Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1910-10-21
CHAPTER xIII.-(continued.l

CHAPTER XIII.-(Continued.)
Your manner" asked Morris. BE
honi," answered the black Just Be-
noni."
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-noN
turn to your left again--see? Beyond
those hills we'll find a snug defilel
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 q
scrape?" asked Larry. Ever see that
woman before? Do you know her al
all? What was her animus?"
Benoni nodded. Yes, I gave heI
passage money to go back to Maine to
her family once, and she gambled II
away. Then she came to me again
and wanted some more money and
refused to give 1t to her, and she's
hated me ever since, I guess. hadn't
seen her for years"
Like woman" commented John
ny.
Larry smoked in silence, till Benonl
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 Lam
cey We think she's in Africa here"
Benoni raised his woolly eyebrows.
You're nice hunt" he observed.
''Have you any trace of where she
might be? Africa is very large, larger
even than your Wanted State of
Texas"
Il know" responded Larry, CURLY.
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 vet" said Johnny. Hes just
hoping that way"
Benoni sprung out Of the car. He
paced by its side nervously for a few
seconds, and then stopped beside Lar
ry.
Il am black. as you see," spoke
Benoni, but ! own the blood of kings
and my mind has been subjected to a
thorough course Of education in Euro
pean universities am in Africa now
on an errand similar to yours. 1 am
seeking my wife, Meta. Unlike you, l
have an inkling as to where / may
find her. Perhaps the woman you are
hunting for is not far away from Meta.
Will you join forces with me? am
single handed, and may need foreign
aid--men 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 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 defila
on the morrow-early-befo the sun
waxed unbearably hot. Benoni told
them to leave behind all luggage: that
he would attend to all of that, and to
take with them but nominal sum of
money, II 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 contemptuously.
II know what you're thinking"
blurted out the American. You're
thinking that barring the color Of the
skin and head that you've got me beat
on being a man. Perhaps you have.
Anyway, don't grudge you anything,
and you needn't mel"
They rumbled into town as the false
dawn broke. Benoni left them at the
corner Of an obscure street, and Larry
and Johnson took Suiveler back his
auto. Suiveler was not yet home, so
they went to the cafe, where they had
left him early in the evening, and
found him there browsing.
What q shame" groaned Johnny.
How can a man with a mind do such
things as this7"
You never did" said Harry, quietly
Here, let's take him home. Come
Suiveler. come on. we've got something
to tell YOU"
CHAPTEE2 xIv