 Chapter 1 of THE LEPARD'S CLAW In the county of Worcestershire, Dudley Castle stands upon a high eminence overlooking Petting Hill, the great industrial center of coal mining, iron, and electrical works. Built in the twentieth century, the old feudal castle is surrounded by high walls, containing portholes for guns as in feudal times. The castle and the surrounding works are the property of his lordship, the Earl of Dudley, one of the wealthiest noblemen of the realm. In the library of this ancient castle, the Earl sat in a large armchair before an open great fire, although it was a bright summer morning. For many years he had suffered with chronic gout. His infirmity, together with the loss of his young wife, early in life, had rather increased his caloric and stern disposition. Of middle size in height and a tendency to stoutness, a clean-shaven face showing his firm and stubborn lips and chin, his lordship looked to be about three score and ten. His two sons, Harold, now the Earl of Montroy, and the Honorable Oliver Moncrief, were trained under his stern discipline. Lord Montroy, a man of about thirty-five, had made a very satisfactory settlement when he arrived into a very wealthy, but newly made, aristocratic family according to the plans of his father. His light mustache covered the weak lips inherited from his mother, which represented a desire for peace at personal sacrifice, rather than cowardice. His administration and love for his young brother had remained unshaken ever since he assumed an almost parental relationship in Oliver's early childhood. Possessed of his father's obstinacy, Oliver was continually in friction with the Earl, his father, and Lord Montroy was the invariable peacemaker between the two. This morning the Earl of Dublin's features expressed impatience as he frequently looked through the windows out upon the road leading to the castle. Finally, he struck upon the floor with his heavy cane, which leaned against a nearby desk. Peter, his favorite old valet, in uniform, stooped, shouldered, and about sixty years of age, entered silently and awaited his lordship's pleasure. Say to the Honorable Oliver Moncrief that I desire his presence immediately. Yes, my lord. After the valet retired, the Earl frowned impatiently while he listened for his son's approach. But Peter returning said, my lord, the Honorable Oliver did not sleep within the castle last evening, and he cannot be found. Just then an automobile drove up the side driveway. Lord Dublin turned his head and saw, through the windows, a dark complexioned young man of about five feet seven inches, clean-shaven, showing a determined contour about the chin and lips, driving the machine. Five minutes later he entered the room hurriedly. Good morning, Father. I hope that you are not suffering from the gout this morning. Sit down, the Earl commanded. I am not suffering very much, thank you. But where were you last evening and this morning? I slept in London last night, Father. In London? I see that you need to settle down. The castle has been too long without a mistress. When are you going to announce your engagement to Lady Cliff? I want the matter settled very soon, the Earl announced. Oliver turned in his chair uneasily, then he rose and approached his father appealingly. Father, that can never be! I am already married to Miss Eva Ennis, the daughter of Squire Ennis of Stonehenge County, Wilshire. We were married last evening, and I have come to ask your forgiveness and blessing. Lord Dobley leaped from his seat and shaking his fist, he exclaimed. Oliver Moncrief, have you really married the daughter of that pauper of Stonehenge? You will never have a farthing from me to support that family. But Father, Eva is from a very aristocratic family, and go away and never return to this castle, Oliver. As he struck the table a violent blow, the gout seized the old Earl. So he dropped into the chair and grabbed his right foot with one hand, as he shook his fist at Oliver with the other. Oliver rushed to his rescue, but pushing him away, the Earl pointed his finger and exclaimed, Oliver Moncrief, you are no longer my son, go! Oliver turned and started away, but turned as he reached the door, and made a last appeal to his father for forgiveness and his blessing. But the Earl was so obdurate and ordered Oliver to be gone. So Oliver directed his chauffeur to drive to Montroy Castle, in the Scottish Mordlands. End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2 of The Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Young Moncrief seeks aid of brother. Driving through the veils and over hills, cross riverlets and creeks, over well-constructed bridges, they cross Northumberland and reach Montroy Castle. The castle is a conspicuously well-built structure of 16th-century Gothic architecture, towering above the peak of a northern cliff. Viewing it from the main entrance, one sees the portico of huge marble columns of 15 or 16 feet high, and 20 by 20 feet square, and the flat roof of which is covered with lead. The three roofs of the main building, about 50 feet high, are covered with tiles. The hole is surrounded by a semi-circular wall, 10 feet high of brick, which meets a segment of iron rails. Oliver drove up to the castle as the sun disappeared behind the distant hills. The cool summer breeze wafted the melodious, sweet musical interpretation of Scots who have Vivalous Bled. Scots what Bruce has often led, rendered by Lord Montroy's Scottish band, picturesquely, attired in kilts or plaid petticoats, playing upon the bagpipes in the Grand Pavilion on the side lawn. Upon entering the grounds he found Lord Montroy holding the hand of Georgiana, his five-year-old daughter, as they fed the animals of the menageries of his lordship's park. After warm greeting, Lord Montroy detected that Oliver's errand was more than an ordinary visit. He bade Georgiana feed the mongoose as he and the uncle left for the castle. When they were seated in his lordship's private office, Lord Montroy inquired in his affectionate manner under what new difficult he was Oliver laboring. Harold, oh boy, Oliver exclaimed. I'm in a bawly tight corner this time. That has turned me out penniless. He then related the circumstances of his marriage and paternal denouncement, to which Lord Montroy listened sympathetically. Where have you left your wife, Lord Montroy asked, after he had heard the account. She is still with her parents, Harold old chap. Expecting something like this, we precipitated the marriage before consulting you, for which I pray your forgiveness. We would like to have enough to go on to some other country, say Alaska, out in the American wilds, or Australia. Eva loves the country and we both have decided to try our fortunes in some foreign land, until father relents. If you can manage to help us get a start, old fellow, we will be very grateful. Lord Montroy tried to discourage the idea of leaving England and promised to act as a mediator. He also placed his country seat at Roxborough, at Oliver's disposal. thanking him, Oliver promised to remove his wife to Roxborough Villa, with the understanding that Lord Montroy would use his influence to obtain a colonial appointment from the British colonial office, in case the Earl of Dublin refused reconciliation. Parting from Lord Montroy in a happier frame of mind, Oliver rode through the evening shadows into the English frontier. Early the next morning, driving down a long country lane, they approached a large Old Brick mansion, the right wing of which seemed to be a recent addition, while the ivy vines covering the main structure partly obscured the ravages of time. A gravel walk on the side of which was bordered with beautiful flowered hedges, led to the front entrance of the building. A slender girl in white, reveling in the glow of health and sunshine, ran down the walk with cheeks which rivaled the nearby primroses. Her heavy waves of dark brown hair, escaping their confinement, blew about her face in curls, causing her conspicuously to display the little gold circle upon her third finger as she tried to brush away the mischievous curls. Oliver stopped the automobile, leaped out, and ran to meet her. Folding her in his arms, she inquired about their fate. They remained at the mansion until the late afternoon, when with the last arboire over, they returned to the automobile and drove away as the twilight enshrouded the surrounding scenery. After Oliver's departure Lord Montroy entered his wife's bourgeois. Lady Montroy, sitting in a graceful pose, upon his entrance looked up from a book which she was reading. A blonde of medium height, she looked not to be over thirty. Her haughty bearing marred the soft lines of a very handsome face, sometimes causing her to appear comical, with a rather redundant appearance. Lord Montroy seated himself in an armchair opposite and related his brother's marriage. You will do me a great favor, my dear, he ended, by accompanying me to-morrow and making Eva feel welcome. Never, she exclaimed, I shall not visit the bankrupt squire's daughter. Oliver might have married Lady Cliff, who is related to the Duchess of Roxborough, and would have acted as sponsor for our Georgiana when she makes her debut. My dear, you must remember that Eva and us comes from a very old and aristocratic family, even if they are poor, Lord Montroy replied as he left the room. He ordered his limousine, and directed the chauffeur to drive to doubly Castle. He found the old Earl still obdurate, and after several feudal attempts to reopen the subject of his brother's marriage, he retired in a very crestfallen state. Leaving doubly Castle early the next morning, Lord Montroy took the train for London. Lord Montroy Meets an Old Friend At the St. Pancras station, he hailed a cab and drove down Russell Square, down the strand, crossed over the Tams embankment down to Westminster, where he entered the St. Stephen's Club. Seeking one of the deserted writing-rooms, he sat in a pensive mood, when a short, thick-built man with rounded shoulders and a brisk movement approached him. Lord Montroy recognized in the tan features and stubby brownish red hair upon the low forehead, William Serviet, an old classmate and close friend. After a hearty greeting and reminiscences, Mr. Serviet described his recent African tour of business inspection, and mentioned that his errand in London was to secure a manager for one of his West African branch business houses at Freetown, Sierra Leone. What about the climate, William? That part of Africa is called the White Man's Grave, Lord Montroy remarked. The health of Sierra Leone has been very greatly improved since our colonial office since Sir Matthew Nathan as Governor. Sir Matthew, being a splendid engineer, has put in an estate of sanitation that is almost incredible to believe, with a population of over 45,000, 15,000 of which are white, the death rate being perfectly normal when compared with European cities of that size. The electric lights and water supply with the European colony make living quite decent and endurable for an Englishman, Mr. Serviet replied. What emoluments are paid your manager? Lord Montroy next inquired. This particular vacancy pays £500, $2,500, house rent and all prerequisites free, with an opportunity to make a commission if the manager is worthy in works, the business above a certain paying dividend. Lord Montroy then related his brother's hasty marriage and desire to go to the colonies or some foreign country. Mr. Serviet expressed his great pleasure in offering the birth to the brother of his friend and urged Lord Montroy to give the matter immediate consideration and to report their