white robes as the man glided noiselessly across | gallery could see his white robes as the man glided noiselessly across | ||
| the hall.</ | the hall.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He went straight to the altar, picked up the Sunstone, raised it to his |
| lips, and kissed it. For a moment he gazed at it, long and lovingly, | lips, and kissed it. For a moment he gazed at it, long and lovingly, | ||
| before he thrust it into a pocket.</ | before he thrust it into a pocket.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He moved on tiptoe towards the wheels. |
| one of the shafts of light, and his features were illumined. | one of the shafts of light, and his features were illumined. | ||
| face there was an expression that was diabolical. | face there was an expression that was diabolical. | ||
| Line 3905: | Line 3903: | ||
| contrasted strangely with the swarthiness of his countenance. | contrasted strangely with the swarthiness of his countenance. | ||
| were very bright and now looked yellow like those of a cat.</ | were very bright and now looked yellow like those of a cat.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| vastness of the cave.</ | vastness of the cave.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that he set the wheels in motion, and immediately the great granite |
| rock revolved again. | rock revolved again. | ||
| in the midst of the treasure that was his.</ | in the midst of the treasure that was his.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| entrance he stopped, looked back, and shook his fist at the rock.</ | entrance he stopped, looked back, and shook his fist at the rock.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| rifle and fired. | rifle and fired. | ||
| three inches from the Arab's head. The Black Dog glanced up at the | three inches from the Arab's head. The Black Dog glanced up at the | ||
| gallery and then dashed out of the entrance, so swift and agile in his | gallery and then dashed out of the entrance, so swift and agile in his | ||
| movements that it would have been sheer folly to fire again.</ | movements that it would have been sheer folly to fire again.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to see."</ | to see."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| he'll escape!"</ | he'll escape!"</ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| Line 3929: | Line 3927: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| an ace of fulfilling his oath, and sending the Arab to the shades.</ | an ace of fulfilling his oath, and sending the Arab to the shades.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| away."</ | away."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to the body of the murdered man.</ | to the body of the murdered man.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| privation, had closed in the heroic fulfilment of his duty. With his | privation, had closed in the heroic fulfilment of his duty. With his | ||
| last breath he had demanded of von Hardenberg to deliver up the | last breath he had demanded of von Hardenberg to deliver up the | ||
| Sunstone; and there he was& | Sunstone; and there he was& | ||
| foot of the altar.</ | foot of the altar.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sheikh. | sheikh. | ||
| could see nothing. | could see nothing. | ||
| Line 3944: | Line 3942: | ||
| of the great flight of steps on each side of which stood the strange, | of the great flight of steps on each side of which stood the strange, | ||
| fantastic statues.</ | fantastic statues.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| remembered that somewhere beyond that impenetrable granite rock was von | remembered that somewhere beyond that impenetrable granite rock was von | ||
| Hardenberg& | Hardenberg& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He returned to the cave, and went to the rock and listened. |
| hear nothing. | hear nothing. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that by chance the vault would open. In a little while he desisted and | that by chance the vault would open. In a little while he desisted and | ||
| returned to Harry.</ | returned to Harry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Sunstone at every cost."</ | the Sunstone at every cost."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the granite rock.</ | the granite rock.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pity. But this is terrible!" | pity. But this is terrible!" | ||
| again.</ | again.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As he spoke, he led the way from the cave, followed by the others.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As they passed down the great flight of steps, Harry Urquhart turned |
| and looked back. The entrance to the caves was no longer visible. | and looked back. The entrance to the caves was no longer visible. | ||
| great cloud lay upon the mountain like a mantle. | great cloud lay upon the mountain like a mantle. | ||
| Line 3971: | Line 3969: | ||
| primeval animals that were filing down from the clouds to inhabit the | primeval animals that were filing down from the clouds to inhabit the | ||
| abodes of men.</ | abodes of men.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the north. | the north. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| rapidly upon the mountainside, | rapidly upon the mountainside, | ||
| again, always bearing in the same direction& | again, always bearing in the same direction& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| keep upon his trail. | keep upon his trail. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| boulder, supple in figure, agile despite his wound. | boulder, supple in figure, agile despite his wound. | ||
| of his life hunting wild game in the midst of unexplored, inhospitable | of his life hunting wild game in the midst of unexplored, inhospitable | ||
| hills. | hills. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lost to sight. | lost to sight. | ||
| towards evening they heard a shot, high up in the mountains, many miles | towards evening they heard a shot, high up in the mountains, many miles | ||
| to the north.</ | to the north.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A grim smile passed across the face of the elder guide, who calmly |
| turned to Harry.</ | turned to Harry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| my brother' | my brother' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hare burrow in the ground? | hare burrow in the ground? | ||
| himself. | himself. | ||
| Line 4010: | Line 4008: | ||
| fire his rifle to guide us on our way, to let us know that he still | fire his rifle to guide us on our way, to let us know that he still | ||
| holds the Black Dog in view."</ | holds the Black Dog in view."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| superhuman efforts of two men: Sheikh Bayram, the Black Dog of the | superhuman efforts of two men: Sheikh Bayram, the Black Dog of the | ||
| Cameroons, and Cortes, the half-caste Spaniard of the Coast.</ | Cameroons, and Cortes, the half-caste Spaniard of the Coast.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| other followed, until miles grew into leagues, until they reached the | other followed, until miles grew into leagues, until they reached the | ||
| rolling grasslands to the west of Lake Chad, where cattle grazed in | rolling grasslands to the west of Lake Chad, where cattle grazed in | ||
| herds.</ | herds.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was a struggle of Titans, a race for life or death between men who |
| were well versed in the craft of the hunter, who knew each bridle-path | were well versed in the craft of the hunter, who knew each bridle-path | ||
| and mountain-spring and solitary oasis between the bend of the Congo | and mountain-spring and solitary oasis between the bend of the Congo | ||
| and the Atlas Mountains.</ | and the Atlas Mountains.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| And Cortes clung to the heels of Black Dog like a leech. | And Cortes clung to the heels of Black Dog like a leech. | ||
| the sheikh halted, he was obliged to push on again in greater haste.</ | the sheikh halted, he was obliged to push on again in greater haste.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At nightfall, every evening, Cortes fired his rifle, and this enabled |
| his brother and the two boys to keep upon his track. | his brother and the two boys to keep upon his track. | ||
| by the sheikh was not a straight one: the course he followed was in the | by the sheikh was not a straight one: the course he followed was in the | ||
| Line 4032: | Line 4030: | ||
| twentieth day they came to the place where the younger guide was | twentieth day they came to the place where the younger guide was | ||
| encamped.</ | encamped.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| jungle that lies on the edge of the plateau."</ | jungle that lies on the edge of the plateau."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| had left the cattle far behind them. This country is uninhabited | had left the cattle far behind them. This country is uninhabited | ||
| except by wild animals, and is visited only by the caravans that come | except by wild animals, and is visited only by the caravans that come | ||
| south-east from Timbuctoo.</ | south-east from Timbuctoo.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| course towards the north, setting forth across the illimitable, | course towards the north, setting forth across the illimitable, | ||
| waste. | waste. | ||
| Line 4053: | Line 4051: | ||
| depths of poverty, living in a state of dirt unimaginable to those who | depths of poverty, living in a state of dirt unimaginable to those who | ||
| are not acquainted with the Arab.</ | are not acquainted with the Arab.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>To this village came Harry and Braid and the elder guide. |
| of the village came forward on their approach, followed by a few | of the village came forward on their approach, followed by a few | ||
| children.</ | children.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| interpreter. | interpreter. | ||
| possession of two camels; but, late on the previous evening, an Arab | possession of two camels; but, late on the previous evening, an Arab | ||
| Line 4063: | Line 4061: | ||
| purchased the other, had set forward without delay in the same | purchased the other, had set forward without delay in the same | ||
| direction as the Arab.</ | direction as the Arab.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| followed him were to wait in the village until he returned. | followed him were to wait in the village until he returned. | ||
| expected to be back that night with news of great importance.</ | expected to be back that night with news of great importance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wide berth, camped upon the sand, lighting a fire, upon which they | wide berth, camped upon the sand, lighting a fire, upon which they | ||
| cooked a meal.</ | cooked a meal.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| starving to death in the Caves of Zoroaster."</ | starving to death in the Caves of Zoroaster."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| filled with provisions. | filled with provisions. | ||
| is water; a small spring bubbles up in a great basin, forming a little | is water; a small spring bubbles up in a great basin, forming a little | ||
| fountain."</ | fountain."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| there no water in the cave, the Prussian carried a water-bottle."</ | there no water in the cave, the Prussian carried a water-bottle."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and pitiless where his enemies were concerned.</ | and pitiless where his enemies were concerned.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At nightfall they lay down to sleep, Jim Braid remaining on sentry for |
