Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 28, 1928 — page 143: what you’re looking at

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

THE RULER OF ZEM-ZEM. Durning swayed in his bonds, and Cardell felt a familiar rigidity grip the back of his neck like an iron hand. “T have a desire for two more skulls to set in this footstool of mine! Three is a number of good omen. May the thought of my splendid footstool con- sole your last hours!” Shaken by mirth, the Shekh rose from his throne. Feverishly the two watched Hazoor for a sign, but the councilor refused to glance in their direction and stalked majestically after his master from the throne room. The two Americans looked at one another in blank despair. This was the end, then! ‘To-morrow they would be sacrificed for the amusement of Abou Koi, the leper. “TI suppose he couldn’t fix it!” haz- arded Cardell, as they collapsed limply among their pots once more. “Guess not,’ responded Durning dully. “ This is where we step off for good!” VIL. At dawn next day the birds circled ominously over Zem-Zem, wheeling against a dazzling sky, swooping down heavily on the city—their ugly bare necks thrust forward greedily, their great wings moving like flails. Durning gave a hoarse laugh as he and Cardell watched them for the last time. “We'll provide their morning cereal to-morrow, perhaps!” he croaked; then he gripped the other’s hand, and added in a hurried mumble: “ There’s no man living I’d rather have with me now than you, old chum. You've been a—a—a—” Cardell returned his grip with a hearty admonition not to make a fool of himself, and they sat waiting for the heavy plank door to open for the last time. : “Reminds me of my blue funk be- fore the final between the Wanderers and the home team. Wish I had that 573 hefty bat of mine now. I'd die smil- ing if I could have one good swipe at Abou Koi before I kick off from his filthy city! Just—one—good—swipe!” repeated Durning rapturously. The sound of bolts withdrawn brought them both to their feet, and as the guard entered they greeted the natives with their usual cheerful in- solence. | The headman squinted at them angrily. “Soon shall I smile also, when I see thee in thy chains. When I hear thee cry and shriek like women! When the—”’ With one accord the two Americans launched themselves upon the rascal. It did not matter now what they did, and it was a tremendous relief to fight some one—any one—again! The native went down like a stone, striking his head on the sharp coping of the pavement. “The jars!” yelled Durning. With a laugh, Cardell helped to heave up the prostrate man, and they dragged him over the lip of the nearest pot and tilted him head first inside. There was a howl from the guard; the cowardly natives had turned to run in the first moment of surprise, but the remembrance of Abou Koi’s method of punishment spurred them to action. Starving and fever-ridden as they were, the prisoners had no chance against the five who fell upon them, and in a few minutes they were being prodded and driven through the dark lanes of the city, their hands securely bound behind their backs. “ F'vidently he has stuck to the skull idea!” murmured Durning, as_ they were pushed past the palace and shep- herded toward the city gates. Abou Koi awaited them there, seat- ed in a palanquin, and surrounded by his warriors mounted on camels; he huddled, mouthing and grimacing, amid his cushions, and as the two white men approached he made an impatient sign to Hazoor. COPMICLOOOKS (E@)