decision as early as possible. Lord Montroy then left the club and drove out to Roxbury, the county seat. The Roxbury is a large concrete villa of Italian model, situated up on a small knoll. It is surrounded by terraces and lawns, and orchards and oak trees form a wooded background. Driving up on the cement driveway on that bright moonlit evening, Lord Montroy saw the couple seated in the floating marquee of the Japanese garden. They were enraptured so in each other that they did not note his approach until he hailed them. When Oliver looked around and saw his brother at the landing, he quickly reversed the lever which controlled the automatic pulley, and stood holding his arm around Eva's waist as they floated back to their moorings. Oliver presented his blushing bride, who, after kissing her brother-in-law, stood still as Lord Montroy placed her hand in Oliver's, and gave them both his blessing. Lord Montroy expressed a desire to remain in the float. He expressed his approval of his sister-in-law, sitting opposite, by his almost paternal and devoted glances. The principal subject of his visit became more difficult to mention, for to his mind the picture of the delicate water nymph in Africa's surroundings was very unpleasant. Eva finally retired in order to supervise the preparation of tea upon the terrace. Lord Montroy watched her tripping gracefully through the variegated border walks as the moonbeams played upon her truant curls, and an almost inaudible sigh escaped him as he wondered if it were a premonition of evil in consequence of his tidings. Pull up, old man! I know the old pater is badly cut up, and you hesitate to tell me, Oliver remark. Yes, that is a part of the unpleasant news, Oliver. Are you really serious about the colonial proposition? Yes, Harold, we have quite made up our minds upon that subject, Oliver replied. Lord Montroy then stated the proposition of Mr. Serviet, but tried to dissuade him from accepting. Grasping his brother's hand, Oliver pressed his thanks in his usual impetuous manner. Eva returned, and taking her brother's arm, invited them to tea. Under a spreading hawthorn they sat down to tea-serve by a Japanese valet. Oliver related their good fortune to Eva, as the trio wandered about the garden. Lord Montroy then offered Eva the permanent use of the Roxbury estate and the prerequisites which would bring an income adequate for a modest living. But thanking him, Eva expressed in a very delicate manner, her desire to have her husband earn his own income, and finally win his father's respect and blessing. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of the Leopards' Claw by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Oliver and Eva sail for West Africa A fortnight afterwards, Oliver had made ready for his departure. Lord Montroy accompanied him to Dudley Castle in an effort to obtain the paternal blessing. The Earl of Dudley refused to grant an interview and permitted his son to go away without a word. At Houston Station, Lord Montroy assisted Eva into the first-class carriage of the 10 a.m. Express for Liverpool, and accompanied them to the elder Dempster steamer Farquhar. At the Liverpool docks the party was supplemented by Mr. Servier, who also boarded the West African steamer. As the signal bell rang, Lord Montroy pleaded for the abandonment of the proposed journey. When the liner steamed back from the dock, Lord Montroy stood waving as he watched the two figures disappear in the misty fog. An audible sigh escaped him and aroused his companion's attention, who noticed Lord Montroy's pensive mood. Mr. Servier slapped him on the back, saying, Cheer up, Monty, you're not at a funeral. Do not think of Sierra Leone as the African jungle. Why, think of the cable communication and remember that you will always be in touch with Oliver. Passing down the mercy, Oliver and Eva proceeded along the channel, watching the sceneries of the Devonshire and French coasts. Two days afterwards they passed through the Bay of Biscay, and only by a change of luck and a capable captain, they emerged out of one of the roughest passages the steamer had ever had. The first stop was at Funchal, Madeira, one of the Portuguese islands off the African coast. A party consisting of Oliver, Eva, and Captain Griffith, and a few other passengers, went up by rail to the Catholic establishment on Mount Carmel and lunched. The sceneries of the way were multifarious tropical fruits, bananas, plantains, oranges, mangoes, pineapples, star apples, sugar cane, grapes and sweet plums, as well as a rich abundance of variegated flowers of the sweetest fragrance. They decided to try the thrills of the human locomotive power down the steep incline. Seating themselves in basket sledges, holding a couple of passengers each, and drawn by two strong Portuguese Cooleys, they began their exciting toboggan ride down a snowless landslide. Running palmel at breakneck pace, the Cooleys refused to heed the loud and excited cries of Stop! Mad Men! O Help! and numerous other complaints, threats, and pleas. But continued as they shouted in reply, No Stop! No Stop! unless we get Vino Bebo! The party finally acquiesced to their debauching demands, when they immediately halted on the ledge in front of a public house. The publican, who was well up in the graft, immediately appeared with a large tray of sparkling-court bottles of red Madeira and glasses. The Cooleys did not allow the wine to be served in the customary goblet, but emptied several bottles in the quickest possible moment. They also had a little grafting business in view. For Dr. Barnes, one of the passengers, who understood Portuguese, heard the head carrier say to the publican, these are rich people, you must charge them twice as much for the wine and split the profit equally with us when we return. When Senior Publican presented his extortionate bill in accordance with the tip, he was most disagreeably surprised to understand that Dr. Barnes had already cooked his goose, when he repeated for his information, Senior Cooley's tip in El Senior's Om Tongue. Standing dumbfounded for a moment, he finally recovered himself and, signally, cut down his bill to sixty percent, as he offered a sort of shame-faced apology. Once more the party resumed their journey to the wharf at a less perilous pace. Boarding a rowboat, they returned to the ship. Eva stood on the upper deck, viewing the picturesque sceneries of the high eminence of the Madeira mountains until the country vanished in the distant horizon. Oliver called Eva's attention to the snow-capped peaks of Tenerife towering in the distance. Looking through the telescope, they viewed the fine docks of Las Palmas Island, and the numerous ships and warships in the harbor, as they steamed away in a southeast by east course. End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of The Leopard's Club by George Washington Ellis This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Arrival in West Africa On the early morning of the tenth day, standing by your husband's side, Eva leaned over the rails of the upper deck, watching the African landscape, as the streamer neared the jetty of the Sierra Leone port. Freetown presented a panorama quite similar in building constructions and plans to Dominica of the West Indies. The two British West African barracks for white and colored troops are situated upon two salubrious peaks, about two miles apart in the rear of the town. Eva, who had never visited the tropics, was very amused by the sight of the half-nude black boys, who swarmed around the steamer in small skiffs and from their little craft dived and scrambled for the silver pieces, which the passengers threw to their special favorites. Mr. Solomon, a representative of the firm, met them upon the deck and introduced himself. They had almost to fight their way to the stairway, through the numerous boat boys who tried to assist in taking the luggage and renting their respective craft to tow the party to the landing. At the wharf, Mr. Solomon assisted Eva into the sedan chair borne by four boys with an ornamental and canopy-shaped parasol, which shaded the sun. Seating themselves in similar conveyances, the two men followed through a curious group of Sierra Leone market men, women and children, changing in color from black to light brown. The loose wrappers, slippers without hose and bright chrome yellow-colored handkerchiefs of the women, were to Eva as a replica of an exhibition scene at the Crystal Palace. The black coulis trotted along at a very fast pace, and soon turned up Market Street and Regent Road. The party passed numbers of passengers in hammocks and similar conveyances to their own. Imposing stone and brick buildings arose along the principal residential sections. The coulis, trotting a short distance down the Regent Road, halted in front of an iron gateway which opened upon a cement terrace leading to a short stone stairway of a brownstone residence. The house was of a pattern most unusual for the tropics, an almost square and massive stone structure, plain outside except for the green lattice window shutters and rough stones. It had no pretense at architectural beauty. Two ill-kept flower gardens bloomed at the front on each side of the cement walk, enclosed in an iron fence. If the outside were not as picturesque as they might have hoped, they were agreeably surprised upon entering to find themselves ushered into a spacious hall of polished hardwood floors with a circular stairway and a wide mahogany ball-straight facing the vestibule. On the first floor, the hall extended to the back porch. On one side a long dining room opened into the butler's pantry, leading into the spacious and bright kitchen. On the other side were the drawing room and a library, which opened into a side entrance leading to a large flower garden containing palms and other tropical ornamental trees and the traveler's fountain, while a small room in the rear assigned to the maids overlooked the backyard and an outhouse of brick used as the servant quarters. Up the stairway Eva discovered her private suite, and immediately decided upon the change of her bourgeois. Oliver and Eva were both delighted over their quarters, and would have doubtedly appreciated it had they known the cost of cables and other efforts to persuade the late owner to accept a grant of a lease, when Mr. Serviette learned that the brother of his chum would consent to take charge of his interest. After taking the couple through the house, Mr. Solomon summoned the servants and explained that they were Mr. Serviette's personal attendants, whom he had desired, if acceptable, to be retained in their old positions. A medium-sized stout and good-natured young black Ebo-girl, dressed in a loose gown, stood before her mistress in ingrinning and open admiration. Yanga is my name, ma'am, she said, in answer to Eva's smiling query. Well, Yanga, I think we will get along nicely, so let us begin at once by unpacking, Eva remarked. Barney, the vive valet and steward, was the next interesting character. Of about six feet, erect and quick carriage, he seemed to have been about twenty, and was possessed of straight features and copper-brown in color. He wore a clean white gown over a large pair of dark-colored bloomers. His ready wits soon won both his master and mistress. The opera cook next caused a roar of laughter when he uttered a name which neither of the prospective employers could pronounce. So they compromised on Toby and advised him to prove his culinary arts by serving a short-order quick lunch to the hungry party. Toby wore about twelve yards of cloth draped from the left shoulder, while his left