| the earlier part of the night. | the earlier part of the night. | ||
| people of the village, who were not incapable of murdering them in the | people of the village, who were not incapable of murdering them in the | ||
| night for the sake of their possessions.</ | night for the sake of their possessions.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At about ten o' |
| near to their camp. The moon had not yet risen, and, though he | near to their camp. The moon had not yet risen, and, though he | ||
| strained his eyes in the direction from which the sound had come, he | strained his eyes in the direction from which the sound had come, he | ||
| Line 4095: | Line 4093: | ||
| lying down upon the ground, engaged in chewing a bundle of coarse hay. | lying down upon the ground, engaged in chewing a bundle of coarse hay. | ||
| The camel had appeared as if by magic.</ | The camel had appeared as if by magic.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sitting before the embers.</ | sitting before the embers.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| mosque. | mosque. | ||
| which melons grow. For many years it has been deserted. | which melons grow. For many years it has been deserted. | ||
| himself is there."</ | himself is there."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| daybreak. | daybreak. | ||
| sunrise and take him alive. | sunrise and take him alive. | ||
| to the saints."</ | to the saints."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| not stay idle while Harry and Fernando were asleep. | not stay idle while Harry and Fernando were asleep. | ||
| of Cortes, he awoke them both, and told them what had happened.</ | of Cortes, he awoke them both, and told them what had happened.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| "But, if you wish it, we will go."</ | "But, if you wish it, we will go."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ammunition, and these they loaded upon the camel. | ammunition, and these they loaded upon the camel. | ||
| forward on their way, following a caravan route, whilst a full moon, | forward on their way, following a caravan route, whilst a full moon, | ||
| red as blood, crept over the horizon and illumined the wasteland like a | red as blood, crept over the horizon and illumined the wasteland like a | ||
| lantern.</ | lantern.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In three hours they came to a place where a stone building, surrounded |
| by a dozen trees, stood forth against the moonlight. | by a dozen trees, stood forth against the moonlight. | ||
| howled.</ | howled.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| As far as they could make out, there was but one entrance to the | As far as they could make out, there was but one entrance to the | ||
| temple, which was half in ruins. | temple, which was half in ruins. | ||
| Line 4131: | Line 4129: | ||
| guarded the walls to prevent the Arab's escape, should they have | guarded the walls to prevent the Arab's escape, should they have | ||
| overlooked some other means of exit.</ | overlooked some other means of exit.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Harry passed on tiptoe through the entrance and found himself in a | Harry passed on tiptoe through the entrance and found himself in a | ||
| shallow, darkened chamber.</ | shallow, darkened chamber.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| out the light of the moon, and some seconds elapsed before the boy's | out the light of the moon, and some seconds elapsed before the boy's | ||
| eyes grew accustomed to the semi-darkness.</ | eyes grew accustomed to the semi-darkness.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As far as he could make out, he was surrounded by high walls. |
| Scattered here and there about the floor, upon which the sand of the | Scattered here and there about the floor, upon which the sand of the | ||
| desert lay like a thick, luxurious carpet, were great cylindrical | desert lay like a thick, luxurious carpet, were great cylindrical | ||
| Line 4143: | Line 4141: | ||
| that supported the roof. In the shadow of these boulders it was quite | that supported the roof. In the shadow of these boulders it was quite | ||
| dark, and each shadow was large enough to conceal the form of a man.</ | dark, and each shadow was large enough to conceal the form of a man.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sheikh he knew he would be called upon to exercise not only promptitude | sheikh he knew he would be called upon to exercise not only promptitude | ||
| but cunning. | but cunning. | ||
| Line 4151: | Line 4149: | ||
| not give way, agreeing that the moment he fired the elder guide should | not give way, agreeing that the moment he fired the elder guide should | ||
| hasten to his assistance.</ | hasten to his assistance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of the ruined temple. | of the ruined temple. | ||
| around the walls, holding as much as possible to the shadows. | around the walls, holding as much as possible to the shadows. | ||
| Line 4157: | Line 4155: | ||
| large enough to admit the body of a man. In the end he returned to the | large enough to admit the body of a man. In the end he returned to the | ||
| entrance. | entrance. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| been mistaken, that the sheikh was not there; but then he remembered | been mistaken, that the sheikh was not there; but then he remembered | ||
| how seldom the judgment of either of the guides had been at fault, and, | how seldom the judgment of either of the guides had been at fault, and, | ||
| assuring himself that he had overlooked some hiding-place, | assuring himself that he had overlooked some hiding-place, | ||
| search anew.</ | search anew.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He came to a place where a clump of cactus was growing against the |
| wall, and here he discovered what he had not noticed before. | wall, and here he discovered what he had not noticed before. | ||
| cactus plant was a little archway, a kind of tunnel, large enough to | cactus plant was a little archway, a kind of tunnel, large enough to | ||
| admit a man crawling on hands and knees.</ | admit a man crawling on hands and knees.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| boulder to boulder, ready to fire at a moment' | boulder to boulder, ready to fire at a moment' | ||
| to go head foremost on all-fours into what might prove to be a trap. | to go head foremost on all-fours into what might prove to be a trap. | ||
| Line 4173: | Line 4171: | ||
| boy had need of all the courage he possessed. | boy had need of all the courage he possessed. | ||
| the two guides would be to confess himself afraid.</ | the two guides would be to confess himself afraid.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| face, and as silently as possible worked his way forward through the | face, and as silently as possible worked his way forward through the | ||
| sand, which was still warm from the rays of the sun of the preceding | sand, which was still warm from the rays of the sun of the preceding | ||
| day.</ | day.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>If there were many holes in the wall such as this, it was well three of |
| them had remained on guard without. | them had remained on guard without. | ||
| once, the sheikh, if he lay anywhere in hiding, had a sure way of | once, the sheikh, if he lay anywhere in hiding, had a sure way of | ||
| escape. | escape. | ||
| desert or to an inner room.</ | desert or to an inner room.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On the other side of the wall it was quite dark. The boy looked |
| overhead, and was able to see that he was sheltered by a roof& | overhead, and was able to see that he was sheltered by a roof& | ||
| in which there were great holes, through which he could see the stars. | in which there were great holes, through which he could see the stars. | ||
| He could do nothing as yet, until his eyes had grown accustomed to the | He could do nothing as yet, until his eyes had grown accustomed to the | ||
| darkness.</ | darkness.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| straining his ears to catch the slightest sound. | straining his ears to catch the slightest sound. | ||
| near at hand, at first almost imperceptible but gradually growing | near at hand, at first almost imperceptible but gradually growing | ||
| louder, came a low, soft, vibrating noise that seemed to proceed from | louder, came a low, soft, vibrating noise that seemed to proceed from | ||
| somewhere under the ground.</ | somewhere under the ground.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| remember where. | remember where. | ||
| of a kettle on the point of boiling over, or else the purring of a cat.</ | of a kettle on the point of boiling over, or else the purring of a cat.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| him that he lay for an eternity, breathless, waiting for something to | him that he lay for an eternity, breathless, waiting for something to | ||
| happen, with the sound continuously in his ears. And then he became | happen, with the sound continuously in his ears. And then he became | ||
| Line 4205: | Line 4203: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| fired.</ | fired.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the shadows, sprang high into the air.</ | the shadows, sprang high into the air.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his revolver was still singing in his ears; and, before silence reigned | his revolver was still singing in his ears; and, before silence reigned | ||
| again, it was as if the whole place, even the very walls, were | again, it was as if the whole place, even the very walls, were | ||
| possessed of life.</ | possessed of life.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| staring eyes, that dilated and grew smaller in the darkness. | staring eyes, that dilated and grew smaller in the darkness. | ||
| Harry became conscious of a fierce, growling sound.</ | Harry became conscious of a fierce, growling sound.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As far as he was able to make out, this proceeded from the largest pair |
| of eyes, immediately before him. And it was this that gave him the | of eyes, immediately before him. And it was this that gave him the | ||
| first inkling as to the solution of the mystery: he had crept into a | first inkling as to the solution of the mystery: he had crept into a | ||
| den of savage beasts.</ | den of savage beasts.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| almost to the level of the ground. | almost to the level of the ground. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| roof& | roof& | ||
| ground, and Harry found himself buried in a mass of debris and dust.</ | ground, and Harry found himself buried in a mass of debris and dust.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He tried to move, but found he was unable to do so. A heavy beam lay |
| across his chest. | across his chest. | ||
| buried in the wreckage.</ | buried in the wreckage.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As the dust cleared, the place became illumined by the moonshine. |
| the sudden disappearance of the roof, the light from without had been | the sudden disappearance of the roof, the light from without had been | ||
| admitted to the darkened chamber. | admitted to the darkened chamber. | ||
| distinctly, and the sight that he beheld was sufficiently alarming to | distinctly, and the sight that he beheld was sufficiently alarming to | ||
| shake the nerves of even the strongest man.</ | shake the nerves of even the strongest man.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a family of leopards. | a family of leopards. | ||
| wreckage, lay the beast that he had shot& | wreckage, lay the beast that he had shot& | ||
| Line 4238: | Line 4236: | ||
| the chamber, and in front of them, her white fangs gleaming in the | the chamber, and in front of them, her white fangs gleaming in the | ||
