Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-20
THE MESSAGE
BY LOUIS TRACY.
Copyright ~ Bdwsra j.

others were armed and he was unable to
account for the delay in the attack.
Enjoining on his men the necessity of
keeping well within the shadow. he crept
along close to the wall until he stood by
ColviIle's side He was about to ask
permission to make reconnaissance and
thus force the enemy to reveal them
selves. when an incident almost without
precedent in bush warfare took place.
The indiscriminate firing stopped. the
wild-beast noises died away into absolute
silence. and a strip of white cotton sud
denly became visible in one of the many
gaps In the Stockade. 1t was held sta.
tionary for a moment. then a native war
rior stepped boldly forth into the moon
light. His magnificent physique was en-
HANGED by the war trappings that decked
his head, breast and loins. and he strobe
forward with the 1.-THE movements of a
man in perfect training When he en-
tered the compound it was seen that he
meant to parley. and such a departure
from the savage methods of a semi
cannibal tribe was hitherto unheard of
Usually, an unprotected party of Euro
peans. whether missionaries or traders
are butchered without mercy If found
within the zone of tribal foray.
by CAD" muttered Colville. they're
going to offer terms.'
Il think ] can guess what the terms
will be-" said Warden. There's wom-
bush campaign. eh?''
The subaltern did not understand the
curious undertone of grim irony in the
remark; but he was aware of it and made
no reply. The black warrior had halted
His wonderfully developed sense of hear
ing warned him that some one not in the
house was speaking. and the voices could
come from no other place than the
gloomy recess beneath the veranda.
20. Hume" he cried loudly. II fit fol
palaver."
Colville half expected that Warden
would answer for Hume. He was mis-
taken. His senior leaned back against
the wall Of the store and folded his arms.
with the air of man who meant to
abide by a settlement in whose discussion
he can take no part.
The negro. though trusting to his vague
conception of code of honor that he as
ISOLATED with fighting against white men,
came no nearer
door one-time, an hear what 1 fit for
say"
In the strange hush succeeding the
frenzied uproar that announced the pres
ence of host of armed natives the
ENJOYS words were clearly audible to the
came out, followed by Bambuk
who are you and what do you want?' p
said the missionary. why do you come
to me at night. and threaten the lives OF
my friends and myself in this manner"
Il done tell you il Bambuk lib. l nc
fit for long palaver."
At this the interpreter leaned over the
rail of the veranda.
You are Loanda. 1 think?' he said.
using the vernacular.
Yes was the reply. Tell the white
man that the lives of himself and his
wife will be spared. and they will be
taken in safety to the frontier, If the
English girl now in their house is handed
over to us at once. She. too. will be well
treated. One whom she knows. Miguel
Figuero. awaits her at Oku. He is our
friend. so she need have no fear. l, Lo-
anda, say it, and that which I say is
done.''
Bambuk translated this astounding re-
quest literally. Evelyn heard every word
and she alone grasped their terrible inn
port. She appeared in the doorway,
white-faced. with eyes that terror had
made almost distraught.
Miguel Figuero!" repeated the be-
wildered Hume. Isn't that the name Of
the Portuguese rascal you have told u!
of, Miss Dane?"
Go be continued tomorrow