arm and side and lower limbs remained partly nude, showing his stockingless feet enclosed in slippers. His lazy gait did not promise much for a quick dinner, when, slowly bending his six feet five inches, he ambled away. That appearance as often deceived was very soon demonstrated, when Barney announced dinner in a surprisingly short time. If Toby's name and appearance did not appeal to the aesthetic and critical faculties of the couple, the dinners certainly must have appealed to their epicurean tastes, if the remnants of the repast expressed their approval. Mr. Solomon joined the dinner and afterward invited Oliver to accompany him to the mercantile house. Standing together, Mr. Solomon stood the same height as Oliver, and but for a dark mustache and distinctive, racial-long, straight-pointed nose, they might have passed as doubles. They left the house at last, after Oliver had run back several times to say goodbye, about three o'clock p.m., and walked to Kissie Road. Through the narrow streets they picked their way, and jostled with the crowds of market buyers and very insistent peddlers, who pulled at their colt sleeves as they offered their wear spread along the roadside. Mr. Solomon pointed out to Oliver a large, two-story slanting roof and corrugated iron building, about fifty by seventy feet, with a thirty-foot L attached to the rear. From the direction of their approach it stood at the right side of the street, and presented a side view, showing the veranda of the L joining the porch of the rear half of the main building, and the wide front portico upon which stood quite a number of natives of Sierra Leone as they patronized the upper store. Around the acre of barren ground was a six-foot wire netting fence, which enclosed, beside the store, several iron warehouses, with thick heavy double-wooden doors, and iron bars leaning beside the front walls. In the front yard about thirty square feet on one side was covered with loose piasava, African palm fiber, which two squatting half-nude yard boys lazily turned over to dry in the sun, while two other boys in long shirts bound up into small bundles and little piles, which the other first two laid aside, and added them to a large pile that strongmen were preparing for shipment. While the front and side yards contained coffee, kernels, and loose bags, and crated piasava for shipment, the backyard was the scene of great activity, stacked high with cases of dry goods and gin, with the store boys were busily stowing into their respective warehouses, under the inspection of two European clerks. On entering the open gate, Oliver read the two signs in large letters over the upper front door, P. Z. and Company Store, and the lower, P. Z. and Company's retail store. Two long stairways led up to the upper piazza from opposite sides, and terminated in a wooden banister rail in juxtaposition. Mr. Solomon escorted Oliver up one of the stairways, clearing his way through the gaping crowd as they went along. Oliver entered a long storeroom down the middle aisle of which two rows of counters extended. Back of the counters were shells built upon the walls, reaching to the top and packed with merchandise, while the European salesmen and native African store boys moved about attending to the customers. Mr. Solomon introduced Oliver as he passed along and entered the L compartment containing storerooms and the office departments. He ushered Oliver into his future apartment of two rooms at the rear. The small reception room was plainly but tastefully and comfortably furnished, and opened into the private office furnished in the usual office style. They both opened into French windows upon the side veranda shaded by green canvas movable shades. Scattered upon the veranda were cozy Madeira and deck chairs, in the midst of which stood several small tables. Mr. Solomon presented the office force to the future manager, in conjunction with which post he filled, add interim, with his position of head salesman. They spent half an hour upon the veranda, where they were served whiskey and soda and other drinks by the steward boy, wearing a clean long white shirt. This Oliver noticed that the European merchant traders were not entirely void of luxuries in their African quarters. After dispatching one of the accountants to obtain a temporary permit for Oliver to drive his machine, Mr. Solomon summoned the office porter. A heavy-set black giant of about seven feet, whose brawny muscles well might cause the envy of Jack Johnson, answered the call. Acting upon instructions, he unbolded and raised a heavy-trap door, which no two men of ordinary strength could budge. After securing it to the wall, he stood in readiness for further orders. Oliver hesitated a little to proceed, when he noticed the slender iron hook holding up the door, but Mr. Solomon, assuring him of his firmness, proceeded down the steps. They entered the retail department from the rear entrance, and passed up the ill-smelling and littered aisle. Oliver interrupted the lifting of some of the tobacco leaves from the open drum propped up against the rear end of the counter by some small urchins who seized the opportunity while the party conversed. The retail department was under a young Sierra Leonean of about thirty, dressed in stylish European clothes, and with an English college education. Two under clerks of the same nationality and a native store boy completed the force of this department. They then proceeded to the front yard, when Oliver supervised the uncrating of his automobile, in the presence of a curious crowd of the Market Street Sierra Leoneans. The honk of the auto-horn caused a general panic, and it was with the greatest difficulty that Oliver piloted the machine under the direction of Mr. Solomon down the kissy road through the ruined market wares and stumbling pedestrians. End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of the Leopards' Claw by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Oliver meets Governor of Sierra Leone. The next morning at eleven a.m., Oliver drove up to the capital, where he had an appointment to meet the Governor. The large mansion, constructed of stone and brick, was built with two wings in which the legislative bodies assembled. Situated on a slanting hillside, it is surrounded by courtyards and ornamental trees. Oliver was ushered into the Governor's private office, where Governor Rowe, a middle-sized man of about thirty-five, liked complexion, sandy hair, blue eyes and with a sharp pointed mustache and goatee, sat beside a table. When Oliver was announced, Governor Rowe arose and, holding out his hand to Oliver, exclaimed, I take great pleasure in welcoming to our colony the son-in-law of my old friend, Squire Ennis. I have not had the good fortune to visit Stonehenge since your good wife was quite an infant. Oliver remained to lunch and left very happy in the anticipation of the surprise and pleasure Eva would express at his tidings. During the cool of an afternoon, Mr. Solomon accompanied the couple on a drive through the town. On passing the large three-story brick building of the British West African Bank, they halted and watched the large crowd of Sierra Leone natives passing up and down the stairway, on to the large Furibay College, the massive historic buildings on the outskirts of the town, then down the country road to Fulah Town, passing tropical fruit trees, frame cottages, log cabins and bamboo huts. They halted before a small native village and watched the syncopated steps of the half-clad young women dancers who whirled and danced to the sounds of the tom-tom, gourd music, hand-clapping and sweet melodious but weird minor strains. The excitement of the automobile caused a loud crowd to attempt to race with the iron horse, and to give vent to a boisterous expression of mirth, when the racers found themselves quickly out distanced. Arriving at Fulah's town the party halted at a distance and dismounting walking a few paces where they stood listening to the Fati and watched the Muhammadan villagers, some clothed in flowing gowns, while others wearing only waist draperies, bowed silently with the faces toward Makkah, amid the Islamic strains of Bismi Ali. A fortnight after they were settled in their colonial home, Eva stood watching Oliver coming home to lunch, as she peeped through the curtains of the drawing-room, until he was near the gate, then running through the library entrance to the side garden, she stood conspicuously in hiding behind a large, cabbage-rose bush, as the pink and fragrant petals of a large, half-open bud brushed against her truant tresses. Oliver pretended to search for her, when finally running suddenly, he smothered her in his arms, crushing the gallant rosebud against her cheek. Guess who this letter is from, Deary? He said, as he held an envelope behind him. After a childish guessing game and forfeited kisses, Oliver opened the envelope bearing the executive official seal and they both read together an invitation to the Governor's Ball, of which they were to be the guests of honour. This was to be Eva's first debut into society, and for a few minutes an anxious frown flirted across her forehead. Oh Oliver, what shall I wear to such a swell affair? she exclaimed. Why, said Oliver, in careless surprise, you are not allowing a small thing like that to annoy you, darling? You will rival the fairies in anything you wear, so come in and let the ball look after its own affairs, dear. End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 of the Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. After Eva's first ball. On the evening of the ball Eva certainly fulfilled Oliver's predictions, when in a simple evening gown of white creptochine she stood before the mirror, clasping a pearl necklace round her throat. She wore no other jewels except a large solitary upon her finger. Her simple costume made a perfect setting for her rich cream and pink complexion, and very girlish figure. In the large reception room of the Governor's mansion Eva made her first debut amid the bejeweled dames of European and Sierra Leone official elite. One morning Oliver walked to the store during a heavy shower, and upon reaching the yard he saw the bales of Piazzava and loose fiber crated for shipment, standing outside in the rain, while the yard boys sat and reclined under the porch. Walking quickly up the store's steps in a thoughtful mood he decided to inaugurate his contemplated reforms that same morning. He called up the chief shipping clerk over the office telephone, immediately upon his entry. Mr. Anderson answered the summons. That this was an unusual procedure could be readily seen by his surprised expression as he entered the office. Good morning, Mr. Anderson. Please be seated. Oliver began as he pointed to a chair. I want a little information upon the export commodities under your supervision. Will you please enlighten me as to the best method of preserving the fibers for shipment, so as to obtain the highest European market prices? By thoroughly drying the Piazzava and grading it before shipment, Mr. Anderson replied. I noticed that you take the opposite method in this firm. May I inquire if the bales stacked in the yards for shipment were registered as first or second grades? Both, the clerk replied. You'll kindly oblige me by personally supervising the loosing and drying of the same and whatever loss occurs from next week will be borne pro raita in proportion to your salaries. Oliver spent a very strenuous day, and before closing time every department showed signs of the new era. He had set the storeboys to work under a European clerk, separating the broken grains from