| moonlight, was the mother leopard, fiercely guarding her young.</ | moonlight, was the mother leopard, fiercely guarding her young.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was she who had hurled herself at the wall, who had brought down the |
| roof, and who now snarled repeatedly at the boy. It was apparent that | roof, and who now snarled repeatedly at the boy. It was apparent that | ||
| the sudden collapse of the building had given the animal a fright. | the sudden collapse of the building had given the animal a fright. | ||
| Twice she made as if she would advance, and twice drew back towards her | Twice she made as if she would advance, and twice drew back towards her | ||
| young.</ | young.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pinned down beneath the fallen beam. He could not move his eyes from | pinned down beneath the fallen beam. He could not move his eyes from | ||
| the leopard. | the leopard. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A sharp jet of fire& |
| loud report, and the leopard rose upon its hind legs, rampant, terrible | loud report, and the leopard rose upon its hind legs, rampant, terrible | ||
| and glorious, fighting the air with its fore feet as if in the throes | and glorious, fighting the air with its fore feet as if in the throes | ||
| Line 4257: | Line 4255: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| a bullet from Jim Braid' | a bullet from Jim Braid' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the two guides, Cortes leading the way.</ | the two guides, Cortes leading the way.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| move."</ | move."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to the ground, and, a moment after, Harry was on his feet.</ | to the ground, and, a moment after, Harry was on his feet.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| one after the other, they sprang over the ruined wall like cats, and | one after the other, they sprang over the ruined wall like cats, and | ||
| disappeared into the night.</ | disappeared into the night.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| what's that?"</ | what's that?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He pointed to the ground, where lay something that was white as snow. |
| It was a bone.</ | It was a bone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| picked up the bone and examined it in the moonlight.</ | picked up the bone and examined it in the moonlight.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| that was killed to-day. | that was killed to-day. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his fire."</ | his fire."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| evidence that could not be disputed: four hoofs and a piece of the | evidence that could not be disputed: four hoofs and a piece of the | ||
| Arab's white flowing robe.</ | Arab's white flowing robe.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| here by day, pitched his camp, and lit his fire. When his fire burned | here by day, pitched his camp, and lit his fire. When his fire burned | ||
| out he fell asleep. | out he fell asleep. | ||
| must have been exhausted. | must have been exhausted. | ||
| leopards entered. | leopards entered. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| shoulders. | shoulders. | ||
| village fell a prey to the leopards."</ | village fell a prey to the leopards."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| obliged to crawl in on hand and knees."</ | obliged to crawl in on hand and knees."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pieces, which they dragged in here to play with. Have you never | pieces, which they dragged in here to play with. Have you never | ||
| watched a cat?"</ | watched a cat?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of this place and wait for dawn. When the daylight comes we will | of this place and wait for dawn. When the daylight comes we will | ||
| search the ruins. | search the ruins. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| little archway half-hidden by the cactus plant. | little archway half-hidden by the cactus plant. | ||
| desert they lay down side by side, and, whilst one acted as sentry, the | desert they lay down side by side, and, whilst one acted as sentry, the | ||
| others slept.</ | others slept.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As soon as the sun began to rise in the east, Fernando rose to his feet.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| disturbed where the eight leopards had flung themselves upon the camel. | disturbed where the eight leopards had flung themselves upon the camel. | ||
| Around the trunk of one of the trees was a rope which had been gnawed | Around the trunk of one of the trees was a rope which had been gnawed | ||
| Line 4318: | Line 4316: | ||
| covered with the wreckage of the roof. It was the younger guide who | covered with the wreckage of the roof. It was the younger guide who | ||
| discovered in the outer chamber a drop of blood upon the stones.</ | discovered in the outer chamber a drop of blood upon the stones.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| importance; but to the two boys it seemed quite obvious that this was | importance; but to the two boys it seemed quite obvious that this was | ||
| the blood of the camel that had been dragged piecemeal through the | the blood of the camel that had been dragged piecemeal through the | ||
| narrow opening.</ | narrow opening.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| It is possible the Black Dog is still alive."</ | It is possible the Black Dog is still alive."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that he turned upon his heel and set off at a jog-trot across the |
| plain. | plain. | ||
| frantically, | frantically, | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ground.</ | ground.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| direction of the plateau. | direction of the plateau. | ||
| a small drop of blood.</ | a small drop of blood.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| camel, which was tethered to a palm-tree outside the temple. | camel, which was tethered to a palm-tree outside the temple. | ||
| Dog was awakened from his sleep and endeavoured to escape. | Dog was awakened from his sleep and endeavoured to escape. | ||
| Line 4341: | Line 4339: | ||
| claws, probably in his thigh. | claws, probably in his thigh. | ||
| knowing that there lies his only chance of safety."</ | knowing that there lies his only chance of safety."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| foot-marks and the blood spoor was too strong to be denied.</ | foot-marks and the blood spoor was too strong to be denied.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| slightly hurt."</ | slightly hurt."</ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| Line 4354: | Line 4352: | ||
| only with the greatest difficulty; for, as they went on, his footsteps | only with the greatest difficulty; for, as they went on, his footsteps | ||
| became more irregular, as though he staggered when he walked.</ | became more irregular, as though he staggered when he walked.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a well-known fact that all wounded animals take to higher ground, | a well-known fact that all wounded animals take to higher ground, | ||
| because there they know they are more likely to be safe, since there | because there they know they are more likely to be safe, since there | ||
| Line 4360: | Line 4358: | ||
| caves. | caves. | ||
| to the stars.</ | to the stars.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| plateau, where the ground was stony, and where the foot-marks of the | plateau, where the ground was stony, and where the foot-marks of the | ||
| sheikh were no longer visible. | sheikh were no longer visible. | ||
| Line 4369: | Line 4367: | ||
| fresh water from his hands. | fresh water from his hands. | ||
| invigorated and refreshed, making straight towards the Maziri mountains.</ | invigorated and refreshed, making straight towards the Maziri mountains.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hill-side. | hill-side. | ||
| could advance but slowly. | could advance but slowly. | ||
| ammunition and divided these equally among the party.</ | ammunition and divided these equally among the party.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| country was much intersected by strips of forest and dried-up | country was much intersected by strips of forest and dried-up | ||
| watercourses, | watercourses, | ||
| of the desert. | of the desert. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ground, where his sandals left no marks. | ground, where his sandals left no marks. | ||
| Fernando were confident that they would overtake him. However, to make | Fernando were confident that they would overtake him. However, to make | ||
| the more sure of their victim, they decided to divide their forces, | the more sure of their victim, they decided to divide their forces, | ||
| Harry and the elder man going one way, and Jim and Cortes another.</ | Harry and the elder man going one way, and Jim and Cortes another.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| height on the ridge of the mountains. | height on the ridge of the mountains. | ||
| valley, and it was on the other side of this that they beheld a white | valley, and it was on the other side of this that they beheld a white | ||
| figure moving rapidly from rock to rock, bearing steadily towards the | figure moving rapidly from rock to rock, bearing steadily towards the | ||
| east.</ | east.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| time it is you and I who lead the chase."</ | time it is you and I who lead the chase."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He set off running down the mountain-side, |
| boulder. | boulder. | ||
| but the man, though not so sure of foot as his brother, was as agile as | but the man, though not so sure of foot as his brother, was as agile as | ||
| a panther. | a panther. | ||
| him. The half-caste was all impatience to overtake the fugitive.</ | him. The half-caste was all impatience to overtake the fugitive.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the younger guide, when the sun sank beyond the mountains, and the | the younger guide, when the sun sank beyond the mountains, and the | ||
| shadows of night crept into the valleys with the mists. | shadows of night crept into the valleys with the mists. | ||
| Line 4403: | Line 4401: | ||
| have covered nearly forty miles, over country that was rugged, wild, | have covered nearly forty miles, over country that was rugged, wild, | ||
| and pathless.</ | and pathless.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| appetite with some wild fruit he had procured on the margin of the | appetite with some wild fruit he had procured on the margin of the | ||
| desert, and then lay down to sleep. | desert, and then lay down to sleep. | ||
| buried in the deepest slumber.</ | buried in the deepest slumber.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It seemed to him he had not been sleeping for more than an hour when |
| the guide took him by the shoulder and shook him lightly.</ | the guide took him by the shoulder and shook him lightly.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| for all.</ | for all.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| in view? Remember, I have sworn to the saints."</ | in view? Remember, I have sworn to the saints."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| previous day, they set forward on their journey, the guide leading as | previous day, they set forward on their journey, the guide leading as | ||
| before.</ | before.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| it seemed, by some kind of natural instinct similar to that which will | it seemed, by some kind of natural instinct similar to that which will | ||
