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Stout, Rex, 1886-1975

"Under the Andes"


I was not even conscious of danger. I sat as in a stupor.
But action came, though not from me, so suddenly that I scarcely
knew what had happened. There was a cry from Desiree. Harry
sprang to his feet. The Incas leaped forward.
I felt myself jerked violently from the ground, and a spear was
thrust into my hand. Harry's form flashed past me, shouting to me
to follow. Desiree was at his heels; but I saw her halt and turn
to me, and I, too, sprang forward.
Harry's spear whirled about his head, leaving a gap in the black
line that was now upon us. Through it we plunged. The Incas
turned and came at us from behind; one whose hands were upon
Desiree got my spear in his throat and sank to the ground.
"Cross to the left!" Harry yelled. He was fighting them off from
every direction at once.
I turned, calling to Desiree to follow, and dashed across the
cavern. We saw the wall just ahead, broken and rugged. Again
turning I called to Harry, but could not see him for the black
forms on every side, and I was starting to his rescue when I saw
him plunge toward us, cutting his way through the solid mass of
Incas as though they had been stalks of corn.


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