the good grains of coffee. He repeated the same with the palm kernels, and then turned his attention to the rubber which lay strewn under the counters, stuck to the floor and full of trash. He then assembled the employees and told them that beginning Monday the company would only bear the loss of perishable commodities when it was through no fault of the employee, and that he would take stock at the end of the week. On the next day he visited the copper shop and watched the colored American youth of about twenty as he dexterously handled the iron gauge while measuring palm oil in the large wooden punchins. Oliver borrowed the gauge and surprised the gaager when he pushed it through the bung of the barrel, as if he had gauged oil all his life. After examining the registered number of gallons recorded upon the iron rod, he compared the same with the numbers recently recorded upon the books. Detecting a discrepancy, he tested the others with the same result, and not until by an accident the rod slipped and registered a higher figure. Did he solve the puzzle, and discover the tricks of the gaagers and shipping clerks neatly planned grafting schemes? True to his impetuous and firm disposition, Oliver was determined to make a success of his undertaking, and in an incredibly short while he was drawing a commission upon the surplus profits of an increased dividend. But it was not all business life with Oliver. He spent much time with Eva also, sometimes helping her in the kitchen as she made the butterscotch and fudge that he said could not be equalled. On these occasions they afforded much amusement for Vorney and Younga, their devoted worshippers, and aroused the anxiety and impatience of Toby, who sat in the window of the outhouse viewing through the kitchen window, the scene of Eva tying on an apron, stringing around Oliver's neck amid kisses, and shrugging his shoulders with an air of disgust, he said, to a visiting crony. Them two English people be too much crazy all the same picking any. Look him at the master. He say he live, help him, Mrs. Cook. Oh, oh, I smell them candy. They go leave him that pan with plenty burned candy, and me go washy bad mess. White women be plenty spoiled. She sit down house all day. When man bring the money, umph. End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8 of The Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This Librovox recording is in the public domain. Oliver meets the African miner. Thus the time passed for the voluntary exiles very pleasantly. After about eight months of their residence, Oliver was out in the Pacific Yard inspecting the boys at work one afternoon, when he was surprised by a tall, black, native African, wearing a striped native shirt of coarse cloth and of native manufacture, and reaching to his knees. Over this hung down the right side a large leather bag suspended from the left shoulder. His hair was in a checkered pattern of four inch small plates, and separated by cleanly shaven inch-wide lines, sometimes varying from square divisions, triangles and circles, just as his tonsorial artist had fancied. Extracting a red bandana parcel from his bag, he squatted upon the ground in front of Oliver, and unloaded the package. Unibide is silvered at E. He added, as he held up, two bars of plutonium of about three or four ounces, respectively. Oliver examined them and said, This is no silver. Where did you get them from? That before silver, true. It gets some brass there. But true, true, I tell you. Me no put them there. So me got him from them mountains. The poor fellow had been unable to use the hard substance, and decided it was amalgamated with brass or copper. Therefore he had hesitated to take the metal into the store for fear of being detected. Oliver paid him two pounds, nine dollars and sixty cents, twice as much as he had asked, and thus won the confidence of the man. He told Oliver of the Carney Mountain, or Gold Mountain, at a short distance from the interior. Oliver made notes and obtained his promise to return shortly with more and to act as a guide. After supper Oliver sat in his favorite armchair as he watched Eva embroidering the dainty little articles over which she smiled so dreamily. Eva, here are two pieces of platinum, weighing nearly half a pound. I paid two pounds for them to a fellow from the interior who asked only one, Oliver remarked as he walked over to Eva's chair and held the bars for her inspection. He promised to take me to the mountain where he says gold and other metals are also plentiful. A cloud passed over Eva's face. Oh Oliver, she exclaimed, you are not going to leave me. Silly, what are you talking about? Oliver replied as he kissed her. Do you think I would leave my little girl at this time? Not for all the diamonds in Africa. But I referred to some time in the near future, when I shall try prospecting so as to make enough money to take you back home and support you in the manner our social standing demands. But we are happy here and I am satisfied. Why don't you wait until we can save enough from your salary? Eva replied. Because, dear, I never cared for the mercantile life. If you will recall, it was prospecting we both decided upon at first. I don't want our child to grow up in Africa, and I could not accept my brother's bounty. He has a daughter of his own and my sister-in-law has never had very much love for me. Let us say that for dress and incidental, the commission will suffice, and I can place five hundred pounds to my credit. How many years it will take to accumulate a sufficient sum to retire and live in England? It will require at least one thousand pounds per annum to live through, so you see if I can locate the Gold Mountain, I can sell the mine and soon return to our native Hath. Yes, darling, I understand. Especially since you are trying to assist Father to recover a part of our ruined fortunes. Oh, you naughty boy, you tried to hide it from me. Never mind who told me. I know and must kiss you for it. But, Oliver, she continued in a more serious tone. Promise me upon your honour that you will never attempt to make the trip without me. But that would be impossible, Eva. I could not take you into the interior. The risk would be too great. Eva smiled, but continued to urge her plea very insistently, until Oliver made her the promise. Would that some fairy had tipped her to urge the abandonment of his project, for then their lives might have remained one of unbroken happiness. The advent of Miss Lucretia Moncrief soon occupied their time, so that the mining proposition was for a time forgotten. END OF CHAPTER VIII CHAPTER IX OF THE LEPARD'S CLAW BY GEORGE WASHINGTON ELLIS This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Miss Lucretia Moncrief Miss Lucretia's aristocratic rule and patronising manner tended to draw the couple closer, rather than the monopoly of Eva's attention. For to the latter's chagrin, Lucretia let it be plainly understood from the first that she preferred the arms of Yanga when she desired repose, and Eva and Oliver only when she cared to satisfy the appetite or to be amused. Eva had a large-sized photo taken of Lucretia when she reached her first birthday. She wrote upon the same to Grand Papa from Lucretia Moncrief, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. She mailed this to the Earl of Doubly, and repeated this each succeeding year. If her countenance expressed a little wistful sadness when the home-males failed to bear an acknowledgment of the receipt of the photograph, no one noticed it, and she carried her secret with the hope that some day the Earl would reland. After a year or two Oliver began the study of mineralogy, and thought seriously of the interior trip, that the Earl had not relanded caused him a bit of unhappiness as Lucretia grew older. Thus the Moncriefs lived an uneventful life in their colonial home. One afternoon, as Luc would have it, as Oliver was about to leave the front yard of the store, the fancy barbed-head fellow of the platinum deal five years before approached him again. Oliver soon recognized the haircut and stopped to greet him. Hello, plates, so you are back at last. My name be Fonsar, the evil genius grinningly replied. Me bring ye some fine rock this time, you see on a bayee. Oliver examined the stones which he took from the same bag. He discovered among the white diamonds three rare stones of pink and a dozen more rubies. Oliver determined then to make the trip at once. Perhaps had Oliver stopped to figure the length of time Fon had taken to return, he would not so easily have been deceived and made to believe that he could reach the mines and return in a year's time. But such is fate. He acted in this as in everything, and began the preparations of his interior trip. When he showed the stone to Eva and told her of his determination, Eva only reminded him of his promise and added, Oliver, Lucretia will be five years old next week. Won't you write a letter to your father asking his forgiveness with Lucretia's photo enclosed? I don't think that you should leave for the interior without his blessings. Was that a foreboding which he felt? All right, little one, I shall write dad by the same mail that I write Harold. I am writing Mr. Serviet for a year's leave of absence. I am sure that it will be granted, for I have remained upon the field these five years. Eva, I feel like an exile and had hoped that Harold would have managed dad, but it seems that I am really disinherited. So that you see, my dear, we will have to make our own fortunes and return to our country very shortly. Had Oliver followed Eva's wishes and written the letter to the Earl immediately, all might have ended well, but he allowed the rush of the preparations to crowd the letter to the last moment. END OF CHAPTER IX CHAPTER X OF THE LEPARD'S CLOB by George Washington Ellis This Libra box recording is in the public domain. DEATH OF THE EARL OF DOUBLEY Lord Doubley set before the fire in his library when Old Peter, his valet and faithful servant, handed him the first photograph of Lucretia in the morning's mail. The Earl looked earnestly at it, but when he realized that the handwriting was not that of Oliver, his features contracted and, opening a drawer of his desk, he slipped it gently within and locked it. Many times when he was alone the little face of Lucretia kept him company, and several times when Lord Montroy called, he hardly had time to conceal his secret. If Oliver had been less like his father, and had taken the original photographs to work Chester Shire to plead his forgiveness, or even had written himself along with the photograph which Eva so faithfully sent, the Earl would have relented and urged their return, for he felt the loneliness very keenly, especially when he thought of the beautiful granddaughter so far away in Africa, who would bring sunshine into his castle. When Oliver's letter accompanying the photograph arrived, it was with shaking hands and dazzling eyes that the old Earl first opened them. Fortunate for him he did not understand Oliver's tidings about prospecting for minerals, but the world had changed for Lord Dudley, and now his face was all sunshine, and, summoning his valet, he bade him call in his lawyer. When old David Payton, the old family lawyer and friend arrived, he found the Earl still smiling and looking upon the row of photographs. Lord Dudley made his will, bestowing upon Oliver the greater part of his private fortune, and completely restored him to his original good standing, forgetting neither Eva nor Lucretia. After Mr. Payton retired, the Earl read Oliver's letter and began an immediate reply. In the meantime Lord Montroy had met