| lead a cat to find its way across unknown country. | lead a cat to find its way across unknown country. | ||
| Line 4427: | Line 4425: | ||
| country for signs of the fugitive, who, they were convinced, was making | country for signs of the fugitive, who, they were convinced, was making | ||
| back to the Caves of Zoroaster.</ | back to the Caves of Zoroaster.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| to the south of that of their former journey. | to the south of that of their former journey. | ||
| not so high as those farther to the north. | not so high as those farther to the north. | ||
| Line 4433: | Line 4431: | ||
| appeared to live. There were no villages; neither cattle nor sheep | appeared to live. There were no villages; neither cattle nor sheep | ||
| grazed upon the lowlands.</ | grazed upon the lowlands.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At midday the guide caught sight of the sheikh, still bearing towards |
| the south-east. | the south-east. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On the opposite side of the valley in which they found themselves, the |
| man was hurrying forward along a ledge that did not appear to be more | man was hurrying forward along a ledge that did not appear to be more | ||
| than a few feet across, that hung& | than a few feet across, that hung& | ||
| Line 4441: | Line 4439: | ||
| depths of the valley; above, the same inaccessible cliff continued, | depths of the valley; above, the same inaccessible cliff continued, | ||
| rising upward to the clouds.</ | rising upward to the clouds.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| easy; the Black Dog would be ours."</ | easy; the Black Dog would be ours."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| three days the wind has been blowing from that direction. | three days the wind has been blowing from that direction. | ||
| to the south he must have heard the shot I fired, in which case he | to the south he must have heard the shot I fired, in which case he | ||
| would have caught us up."</ | would have caught us up."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| mistake. | mistake. | ||
| in rear of us. If Cortes were with me now, I could capture the sheikh | in rear of us. If Cortes were with me now, I could capture the sheikh | ||
| before sunset."</ | before sunset."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| walks on the brink of one precipice and at the foot of another. | walks on the brink of one precipice and at the foot of another. | ||
| turn neither to the right nor to the left. He must either go straight | turn neither to the right nor to the left. He must either go straight | ||
| Line 4462: | Line 4460: | ||
| path at this end of the valley. | path at this end of the valley. | ||
| between us two."</ | between us two."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| mighty wall. The figure of Bayram was not more than two miles away. | mighty wall. The figure of Bayram was not more than two miles away. | ||
| In mid-valley was a stream that flowed through a narrow strip of | In mid-valley was a stream that flowed through a narrow strip of | ||
| grassland, upon which it would be possible to run.</ | grassland, upon which it would be possible to run.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the guide, "but I think I can overtake the sheikh."</ | the guide, "but I think I can overtake the sheikh."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hours, I am no runner on the flat. Do you, therefore, set forth upon | hours, I am no runner on the flat. Do you, therefore, set forth upon | ||
| your way. At the foot of the valley you will see that the precipice | your way. At the foot of the valley you will see that the precipice | ||
| Line 4476: | Line 4474: | ||
| precipice. | precipice. | ||
| rear. He will be caught between two fires."</ | rear. He will be caught between two fires."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As there was little time to lose, Harry was not slow to obey the man's |
| injunctions. | injunctions. | ||
| they separated, Fernando going to the north, Harry Urquhart setting out | they separated, Fernando going to the north, Harry Urquhart setting out | ||
| Line 4490: | Line 4488: | ||
| run as fast as his legs could carry him by the side of the stream that | run as fast as his legs could carry him by the side of the stream that | ||
| rushed down from the mountains.</ | rushed down from the mountains.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sheikh were making for the same point, in regard to which they were | sheikh were making for the same point, in regard to which they were | ||
| level with one another, there was more than a mile between them. In | level with one another, there was more than a mile between them. In | ||
| Line 4497: | Line 4495: | ||
| rear. He had already gained the path at the top of the abyss, and was | rear. He had already gained the path at the top of the abyss, and was | ||
| following with all dispatch upon the heels of the fugitive.</ | following with all dispatch upon the heels of the fugitive.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Harry, with the aid of his field-glasses, | Harry, with the aid of his field-glasses, | ||
| man was doing.</ | man was doing.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that moment there came a quick, hissing sound within a fraction of |
| an inch of the boy's ear, and a bullet buried itself deep in the ground | an inch of the boy's ear, and a bullet buried itself deep in the ground | ||
| not fifteen yards away.</ | not fifteen yards away.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| which he stood. | which he stood. | ||
| means of escape. | means of escape. | ||
| of aim, and at that distance it was no easy matter to hit a mark | of aim, and at that distance it was no easy matter to hit a mark | ||
| several hundred feet below him.</ | several hundred feet below him.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the " | the " | ||
| consequence the line of sight is not wholly accurate. | consequence the line of sight is not wholly accurate. | ||
| Line 4514: | Line 4512: | ||
| any case, to put a bullet within an inch of the target at so great a | any case, to put a bullet within an inch of the target at so great a | ||
| range proved him a marksman of the greatest skill.</ | range proved him a marksman of the greatest skill.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hope to reach the spur in advance of Harry Urquhart.</ | hope to reach the spur in advance of Harry Urquhart.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| little or nothing for the life of Bayram, but at all costs he meant, if | little or nothing for the life of Bayram, but at all costs he meant, if | ||
| possible, to recover the Sunstone. | possible, to recover the Sunstone. | ||
| all this time, von Hardenberg was shut up alive in the silent vault, in | all this time, von Hardenberg was shut up alive in the silent vault, in | ||
| the very heart of the mountain.</ | the very heart of the mountain.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| valley. | valley. | ||
| within a hand' | within a hand' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On gaining the spur, Harry clambered to the southern side, where he was |
| out of sight of the fugitive, who was now too far away to fire. | out of sight of the fugitive, who was now too far away to fire. | ||
| Slinging his rifle across his shoulder, hand over hand the boy climbed | Slinging his rifle across his shoulder, hand over hand the boy climbed | ||
| up the rocks, and at last gained the pathway which formed a little | up the rocks, and at last gained the pathway which formed a little | ||
| ledge, or terrace, upon the face of the great abyss.</ | ledge, or terrace, upon the face of the great abyss.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He walked forward stealthily. |
| inaccessible and smooth as a plate of steel, whilst on the left it | inaccessible and smooth as a plate of steel, whilst on the left it | ||
| dropped sheer into the shadowy depths of the valley from which he had | dropped sheer into the shadowy depths of the valley from which he had | ||
| come. Far below him, the stream that he had followed looked like a | come. Far below him, the stream that he had followed looked like a | ||
| little silver thread glittering in the sunlight.</ | little silver thread glittering in the sunlight.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He knew that he must find some kind of cover. |
| with Black Dog on that narrow path he would have little chance of | with Black Dog on that narrow path he would have little chance of | ||
| living. | living. | ||
| more an implement of execution than a weapon of defence; and, besides, | more an implement of execution than a weapon of defence; and, besides, | ||
| the Black Dog was known to be a man of prodigious strength.</ | the Black Dog was known to be a man of prodigious strength.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As the boy went upon his way he looked forward eagerly, hoping to find |
| some rock or boulder behind which he could hide and await the approach | some rock or boulder behind which he could hide and await the approach | ||
| of the Arab. But the path was bare, not only of vegetation, but of | of the Arab. But the path was bare, not only of vegetation, but of | ||
| Line 4545: | Line 4543: | ||
| swept the mountain-side, | swept the mountain-side, | ||
| sweeping the place as clean as the pavement of a street.</ | sweeping the place as clean as the pavement of a street.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| in the shape of the letter W. From the corner, Harry was able to see, | in the shape of the letter W. From the corner, Harry was able to see, | ||
| not only the other extremity of the W, but also the smaller salient | not only the other extremity of the W, but also the smaller salient | ||
| which formed the centre of the letter. | which formed the centre of the letter. | ||
| success of their enterprise was made apparent.</ | success of their enterprise was made apparent.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the corner of the southern extremity was Harry, and at the northern |
| stood the guide, his rifle in his hand. Between them the face of the | stood the guide, his rifle in his hand. Between them the face of the | ||
| precipice was folded back in two re-entrant angles. | precipice was folded back in two re-entrant angles. | ||
| Line 4560: | Line 4558: | ||
| Whatever the issue of this business was to be, it was certain that for | Whatever the issue of this business was to be, it was certain that for | ||
| the present the fugitive was caught.</ | the present the fugitive was caught.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| he was exposed to fire from the guide; if he went forward, he was | he was exposed to fire from the guide; if he went forward, he was | ||
| covered by the rifle of Harry.</ | covered by the rifle of Harry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He stood motionless for some seconds, as if deliberating in his mind |
| what was best to do. Then, with a slow and measured step, he walked | what was best to do. Then, with a slow and measured step, he walked | ||
| towards the boy.</ | towards the boy.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| raised his rifle to his shoulder and directed the sights full upon the | raised his rifle to his shoulder and directed the sights full upon the | ||
| Arab's heart. | Arab's heart. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| desisted. | desisted. | ||
| the sheikh had made no show of resistance; secondly, if he fired and | the sheikh had made no show of resistance; secondly, if he fired and | ||
| Line 4575: | Line 4573: | ||
| In that case they might not be able to recover it, and thus the | In that case they might not be able to recover it, and thus the | ||
