 Chapter 27 of the Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The Arrival of the Countess One sun-shiny afternoon Lord Doubly escorted Lucretia upon a ramble by the seashore. When they returned about six o'clock Lucretia was laughing and looking more like herself than she had for the last four months. When they reached the castle they were greeted upon entering the hall by a tall blonde in a soft, clinging morning gown. Lord Doubly introduced the stranger to Lucretia as her cousin, Georgiana. The Countess was a very handsome woman and wore her very tasteful and expensive clothes with a graceful and well-studied poise. Her charm of manner and ready smile soon won for her the center of attraction whenever she held her court. You see, my dear, the Count died last week, and I thought that there would be no need of distressing mother or disturbing this quiet family circle, so that I decided I should come and visit you two turtle doves in your quiet island home while I am mourning and retired from society, Georgiana repeated as she smiled into Lucretia's face. Lucretia welcomed her handsome cousin and could not help but fall under her charm as she pitied her husband for his hasty marriage. The Countess had not lost her art of coquetry during her long exile from the society world she so dearly loved. She resented the conventionalism which demanded that she should retire for a mourning period from the gay social life, and the promptings of her old feelings for Lord Winslow, and a desire to test her old influence and compare her charms with the inexperienced girl wife offered a pleasant diversion. She decided that it would be best to come and announced, because her parents would have given up the idea of the proposed yachting trip, and returned with her to Montroy Castle or some quiet country seat. Once at the Winslow Castle she soon overruled her mother's objections, and began her flirting campaign against her young hostess. Lord Winslow was very surprised when he received the Countess as a guest. He had outgrown the boyish passion and understood the selfish and heartless nature of the beautiful widow as no one except her parents could suspect, but he would not permit his personal feelings to cause him to forget the duties of host to a young widowed cousin. And he had to admit that the castle had livened up and that the Countess was a rare and charming conversationalist. She spared no pains to please Lord Winslow, and knowing his favourite themes she exerted herself to intelligently discuss them. Sometimes Lord Winslow thought that the discipline of the old Count had broadened her ideas and changed her for the better. But she kept him attending her constantly so much that some of the friends who called at the castle remarked about the flirtation and expressed their disapproval. Lucretia pined and became more reserved, always endeavouring to hide the terrible secret with a smile. But Lord Winslow misunderstood her loofness and thought that she preferred the companionship of her uncle and that he was doing her a favour to relieve her of the society of the Countess, who was becoming rather burdensome. He often compared his innocent young wife with the worldly woman and thanked his kind fate that had directed his final choice. The Earl of Dublin watched the drama and understood his selfish daughter's plans. He therefore spent less time with Lucretia and endeavour to make a third party to their chats. Xena had also noticed the change and grieved in her helplessness to aid her silent mistress. One day Lucretia wandered down to the beach and Xena followed, and approaching said, My Lady, it breaks my heart to see you so sad. Why don't you send that woman away? Hush, Xena, do not say anything against the Countess. It was all my fault. I was too young to marry. Oh, mother, she sobbed as she opened her heart to her beloved maid. I must go back to Africa, if we could only get to Reverend Jones, but I'm afraid we could not locate him. I should be afraid to go to the convent because Sister Teresa would send me back. I could bear it if I alone were unhappy, but just think how poor Reginald must suffer when he looks at me and regrets that we married so early, Lucretia confided to Xena. Why not return to Freetown and have old Sally, George Arlandris, to find a quiet place for us to live, Xena suggested. But who knows where Sally lives? She thought a great deal of me, but everybody did that in Africa. Oh, if we could find Yanga. I wonder if she might have returned to Freetown, Lucretia replied. I have visited Sally's house. It is on the Fura Bay Road, and I could easily find it again, Xena added. A few days after the conversation, Xena was walking up the