Mr. Serviet in London, and had learned of the preparation Oliver was making for the interior trip, which Mr. Serviet disapproved, but had been unable to prevent. Haring to his club where his mail was sent, he found the letter from Oliver informing him of his early departure in January, during the dry season in Africa. Lord Montroy took the noon train for a wordchester shire and rushed to make a last plea with the Earl, his father, to prevent the mad attempt of Oliver. Arriving at Dudley Castle just at dusk, Lord Montroy hastened to his father's library. Walking in unannounced he saw the old Earl sitting in his chair, with the row of photographs propped before him, while in his left hand he held Oliver's open letter. And in the right the pen with which he had just signed his name to the following letter. Dudley Castle, were just a shire. My dear Oliver, your long expected letter has just reached me. We both have been too stubborn in our dispositions, but your dear wife has brought sunshine into my life for the last five years. Bring Eva and Lucretia at once to your dear old dad. I need little Lucretia's sweet face to cheer me. Come at once to dad. All is forgiven. Your father, the Earl of Dudley. And upon the Earl's face the smile remained after the spirit had taken his flight. So he was spared the tortures of the suspense and grief soon to follow. Lord Montroy hurriedly dispatched a cable to his brother. Oliver Montrief, free town Sierra Leone. Care of, P. Z. and company. Come at once, the Earl of Dudley just died after forgiving. Come by first steamer, Harold. Oliver and his party had left free town before the telegram arrived. Mr. Solomon dispatched Keafa, a native messenger, to intercept Oliver en route. Keafa arrived at and Nembu, the first native town of consequence, two days after Oliver had left the town. The villagers were making merry over the birth of a young prince. Keafa happened not to have been a Mohammedan, so he drank freely of the palm wine and liquors, which were an important part of the celebration. The festivities lasted two weeks, after which time Keafa recalled his mission, but decided that the hospitable town was preferable to the woods and so extended his visit two weeks longer. When Keafa finally decided to return to free town, he limped into Mr. Solomon's presence, a pitable object in rags, with a harrowing tail of his bear escape in the jungles, and the important report that Oliver had advanced far into the interior. Mr. Solomon reported the circumstances to Lord Montroy, who anxiously awaited further tidings of Oliver. END OF CHAPTER X CHAPTER XI OF THE LEPPARD'S CLUB by George W. Ellis This Libra Vox recording is in the public domain. OLLIVER'S INTERIOR TRIP After mailing the letters to England, Oliver prepared to start upon his interior trip. Arriving at the government railway station, he saw to the shipping of his large amount of supplies, and took the train with Eva, Lucretia, and Yanga on the first-class carriage. And Barney, Toby, and Fawn rode in the second-class compartment. Through the woodland scenery and native villages, they rode for about two hundred miles until they reached the terminus at Pendembu. Pendembu is a large African town of mud huts, many of which are plastered with kaolin clay and polished to a smooth and glistening surface. The houses are arranged almost in circular rows, the center of which is the court or open kitchen, where the king holds audiences. Numerous palm trees surround the town, and are enclosed by a heavily bordered forest. King Kendima was also the high caliph of the Mohammedan faith in that section. He was a tall, imposing black man, clean-faced and dressed in a long-striped Ulster robe of native manufacture, under which was a white robe. Around his neck hung beads several rows of lipid's teeth and claws. Upon his feet were sandals. By his side lay an elephant tail, while behind him two boys in white robes fanned away the troublesome flies with palm-leaf fans. Seated upon a stool in his kitchen court sat the king with others as he received. He received Oliver's party kindly after the exchange of gifts in the court, and offered the hospitality of the village, as he made efforts to secure carriers and interpreters according to the government's previous instructions. After two days the party began their journey. Eva was carried in a hammock by four men, Younga and Lucretta in another. Oliver, with a long staff with a sharp pointed iron on the bottom, walked between either at the side or behind as the road permitted. He carried his coat across his arm, while a rifle was strapped to his shoulders and two revolvers and cartridges belted around his waist. He as well as Eva wore a helmet, while Lucretta wore a bonnet. Barney, Toby and Fawn, carried light articles for immediate use and a gun strapped upon their shoulders, while a caravan of forty men carried the camp and mining supplies strapped to their backs in king jars. Palm leaf constructed articles for bearing heavy loads upon the back, and large packages upon their heads. The party began their journey at seven o'clock as the sun began to shed its beams across the high mountain peak, towering in the distance. Passing through the palm grove they penetrated the thick forest and disturbed the mourning solitude of birds and monkeys, which began loud chirping and chattering as they proceeded. Traveling through the forest with no adventure other than the shooting of a few wild pigeons, woodchuck, some game and an antelope, which they ate in the afternoon in a temporary camp. Oliver had a little shock and was very much provoked when he saw Fawn about to kill a monkey, which held a baby monkey in her arms in an attitude of suppliance before her, and in spite of which, and Oliver's warning, Fawn killed both monkeys and proceeded calmly in the midst of Oliver's appreciation to prepare them for a meal. That was Oliver's first experience of the other side of American life. Emerging from the forest about five o'clock, they heard the echo of the tom-tom or the distant hill, sounding faintly and then louder as they approached the hillside. Upon the summit they entered a dark forest. When the weird music burst forth in confusing and loud minor strains. End of CHAPTER XI CHAPTER XII OF THE LEPARD'S CLUB by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. West African Funeral Right As they approached the middle they found a space cleared of trees and vegetation, in the center of which was a tall black man, wearing a long white robe, over which were hung enormous charms and jujus. He wore his hair in numerous small plates of about six inches long, to the end of each was attached a small horn, leopard claw, leopard tooth, and other charms and fetishes. His face was covered with a long beard which terminated in a plate and a small leopard tooth. In his hand he held a long torch, which he flourished as he danced and performed other mystic rites. Around him, in the twilight, were about a score of young maidens wearing only white waist draperies as they twirled in a most phantasmic dance, clapping their hands and singing in loud but plaintive soprano voices. The musicians kept step also as they shook the sassas, gorge with beads on them, and beat the drums. They were paying their respects to their dead chief, so as to start him upon the road to the mysterious regions, with a lighted taper and the sound of music. Passing on, a town was sighted down on the plains. Conray Lohan is a large and prosperous town of the Mendy Country, and is composed of pagan and Mohammedan natives. The mud huts are circular, clean, and roomy. Numerous lilies around back of the huts in the rear of the village. The chief assigned quarters for the party and informed Oliver of the death of the chief. Oh, Miss Eva, Yanga said. Tell the master to turn back. This will bring bad luck to us all. What are you talking about, Yanga? said Eva, who was also in a very uncomfortable mood. Come to New Town, meet dead men, be no good, I tell you. Come now, Yanga, don't be silly. Lucretia will hear you soon, and there will be trouble sure enough. Oliver, who had been seen to the quartering of his carriers and the stowing away of supplies, returned, and soon they were lost in a well-earned sleep upon the bamboo cots within the huts. The next morning the new chief, a young man of Mohammedan faith, clothed in white robe and dress, sat in the open kitchen and received his guests. Oliver presented him with the usual piece of white cloth, handkerchief cloth, rum, and tobacco. In turn he presented a goat, piece of ivory and fowls, but his countess did not express the good will of that of the king of Pandembu had shown. Me want some powder and gun all same one you get. This chief, Queer Lebaugh, made known to Oliver the dash was insufficient. Well, you will have to send to Europe and order the gun if you desire a duplicate of this, and my powder is not for dashes but for work I'm going to do in the country. Sorry I cannot oblige you, chief, Oliver replied, as he started to summon his carriers. Chief Queer Lebaugh's eyes flashed. I must have gunpowder for shoot gun to bury the chief, he called out to Oliver. Turning back Oliver approached him and said, What would you have done for salutes if I had not arrived? Don't try any of your tricks with me. Governor Rowe will see that you pay for any annoyance you may cause my party. Governor Rowe, fow, fow, pushah! This country no belong to English. I be chief here. Me be free people. No fear, Governor. Oliver soon realized the truth of his taunting boast when he left the audience court. His carriers crowded around him clamoring for their pay and refused to proceed. It seems as if they had been informed that war was on the pathway they had planned to traverse. Oliver found himself helplessly tricked by Queer Lebaugh and decided to offer a compromise of gunpowder so as to leave the unhappy town. This restored order, the chief dashed Lucretia a canine pup, and the carriers resumed the burdens. The caravan started interiorward about 1 p.m. Passing through a dense bush of wild coffee, ferns, etc., they entered a marshy forest. Oliver was taken upon the shoulders of one of the carriers and they waited the small ponds. Sometimes the carriers' feet sank so deeply in the mud that they had to be relieved of some of their heavy burdens in order to be extricated. They made very slow progress, and the night shadows approached just as they landed upon the dry ground, amid the dense forest. END OF CHAPTER XII CHAPTER XIII of the Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This Lebaugh's recording is in the public domain. JUNGLE TERRORS With a pocket-electric light Oliver assisted with the clearing of space and putting up of a temporary tent. Lucretia began to cry when the night shadows began to enshroud the forest and the cries of the owls and other night visitors protested at what they considered intruders. The little dog curled up at Eva's feet, when without a sound, a Leopard with a quick bound seized the little animal before anyone was aware of its approach. The help of the dog caused Eva and Yanga to look up to see the little creature disappearing in the dark jungles. The whole camp became alarmed and Oliver was so nervous over the narrow escape, that he could not leave their side, and ordered fire to be made around the camp, after stowing his loved one safely in the tent. He then divided the carriers into watches and stood guard nearly the whole night, only snatching a few moments of sleep when Varney and Toby insisted and watched in his stead. Lucretia rested well except for the mosquitoes, and Eva's and Yanga's faces showed the anxious vigil they