The Mena weekly star., 1920-02-26

tnere Delng but three natives iD their reduced following, Msungo promptly took his place as one of the four pall- bearers to Marguerite. There was something about being carried even in part by white man that seemed to appeal to the old rogue's sense of hu- nor. He threw up his barrei-long head and prayed an accompaniment to his triumphal progress into the scow. No sooner was he deposited than M'sungo seized his tail and bore down on it with all his weight. The music sud denly ceased.
 But Andrea's clear laughter still rang ont. "Oh." she cried when she could speak, The is clever. didn't realize how ridiculous you were until he laughed r She let herself go again. Msungo glared at her.
 And you were brutal she contin- ued. You pulled his tail"
 q pulled his tail to make him shut up," said M'sungo. T wish" he paused.
 "Say it,' cried Andrea. You wish you could make me shut up. We'll, you can't. Pm going to laugh all I like. Listen!''
 She opened wide her mouth for a stage "Ha Hal Ha ' but 1t never got out Msungo threw his arms around her and snatched her to him. His lips came closer and closer to hers. In his eyes was an exasperated twinkle. Please don't" he begged.
 Andrea glanced down her nose at his lips, saw that they had halted in their advance on hers and decided to struggle free from his embrace. "Why shouldn't I?" she asked argumenta- lively. What is there about this muggy old river that has you-has you bluffed?'
 "A lot of things" began M'sungo. his eyes shifting.
 Andrea watched him shrewdly. "rell me. White Man. she concluded what is the one reason?"
 She saw doubt and then a sudden decision come into his face. All right" he said. "I'll tell you tonight l"
 They reached the home craal at the setting of the sun. In rapid succession came tea, hot bath. fresh clothes and dinner With the first puff at her cigarette Andrea settled back in her chair and said, Now
 The man did not pretend to be at loss for her meaning. He nodded. lit his cigar and sat down. "All right" he said, "l1l trust you. Here's the cat out of the bag. I'm not the only Hh'te man in this bit of coun- try. There's another who came in across the wilderness and has his camp about forty miles up the river. His business and mine have one thing and one thing only. thank God, in common. They are both clandestine. As it hap pens. I don't think he knows or cares what I'm up to, but I know all about him, because on those rare occasions when he comes down the river he Is invariably roaring drunk. His tongue never stops"
 Does he-everg asked Andrea.
 You mean does he stop here?"
 She nodded.
 ''Yes. he does" said M'sungo. "l wish he didn't. but he always does"
 And what had you intended to do with me on his first visit?' she asked.
 Well" said M'sungo, his brows puckering, i've had in mind to tell you all about it just as I'm doing, and rust you. But If 1t hadn't come to that l was going to gag you and lock you up."
 "Oh. were you?" said Andrea, her eyes narrowing Let me tell you at once that do not consider myself un- der parole don't mean by that that I'm going to sit on the river bank wait ing for this man to come along, but when he comes l would he fool to miss the chance of telling him just what my situation is. He might not be able to get me out, but at least would DO longer be totally in your power. If my disappearance should be completed there would be a cred ibIe witness to the incredible fact that had really been here"
 A dark flush spread over Msungo's face. "At the risk of further arousing your curiosity" he said, 'slet me as sure you that you are a thousand times safer in my sole power than In that of one or dozen MacClosters."
 'Is that his name-MacCloster asked Andrea coldly.
 M'sungo nodded
 And what is his reprehensible bus iness7'
 T can't conceive why I should tell you. One can't spread that sort of thing without harming ones self"
 "So you don't trust me, after all, :" said Andrea.
 Tt isn't a question of trusting" re piled M'sungo. Its a question of whether 1t ever pays to tell tales out of school"
 And you don't think you are justi- fled in telling me this mans business just as a warning?"
 You mean" said M'sungo. ESQ that you can believe me when I tell you it would be disaster should he catch a glimpse of you? In other words, you want to be persuaded that I'm telling the truth"
 Not at all," said Andrea. You're fishing for trouble. I mean--just a warning"
 "well. if you mean just that" said