southeast coast, where she frequently visited in the hope of arranging for their flight. As she walked along the seashore, she noticed the body of a drowned young woman washed upon the shore. The light brown curls and face somehow reminded her of Lucretia. As she stood looking upon it, she saw old Lo approaching. He was a dumb fisherman who lived in a cabin behind the cliffs near which the body was lying. She motioned to him to assist her, carrying it to the cabin. After pain and cautioning him to secrecy, she hastened towards the castle. She met Lucretia walking out alone and told her of her discovery and plans. Oh, but Xena, that would be too horrible. I would like them to believe me to be dead, but I could not exchange clothes with a dead woman and deceive them so cruelly, Lucretia exclaimed in an expression of horror. I don't want you to wear her clothes, but to exchange your clothes for a boy's suit I have at the cabin, and try to take a ship for France disguised as a young man and wire me where to meet you later. You don't have to see the woman unless you want to. If we leave together as we first planned, they will soon find us and you will have to explain your reason for leaving to your husband and uncle, Xena replied to Lucretia's objections. But I have not over ten sovereigns in my purse. I should have to return to the castle and it would be too late before I could come out again, Lucretia remarked. You may take my purse. I have one hundred and twenty pounds, or five hundred and eighty-seven dollars in it I have saved from your generous presents. Don't lose time. It is one-thirty p.m. now, and it will take an hour to reach the cabin, Xena urged. No, Xena, I cannot imagine poor uncle mourning over another person and thinking it was his unhappy niece, and for poor Reginald and Georgiana it would be most unpleasant. All know, suppose they think that I committed suicide. Your plan is impossible, she sobbed. You are committing slow suicide already and cannot live much longer at this rate. You will cause me to murder that red-haired snake-eyed woman, Xena said in a towering passion. Lucretia was really frightened as she had never seen Xena in such a temper, and she read the pent-up fury which had reached its limit of endurance. Xena had completely forgotten her position and looked upon Lucretia as her childhood friend, who was being slowly murdered. Let us go, Xena. I shall do as you say, but you must promise me upon your oath that you will not harm the Countess or anyone else for my sake, Lucretia replied, as she walked towards the southeast. The fishermen will rent his boat, which we will capsize so as to have them think that the drowning was accidental. Xena assured Lucretia in her natural voice. When they reached the shack, Lucretia refused to look upon the corpse, but entered an adjoining room and on the ill-fitting suit Xena had secured. Xena hesitated and tried to think of a way to avoid cutting the heavy locks of hair. Lucretia decided that the sacrifice would be the only thing to do under the circumstances, so that Xena braided the hair in two long thick braids and clipped them closely. When she covered with a cap which partially hid the poorly barbed hair, Lucretia placed the two locks in her bosom, and Xena recalled the Leopard's Claw. Do not forget the Claw. His Lordship would look for it the first thing, Xena repeated. I cannot part with it, Xena, but what you say is quite true. Oh, what shall I do? Mother, dear, do guide your poor unhappy child, Lucretia sobbingly cried. Xena padded and soothed her as if she were a child. My dear father will forgive me for trying to make dear Reggie unhappy. Unloucened, Xena, and let me go away from here, she cried almost hysterically. Pulling the chain from her neck she dropped it into Xena's hand and ran away from the cabin. Keeping in an easterly direction she almost ran into Mr. Wilson, a Chicago millionaire aviator who was walking impatiently up and down the beach a few paces from his biplane, which was out of its hangar. He was dressed in his flying outfit, and was about to make an angry remark when Lucretia meekly apologized and asked if he were about to fly to France. Yes, I should have started ten minutes ago if my companion had any idea of time, he impatiently replied. Will you take me along? I must reach France this evening, she said. Yes, jump in. I won't wait another second for Harris. He will have to take a boat, Mr. Wilson replied in his usual impetuous manner. They flew over the channel and landed up alone near the central station. It was then for a clock, but the late spring afternoon was bright and balmy. After the machine had landed and Mr. Wilson assisted his passenger