had kept within the tent. Continuing their journey through the forest, they arrived at a deep and swift flowing creek. The carriers were obliged to cut trees which, acting as a bridge, enabled the party to cross them only with great difficulty. At a short distance further they reached another creek with no suitable trees near for logs. Oliver started up the bank a little ways to search for means of hoarding, when Varney, who followed, cried, jumped back, master. On looking as he jumped Oliver saw a monstrous crocodile pursuing. They both began running, but remembering the wife and child, Oliver turned into the woods and thus lost sight of his pursuer. When he returned he found Eva hysterical and Lucretia crying, but trying to comfort her mama. The carriers in the meantime had discovered submerged logs waist deep under water, so they crossed on this slippery and uncertain footing upon the shoulders of the men, when one of them slipped and plunged in with Eva. The crocodile, which shortly before had been foiled of its prey, leaped into the water and swam toward Eva. Oliver jumped into the creek as soon as Eva fell, and holding her in his arms, dived just as the crocodile was within three feet of Eva. As soon as their heads appeared above the surface they were assisted by Tobian fawn, while Varney and some of the carriers beat away the crocodile and prodded it with Oliver's long, sharp-pointed traveler staff. They emerged from the forest at 4 p.m., and the bright sun upon the wide sandy plains dazzled their eyes. Their feet sank into the deep sand as they passed through fields of waving guinea-grass reaching to the waist. For miles and miles they could see only a broad expanse of waving grass, dotted here and there with palms. They camped near a small wooden grove. Early the next morning, while they were busy in the camp, Lucretia became attracted by a beautiful butterfly, which she endeavored to catch. In this way she wandered far from the camp. Suddenly she came upon a large elephant which was having its morning meal of rattan buds. The elephant picked up the child and placed it on its back. When Lucretia's disappearance was discovered the parents made a search and arrived just in time to behold the spectacle of Lucretia sitting upon the elephant's back and being chased by other elephants. For a moment the situation was a tense one, as they did not know that this elephant at one time was a pet and a present of a native Indian prince to an African chief. Eva and Oliver climbed a tree, as luck would have it, and just as the elephant passed under them, Oliver reached from a limb and seized Lucretia from its back before the other elephants arrived. The caravan resumed its journey and arrived at a town called Furka about one p.m. It was a gala day for them. Three Phembas or native devils, attired in grass robes and wearing wooden masks upon their heads, made the time merry for the numerous spectators enjoying the entertainment. They were celebrating the commencement of the Grigri Bush Girls, who were just completing their work from a secretive native school. After the Phemba world and dance the place was cleared for the snake-charmers, who swayed in whirl as the serpents kept time with their heads. At one part of the dance the charmers kicked their feet into the air and the snakes leaped over them. This program frightened the party of Oliver, so that they decided to leave the village immediately. END OF CHAPTER XIII CHAPTER XIV of the Leopards' Club by George Washington Ellis This leap of vox recording is in the public domain. DESERTION BY CARRIERS Passing along the main road they found a place to camp. During the night the carriers stole most of the provisions from the camp while Oliver was asleep and ran away. The next morning Oliver found, besides the three boys brought from Sierra Leone, only five carriers. While Oliver was puzzled over his dilemma, Varney held counsel with the remaining carriers and approached Oliver and said, if the antelope escapes the leopard, the leopard goes after other meat. Before Oliver could understand what he meant, they began gathering up ropes and dividing themselves up into couples, hid along the road behind clumps of bushes, awaiting the appearance of single pedestrians upon which they pounced unawares. Having bound their victims, using the slave system strategy, they returned to the camp. Continuing this method for several days, they had secured twenty carriers to replace those who had run away. They abandoned some of their luggage and resumed their journey. Travelling in the direction east by east by northeast, they crossed the Vaca Hills and came to the Balalata at noon. They were halted before the gates of the barricaded town and waited until they were inspected by the town people outside. The people wore many pieces of gold jewelry and offered to barter nuggets and rings for trade goods. Oliver then became encouraged and questioned as to where the mineral was found. He was told of a river called the Magua, where gold abounds. Taking a north-northeast direction as instructed, they passed through Longgrass and Canebrake until they reached a large plane dotted with hillocks and covered with grazing cattle. They entered Museta, a barricaded town of western Sudan, containing a large open market of earthen pots, soap, tobacco, corn, iron, cola, etc. Oliver was very much surprised to see the progress of this Mandingo town. The town contained a number of soldiers on horseback. They were preparing for a Mohammedan service. The king, in a long-goddy shirt of fine native manufacture, rode on horseback, holding an elephant tail in his hand. The service was held outside of a cone-shaped and polished mud mosque on the eastern side. The imam, dressed in a scarlet cloak, carried a stool covered with white cloth, while six attendants held a large white covering over his head, during the time he was reading the service, after which he blessed the head warriors and soldiers. The congregation knelt in rows upon their knees. After the religious ceremony they brought out the most fiery and vicious horses, having a knack of kicking and biting, and offered prizes for the successful mounts. Oliver watched the tricks and finally volunteered to try. After a few attempts he successfully mounts to the admiration of the villagers. He, Eva, and Lucretia were presented suitable mounts by the king. Mule, an old priest, wearing a white gown and squatting upon a mat in the court, sent for the party. He offered to read their fate for them, and after reading from the sand spread out before them, he seized Oliver's hands and said, Go back to the gold across the big waters which await you. Leave Africa's wealth and secret undisturbed. The price you will pay is too great. Take heat and return whence you came. Eva became nervous and would not have him read for her, but for Lucretia he said as he shook his head and sighed, It is your fate, O little one, whom the elephant would not harm, to finally bring happiness to this poor family, through the Leopard's Claw in the Valley of Allah. The party remained quite a while in Museta when they supplemented the carriers and started with fresh guides for the Makwa River. We are near the end of our journey, dear, Oliver said, as he assisted Eva in the saddle upon her horse. He did not allow the gloomy forebodings of Mule to influence his feelings, for with the gold nuggets, rings, and guides, he felt sure that they would soon reach the Makwa River, if not the mountain they had first started out to find. Passing through a dark forest, Fawn called out to Oliver, looky-master, dem biggie flaga, flying serpent, as he pushed the party back. Oliver saw the red eyes of a large green snake upon a tree, just about to spring. Shouting very quickly, he saw the snake leap far into the air, twisting its tail as it flew away. The natives called it the flying snake, and they say they are very poisonous. Wandering through the forest, they sighted the wild serval, the harch-beast, and numerous other scampering jungle inhabitants. Finally, the rainy season set in, and Oliver had not succeeded in locating either the mountain or river of his quest. So he decided to build a permanent camp and prepare for the heavy rains. Oliver selected a high hill near a river. The sight was very picturesque, but it was a little more task, as well as strategic, in the event of an attack from either man or beast. It was then that both Oliver and Eva showed a surprisingly adaptability to circumstances. Oliver donned his overhauls and tackled the saw and axe with the native laborers, and in a short space of time he moved his family into a comfortable log cabin. Several bamboo huts were also erected for the accommodation of the servants and the carriers, while the largest of the tents was stationed in the rear of the cabin and served as the storehouse. The camp was enclosed with a double barricade of stout poles. Oliver discovered a large tree which had been previously cut and left to season by the natives. He immediately set to work upon it, and in a little while they had burned and modeled it into a very serviceable canoe. Varney and Toby discovered a deserted farm nearby. Eva learned the first lessons in the African culinary art. She assisted Toby in peeling the sweet cassava, many hot palmento, in the preparation of the fufu and dumb-boy. The fufu was soon an indispensable dish upon the menu. So Eva learned to sulk and peeled cassavas until they firm and took advantage of physical, culture training at the same time, while she pounded the soft cassavas in a large wooden mortar before straining it and cooking them into the famous fufu. But the sauce, Oliver said it was delicious. But cooking was not the only accomplishment that Eva acquired. While Oliver was supplying the table with venison, wild and river pork, fish, and other game, Eva was learning to make soft and beautiful mats from the heart of the bamboo, which she dyed in lovely colors from the vegetable dyes, she made under Yanga's instruction. Lucretia, in the meanwhile, took advantage of the fresh air and hearty country life to blossom into a beautiful young tomb-boy, who looked to be at least ten years old. