Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-05-31


game the old man and his daughter
play
They rode south all that day and
never once, even when they stopped
to rest. did Matt get a chance to
talk to Leigh. He was tortured with
imagining how she must feel. And
he could do nothing, not even ex-
plain a little. He was completely
helpless now though his fears were
not for himself but for Leigh. He
realized what the count had said
was true. Their complete disap-
pearance would cause no stir. Mrs.
Bannon would undoubtedly raise a
fuss, but if any one thought about
it, they would probably decide Leigh
had eloped with the count.
His head hurt unbearsbly with
the sun pouring down on it. He
thought suddenly, Then 1t was the
count who killed Swahli? But
why?" This put another sinister
aspect to the whole thing. For look
how easily Swahli had disappeared
with no questions asked! Well.
anyway, he'd find out just where
the guns really went! There was a
string of camels behind him loaded
with long boxes of bundles.
Just before sunset they reached
a high ridge and looked down on
tiny settlement of buildings. They
rode down and were led TO a line
of trucks and car with odd-looking
wheels. The count came up with
Leigh. and Matt looked at her
proudly. Her mouth was set very
firmly and there was queer tight
ness to the corners of her eyes, but
she was quite calm.
81 didn't get seasick." she told
them. But if we're travelling in
that car, Id just as soon stand on
the running board"
The Count Is Polite.
Matt smiled at her and loved her
for her courage. The count looked
at her. too, with real respect. for
she was great contrast to Carlita,
who was calling down curses on the
count and warning him with every
breath what her father would do
when he found out what had hap
pened.
The count ignored her. He said,
I'm sure you'll find the car quite
comfortable, Miss Bannon. I am
desolate that must put you to this
inconvenience.
They had cold supper while the
camels' loads were being transferred
to the trucks. 1t was very dark
when they finally started out. but
the driver seemed to know the way
for they went swiftly, soon out
distancing the trucks. The road was
nothing more than a path, cleared
of brush and rocks, but it appeared
fairly well Travelled.
They all slept at one time or an
other, bouncing around in the wide
back seat. Matt sat between the
two girls and even his worries
weren't enough to keep him awake.
for he had had no sleep the night
btlO4C
1t was not light yet when they
reached their destination. They
were helped out of the car and led
into a brightly Lit wooden building
with a matched roof. Inside was a
room, banked with boxes and
crates around the wall, with a
counter at one end and a long table
holding food.
This" said the count with a
flourish, lis my country villa. Please
make yourself quite at home" A
servant brought in steaming hot
food and nobody asked any questions
for a while. After eating they were
taken to separate tents that stood
in a row near the main building.
Matt found his tent to contain only
the sand floor, a low, soft couch,
an oil brazier and carved box con-
tanning clothes. He lay on the couch,
meaning only to stretch his achine
and cramped muscles. When h.
awoke, the bright morning sun was
streaming through the flap of his
tent.
Matt treasures Leigh.
He looked out. There was no one
on guard. Evidently they weren't
going to be kept complete prisoners.
He walked out and looked around
him. 1t was quite good-sized camp
and there was busy stir all around
him. Native soldiers went by him
on various errands; he saw some of
them unloading the boxes from the
trucks and carrying them to long
building that must be q storehouse.
1t adjoined the main building where
they had eaten. South of the main
building, outside the compound, was
a line of native huts and from q
cluster of palms near them he saw
native women balancing water jars
and the heavy leather girbas going
to and fro, chattering in their morn
ing's work. 1t was rather ordinary
little trading post at first glance
and it seemed ridiculous to think he
was a prisoner in such an innocent
looking place.
He turned back to the tents and
found Leigh'S. She was still asleep,
one hand clenched above her head.
When he kissed her she moaned
and gave a little start of fright.
"It's me, Leigh" he whispered.
She chung to him, quivering in the
reaction to her moment of fright.
Matt! Oh, Matt, I'm so frightened.
It's all like wild nightmare"
IT know" He stroked her tousled
hair. I've been mixed up for weeks.
I can't tell you the whole long story
of how I got into this; there isn't
time. But just trust me, dear. Moth
ing will happen. It's Carlita the