| Sunstone would be lost.</ | Sunstone would be lost.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the boy in English.</ | the boy in English.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hands. | hands. | ||
| It is known from Lagos to Port Stanley, even as far south as the Kasai. | It is known from Lagos to Port Stanley, even as far south as the Kasai. | ||
| Behold, there goes my best and truest friend."</ | Behold, there goes my best and truest friend."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that he cast the weapon to the depths below.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| I fired my last cartridge. | I fired my last cartridge. | ||
| alive."</ | alive."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| he had heard something. | he had heard something. | ||
| hands and knees, his head and shoulders just appearing around the | hands and knees, his head and shoulders just appearing around the | ||
| Line 4594: | Line 4592: | ||
| <h2 class=" | <h2 class=" | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| elbows and his knees, almost flat upon his face, which was little | elbows and his knees, almost flat upon his face, which was little | ||
| raised above the ground. | raised above the ground. | ||
| Line 4600: | Line 4598: | ||
| that was well within his grasp. | that was well within his grasp. | ||
| eyes never moved from the stern face of the Arab sheikh.</ | eyes never moved from the stern face of the Arab sheikh.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the hollow of his shoulder.</ | the hollow of his shoulder.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| God, for you are about to die!"</ | God, for you are about to die!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| mountains, on the far horizon, the sun was setting in a glow of crimson | mountains, on the far horizon, the sun was setting in a glow of crimson | ||
| glory. | glory. | ||
| of giants, their irregular, rugged outline a deep leaden colour where | of giants, their irregular, rugged outline a deep leaden colour where | ||
| they were not wrapped in gathering clouds.</ | they were not wrapped in gathering clouds.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| acted unwisely, for human flesh is weak, and man cannot have the wisdom | acted unwisely, for human flesh is weak, and man cannot have the wisdom | ||
| of Allah, whose prophet is Mohammed. | of Allah, whose prophet is Mohammed. | ||
| have taken I am ready to pay the price. | have taken I am ready to pay the price. | ||
| it! I do not fear to die."</ | it! I do not fear to die."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| out in the nick of time.</ | out in the nick of time.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| beard. | beard. | ||
| Sunstone, which he held to the light, so that the yellow jade caught | Sunstone, which he held to the light, so that the yellow jade caught | ||
| the reflection of the dying sun and looked like the most magnificent of | the reflection of the dying sun and looked like the most magnificent of | ||
| opals.</ | opals.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| exchange for a human life? I am ready to strike a bargain."</ | exchange for a human life? I am ready to strike a bargain."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the Sunstone at every cost, but who had no liking for this business, | the Sunstone at every cost, but who had no liking for this business, | ||
| which was in the nature of a common execution.</ | which was in the nature of a common execution.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Dog must die."</ | Dog must die."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| It was no doubt his intention to shoot the man and then grasp his robes | It was no doubt his intention to shoot the man and then grasp his robes | ||
| to prevent his lifeless body from falling over the cliff. | to prevent his lifeless body from falling over the cliff. | ||
| it may, he failed in his enterprise, for the sheikh was possessed of | it may, he failed in his enterprise, for the sheikh was possessed of | ||
| the supple activity of a tiger as well as the cunning of a wolf.</ | the supple activity of a tiger as well as the cunning of a wolf.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| And even as he pressed the trigger the Black Dog sprang upon him, | And even as he pressed the trigger the Black Dog sprang upon him, | ||
| striking the barrel of the rifle upward, so that the shot flew high in | striking the barrel of the rifle upward, so that the shot flew high in | ||
| the air.</ | the air.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A second later the two men were locked together in a death-grip, each |
| struggling desperately for life.</ | struggling desperately for life.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Not only was he somewhat weakened by loss of blood, but his right leg, | Not only was he somewhat weakened by loss of blood, but his right leg, | ||
| the flesh of which had been torn by the leopard' | the flesh of which had been torn by the leopard' | ||
| aching from the great fatigue of the journey across the mountains.</ | aching from the great fatigue of the journey across the mountains.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his hand. He desired to give what help he could to the guide, but this | his hand. He desired to give what help he could to the guide, but this | ||
| was no easy matter.</ | was no easy matter.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the other. | the other. | ||
| interlocked, | interlocked, | ||
| Line 4655: | Line 4653: | ||
| cliff; at others they were on the very edge of the precipice, and both | cliff; at others they were on the very edge of the precipice, and both | ||
| seemed in imminent danger of falling into the depths.</ | seemed in imminent danger of falling into the depths.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| like a demon possessed!"</ | like a demon possessed!"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| found his strength of small avail. | found his strength of small avail. | ||
| and was more than once in danger of being hurled over the edge.</ | and was more than once in danger of being hurled over the edge.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At last, not without difficulty, he disengaged himself, recognizing |
| that he did no further good than risk his life. He saw also that his | that he did no further good than risk his life. He saw also that his | ||
| revolver was quite useless. | revolver was quite useless. | ||
| range.</ | range.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was then that Fernando somehow managed to release the other' |
| and sprang sharply to his feet. The sheikh was on him again like a | and sprang sharply to his feet. The sheikh was on him again like a | ||
| wild cat, and had him by the throat. | wild cat, and had him by the throat. | ||
| colossal strength, the Black Dog forced the other backward.</ | colossal strength, the Black Dog forced the other backward.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| until the guide actually tottered on the brink.</ | until the guide actually tottered on the brink.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| terror of the situation had taken his breath away. It was as if he had | terror of the situation had taken his breath away. It was as if he had | ||
| lost all power and all sensation of his limbs. | lost all power and all sensation of his limbs. | ||
| Fernando, hurled from the Black Dog's powerful grasp, plunged feet | Fernando, hurled from the Black Dog's powerful grasp, plunged feet | ||
| foremost over the cliff.</ | foremost over the cliff.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| agony of brief despair. | agony of brief despair. | ||
| right laid hold upon the long, flowing robes of his opponent.</ | right laid hold upon the long, flowing robes of his opponent.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On the instant the Black Dog was jerked off his feet. He tried to save |
| himself by throwing his weight backward& | himself by throwing his weight backward& | ||
| proved that he retained his presence of mind to the end. He was too | proved that he retained his presence of mind to the end. He was too | ||
| late, however. | late, however. | ||
| precipice& | precipice& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| any longer to stand, he sank down into a sitting position on the | any longer to stand, he sank down into a sitting position on the | ||
| narrow, perilous path. His heart was beating like a hammer; for a | narrow, perilous path. His heart was beating like a hammer; for a | ||
| moment he thought that he would faint.</ | moment he thought that he would faint.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He dared not look down into the abyss. |
| think of. He sat still and listened, while the sun sank beyond the | think of. He sat still and listened, while the sun sank beyond the | ||
| mountains, and darkness crept into the valley. | mountains, and darkness crept into the valley. | ||
| Line 4699: | Line 4697: | ||
| night, to find himself still confronted with those horrid possibilities | night, to find himself still confronted with those horrid possibilities | ||
| that can only occur in dreams.</ | that can only occur in dreams.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| died out, and one by one the stars appeared, and a great full moon, | died out, and one by one the stars appeared, and a great full moon, | ||
| luminous and white. | luminous and white. | ||
| looked over. He could see nothing; it was too dark to see. The whole | looked over. He could see nothing; it was too dark to see. The whole | ||
| valley was still.</ | valley was still.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| only living thing in the world. | only living thing in the world. | ||
| the valley there was no sound of bird or beast or human being.</ | the valley there was no sound of bird or beast or human being.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| cautiously returned to the spur by way of which he had come. He was | cautiously returned to the spur by way of which he had come. He was | ||
| still quite unnerved. | still quite unnerved. | ||
| Line 4715: | Line 4713: | ||
| him again; and, seating himself upon the ground, he endeavoured to | him again; and, seating himself upon the ground, he endeavoured to | ||
| think matters out.</ | think matters out.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He tried to realize the full significance of what had happened. |
| Fernando had fulfilled his oath: he had brought about the death of the | Fernando had fulfilled his oath: he had brought about the death of the | ||
| Black Dog of the Cameroons. | Black Dog of the Cameroons. | ||
| Sunstone had been lost. And all had happened in the space of a few | Sunstone had been lost. And all had happened in the space of a few | ||
| seconds, about which it was terrifying even to think.</ | seconds, about which it was terrifying even to think.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hear the sound of a human voice. | hear the sound of a human voice. | ||
| from a nightmare. | from a nightmare. | ||
| Line 4726: | Line 4724: | ||
| shaken, the eternal silence got the better of his feelings, and | shaken, the eternal silence got the better of his feelings, and | ||
| suddenly, burying his face in his hands, he burst forth into tears.</ | suddenly, burying his face in his hands, he burst forth into tears.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He knew not why he cried. |
| cried because he had passed through a great ordeal, because he had been | cried because he had passed through a great ordeal, because he had been | ||
| face to face with Death. | face to face with Death. | ||
| word of a prayer to the God who controls the destinies of men.</ | word of a prayer to the God who controls the destinies of men.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| not whither. | not whither. | ||