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of The Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Oliver Leaves on Prospecting Tour Soon after the heavy rains were over, Oliver said to Eva, Eva, my dear, I've found some iron pyrites while hunting, and I'm sure that we are near the gold regions. I shall take fawn and a few of the carriers and go a little distance prospecting. You are safe and comfortable in camp, and I feel that you should remain here with Lucretia, because we've had too many adventures already to take further risks. But, Oliver, you promised never to leave me behind. I don't see how I can let you go, even for a short distance. When you are away hunting, I think of the flying snake, the crocodiles, and the numerous other things in these jungles that might harm you. Oh, Oliver, we had better listen to old Muley and go back home, Eva replied sobbingly. Oliver managed to soothe her and assured her that he would not go more than a day's journey, and would return in less than a week. The next morning Oliver kissed Eva and Lucretia goodbye after committing them to Varney, Toby, and the five original carriers for protection. He mounted his horse and started away with fawn and five carriers, when he rode back and kissed Eva and Lucretia again. Oh, Mr. Oliver, Yanga cried. It is bad luck to turn back. Don't let him go away, Miss Eva. Do not start any of that stuff, Yanga. Eva is already upset and must not be bothered with absurd superstitions, Oliver commanded, as he kissed Eva and Lucretia again. Proceeding on his way once more, he waved as long as he was visible. They took the river trail and surprised a large hippopotamus grazing in some wild cane beside the river bank. Oliver was close upon it before he was aware of its presence, when it plunged into the river just as he fired. After missing such a prize, they watched along the way and killed a large red river hog, Potomucheloras Parias, and hauled it and camped. After a feast of wild pork and the long day's journey, they soon fell into a sound sleep. A war-party was scouting along this route and came upon the camp at midnight. They were of a tribe never before met by Oliver. Dressed in grass-petty coats and feathers, with heavy iron anklets and carrying long spears and bow and arrows, they made a frightful appearance. Creeping around the tent, they sought one of the guards, while five rushed in and seized Oliver before he was able to pull out his forty-four-cult revolver. They tied him as the others pillaged and destroyed the camp supplies. Fawn and another of the boys made their escape. They bound Oliver hand and foot and strapped him to his horse's back, which they led as they continued the river trail. The next morning the party separated. One division continued the river trail, while Oliver was sand in care of five into the open prairie upon the forest trail. When the sun was at its zenith, Oliver was nearly dead with thirst, fatigue and the heat which beat down upon his upturned face. They suddenly came upon a wild buffalo which immediately charged upon the party. The horse, taking fright, galloped toward the river and arrived at the bank just as the other division was about to embark in canoes. They unbounded Oliver, who was unconscious, gave him water and bathed his head until he recovered. Then, binding his hands and feet again, they placed him in a canoe and paddled down the stream. They arrived at a large town of bamboo huts, not as clean and well-made as the towns formerly visited. The warriors took Oliver and the three other prisoners before the king, who sat in his grass, feathered and beat a dress in an open kitchen in the center of the town. By his side stood two rival priests, one Alpha, an Arabian of light complexion and white gown and sandaled feet. He was of a light figure, medium height and wore a goatee. He possessed a very crafty appearance. The other, Zotopanda, was a tall black African with a plated beard and clean shaven head, with a gray band around. He wore only a grass petticoat, charms and fetish over his besmeared body. His frowning countenance betrayed his open antagonism to the Arabic priest. As soon as Alpha saw Oliver he thought of the gun which he naturally supposed Oliver would have had, so while the party approached the king, he left and walked down toward the canoes. He met one of the warriors bearing the spoils and looking hastily over them he selected the forty-four revolver, which contained only four cartridges and was the only piece of ammunition saved. Alpha secured the same and returned to witness the reception awarded Oliver. King Wango, nor any of his people had ever before seen a white man, nor had they heard of firearms. When Oliver was brought before him he was very much surprised at his color. But Zoda Panda, who had disapproved of the war, stepped forth and speaking in the African tongue, said, O king and fellow men, when the war party set out upon the path, I told it would be of no use and we would only lose our men. But you people listened to Alpha, who said there would be many slaves to take word to the other world for us, and we would find plenty of rich spoils, but what has the party brought back? Only three slaves and one white man, who must be a moon man and not much good. I pray you hasten to send the white man on to old chief Popawa, and have him beg Popawa to head us in our next battle. Alpha stood forth and said, O great and wise King Wango, the war has brought to you the greatest capture you have ever had. To you the God of Lightning has sent his son to save you from your great enemy, the Leopard, which destroys your people and keeps you from farming. His father the Lightning has given him a piece of iron that can kill the Leopard and the Elephant. Give to me the white man, and I shall keep him until he destroys your enemies. The king listened in doubtful amazement, while Zodopanga pressed his suit and argued that if the prisoner was really the son of the Lightning, the God would send a bolt and secure him from the Bofima, or Boform priests. They placed Oliver's right leg in stalks and carried him into a dark circular hut. He was glad for a place to rest and soon fell into slumber. When he awoke his eyes could not distinguish in the darkness, so that as he looked around he was surprised when he was addressed in English. Daddy, a young brown-skinned fellow about twenty years, very thin from fasting, crawled near Oliver and continued, I am Tui, a mission-boy who was caught by a war-party. I have been starving so as to try and slip through the rope when they tie me for the Bofima Society. I am so thin they say I cannot walk fast enough to go as messenger. Messenger to whom, Oliver asked. They tied the prisoners and leave them near the river-bank for the crocodile-man to come and kill. The crocodile-men are the Bofima priests who meet in the woods near the river, and hold their meetings where they take the prisoner's heart and make medicine, which they say sends the spirit of the dead body on to the other world to take messages, wait upon some king or keep the company of some big person who has just died. The crocodile-men come under the bottom of a canoe. They have a small canoe turned upside down under the large one, a kind of diving-bell. So that the priest remains under the water and is not seen by any one passing. Oliver unconsciously fell for his revolver as Tui told him of the Bofima Society, but he discovered that he was not left with even a pocket-knife. I suppose they will dispatch me soon, Oliver remarked. I don't know, I heard the people talking about you outside, and they said that Soto Panga wants to give you to the Bofima, but Alpha is trying to save you. They never agree, and they will do all in their power to have their way. If Alpha is in favor with the king he will save you, Tui replied. Oliver remained in prison tortured with suspense for three months, during which time Tui became very much attached to him. One day the news came that the king's head warrior, Cornisa, had died on the battlefield. The town was very much aroused as to who would bear Cornisa company upon his long journey into the unknown world. Soto Panga soon relieved the situation when, standing before the king, he said, O king and people, we need a fast messenger to overtake Cornisa. We have imprisoned the son of the Lightning God, so says Alpha. He must be very fleet-footed to keep up with his father, so he must give him to the Bofima this afternoon, so that tonight he will be sent to join our beloved warrior. He should overtake Cornisa at the foot of the First Mountain, and bear him company through the dark forest. This was readily accepted, since it saved the voluntary offering of the town people for the sacrifice. Two stalwart warriors went into the hut of Oliver's confinement. Lifting him both and the log, they started out when Tweed leaped toward them. One of the men turned with a grin and gave him a light backhanded strike, when he fell upon the floor. Oliver's hands were bound and his other foot tied to the log which held the right foot. He was then taken through a bit of the woods and laid face upwards upon a steep bank overlooking the river. Soto Panga took a piece of brown chalk and marked a heart which he enclosed in a circle upon Oliver's forehead, and the whole party returned, leaving Oliver to meet his fate alone. Oliver realized that it was useless to oppose the sacrifice, and would only cause the triumph of his rival over him, so he decided to use the occasion to show that he had championed the sun of the lightning and thus humble his rival. He had witnessed the loyalty of Tweed and as soon as the crowd gathered round Oliver, he slipped by the prison, opened the door, and beckoned to Tweed. Go to my house. He fairly hissed as he strolled back to the path. When they left for the bank with Oliver, he went into his house, pushed something into Tweed's hands and whispered instructions, and on leaving, imitated and now shook his finger and went to the king's court. Oliver opened his eyes and looked down the stream where he saw that silent messenger of death, the empty canoe, slowly drifting toward him. His first thought was a fight for freedom, but twisting or turning would not free his hand, and even if the hands were freed, how would it be possible to remove the iron band which bound his leg to the log? He finally saw the hopelessness of his position, and lay thinking of his Eva and Lucretia, of the old Earl of doubly, as he watched the silent messenger coming still nearer every minute. What a wretched death, thought out by fiends alone, he exclaimed aloud. Mr. Oliver, thank God, I am here before the crocodile man. Oliver turned his head and saw Tweed's half-nude body crawling upon his stomach. Tweed pulled a knife out and cut loose the rope on Oliver's hand, and then handed him the revolver which had been looted from Oliver as he whispered, there is only one cartridge, you must wait and be still until he comes near. But where are the other cartridges, Oliver asked, before he had finished. Tweed then slipped the knife into his hand and disappeared. Oliver looked into the river when he saw the canoe nearing the landing. He gripped his revolver tightly, and lay very quietly as a large black man, clean-shaven and wearing only a loincloth, emerged from the canoe, holding a long bowing knife in his right hand. He leaped upon the landing, took several breaths, then danced a weird cake-walk. He then proceeded towards his victim. Just as he is about to spring upon him, holding the knife to plunge it into his victim's breast, Oliver pulled the trigger and the crocodile man threw up his hands and fell backwards near the edge of the embankment. Tweed sprang toward Oliver and grasping his hand for a second said, Mr. Oliver, give me the knife and gun and let me tie you quickly before the people come. But I must try and escape, Tweed. You may take the gun since it contains no more cartridges, but from the knife I shall never part, Oliver stubbornly repeated. Tweed managed to persuade him to allow himself to be retied. Slipping away with the gun, Tweed hid behind some banana trees near the king's kitchen and hooted three times like an owl, according to the signal agreed upon. As soon as the report of the revolver had sounded, the king and townspeople were all frightened. Zodopanda volunteered to go and find the cause when Alpha stepped forward and said, O mighty king, today the great lightning God is defending his son. Let no one interfere or venture near until his anger is calmed, for which I will offer a prayer before you. Turning around and swaying himself, Alpha performed mystic pandemime rites until he heard the signal hoots. Bowing before the king, he invited them all to follow him. When they reached the spot, they were amazed at the sight of Oliver remaining still tight and unharmed, while the crocodile priest, for the first time visible to the layman, laid dead upon his back. All mine have gone well if Oliver had given up the knife. After the shock was over, even Zodopanda was inclined to believe that it was a miracle, but when the king ordered Oliver to be unbound and carried to town in