Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1910-07-29
CHAPTER xIII.-(Continued.)

honi." answered the black. Just Be
noni."
"American?" 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 rossing-there-now
turn to your left again-see? Beyond
those hills we'll find a snug defle!
Here we are!"
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?"
Benorf nodded. Yes, / gave her
passage money 10 20 back 10 Maine to
her family once, and she gambled 1t
away. Then she came to me again,
and wanted some more money and l
refused to give it to her, and she's
hated me ever SINCE guess. 1 hadn't
seen her for years."
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, we're
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, curtly.
But If a mans hearts in the hunt
he doesn't stop to reckon the length
of the chase"
Benoni smiled. "You are related to
Miss Lancey?"
mot yet" said Johnny. He's just
hoping that way"
Benoni sprung out of the car. He
paced by it's side nervously for few
seconds, and then stopped beside Lar
ry.
Il am black as you see," spoke
Benoni, but I own the blood of kings
and my mind has been subjected to a
thorough course of education in Euro
pean universities l am in Africa now
on an errand similar to yours. l am
seeking my wife, Meta. Unlike you,
have an inkling as to where 1 may
find her. Perhaps the woman you are
hunting for is not far away from Meta
| Will you join forces with me? am
ngle handed, and 1 may need foreign
aid-men l can trust!"
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 long chance
with a stranger, but the boys had
learned that long shots frequently wor
when the short arc failed altogether
The three were to meet at the defil,
on the morrow-early-befor the sur
waxed unbearably hot. Benoni tolt
them to leave behind all luggage; thai
he would attend to all Of that, and tt
take with them but nominal sum O.
money if any at all.
; "You can both ride?" he questioned
"Well, I'm not much at it," confess
ed Johnny.
The black surveyed the small red
headed man half contemptuously.
Il know what you're thinking"
blurted out the American. Your,
thinking that barring the color of tn,
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"
B They rumbled into town as the falls
dawn broke. Benoni left them at tn
corner of an obscure street, and Larr,
! 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, an
found him there browsing.
What shame" groaned Johnny
"How can a man with a mind do sue
things as this?"
| You never did," said Harry, quietly
| Here, let's take him home. Come
Suiveler, come on, we've got somethin
to tell you."
| CHAPTER XIV.
Benoni was waiting at the defilt
With him was a small Arabian serv
ant Benoni himself was astride
magnificent black horse, and smalle
mounts were saddled for the tw
Americans. The little Arab rode
wizened but sturdy beast and led tn
pack horse by a short tether.
The black was still more of tn
physically perfect by daylight than h
bad been und9r the lamplight and tn