| wondering what to do.</ | wondering what to do.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| went down on his knees, and drank deeply. | went down on his knees, and drank deeply. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| accompanies a fever, he felt refreshed. | accompanies a fever, he felt refreshed. | ||
| having been so weak. It was then that he looked about him.</ | having been so weak. It was then that he looked about him.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was shut in on all sides by the great inhospitable mountains. |
| was a clear sky, bespangled with a multitude of stars, in the midst of | was a clear sky, bespangled with a multitude of stars, in the midst of | ||
| which the full moon shone down into the valley. | which the full moon shone down into the valley. | ||
| star, solitary, large as a planet, lower than the others. | star, solitary, large as a planet, lower than the others. | ||
| star that seemed to shine from out of the heart of the mountains.</ | star that seemed to shine from out of the heart of the mountains.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was some minutes before he realized what it was. Then the truth |
| came upon him as in a flash. | came upon him as in a flash. | ||
| that was burning on the hill-side.</ | that was burning on the hill-side.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| was like the nectar of the gods to one who is faint and weary. | was like the nectar of the gods to one who is faint and weary. | ||
| cared not in the least who camped on the mountainside; | cared not in the least who camped on the mountainside; | ||
| Line 4753: | Line 4751: | ||
| him to warm himself by the side of the glowing embers. | him to warm himself by the side of the glowing embers. | ||
| would hear some kind of human speech.</ | would hear some kind of human speech.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It took him three hours to reach the fire, where he found two men, |
| seated facing one another. | seated facing one another. | ||
| he recognized Jim Braid and the younger guide.</ | he recognized Jim Braid and the younger guide.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At once Cortes sprang to his feet as if alarmed.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| side of the fire.</ | side of the fire.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| starve to death in the Caves of Zoroaster."</ | starve to death in the Caves of Zoroaster."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| towards the fire. There were no tears in his eyes; his voice was | towards the fire. There were no tears in his eyes; his voice was | ||
| without a tremor.</ | without a tremor.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| "will you please tell me what happened."</ | "will you please tell me what happened."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| and himself had followed the sheikh across the mountains, and of how | and himself had followed the sheikh across the mountains, and of how | ||
| they had run the man to earth upon a narrow ledge at the top of an | they had run the man to earth upon a narrow ledge at the top of an | ||
| enormous cliff. | enormous cliff. | ||
| with its grim and terrible conclusion.</ | with its grim and terrible conclusion.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| then. When the dawn comes we will search for the bodies."</ | then. When the dawn comes we will search for the bodies."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At that he lay down upon the ground, but it was evident he had no |
| intention of going to sleep.</ | intention of going to sleep.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had shown little or no emotion on hearing of his brother' |
| There was black blood in his veins, and, with the more savage races, | There was black blood in his veins, and, with the more savage races, | ||
| death is a simple and everyday affair. | death is a simple and everyday affair. | ||
| reason to suppose that he did not feel the great loss he had sustained.</ | reason to suppose that he did not feel the great loss he had sustained.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A long time elapsed before Harry, too, was able to sleep. |
| last he did so, he was for ever struggling on the brink of an | last he did so, he was for ever struggling on the brink of an | ||
| unfathomable abyss, so that he was little rested when at daybreak he | unfathomable abyss, so that he was little rested when at daybreak he | ||
| was awakened by Cortes.</ | was awakened by Cortes.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| slowly down the hill-side. | slowly down the hill-side. | ||
| turned to the south. | turned to the south. | ||
| that they were parallel to the place where the tragedy had happened, | that they were parallel to the place where the tragedy had happened, | ||
| they crossed the stream and walked straight for the cliff.</ | they crossed the stream and walked straight for the cliff.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the foot of the precipice was a kind of terrace, upon which grew |
| scattered trees, about the roots of one of which were boulders. | scattered trees, about the roots of one of which were boulders. | ||
| on his back, across one of these rocks, they found the body of the | on his back, across one of these rocks, they found the body of the | ||
| Black Dog of the Cameroons.</ | Black Dog of the Cameroons.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| stooping, picked up something from the ground. | stooping, picked up something from the ground. | ||
| touched Harry on the arm.</ | touched Harry on the arm.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| </ | </ | ||
| <div class=" | <div class=" | ||
| Line 4809: | Line 4807: | ||
| continued to search among the trees; but nowhere could they discover | continued to search among the trees; but nowhere could they discover | ||
| any trace of the elder guide.</ | any trace of the elder guide.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was then that, at the sound of a faint cry from somewhere far above |
| them, all three looked up. And the sight they beheld was appalling.</ | them, all three looked up. And the sight they beheld was appalling.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| cranny in the face of the cliff, there grew a gnarled and twisted | cranny in the face of the cliff, there grew a gnarled and twisted | ||
| shrub, a kind of withered tree. In the midst of this, caught like a | shrub, a kind of withered tree. In the midst of this, caught like a | ||
| fish in a net, was a man who, even as they watched him, moved, twisting | fish in a net, was a man who, even as they watched him, moved, twisting | ||
| like a thing in pain.</ | like a thing in pain.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| could discover no way by which it was possible to ascend to the place | could discover no way by which it was possible to ascend to the place | ||
| where his brother was suspended in mid-air.</ | where his brother was suspended in mid-air.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| withered tree. It was equally inaccessible from above. | withered tree. It was equally inaccessible from above. | ||
| his hands to his mouth and cried out in a loud voice, calling upon his | his hands to his mouth and cried out in a loud voice, calling upon his | ||
| brother by name.</ | brother by name.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| ear in order to catch the words.</ | ear in order to catch the words.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sudden he cried out to his brother. | sudden he cried out to his brother. | ||
| he asked.</ | he asked.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| yourself to the tree. Then, when your strength is gone, you will not | yourself to the tree. Then, when your strength is gone, you will not | ||
| fall."</ | fall."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| from the path above, and there is no rope fifty feet in length nearer | from the path above, and there is no rope fifty feet in length nearer | ||
| to this place than Kano or Sokoto. | to this place than Kano or Sokoto. | ||
| rope-like creeper that grows in the bush. I intend to go back as far | rope-like creeper that grows in the bush. I intend to go back as far | ||
| as the jungle."</ | as the jungle."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| but do my best."</ | but do my best."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>So saying, he bounded off upon his way. As they watched him pass down |
| the valley, springing from rock to rock, it was apparent that he meant | the valley, springing from rock to rock, it was apparent that he meant | ||
| to do all that was humanly possible to effect the salvation of his | to do all that was humanly possible to effect the salvation of his | ||
| brother. | brother. | ||
| and in a few minutes he was lost to view.</ | and in a few minutes he was lost to view.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>To describe in detail the journey of the younger guide across the |
| mountains would be tedious. | mountains would be tedious. | ||
| it was magnificent, | it was magnificent, | ||
| Line 4859: | Line 4857: | ||
| atmosphere was stifling and humid, crossing the mountains only when by | atmosphere was stifling and humid, crossing the mountains only when by | ||
| doing so he could cut off several miles.</ | doing so he could cut off several miles.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had food with him, but he seldom stopped to eat. Now and again he |
| drank at a mountain stream, but seemed to grudge the time even for this.</ | drank at a mountain stream, but seemed to grudge the time even for this.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At sunset he was still bearing onward. |
| part of his clothing, and the perspiration poured off him, and the | part of his clothing, and the perspiration poured off him, and the | ||
| veins stood out upon his temples like knotted strands of cord. For all | veins stood out upon his temples like knotted strands of cord. For all | ||
| that, he went on and on beneath the stars, whilst the moon marched in | that, he went on and on beneath the stars, whilst the moon marched in | ||
| the heavens. | the heavens. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As Cortes hastened on his way, his thoughts continually went back to |
| the perilous situation in which he had left Fernando, and every thought | the perilous situation in which he had left Fernando, and every thought | ||
| was, as it were, a spur to his endeavour. | was, as it were, a spur to his endeavour. | ||
| Line 4872: | Line 4870: | ||
| betwixt earth and sky, than he shot forward with renewed energy, | betwixt earth and sky, than he shot forward with renewed energy, | ||
| clenching both fists and teeth in his strong determination.</ | clenching both fists and teeth in his strong determination.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At last, breathless, exhausted, he sighted the extremity of the great |
| West African bush. Through this, forcing his way among the thickets, | West African bush. Through this, forcing his way among the thickets, | ||
| so that the sharp thorns tore his naked flesh, he was obliged to travel | so that the sharp thorns tore his naked flesh, he was obliged to travel | ||
| for many miles before he found the right kind of creeping plant, and, | for many miles before he found the right kind of creeping plant, and, | ||
| moreover, one long enough to suit his purpose.</ | moreover, one long enough to suit his purpose.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>To cut this from the tree around which it was twined, and roll it into |
| a great coil which he suspended around his neck, was the work of not | a great coil which he suspended around his neck, was the work of not | ||
