The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-11-26

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especially at night, but was determined
that come action be taken 10 the
morning When morning came how
ever, the crew refused to go-all ex-
cept Joe Larson, the cook, who said
| he'd be willing to wade river Of blood
to help Ralph.
The idea OF one man and one woman
against hundreds Of cannibals did NOT
seem practical, 80 she sat on deck and
thought, and thought.
perhaps Samson went crazy and
dreamed t." she told herself. Maybe
Ralph VIII turn up all right. He's the
most resourceful person in the world"
| But the inactivity drove her nearly
to distraction. Finally she told Joe to
get ready and row her ashore. The
others protested, saying she was tax
ing her life in her hands. But she was
determined.
"All right, ma'am," one of them said.
ats up to you We'd be glad to go
along and help, only the odds are too
heavy"
She admitted, NOT to them, but to
herself, that the case looked hopeless.
''No doubt they're preparing Ralph for
their Thanksgiving day feast, proba-
bly, for the king himself" she thought,
not stopping to consider that south
sea cannibals paid no attention to
proclamations by presidents Of the
United States.
Joe rowed her ashore and they fol-
lowed faint path into the woods. The
underbruth was not so dense as II ap-
peared from the deck of the yacht, and
they made fair progress, presently ar
irving at a clearing Here they
paused, for the ground showed signs
Of a struggle, with numerous prints
from bare feet.
She was kneeling to examine these
prints, when Joe suddenly cried:
Look outl"
The next instant she and Joe were
the center OF bowling, cavorting
vortex of black humanity. Their arms
and feet were tied and they were car
ried into the forest.
Swung across the shoulders OF q
black man, Margaret gave herself up
for lost: but she didn't care much,
III Ralph's dead don't want to-
live" she told herself, and hoped It
would soon be over with. The only
thing that made her shudder now was
the thought of being served ct the
kings Thanksgiving feast.
After being carried about two miles
through the Jungle, the party emerged
In an immense clearing dotted with
bamboo huts, with an exceptionally
large one in the center. The prisoners
were placed in a hut on the outskirts
and guards with spears stationed at
the doors.
They're preparing the fire to cook
u.s." joe groaned, struggling Vainly
with his hands. Margaret maintained
silence.
Presently the black man who had
been the leader OF the captors APP
peareA, cut the thongs from their feet
and surprised the prisoners with these
words of English:
Now me take UNI to king"
In short time they were ushered
into the largest OF the huts, in which
was a rudely- constructed throne, about !
which were grouped several natives in
fantastic costumes made of skins and |
The captiyes were placed in !
front of the throne and the attendants |
at once began a chant, kneeling to-
ward door at one side Of the raised |
seat OF royalty.
The king appeared through the door, !
with Broadway stride. He
the throne with majestic !
nnin and surveyed the capttves. Mar
yaret stared at him for moment in |
,2'0nishnent, then threw herself at
him eluding the guards who sprang to
top her and clasped him in her arms.
"Ralph! Ralphl" she sobbed. "What
'an it--what does it all mean?"
She stepped back down from the
.hrohe and looked up at him, wonder
ngly
lie was clad like the natives only
lis attire was more fantastic and pic.
ureSQue.
ut MEANS" he said, simply, "that 1
pulled few stunts in magic that
showed the old king up and he lost his
/ am now ruler of Kondo
STAND. had to either be king or
,e eaten by one, and 1t didn't take one
ong to decide I'm about to resign,
hough, as soon as we have our
dinner-and a royal one
t is, It's in the next hut"
She grimaced.
"Cannibal stew?" she inquired.
mo, wild turkey. / ordered them
prepared when messengers brought
vord that a white woman and man had
,een captured. Come to the royal
east you and Joe-and we'll discuss
way Of disowning this kingesm."
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