The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-10-03
PART III.

veterans, eAultdntly clutcnLlB at lhcir
notebooks. "Merryweather shot!
Where? When? How?"
In few words Anerley explained
" hat he had seen.
"You heard nothing?
Nothing"
swell, a shot loses itself very easily
among rocks. by George look at the
huzzards."
Two large brown birds were soaring
IN the deep blue heaven. As Scott spoke
they circled down and dropped into the
little khor.
That's good enough" said Morti-
mer with his nose between the leaves Of
his book. "Merryweather headed der,
wishes stop returned stop shot NUT
fated stop raid communications.
IIow's that?"
"You think he was headed off?"
"Why else should he return?"
"In that case, if they were out in front
of him and others cut him OFF, there
must be several small raiding parties
II should judge So"
SLOW about the 'mutilatedT"
"Pve fought against Arabs before"
"Where are you off TOP
'Sarras."
'I think I'll race you in," said Scott.
Anerley stared In astonishment at
the absolutely impersonal way in which
these men regarded the situation. In
their zeal for news it had apparently
never struck them that they, their camp
and their servants, were all in the lions
mouth. But even as they talked there
came the harsh importunate rat-Jat-tat
of an irregular volley from among the
rocks, and the high keening whistle of
bullets over their heads. A palm spray
huttered down amongst them. At the
same instant the six frightened serv-
ants came running wildly in for protec-
tion.
1t was the cool-headed Mortimer who
organized the defense, for Scott's Celtic
soul was so afame at all this "copy" in
hand and more to come that he was too
exuberantly boisterous for COM
rnander. The other with his spectacles
and his stern face soon had the servants
in hand.
"Tali hennai Egri! What the
the camels between the palm trunks.
Z That's right. Now get the knee-tethers
on them. Quies! Did you never hear
bullets before? Now put the donaseys
here Not much--you don't get my
polo-pony to make n zareba with. Pick
ct the ponies between the grove and the
river out of dangers way. These fell
lows seem to fire even higher than they
did in 49,"
That's got home, anyhow" said
Scott, as they heard a soft splashing
thud like stone in a mud-bank.
who's hit then?"
"The brown camel that's chewing the
cud."
AS he spoke the creature, its jaws still
working, laid it's long neck along the
ground and closed it's dark eyes.
"That shot cost me fifteen pounds"
said Mortimer, ruefully. "How mary
of them do you make?"
"Four, i think
"Only four Bezingers at any rate;
there muy be some spearsmen."
Il think not; it is a little raiding
party of riAemen. BY the way, Amer
ley, you've never been under fire be-
fore, have you?"
"Ncver," said the young pressman,
who was conscious of n feeling of nerv-
Gus elation.
Love ard poverty and war, they are
all experiences necessary to make n
complete life. Pass over the cartridges.
This is mild baptism that you are un-
dergoing, for behind these camels you
are as safe as if you were sitting in the
back room of the Authors club"
"As safe, but hardly as comfortable"
said Scott. "A long glass of hook and
seltzer would be exceedingly accept
able. But, oh, Mortimer, what a
chance! Think of the generals feel
ings when he hears TINT the first action
of the war has been fought by the
press column. Think of Reuter-, who
Las been stewing at the front for n
week! Think of the evening pennies
Just too late for the fun BY George,
that slug brushed n mosquito of mel"
"And one of the donkcys is hit"
"This is sinful. IL will end in our
having TO carry our own kits TO
LhartoLm."
"Never mind, my boy. II all goes to
make copy. can see the headlines
Raj. on Communications Murder OF
British Engineer Press Column At
tackled Won't IL be ripping?"
II wonder what the next line will be-"
said Anerlcy.
"'Our Special Wounded" cried
Scott, rolling over on 10 his back. "No
tkrIa DONE" he added. gathering him
self up again; only chip OF my knee.
This is getting sultry. confess that
the idea o. that back room at the Au-
thors' club begins 70 grow upon me-"
81 have some diachylon."
afterwards win do We're having
"a 'cppy day with Fuzzy on tho rush.
lwish he would rush."
They're coming nearer"
"This is an excellent revolver of mine
81 II didn't throw 30 devilish high.