Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1910-08-05
CHAPTER XIv.-(Continued.)


and Harry fell into the dumps, while
Benoni tended Johnny like a woman,
with such skill and technique that
Larry was moved to ask If the black
had ever studied medicine.
Yes, l 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 known" 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 it
looked like secluded hunting lodge or
the some time retreat of a spasmodio
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 knowl"
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 it doesn't" he shrugged his shoul-
ders and put down tie 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
narrations as spellbound as if to the
master of all story-tellers. For the
black had 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 it 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
Robinson Crusoe's notch on "a cross
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.
IN 40,
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
If you don't drop this swathing of
mystery, Benoni, and tell US where we
are going. and all about 1t. What's
the matter with you. anyway? Why
don't you take us into your confidence
a bit? Supposing you'd die? Where
would be be them"
Better off if 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.
I don't want it depleted by anxiety.
Better trust in me quietly I've not
failed you yet And I'm trying to pay
you debt of gratitude. In taking you
where we are journeying I'm rsking
the lives of others 1 hold dear. Remem-
Der that!"
We'll, where are we going?" in
sisted Johnny. II don't want to take
any more of your launch rides If you're
going to serve them up with jungle
sauce. as you did before. don't like
the taste of the drinks!"
I'VE won't have any more of that
ready?"
Rebelliously, mutinously, Johnny and
Larry followed the giant African. The
country all around was a waste of
water, where the prodigal river had
burst her bands. Afar to the south
rose a dull granite mountain. Toward
this Benoni bent his steps They
climbed the top of the hillock above
the cave and by dextrous jumps and
shrewd calculation reached an elevated
plateau with but nominal wetting.
Thick grass carpeted this plateau, beat
down to the earth, and interviewer by
the pounding Of the rains it made a
slippery mating for them to walk up
on. Far to the north rose the noun
tain and to the west numbered the
nauseous river that skirted the cave.
For hours they walked until they en-
tered a thicket, through whose mazes
Benoni found a labyrinthine path,
which they threaded in silence. won
der what the time isl" volunteered
Johnny.
about noon, think" answered Be-
noni. WED stop to eat but want to
reach the castle before the rain begins
again."
"The castle?" queried Johnny.
"Whose7 Whew-eel"