Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1910-10-29
CHAPTER xIy.-(Continued.)


Benoni tended Johnny like woman,
with such skill and technique that
Larry was moved to ask II the black
had ever studied medicine.
Yes. 1 took my degree at Heidel-
berg" Benoni replied, somewhat gruf-
fly. "They don't balk at an African
prince in Germany"
why do you hate America, for you
do. you know" said Harry.
Because it was an American, the
father of the woman you know as
Cerisse Wayne, who brought untold
misery upon my father and his ancient
African house, blurted Benoni, forcing
Johnny to drink a tea he had stepped
for him. The cave was coarsely fur
nished with skins. some crude pottery
and cooking utensils. To Larry IL
looked like a secluded hunting lodge or
the some time retreat of a spasmodir
hermit.
Then you know about this mystery,
just as I've thought" said Larry And
into what mess you're taking Johnny
and me. I'd like to know!"
I'm trying to take you to Miss Lam
cey," responded Benoni. Il don't know,
of course, but I'm pretty certain she's
alive. That pigeon confirmed my be-
lief of that. But as to telling you
Morris, the tale will unfold itself, and
If 1t doesn't" he shrugged his shout
ders and put down the cup.
After that, even in the long watches
of the night, when Johnny lay still and
quiet. fighting long, slow battle with
his malady. Benoni forbore to discuss
any aspect of the Wayne murder mys-
terry. This tantalized Larry all the
more. Benoni would speak, though. OF
his travels, and Larry listened to the
variations as spellbound as II to the
master OF all story-tellers. For the
black had a marvellous power of Ian
guage.
One morning the rain ceased to fall.
Johnny was up now and walking
around the cave. trying to laugh at the
illness that had laid him so low. Larry
had lost his watch when the punt over
turned. also his notes of his African
travels that he had conscientiously
been making. Whether 1t was noon.
night or dinner time. Larry never knew
any more. and it might have been
Christmas or Decoration Day for aught
he might tell to the contrary He tried
experiment in time keeping on a rock
by the cave door. but had given up this
calendar attempt as altogether too
crude and too much of a near Water
bury.
Were going to move on to-day
boys" said Benoni. las soon as break
fast's over"
Now see here" objected Larry. "If
I'm going to die I'd Just as soon die
right here as die of curiosity on the
road. and that's what I'm going to do
II you don't drop this swathing OF
mystery. Benoni, and tell us where we
are going, and all about It. What's
the matter with you, anyway Why
don't you take us into your confidence
bit? Surprising you'd die? Where
would be be them"
Better off II you knew nothing OF
what 1 know" Benoni responded.
Besides. I'm not going to die Then
too lack OF knowledge means want OF
worry. You will need all your strength
don't want 1t depleted by anxiety
Better trust In me quietly. I've not
failed you yet. And I'm trying to pay
you a debt OF gratitude. In taking you
the lives OF others hold dear. Remem-
Der that"
We'll. where are we Eoing?" in
sisted Johnny. II don't want to take
any more OF your launch rides II you're
going to serve them up with Jungle
sauce, as you did before. 1 don't like
the taste OF the drlnksl"
we won't have any more Of that
ready1"
Rebslliousiy. mutinously. Johnny and
Larry followed the giant African. The
country all around was a waste OF
water, whore the prodigal river had
burst her bands. Affair to the south
rose q dull granite mountain. Toward
this Bsnoni bent his steps. They
climbed the top Of the hillook above
the savo and by dsxtrous jumps and
shrswd calculation reached an elevated
plateau with but nominal wetting
Thick grass carpsted this plateau. beat
down to the earth. and interviewer by
the pounding OF the rains II made q
slippery mating for them to walk up-
on. Far to tho north rose the noun
tain, and to the west numbered this
naussous river that skirted the cave
tered a thicket. through whose maze,
Benoni found labyrinthine path
which they threaded in silence. Won
der what the time isr" volunteered
Johnny.
About noon, think" answered Be
noni. Wed stop to eat, but want tC
reach the castle before the rain begins
again"
THE CASTER qusrisd Johnny
-Whoss7 Whew-eei@
They had stopped abruptly. The path
had come out upon a wonderful gar.
den. exquisitely laid out though bat
tered from the onslaughts of the rain
Ahead of them was a granite castle
and close to its uncouth entrance q CIR
was dancing. AS they looked they - p
that she was tall and fair, and tha
though there was huge lion beside
her. though her hair fell in braids
down her back. and though her CART
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