The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1910-04-14
CHAPTER XIII.-(Continued.)

Your manner" asked Morris. BE-
noni." answered the black. Just Be
nonf"
Americana" asked Larry.
I've lived there" volunteered Be-
noni. Where are we going now?"
Anywhere to get away from them"
replied Johnny.
Then don't go so far to the right
Turn at the next crossing -there-now
turn to your left again-see? Beyond
those hills we'll find snug defile!
Here we arei"
The motor wheezed and grunted and
turned awkwardly into the debouch-
ment OF the mountain side
How'd you come to get In such
scrape?" asked Larry. Ever see that
woman before? Do you know her at
all? What was her animus?"
Benoni nodded. Yes. 1 gave her
passage money to go back to Maine 10
her family once, and she gambled 1t
away. Then she came to me again,
and wanted some more money and
refused to give 1t to her. and snes
hated me ever since. 1 guess. l hadn't
seen her for years"
Like a woman" commented John-
ny.
Larry smoked in silence. till Benoni
asked: Exploring? Or just touring!
How long since you've been in the
States?" asked Johnny.
Just came from there a week ago.
replied Benoni.
Then you heard OF the Wayne muir
der mystery, OF course? Well were
hunting for the abducted Miss Ian
cey We think she's in Africa here.
Benoni raised his woolly eyebrows
You're a nice hunt" he observed.
"Have you any trace Of where she
might be? Africa is very large, larger
even than your vaunted State OF
Texas"
Il know" responded Larry. CURLY.
But II a mans hearts in the hunt
he doesn't stop to reckon the length
OF the chase"
Benoni smiled. You are related 20
Miss Lancey?"
Not yet" said Johnny. Hes just
hoping that way"
Benoni sprung out Of the car. He
paced by its side nervously for few
seconds. and then stopped beside Lar
~.
Il am black. as you see. spoke
Benoni. but I own sc blood of kings
and my mind has been subjected to q
thorough course OF education In Euro
pean universities. / am in Africa now
ON an errand similar to yours. ! am
seeking my wife, Meta. Unlike you. l
have an mixing as to where I may
find her. Perhaps the woman you are
hunting for is not far away from Meta.
VIII you join forces with me? l am
single handed. and l may need foreign
aid-men 1 can trusti"
Larry and Johnson grasped at the
straw 1t was something tangible any
way. in this great wanton waste OF
sun and sky. desert and barbarians-
And far more likely of result than the
neatly red-taped government assist
ance that had been proffered them
So they made a compact with Be-
noni 1t was taking a long chance
with a stranger. but the boys had
learned that long shots frequently won
when the short arc failed altogether
The three were to meet at the defile
on the CONGRATULATIONS the sur
waxed unbearably hot Benoni told
them TO leave behind al luggage; thai
he would attend to all OF that. and Il
take with them but a nominal sum OF
money. IL any at all.
You can both rider" he questioned
well. I'm not much at it, confess
ed Johnny.
The black surveyed the small red
headed man half contemporary.
Il know what you're thinking"
blurted out the American Yours
thinking that barring the color of ths
skin and head that you've got me bea
on being a man. Perhaps you have
Anyway. / don't grudge you anything
and you needn't mel"
They rumblad into town as the falls
dawn broke. Benoni left them at thu
corner of an obscure street. and LAIR,
and Johnson took Suiveler back hi
auto. Suiveler was not yet home. s.
they went to the cafe. where they ha'
left him early in the evening. AM
found him there browsing.
hat ., shame" groaned Johnny
How can M n with mind do sucl
things as thiss'
You never did said Harry. quietly
Here. let's take him home Come
Suiveler. come 81. we've got something
to tell you
CHAPTER XIV