from the machine, he noticed the very poor haircut and the ill-fitting clothes on the girly form. His impatience to reach the continent in the time he had planned, and the delay caused by his tardy friend had so absorbed his mind that he paid no attention to the young lad whose timid voice was so very effeminate. He thought perhaps he was a young French student, who was attending school in England, and wanted to spend the week with his parents. But when he noticed Lucretia closely, he concluded that he had assisted an elopement. Are you expecting a friend to meet you, little one? He asked very kindly. No, I'm going on to Paris, Lucretia replied. Mr. Wilson accompanied her to the waiting room at the station. Is it an elopement, kid? Let me into the secret. Since I have assisted Cupid, he said to Lucretia as he seated her and stood before her. An elopement? She asked in genuine alarm and surprise. Mr. Wilson was convinced of his mistake and became alarmed at what might happen to the unprotected girl masquerading in a boy's clothes in the city of Paris. Have you relatives or close friends in Paris? He asked. No, this is my first visit, Lucretia truthfully replied. Great Scott, what have I done? Say, little girl, you must tell me why you are masquerading in boy's clothes and going to Paris. I cannot tell you any more than I have, and must beg you, please, accept my thanks for crossing me in your machine. I must be securing my ticket, and therefore bid you adieu. Lucretia replied as she arose. She was surprised that her secret was detected and anxious to make her escape from her inquisitive companion. Wait a minute. I will secure tickets for both of us. Will you tell me your name? I am Wilson of Chicago. Mr. Wilson stated in the hope that he would be able to communicate with her parents. Mon-Creef is my name, Lucretia replied as she held out her hand boishly. When Mr. Wilson left for the ticket office, Lucretia looked around for means of escape because she suspected that he would recognize the name and try to communicate with her uncle. End of Chapter 27 Chapter 28 of The Leopard's Club by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. In the hands of the White Slaver Upon leaving the waiting room Lucretia noticed a middle-aged gentleman who had been watching her slowly following. He wore a military mustache, was of median height, blonde complexion. In her effort to keep on the alert for the sight of Mr. Wilson and elude the obnoxious stranger, she unconsciously walked toward a group of women who were awaiting their trains in a room near the ticket office. The stranger still followed and winked his eye, as Lucretia thought at her. True to her feminine instinct she crossed from her seat and sat near a well-dressed and bejeweled middle-aged blonde, whose face and hair bore the traces of expensive cosmetics and blondine dyes. Madame Mazza had been smiling at Lucretia and therefore addressed her in French as soon as she came in. He is a detective who is following you because of your masquerade, but I shall speak to him and tell him that you are under my protection. Where are you going, to Paris? Ah, that is fortunate. Have you relatives who are expecting you? No? You must surely come along with me. Where is your ticket? Wait a minute while I speak with the detective. She crossed over to the gentleman and engaged in an animated conversation. Returning with her face radiant with smiles, she said to Lucretia, Come, my little friend, the gentleman will not annoy you any longer. I shall arrange for your ticket and we must take the five-fifteen train for Paris. Just as Lucretia passed from the lady's waiting-room, she caught a glimpse of Mr. Wilson, who was searching for her. She gripped the arm of her protectress, who hurriedly hastened her away, supposing that Lucretia had recognized a relative. On entering the first-class carriage of the train, Lucretia recognized the military gentleman, who traveled as their only companion. At the station the gentleman hailed a taxi cab and politely assisted Madame Mazza into the same. Lucretia did not see him follow in another cab, but wary with her exciting experiences, she partly leaned against Madame as they drove away. The taxi drove down the boulevard d'Italian and stopped before an imposing stone front residence about ten p.m. Madame Mazza ushered Lucretia into a gorgeously furnished three-story residence and conducted her personally to a very handsomely furnished bedroom upon the second floor. She spoke very kindly and administered to Lucretia's comfort before leaving the room. Lucretia soon fell into an uneasy slumber, during which she sighed in her sleep, although unconscious of the two conspirators