| many minutes; and then he set forth upon his return journey to the | many minutes; and then he set forth upon his return journey to the | ||
| margin of the desert.</ | margin of the desert.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was already much exhausted, and his load was very heavy. |
| by hour he struggled onward, leaving the jungle far behind, mounting to | by hour he struggled onward, leaving the jungle far behind, mounting to | ||
| higher altitudes. | higher altitudes. | ||
| he stumbled, and then, on a sudden, he fell full length upon the ground.</ | he stumbled, and then, on a sudden, he fell full length upon the ground.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He lay quite still for several seconds, then rose slowly to his knees, |
| lifting his eyes and hands towards the stars. | lifting his eyes and hands towards the stars. | ||
| silently; and, seeming to gather courage from his prayer, he rose to | silently; and, seeming to gather courage from his prayer, he rose to | ||
| his feet and went on.</ | his feet and went on.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| blew from the mountains, bitter cold after the tropic heat of the bush. | blew from the mountains, bitter cold after the tropic heat of the bush. | ||
| Then the skies opened and the rain came down in sheets. | Then the skies opened and the rain came down in sheets. | ||
| still held on, struggling towards his goal, fighting manfully against | still held on, struggling towards his goal, fighting manfully against | ||
| his own failing strength.</ | his own failing strength.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Harry waited in suspense. | Harry waited in suspense. | ||
| hung, hour after hour, upon the brink of the other world.</ | hung, hour after hour, upon the brink of the other world.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| waist, and with this had lashed himself to the stoutest branch of the | waist, and with this had lashed himself to the stoutest branch of the | ||
| tree. Words fail to describe the torture he must have suffered; for, | tree. Words fail to describe the torture he must have suffered; for, | ||
| not only did he endure great pain from his broken arm, but he was | not only did he endure great pain from his broken arm, but he was | ||
| tormented by a raging thirst. | tormented by a raging thirst. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| in helplessness, | in helplessness, | ||
| second night the rain came& | second night the rain came& | ||
| tropics& | tropics& | ||
| his drenched clothes.</ | his drenched clothes.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| be able to comfort him, at least with words, Harry and Jim Braid | be able to comfort him, at least with words, Harry and Jim Braid | ||
| climbed the spur and moved along the ledge at the top of the precipice | climbed the spur and moved along the ledge at the top of the precipice | ||
| Line 4914: | Line 4912: | ||
| reminding him that the dawn approached, that his brother would soon | reminding him that the dawn approached, that his brother would soon | ||
| return.</ | return.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| sunrise that Fernando himself gave up all hope, and called upon God to | sunrise that Fernando himself gave up all hope, and called upon God to | ||
| take charge of his departing soul. He said that he was quite ready to | take charge of his departing soul. He said that he was quite ready to | ||
| Line 4920: | Line 4918: | ||
| misery and suspense. | misery and suspense. | ||
| of his brother was seen approaching along the ledge.</ | of his brother was seen approaching along the ledge.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the feet of Harry Urquhart, Cortes sank, exhausted. |
| his mission fulfilled, he lost consciousness and drifted into a faint.</ | his mission fulfilled, he lost consciousness and drifted into a faint.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| one end over a jutting pinnacle of rock, they lowered the other towards | one end over a jutting pinnacle of rock, they lowered the other towards | ||
| Fernando. | Fernando. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| make fast the end of the creeper around his waist. | make fast the end of the creeper around his waist. | ||
| to wait a long time, until Cortes, who had recovered consciousness, | to wait a long time, until Cortes, who had recovered consciousness, | ||
| able to assist the two boys in hauling up the rope.</ | able to assist the two boys in hauling up the rope.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| much space upon the terrace. | much space upon the terrace. | ||
| rescued man lay panting on the ledge. | rescued man lay panting on the ledge. | ||
| Line 4943: | Line 4941: | ||
| forth upon their return journey to the Caves of Zoroaster until the | forth upon their return journey to the Caves of Zoroaster until the | ||
| afternoon of the following day.</ | afternoon of the following day.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| elder, by the terrible ordeal through which he had passed; the younger, | elder, by the terrible ordeal through which he had passed; the younger, | ||
| by his almost superhuman efforts.</ | by his almost superhuman efforts.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In spite of that, Harry Urquhart was all anxiety to be off. He had |
| often pictured to himself the agony of suspense that all this time von | often pictured to himself the agony of suspense that all this time von | ||
| Hardenberg was being called upon to bear. The boy wondered if the lamp | Hardenberg was being called upon to bear. The boy wondered if the lamp | ||
| Line 4959: | Line 4957: | ||
| the first; for all that, he was by no means heartless, and, in any | the first; for all that, he was by no means heartless, and, in any | ||
| case, it was his duty to save a human life from so terrible an end.</ | case, it was his duty to save a human life from so terrible an end.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As soon as the guides professed themselves able to undertake the |
| journey, they set off towards the caves. | journey, they set off towards the caves. | ||
| days to accomplish what the younger guide had done in under twelve | days to accomplish what the younger guide had done in under twelve | ||
| Line 4965: | Line 4963: | ||
| from the opposite direction to that in which they had first entered | from the opposite direction to that in which they had first entered | ||
| Maziriland.</ | Maziriland.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>On this occasion they saw& |
| with& | with& | ||
| tracts of country that lay between the mountains and the bush. | tracts of country that lay between the mountains and the bush. | ||
| Line 4972: | Line 4970: | ||
| in the chief town, where they carried on certain industries, their | in the chief town, where they carried on certain industries, their | ||
| skill in which they had inherited from the ancients.</ | skill in which they had inherited from the ancients.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It approached the hour of daybreak when Harry Urquhart and his party |
| reached the foot of the great flight of steps that led to the entrance | reached the foot of the great flight of steps that led to the entrance | ||
| to the caves, where stood the two carved giants. | to the caves, where stood the two carved giants. | ||
| forward, closely followed by Braid. | forward, closely followed by Braid. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>In feverish excitement, three steps at a time, the boy dashed up the |
| steps between the weird, fantastic statues, and was about to enter the | steps between the weird, fantastic statues, and was about to enter the | ||
| cave when he remembered that he had no light, and that, since it was | cave when he remembered that he had no light, and that, since it was | ||
| Line 4982: | Line 4980: | ||
| some distance, with the object of getting some kind of torch, when he | some distance, with the object of getting some kind of torch, when he | ||
| was met by Fernando at the head of the long flight of steps.</ | was met by Fernando at the head of the long flight of steps.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| a cork-tree, which he had damped with rifle oil. This he now lighted | a cork-tree, which he had damped with rifle oil. This he now lighted | ||
| and gave to Harry, who was the first to enter the cave.</ | and gave to Harry, who was the first to enter the cave.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| one had visited the place since the tragedy of some days before. | one had visited the place since the tragedy of some days before. | ||
| body of the old man lay still at the foot of the altar. | body of the old man lay still at the foot of the altar. | ||
| Line 4994: | Line 4992: | ||
| them until the characters that showed above the golden bar corresponded | them until the characters that showed above the golden bar corresponded | ||
| with those upon the Sunstone.</ | with those upon the Sunstone.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| shaking. | shaking. | ||
| had heard before, and then the granite rock began slowly to revolve.</ | had heard before, and then the granite rock began slowly to revolve.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| enormous water-wheel, | enormous water-wheel, | ||
| turned horizontally, | turned horizontally, | ||
| opening was immediately opposite the altar there came a second " | opening was immediately opposite the altar there came a second " | ||
| and the rock remained quite still.</ | and the rock remained quite still.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of his friend, and dashed like a madman to the entrance.</ | of his friend, and dashed like a madman to the entrance.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He pulled up in the nick of time, noticing that he stood at the top of |
| an exceedingly steep and narrow flight of stairs. | an exceedingly steep and narrow flight of stairs. | ||
| impetuously as he had started, he would have pitched head foremost down | impetuously as he had started, he would have pitched head foremost down | ||
| the steps.</ | the steps.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He began to descend more cautiously. |
| moisture that invaded the rock in which they had been cut.</ | moisture that invaded the rock in which they had been cut.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had not descended more than three steps before he was brought to an |
| abrupt standstill. | abrupt standstill. | ||
| below& | below& | ||
| Line 5020: | Line 5018: | ||
| Braid following close upon his heels. | Braid following close upon his heels. | ||
| above. | above. | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| first they were straight; then they were spiral; then they were | first they were straight; then they were spiral; then they were | ||
| straight again and broader. | straight again and broader. | ||
| Line 5026: | Line 5024: | ||
| together the treasure that had been given in offerings during his | together the treasure that had been given in offerings during his | ||
| lifetime, thousands of years before.</ | lifetime, thousands of years before.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>At the foot of the steps, the two boys, side by side, stood spellbound. |
| The sight that they beheld was at once tragic and marvellous.</ | The sight that they beheld was at once tragic and marvellous.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wide. Against the wall facing the steps was a huge stone that | wide. Against the wall facing the steps was a huge stone that | ||
| resembled a coffin, supported upon a pedestal, cylindrical in shape, | resembled a coffin, supported upon a pedestal, cylindrical in shape, | ||
| Line 5036: | Line 5034: | ||
| played like a miniature fountain, uttering a never-ceasing bubbling | played like a miniature fountain, uttering a never-ceasing bubbling | ||
