Evening star., 1936-05-17
Chapter III.
Capt. Gregg Appears.

Capt. Gregg Appeue.
@nL did not even nod in re-
- Spouse to Betty's warning, for
his alert eyes noted the sus-
e. picious scowl on Wambi's face.
Instead, he quickly introduced Tuck,
then caught his sisters arm and pro-
PEELED her toward the door. Wambi
stepped back grudgingly, and they
entered.
"Wambi," said Betty, trying to make
her voice steady, will you please tell
Uncle Joel that my brother and
friend of his have stopped to see us?'
Wambi stared at them hostilely Tor
q moment, then turned and disap-
peared silently from the room.
For the love of Mike" exclaimed
Bill explosively. who is that? He
looks like cannibal chief"
Betty uttered little gasp Of fear.
Hes worse than that" she faltered.
ct think he's an African witch doctor.
But be quiet. I'll tell you all about
1t when we get chance to be alone.
And whatever you do, Bill, don't let
them know I sent for you. Something
terrible is happening here!"
Bills eyes were wide. But what
Is it, Betty?" he demanded. What
Is Wambi doing here? And where are
Jones and the other servants?"
Uncle sent them away" Betty
whispered. Capt. Gregg made him
do it."
Capt. Gregg" Bill repeated in
snazement. And who is Capt.
Gregg"
You'll find out. He's-oh. he's
hideous! He's the cause of all the
trouble-he and Wambi.
DILL stared at his sister, and he be-
gan to feel something Of the over
towering fear that made her face
ehalky. Little shivers crept along his
spine. Quickly he shot a glance at
ruck, half hoping that his roommate's
customary grin would dispel the air
Of mystery that was rapidly getting
on Bills nerves. But Tuck's face was
deadly serious. He, too, was staring
at Betty, and Bill saw him swallow as
though something were choking him.
Suddenly and silently Wambi ap-
peared again in the doorway OF the
room. "Mr. Saunders say Come" he
announced.
Uncle Joel wants you to come up
to his room," Betty explained hastily.
"He isn't very-wen these days"
Something in Betty's tones made
Bill and Tuck look at her quickly.
But she had dropped her eyes. and
her face was mask. She turned ano
hurried toward the hall, and they
followed her, leaving Wambi gazing
after them.
On the stairs, Betty placed her lips
close to Bills ear. Whatever you do,
don't seem surprised at anything
Uncle Joel says or does. And don't
ask him how he feels, or pretend to
notice that he isn't well. Don't give
the slightest hint that you think any
thing is wrong. It's our only chance"
Bill shot q glance at Tuck, who re-
turned it with interest. Tuck's eyes
seemed to say, What next?" But Bill
could see that his roommate was in
far from a laughing mood.
DEITY knocked hesitantly on the
~ door of her uncle's room. A thin
frail voice told them to enter. Betty
pushed the door open, and they
crossed the threshold.
Uncle Joel was sitting propped up in
bed. The shades Of the room were
drawn, shutting out the morning sun
shine. but a reading light burned by
the bed, and there was pile OF worn
books on the table beside 1t.
When Bills eyes fell on his uncle
he was thankful for Betty's advance
warning. Otherwise he would have
exclaimed aloud at the shock OF Uncle
.Ioel's appearance. The mans face
uas ashen pale, and his eyes, sunken
in great dark hollows, burned with
feyerish light. His hands moved rest
lessly on the coverlet.
Hello. Uncle JOEL" Bill made his
voice hearty as he quickly crossed the
room and extended his hand. But. he
felt a little shiver as he took his
uncle's hand. It felt cold, damp, and
Nfeless in his grasp.
william, my boy" said Uncle Joel.
His eyes bored into Bills face for q
moment, then wandered away. He
hardly listened as Bill introduced
tuck. Then with an effort he seemed
Ia bring his mind back to the present.
How are you. William?" his de-
tached voice inquired And your
mother-I hope she is well?"
Bill was dumfounded. Didn't Uncle
Joel remember about mother? IT feel
fine. Uncle JOEL" he replied finally.
"I hope" He stopped. Betty
warned him against inquiring about
his uncle's health.
Betty will give you and your friend
n ROOM" Uncle Joel said then. please
forgive me if I don't seem very hos
pitable. I am very much occupied
with important matters, William. Very
important matters"
"Oh, that's all right, Uncle Joel"
said Bill. I'VE just stopped for o
short visit"
THERE was silence. Bill and Tuck
IL shifted uncomfortably. Uncle
Joel,s hands moved restlessly toward
his books. And then suddenly, from
behind them, came rasping voice.
Joel" it said harshly. Can see
YOU alone now? We have much to
discuss"
Bill wheeled. In the doorway stood
q short, ugly man whose dark, scanned
face was disfigured by q hvid scar
- which ran from one corner OF the
mouth to the temple. His hair was
thick and gray, and grew low on his
forehead. He was stopped. and sup
ported himself with heavy cane, but
his shoulders were thick and his arms
looked powerful.
Betty uttered little gasp. Capt
Gregg," she faltered. This is my
brother Bill. and Tuck Tucker, q friend