in another room who discussed and planned her fate. Early the next morning Lucretia found a beautifully embroidered Japanese kimono in the place of her suit of clothes. Madame soon appeared wreathed in smiles and remained chatting as she coaxed Lucretia to eat the dainty breakfast a chic made brought upon a tray. Will you be so kind as to send out and order for me a street costume? I must not remain longer upon your kind hospitality. I want to secure a quiet and moderately priced room and send a telegram for my African maid. I thank you so much, my kind friend and hostess, but you will do me a greater kindness by assisting me in this matter, Lucretia remarked. My dear little friend, you pain me greatly when you express a desire to leave me so early. It is impossible for you to go out with your haircut like this. Did you bring the braids along? Ah, how fortunate! Oh, what beautiful and heavy braids! I shall have my petite a very lovely wig-maid that will have you soon looking again like your own beautiful self. Give me the name of the African maid and the address. I shall send the telegram immediately. How's my sherry, petite, any money? Shall I put this away for you, my sherry? Au revoir! Madame Maza ended as she kissed Lucretia upon the cheeks before retiring. Madame went into her apartments upon the first floor. After closing her bourgeois door, she counted the money and examined the hair again. What wonderful hair, she exclaimed aloud! Let me think! Madame Renée would pay fifty Louise for these two braids. I might get more from Miss Georges Jacques, perhaps one hundred Louise. But Lecombe de Atone is very practical, and says I must have the best wig-maid to match her hair that money can buy. Ah, these rich men are so unreasonable! If I should sell this hair and buy a real hair wig like he says, it will cost more than the profit I should make from this. So I must have this made up. Ah, me! No one thinks of the poor. I must be satisfied with the one hundred and twenty-five Louise in her purse. Lecombe de Must know nothing of these braids, however, and I must have Jacques send a bill for two hundred Louise. Madame spoke aloud as she finally decided how she would dispose of the wig-problem, shaking her head with an injured look. Lucretia was sitting in her bedroom, dressed in the kimono, and looking anxiously and expectantly toward the door. This was the third day after her interview with the Madame, and she had no word from Zena, nor had she been able to secure the outdoor clothes. The door was suddenly opened, and to her surprise and fright, the military-looking stranger of the train walked in unannounced. Lucretia jumped up and tried to run by him and escaped through the door, as she called for the Madame. Lecombe de Atone, firmly but smilingly caught her, drew her within his arms and tried to kiss and caress her. Lucretia showed surprising strength as she fought and screamed for help. The resistance only excited her assailant to more desire and, losing his former persuasive manner, he almost roughly pinned her arms to her sides, and was about to overcome her, now feeble resistance, when the door was suddenly opened, and a young brunette of about twenty who's enraged and angry features, failed to disguise her natural beauty, walked into the room and demanded the meaning of the scene before her. Her presence acted strangely upon Lecombe de. Turning loose, the almost fainting victim he fairly hissed, Elaine, what are you spying upon me for? Go away! You have no claim upon me, you are not my wife, do you understand? Elaine turned from Lucretia, who she had gently placed upon the bed, and turned to face full of outrage dignity as she said. Ah, mes sure decomte a tonne! We will settle that point very shortly between ourselves. But you will not succeed in your plans with this innocent child. Lecomte cowered before her almost too calm deliberation and slipped out of the room. After locking the door she turned her attention to Lucretia, and succeeded in calming the hysterical state in which she was. She obtained an account of the fight and kidnapping by the polite and generous stranger. So that you have only the camona that you have on, and no money or means of communicating with your friends? Poor little innocent, you should never have run away from your parents to a strange and large city like Paris alone. Did you say that the aviator was an American? What, Wilson from Chicago? You did wrong to run away from him. I know of him and I am sure that he could be trusted. I am a Chicago girl myself, and you may trust me implicitly. I will remove you from here, have no fear. Give me the maid's name and address. You can bet your last scent that