Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 146 No. 4 — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

——- ~ DOWN THE COAST OF BARBARY. your letter, and I'll tell the others of the plan.” He rejoined Dr.. Shaw and the maid, whom he found seated beneath a tree in earnest discussion. They listened in si- lence to Mulai Ali’s plan, and Shaw nodded quick assent. _ “A good plan, Patrick! It assures little risk to any of us. We shall start at once.” “Then I shall go and thank Mulai Ali for his kindness,” said the girl, and rising, departed. Spence met the eyes of Dr. Shaw, and smiled. “I suppose you’re going to rake me over the coals for my imprudence, doctor?” “Tut, tut, Patrick! You did exactly right, my boy! Do you know she is a most amazing young woman? I was just ex- pounding to her my theory in regard to the euroclydon of Saint Paul’s history, as opposed to the Vulgate reading; as you know, Saint Luke was present—” “My dear doctor,” intervened Spence, “you must give me your views on that point later. At present you had best gird up your loins and get ready. Our business makes us set out at once and ride hard to Udjde. Suppose you get Mulai Alli’s let- ter, while I rouse the men.” Dr, Shaw sighed and obeyed placidly. Spence found Barbarroja relating, with huge gusto, horrible tales of the Beni Snouss and other desert tribes through whose, country they must pass later; the credulous Spahis listened agape, swallowing all his fancies. Spence angrily ordered him to saddle up. “We are to ride ahead of the others. You will guide us. Two of the Spahis go also. Hasten!” He turned to saddle his own horse, and did not observe that Barbarroja gazed after him with fallen jaw, as though completely taken aback by this information. Within twenty minutes the start was made—Spence and Barbarroja leading, Shaw and Mistress Betty following, the two Spahis bringing up the rear with Yimnah. The party would reach the Cisterns some time that night. Spence had no talk with Dr. Shaw until 517 later. He noted that Barbarroja had lost his bold and jaunty air, seemed silent and uneasy, and often pawed his huge beard as though in deep thought; nor did the man respond to conversation. Spence thought little of it. At the halt for sumset prayer, in which all save the three Christians joined, Dr. Shaw drew his horse alongside that of Spence. ‘“ Patrick, I am told by Mistress Eliza- beth that when you engaged this ruffianly red-beard, you told him you would discuss wages with him at Tlemcen. What agree- ment reached you?” “Eh? Why, none! Shaw shook his head. “That looks bad, my son! If the man were what he seemed—well, well, let be. I gather that we reach the Cisterns to-night, and halt until morning?” “No halts,” said Spence curtly. I forgot it.” <4 We must save Mulai Ali’s neck, and that means — hard riding. It’s only fifty miles to Udjde, our horses are in good condition, and we must push on.” “ But stop a few moments at the Cis+ terns,” pleaded the doctor anxiously. “I have theard of notable inscriptions there, on a pillar near the wells. The moon will be at the full to-night, and I can copy it in a few moments.” Smiling, Spence agreed. So small a boon, which meant so much to Shaw, could not be denied. After the prayer and a brief repast, they went on again at a brisk pace. An hour after nightfall the moon rose, full and glo- rious, lightening all the cold countryside with silver brilliance. Muffled against the cold, theeparty pressed their horses vigor~ ousl y. It lacked an hour of midnight when they approached El Joube, or the Cisterns. There was no native village here; only a bleak hillside, covered with ancient ruins, where two brackish wells supplied water for travelers. The moon was at her zenith. The place, with its white marbles and broken columns, and jackals howling afar, was the very epitome of desolation. Spence sighed in relief when he saw that the camp-_ ing ground was ems°)ii) i xote) yeaa) *