triumph, Zodopanda stood watching the carrying out of the orders. He noticed the knife which Oliver still clasped in his hand. He had once denounced the hole as a scheme of Alphas and claimed that Oliver had had assistance and killed the priest with a knife. This caused a great commotion and divided the townspeople. Oliver was again returned to prison. Alpha was very angry at Oliver and tweezed blunder, but was obliged to stand by them in order to protect himself. On the next day the king heard both sides of the argument and ended the matter by saying, Oh, Alpha, oh Zodopanda, hear me I pray. This matter is easily settled. If the lightning god defends his son, we will see if he can defend him from the wild bull, as we all look on. Now make ready for the test. Oliver was more amenable to suggestions, since he discovered his blunder, so when twee returned him his revolver in three cartridges, he listened attentively when he was told to be as calm as possible and try to kill the wild bull which he was to face with one cartridge, so as to save the other two for some future use. He realized that to attempt to escape would only mean to kill three men and eventually be recaptured. He decided therefore to be guided by twee's and Alpha's advice. In the meantime Zodopanda was busily overseeing the digging out of a pit arena. After a space of about twenty feet diameter was leveled, they built a stout fence around the edge of the same, leaving an opening with a gate as a slanting means of descent into the pit. After this was completed, a number of stout warriors entered a small enclosure and drove a large, long-horned wild steer which they goaded with the ends of their spears until it entered the pit. They beat drums and threw missiles at the beast until it was mad and furious. Oliver was then brought forth and taken out of the stock. He could hardly use his limbs at first, but soon overcame the stiffness as he walked. He was led to the gate of the pit and bitten to descend. Some of the men threw a cloth over the bull's head, just as Oliver began the descent. The mad bull, succeeded in extricating himself, rushed at Oliver, who dodged his attack. This tactic continued until Oliver got a good aim at the back of his ear, when he fired and sent the ball straight into the brain. The spectators were so frightened at the report that they held their hands to their ears and ran in every direction, so that when Alpha called the king to witness the end of the bull, Wanji and Zodapanda returned to see the bull stretched upon the ground and Oliver standing with one foot upon it. The warriors descended into the pit and bore Oliver upon their shoulders. He was finally seated in the audience court and asked to show the iron which could carry thunder and lightning, but taking a cue from Alpha, who had warned him against the same, he told them that it was within the steer's brains, and that his father gave him only one at a time because of its danger. To this they listened crediously and held him in awe. But Zodapanda, seeing the advantage Alpha was gaining, stepped forth and asked how it was possible for Oliver to have been captured and held in captivity with such power at his command. Alpha explained by saying that the gods had sent Oliver to defend his people from the great leopard, and that he should not be harmed but carefully guarded, and that he should be fed and housed and made his assistant. Oliver was given a hut for his own use and offered a slave when he begged to be given twee. He was virtually Alpha's prisoner, and his hut was continually guarded. While Alpha jealously kept away all visitors, he was permitted to walk around the town at certain hours under an escort of five. At these times he usually pointed out to twee such things as tobacco leaves, the small stems of wild cane and corn cob. When he returned and prepared himself for the luxury of a smoke, he would in this way improve his condition as he continually planned his escape. One day twee handed him a large pearl, saying, Master, this is what Alpha is doing in this town, buying pearls with beads from these silly people. Where did you get this? Oliver asked. One of the men gave it to me for a small piece of your tobacco. I followed them and saw Alpha let them into his house, and when they came out they were laughing over some beads. Oliver lighted his corn cob and stretched out in his bamboo easy chair, manufactured by himself and twee, before the fire in the center of the hut and billed upon the floor. He thought of the happy hours spent in their Sierra Leone home kitchen. When with an apron tied around his neck and shirt sleeves rolled back, he assisted Eva as she carved and molded wax beads for Lucretia's amusement. An idea came into his mind. Why not try some of the callon clay and the native dyes? Perhaps he could bribe Alpha to assist in his escape as the price of the secret, he thought. Calling twee to his side, he ordered him to bring in some of the gray clay, some small cane reeds, and to beg some of the colored dyes from the women, especially the red and yellow. When twee returned with the articles as directed, Oliver mixed the clay with some of the bright red dyes, until he obtained the desired color. He directed twee as to the length he wished the hollow reeds, then rolling the dough over the reeds. He continued doing so until they were molded into oblong, slender, and other-shaped beads. After this he cut the ends off with a knife, and placed them in an earthen pot over the fire, until they hardened and finally polished to a bright, glazing appearance. His first attempt was a great success. He called twee to him and tined them in a banana leaf, instructed twee to take them to Alpha with his compliments. Oh, Master, you do a bad thing for send those beads to Alpha. He go make you stay for make plenty more for him. You better make plenty more and let me buy you plenty of pearls. If no be Alpha is jealous of Zodapanda, he know for save your life. But Oliver's sense of gratitude and honor prompted him to disregard such advice and to send twee on to Alpha. Alpha naturally was very much surprised, and his cupidity aroused his cunning. He called upon Oliver immediately, and it was all smiles and pretended friendship. He was also cautious because he suspected that his secret was out, and that Oliver would either become a rival or betray his secret by enlightening the oyster-driver from whom he had taught to search for pearls. In the meantime his beads were nearly exhausted, and in Oliver he saw the promise of a rich harvest. Oliver soon made his proposition known, for example, to sell the process of making the beads in exchange for his freedom. But this did not soothe the ease-loving Arabian, when so competent a worker was already in his power. He pretended to agree while he urged Oliver to make a large quantity at the time of instructions. Oliver soon realized that he was Alpha's dupe, and several times awoke just in time to discover Alpha crawling upon his knees, searching for the revolver in Oliver's hut. Twee took a chance in the matter and bundled up quite a number of beads that he had securely hidden. He approached Oliver and asked for a day off for hunting. Upon his return he brought a small grass-bag full of the most lustrous and perfect pearls. Oliver gasped in amazement when Twee told him how he had visited the oyster-beds and traded for the pearls, after obtaining a promise of secrecy. Twee continued his pearl trading. One day Oliver ran to the door of his hut at the cries of some women, who running and beating their heads with their hands, ran to the king's court and fell upon their faces. A leopard had entered a half-town, two nights successively, and taken away a child and a grown man. The bravest huntsmen were selected and Oliver was assigned the leadership. Oliver was glad of the opportunity because he planned to attempt his escape. He informed Twee of his intention so that Twee bundled up their small stove and they started upon the hunt, after receiving Alpha's blessing. As they were walking single file through the woods, Oliver just had time to raise his gun as he, Twee, and the huntsmen scattered in the woods. He saw the fiery eyes and extended claws when he pulled the trigger and sent the bullet to the heart of the animal. But the great cat had been very accurate in her measurement of distance, for Oliver just had time to dodge, but not before one of her great forepaws landed upon his shoulders as she fell on top of him, sinking her claws in further. Twee was the first to recover from the shock and run to Oliver's assistance. The men returned and lifted the paw of the beast from Oliver's shoulder, while Twee tore the sleeve of his shirt and bound his arm during the unconsciousness of the suffering man. Twee then unwound the grass hammock which he had folded in the bundle, and instructed the men to cut a pole to which he tied it, and then placed Oliver in the hammock, while the other party secured the man-eating leopard to another pole and proceeded to the village. Thus when Oliver recovered consciousness he was very much surprised and disappointed to find himself back to his old surroundings. But it was a gala day for the town. Oliver was born in triumph to the king by the warriors. Around the kitchen young men and women dressed in grass pedicoles danced the Gombe, a very wild but graceful cake-walk. The king presented Oliver the hide and claws of the huge leopard. These being considered only the property of the king, with the teeth owing to their rare value among all African tribes, Oliver was aware of the honor, and selecting one of the claws he bade the king accept it as a remembrance of the occasion. He also presented one to Alpha. Something prompted him to offer one to Zodabanda, but knowing that Alpha would not like such a proceeding, he did not take advantage of the opportunity of winning a true friend, who might have spared him some of the sad experience he was to suffer through Alpha's treachery. After the presentation of the claws, the king whispered into the ear of one of the couriers, who left his royal sight immediately. Oliver was soon given an unpleasant surprise, when he was finally made to understand that the blushing black maiden attired in a grass pedicote, and numerous beads and leopard teeth around the neck and waist bore the title of a young princess and was given to him as wife. The king watched Oliver closely, and was disappointed at the lack of appreciation shown by the latter. When he finally understood that the great honor was rejected, he at once demanded the reason. Oliver then related the separation from his wife and child, and begged he be permitted to return to his family. Oh, said King Wanga, that makes no difference. I have many wives. The lightning God sent you to live with us, so you must forget the other wife and take wives from among us. Zodopanda whispered something into his ear. His face contracted into a frown. Then, turning to Oliver again, he said. Do you, O moon-man, refuse my daughter. Oliver protested again and told him that his religion permitted only one wife. The conference finally closed, but the rejection of the royal bride had caused a perceptible coolness. It was only the hope of having permanent protection from the wild beast and the fear of the destruction from the iron which Oliver possessed that saved his life. When the week had ended, and Oliver had not returned as promised, Eva was nearly distracted with grief. Every morning and evening she could be seen at the edge of the hill overlooking the direction of Oliver's departure, kneeling with Lucretia as they prayed for the father's safe return. End of Chapter 15