Madame, what's her name, never sent that telegram. I would take you with me now, kid, if I had to fight my way through this whole outfit, but you see it would be impossible to take you out in that rig. Don't worry about that man. I shall attend to him. Look for me soon. Au revoir, be good. Elaine locked the door and left her little charge in a quiet and reassured state of mind. Her influence upon the comity and her assuring manner of speaking inspired complete confidence in Lucretia, who felt for the first time since her flight that she had found a sincere friend. Madame Mazza had quite a time persuading Lucretia to unlock the door and admit her into the room. Why do you lock yourself in and refuse to admit your friend, Macherie? Madame asked in an assumed surprise. Lucretia related the assault and rescue by the beautiful American. But some instinct prevented her from discussing the conversation between them. Although the Madame used all of her arts and tricks to surprise Lucretia into confiding the same to her. Ah, the wretch! To come to my house when I was absent and try to take away my guest because of a little masquerade. To kiss you, did you say? Oh, the dog! I shall have him arrested. Where does the beautiful American live? She must be my witness. What a pity she did not tell you, but I will be protected. It is fortunate, my friend, that the wig will be finished to-morrow, and your maid will be over on the day after. Madame Mazza announced, as she gushingly tried to regain Lucretia's lost confidence. The next afternoon, Madame's private telephone rang. Ah, Miss Shirley Comte, you were too impatient. Why didn't you wait a week as I warned you? La Petite has no confidence in me now. She locked herself in the room. La American beauty? I don't know where she lives but I'm afraid she will bring trouble upon poor me. Ah, yes, so we poor people must suffer for your pleasure. Oh, you have arranged for my protection. How cavalier, Monsher Luccomte. Yes, the lovely wig is finished and cost me a fortune. But you can afford to pay the small sum of two hundred Louis for such a lovely creature. Bring her over? When? At four p.m. to the chateau? Yes, that will be better for me also. Arvois tout-en, Monsher. Madame repeated over the phone in response to a message from Luccomte. Ma Petite looks too charming in the beautiful wig. How lucky it was that you saved the hair. No one could ever tell that it was cut off. But you need a little rouge to brighten up those pale cheeks. Lawn? What harm is it to use a little? All of the lovely ladies use it. Yes, you must have just a little. Now that is perfect. Your costume fits you perfectly. Now we will go and select the rooms you are to move into to-morrow when your maid arrives. Madame said to Lucretia as she arranged her toilet at three-thirty p.m. After placing a very chic and becoming had upon Lucretia's head, she pulled a thick veil over her face and led her to the sidewalk, where they both entered a taxi and drove away after Madame directed the chauffeur. END OF CHAPTER XXVIII CHAPTER XXIX of the Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This Libra box recording is in the public domain. THE RESCUE Elaine was standing across the street with a parcel under her arm, watching the house when the couple came out. She crossed in the middle of the block hurriedly and arrived just in time to catch a glimpse of Lucretia through the glass of the cab. She could not recognize the beautiful young lady as the hysterical girl of the previous day, but some instinct and the large pathetic eyes, which she saw in that fleeting glimpse, convinced her that Lucretia was being removed by the landlady, whom she easily recognized from Lucretia's description. The gentleman was just about to enter a seven-passenger car near the curb where she stood. She recognized him as a compatriot and addressing him in English in her American vernacular. She begged to be taken in his machine and have the taxi kept in sight. Mr. Wilson did not hesitate to grant the rather strange request. Oh, thank you so much for your confidence. This is a matter more serious than death, she exclaimed, almost excitedly after the car started in pursuit of the taxi. Just keep them in sight and don't let them imagine we are following, she added. Then she explained there unto her companion, of whose identity she was still unaware. Did you say her hair was badly cut and she came over in an airship dressed in boys' clothes? He asked. Yes, yes, you must know her. Oh, I might have known at first that you are Mr. Wilson, had I not been so excited, Elaine replied, very much relieved at her discovery. Yes, you are correct as to my identity. Do you know I have not a