| noise that sounded strange in the silence of the vault.</ | noise that sounded strange in the silence of the vault.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| fantastic figures, similar to those that stood on either side of the | fantastic figures, similar to those that stood on either side of the | ||
| great stairway that led to the entrance of the caves. | great stairway that led to the entrance of the caves. | ||
| Line 5046: | Line 5044: | ||
| pearl-fisheries of the East and the ruby-mines of Burma; they had | pearl-fisheries of the East and the ruby-mines of Burma; they had | ||
| brought gold from Ophir and emeralds from the land of Punt.</ | brought gold from Ophir and emeralds from the land of Punt.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| had ventured so much to gain, lay Captain von Hardenberg, who, dying by | had ventured so much to gain, lay Captain von Hardenberg, who, dying by | ||
| his own hand, had delivered up the life he had so abused.</ | his own hand, had delivered up the life he had so abused.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| carpet, was the man who had stolen the Sunstone, who had betrayed his | carpet, was the man who had stolen the Sunstone, who had betrayed his | ||
| country, and who, in his own turn, had been betrayed by the very | country, and who, in his own turn, had been betrayed by the very | ||
| ruffian he employed. | ruffian he employed. | ||
| von Hardenberg had placed himself at last beyond the reach of human law.</ | von Hardenberg had placed himself at last beyond the reach of human law.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It is easy to imagine the torment the man had suffered during the last |
| days of his ill-spent life. The lamp which he had carried with him | days of his ill-spent life. The lamp which he had carried with him | ||
| from the altar in the cave had long since burned out, and now stood | from the altar in the cave had long since burned out, and now stood | ||
| Line 5062: | Line 5060: | ||
| broken by the never-ending bubbling of the fountain& | broken by the never-ending bubbling of the fountain& | ||
| driven him to take his own life in savage desperation.</ | driven him to take his own life in savage desperation.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He had eaten all his food. He had had water in plenty to drink; but he |
| had no doubt given up all hope of ever being rescued.</ | had no doubt given up all hope of ever being rescued.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the still form of one who had always been their enemy, who had been the | the still form of one who had always been their enemy, who had been the | ||
| enemy of their country. | enemy of their country. | ||
| his Maker.</ | his Maker.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Zoroaster; and there Harry Urquhart& | Zoroaster; and there Harry Urquhart& | ||
| Book in his pocket& | Book in his pocket& | ||
| Braid and the two guides, who had served them so faithfully throughout | Braid and the two guides, who had served them so faithfully throughout | ||
| these long adventurous weeks, stood by in silent reverence.</ | these long adventurous weeks, stood by in silent reverence.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Cameroons. | Cameroons. | ||
| since they had no means of carrying it over the mountains and through | since they had no means of carrying it over the mountains and through | ||
| Line 5083: | Line 5081: | ||
| could carry, and accordingly, | could carry, and accordingly, | ||
| valuable gems, they filled their haversacks and pockets.</ | valuable gems, they filled their haversacks and pockets.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| closed the vault so that no one& | closed the vault so that no one& | ||
| open it. And there was something almost sacred& | open it. And there was something almost sacred& | ||
| Line 5095: | Line 5093: | ||
| the ages; there was wealth enough for them in what they were able to | the ages; there was wealth enough for them in what they were able to | ||
| carry with them.</ | carry with them.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| accomplished the march in fairly easy stages; and travelling southward, | accomplished the march in fairly easy stages; and travelling southward, | ||
| for two excellent reasons, was a far more simple affair than advancing | for two excellent reasons, was a far more simple affair than advancing | ||
| Line 5107: | Line 5105: | ||
| <p class=" | <p class=" | ||
| Braid, cap in hand, approached his father' | Braid, cap in hand, approached his father' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>It was about eight o' |
| London that afternoon, and had walked from the station. | London that afternoon, and had walked from the station. | ||
| travelled with him, had been met by Mr. Langton' | travelled with him, had been met by Mr. Langton' | ||
| Line 5113: | Line 5111: | ||
| which was to take place between himself and the father who had treated | which was to take place between himself and the father who had treated | ||
| him with such blind and harsh injustice.</ | him with such blind and harsh injustice.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| looked in. His mother was seated by the fire.</ | looked in. His mother was seated by the fire.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A moment later her arms were around his neck. With tears in her voice |
| she recalled the day when Jim had come to wish her good-bye. | she recalled the day when Jim had come to wish her good-bye. | ||
| then an outcast, one who was wrongly and falsely accused, who had been | then an outcast, one who was wrongly and falsely accused, who had been | ||
| turned loose in the world to roam the highways like a common tramp; and | turned loose in the world to roam the highways like a common tramp; and | ||
| since that day his mother had never doubted his innocence for a moment.</ | since that day his mother had never doubted his innocence for a moment.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| no less than in the eyes of Mr. Langton, the evidence against his son | no less than in the eyes of Mr. Langton, the evidence against his son | ||
| had been crushing.</ | had been crushing.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>As young Braid held his mother in his arms, the door was opened, and |
| John Braid, the gamekeeper, dressed in corduroys, entered. | John Braid, the gamekeeper, dressed in corduroys, entered. | ||
| his son he lowered his head, after the manner of one ashamed.</ | his son he lowered his head, after the manner of one ashamed.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| as indeed I ask God' | as indeed I ask God' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| son would never have done such a thing. | son would never have done such a thing. | ||
| throwing out his hands. | throwing out his hands. | ||
| Line 5137: | Line 5135: | ||
| against you, my lad, and I believed you guilty. | against you, my lad, and I believed you guilty. | ||
| have known better."</ | have known better."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| more. On my part it's all forgotten, and there' | more. On my part it's all forgotten, and there' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| hide the emotion he was unable to control.</ | hide the emotion he was unable to control.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thumbs into the armholes of his moleskin waistcoat. | thumbs into the armholes of his moleskin waistcoat. | ||
| be a young man and an active one. Lately I've had rheumatism, and I'm | be a young man and an active one. Lately I've had rheumatism, and I'm | ||
| Line 5149: | Line 5147: | ||
| didn't think I was fit to carry on the work, and he's given me a | didn't think I was fit to carry on the work, and he's given me a | ||
| pension, though I never asked for it nor thought of it."</ | pension, though I never asked for it nor thought of it."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| head-keeper at Friar' | head-keeper at Friar' | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| the door, John Braid went to the door and opened it, and there entered | the door, John Braid went to the door and opened it, and there entered | ||
| Mr. Langton, followed by Harry.</ | Mr. Langton, followed by Harry.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| Harry has told me the whole story. | Harry has told me the whole story. | ||
| in London, and of the terrible act you were about to commit when he | in London, and of the terrible act you were about to commit when he | ||
| saved you at the eleventh hour."</ | saved you at the eleventh hour."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| lowered his face to conceal his shame.</ | lowered his face to conceal his shame.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| only myself for having driven you to such a pass. You have not yet | only myself for having driven you to such a pass. You have not yet | ||
| told me that you forgive me, and I have come here chiefly for that."</ | told me that you forgive me, and I have come here chiefly for that."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| of his voice than by anything else that everything was forgotten.</ | of his voice than by anything else that everything was forgotten.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| head-keeper here?"</ | head-keeper here?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| after the war. I was thinking I should enlist."</ | after the war. I was thinking I should enlist."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| you, and to do all I can to help."</ | you, and to do all I can to help."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>A few moments afterwards, Mr. Langton and his nephew went out. Before |
| a roaring fire in the Judge' | a roaring fire in the Judge' | ||
| comfortable arm-chairs, and the Judge drew the Sunstone from his pocket.</ | comfortable arm-chairs, and the Judge drew the Sunstone from his pocket.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| keep it any longer. | keep it any longer. | ||
| tragedies that this small piece of jade has brought about."</ | tragedies that this small piece of jade has brought about."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | <p>He was silent a while, playing with the Sunstone in his hand.</ |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| wretched, misguided Hardenberg buried alive in that dark and lonely | wretched, misguided Hardenberg buried alive in that dark and lonely | ||
| vault; and all the miles you traversed, all the adventures you passed | vault; and all the miles you traversed, all the adventures you passed | ||
| through, and the hardships you endured! | through, and the hardships you endured! | ||
| with a sigh. "Let the treasure lie where it is."</ | with a sigh. "Let the treasure lie where it is."</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| pause, he went back to it again.</ | pause, he went back to it again.</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| thousand years old. I have known it for not quite ten years, and | thousand years old. I have known it for not quite ten years, and | ||
| during that time it has brought about the death of, at least, five men. | during that time it has brought about the death of, at least, five men. | ||
| If it could only speak," | If it could only speak," | ||
| tell& | tell& | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| than anyone else will ever know, we can see what can be done in the way | than anyone else will ever know, we can see what can be done in the way | ||
| of getting you a commission. | of getting you a commission. | ||
| particular choice?"</ | particular choice?"</ | ||
| - | <p class=" | + | < |
| his satisfaction; | his satisfaction; | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
across_the_cameroons.1631119756.txt.gz · Last modified: by briancarnell