moment's rest since I lost sight of that child in Boulogne. I forgot the name she gave me and I have been searching Boulogne in Paris ever since, trying to find her. I am so glad that she found such a providential friend as you. Now we both will be her guardians, Mr. Wilson said, as he gave his companion an admiring and grateful look. They drove into the aristocratic farburg on the road of Ramblot, when the taxi stopped before a large brick chateau in the center of beautiful grounds, of trees and flowers. The pair were within the chateau before the automobile was near enough to be sure of the identity and interfere. I shall follow them into the chateau. Do you know the name of the owner, Mr. Wilson inquired of his companion? This is the chateau Luxembourg and belongs to Lecomte de Tone, she replied. I have heard of him. He is very rich and unscrupulous, Mr. Wilson answered, as he left the machine for the chateau. He returned shortly in a temper. That slick scoundrel of a footman refused to admit me, saying that the comte is abroad and no visitors are received at the chateau. I felt like ringing his blooming neck for him, Mr. Wilson repeated angrily. I expected something like that. You did not mention your errand, did you? Elaine asked anxiously. No, I thought I would consult you first, he replied. Very well, let us pretend to drive away. Let's get out now and have the machine await us here, Elaine instructed, after they were out of sight of the chateau. They walked by and entered the grounds where they wandered impatiently until dusk. I pray that we are not too late. Come, Mr. Wilson, we must hasten now. She led him into the side garden near the right side of the chateau. Walking to an innocent-looking sundial, she felled along the sides and pressed a button. When the square platform of grass upon which they stood, slowly descended into the earth like an automatic elevator. They found themselves in a dark tunnel, when Elaine pressed another button and the grass plot returned to its position. I wish I had brought my electric pocket light, Mr. Wilson said, as he struck a match. Never mind a light, hold my hand and follow, Elaine said, as she led the way. They reached a door and Mr. Wilson struck a match as she felt for the secret button. The door opened and they passed on until they reached another, into which Elaine fitted a key. They found a pair of narrow stairways, lading up to the first floor and another leading to the second. As they neared the top, they heard loud voices talking in the hall near them, when they stopped and overheard the comte se in angry tones in French. Con found the little Tigris. She has ruined my face. Why didn't you trim those sharp claws, Marie? See how she has scratched me up. She has been to Africa. Miss Shirley commed. They don't have tigers there. What do they call those African cats, leopards? Ah, that's the name. She is surely a wild one. I am afraid of her. Well, I must leave you with your beautiful wildcat. But you are an excellent tamer. Nothing beats the jail cure, loneliness, and little quieting you will soon mold her into a little dove. Au revoir, Montchère. Don't forget to send her back to me when you tire of your new toy. Madame Mazza repeated as she departed. As soon as she had gone down the front stairs, the hidden couple hurried into the hall and were met by le comte who was returning towards his victim's room. They could hear Lucretia beating against the door and screeching so that Mr. Wilson started in the direction of the sounds, while Elaine held a loaded revolver before le comte, daring him to move. Mr. Wilson easily located the sounds and found the key in the outside of the door. He soon entered and brought Lucretia, who had fainted in his arms as soon as he recognized him. He passed the couple in the hall and carried his charge down the broad stairway. He met no resistance from the servants as they were used to seeing strange things within the chateau, and the footmen did not recognize the late visitor that he had refused to admit in the earlier evening. Mr. Wilson dispatched a page for his automobile and carried Lucretia in his arms to the machine. Elaine in the meantime awaited until she thought Lucretia was out of the chateau, then ordered her enraged but cowered victim into the room where Lucretia was recently confined. She locked the door and kept the key as she calmly left the chateau by the front exit, also without interference, and entered the waiting automobile. They drove away as she gave directions to the chauffeur. They arrived at a modest brownstone residence on the Rudy Anger, when Mr. Wilson again lifted Lucretia, who was now really ill and unable to walk, and carried her into the house where she was met by Zena. Elaine and Zena soon put Lucretia to bed and administered cold applications to her fevered brow, while Mr. Wilson summoned a doctor. END OF CHAPTER XXIX One day during Lucretia's illness she had entered a quiet sleep for the first time since the night of the rescue. Mr. Wilson, who was a constant visitor, sat in the next room with Elaine and remarked, Do you think that the reginal she frequently calls and begs to forgive her is her fiancee, with whom she quarreled or husband? It sounds so pathetic to hear her repeat in her delirium that she ran away because she loves him and wants him to be happy with Georgiana, and that uncle she continually calls. Oh, it is too sad! Can you get any information from the African maid? I wonder if I could not bribe her to talk. I would give her anything to straighten this tangle and see the poor child happy. Elaine's side, poor little thing, I don't know when I have taken a liking for anyone in my life as I have for this poor child. Her parents are dead and the uncle must have treated her very kindly. But the reginal is a puzzle. She looks too young to be married. If she were an American I would think it likely, but from an aristocratic English family, as she evidently is, it seems incredible. In some of her rambles she spoke of the castle, lady somebody, and a countess. The African maid is like an oyster and a bribe won't work with her. Sometimes I regret that we did not have her long. La Comte called Lucretia a tigress, he would have called the maid a lioness. She would have fought both he and madam, and I bet, come out winner. Lucretia is safe in her care, you bet. But we must persuade the little girl to return to her uncle and reginal'd. We must act as cupid when she is better, end of the lane with a smile. Yes, we will be cupid for our little friend, but what about ourselves also, Elaine? You must by now know that I love you. Won't you permit our friend to act as cupid for us, and bring me happiness also? Mr. Wilson asked as he drew near and caught Elaine's hand. To his surprise she burst into tears. No, no, dear friend, you have been too trustful. You know nothing about my history. I have waited for you to ask some explanation of my knowledge of the chateau and first meeting with Lucretia, but you have never referred to the subject other than if it were a natural and clever feat. You must listen to my history first, and if you still think me worthy of your great love, then I can listen to your wooing. My name is Elaine Morrison, the Chicago heiress whom you must have read of three years ago, who eloped with a foreign nobleman. Lacomte de Tone posed as an unmarried man and persuaded me to marry him secretly, and retire with him to his country-seed in Lavidia, near Kichenyev, Russia. We live together very happily for about two years and a half, when he received a letter one morning and left the villa hastily upon what he termed a short business trip to England. He wrote regularly for six weeks and ceased. Two months after his departure I was surprised by a pale aristocratic lady visitor, who announced herself as Lacomte de Tone, and accused me of most horrible things. When I finally convinced my visitor that I was married by producing my certificate, she soon changed her tone and informed me that I was the victim of a fraud, and that the certificate was a fake. She told me awful tales of Lacomte's infidelity and immoral escapades. I was ill for a month after her visit. I wrote to the Comte and received no reply. As soon as I became fit to travel I began to search for him. Oh! the feelings of love and passion! I was nearly crazy with grief and doubt. One day I followed him to the chateau and tried to enter, but was refused admittance. I tried to hide within the grounds and watch for any opportunity to enter. One evening I saw a veiled woman go to the sundial and let herself down the secret entrance. I followed and searched until I found the spring and let myself down also. I opened the secret spring door, but could go no farther when I reached the locked door. I recalled, however, a piece of gum. The Chicago habit still clings to me, that I had in my bag, so I obtained the impression of the keyhole. When I tried to return I could not find the spring to open the other door and was obliged to remain in the dark and chilly tunnel until after midnight, when the woman returned without a light and I hid behind the door as she opened it and followed safely out. Before I could get an opportunity to use the tunnel entrance, I followed him to the house on the boulevard di Italian, when I rescued Lucretia and met him face to face for the first time since his desertion. In his passionate anger at the interrupted scene he informed me that I was not his wife and have no claims upon him. I despised him then too much to feel the sting of his cruel revelation, and was too interested in the unfortunate child to think of personal revenge. I wired Xena as soon as I left Madame Mouse's and tried to obtain police assistance, but it seemed as if I were the culprit by the manner in which my information was received. So I hastened to place my maid on watch, keeping Lacombe shadowed. I was watching for an opportunity to enter the house as some other visitor was admitted when I met you. She ended. Have you taken steps to obtain a divorce on the ground of Bigamy? Mr. Wilson asked. No, because I send a copy of my certificate to my Chicago lawyer and had him go to South Bend, Indiana, and investigate. There was no record on the register and the minister was unknown. In fact, the whole ceremony was a mere play enacted by tools of dentone in order to deceive me. The certificate, which is not worth the paper upon which it is written, is the only proof that will anyway show that I was an innocent party to a fraud. I really believed myself his legal wife and trusted him so implicitly that I respected his desire to avoid publicity in the States. But we traveled always as husband and wife, I using the title of Lacombe Tessa, Elaine replied. My poor little girl, you need to be pitied as much as our little friend. Did you think that that would cause me to change my mind, dear? That only shows that you need me more. Only tell me, dear, that you will trust me and try to let me win your love in time, and I shall be happy, Mr. Wilson said as he caught her hand. You will not have to win my love, dear. It has been yours, ever. The other part of the sentence was lost in Mr. Wilson's shower of kisses. We must marry quietly as soon as our friend is better, and leave for Italy as soon as she is safely with her relatives. Lacombe de Tone had better not cross my path in the meantime, because I have two big scores against him now, and I am sorry that I permitted you to dissuade me from following my impulse that day, and had given the scoundrel the good thrashing I was about to give him, Mr. Wilson repeated during a temporary cessation of the caresses. When Lucretia was strong enough to bear the excitement of the news, Elaine informed her and added, My dear Lucretia, you must give us a wedding present, the opportunity of reuniting you with your reginal and uncle. You are making a great mistake, child, to remain away from your loved ones. I don't want to pry into your confidence, but my woman's intuition tells me that you are laboring under a great mistake, at the bottom of which is groundless jealousy. Listen to your friend, little one, your reginal is suffering and heartbroken as well as yourself. Do you think he cares? Lucretia so far forgot herself to ask. Of course he cares and suffers. Men have feelings as well as women, and suffer more keenly that they bear their grief silently. And your uncle, child, think of him also, Elaine replied. As soon as you are married, dear, I shall leave for my home immediately, and you must promise that you will spend the greater part of your honeymoon with us. Oh, if I had only such true friends as you and Mr. Wilson a month ago, I should have been happy with person to-day. Lucretia exclaimed as she threw her arms about Elaine's neck and almost betrayed her secret. The next day Mr. Wilson and Elaine took Lucretia out on a shopping tour and a ride through the city. As the party drove down, fate played a cruel trick. Had they been three minutes earlier, they would have seen Lord Winslow as he was about to enter a hotel, meet the Countess de la Ferris coming out and about to enter a waiting limousine when she recognized and hailed him, or had they been two minutes later, they would have seen the Earl when he tipped his hat and walked back into the hotel as the machine drove away. But fate would have it that they arrived just as Lord Winslow was assisting the Countess into a car. Lucretia uttered a little sigh and fainted before the surprised couple, who had paid no heed to the little drama, could imagine the cause. The shopping was too much for her, but she seemed to have enjoyed it. We must take her back home at once, Mr. Wilson said, in a puzzled tone. I think that the couple in front of the hotel were responsible for the attack, because I noticed how strangely she acted when she first saw them, but I was so interested in Lucretia that I paid no attention to the couple, Elaine replied. I wish I had suspected that. I am sure I have met that military-looking gentleman, and perhaps the lady, Mr. Wilson added regretfully. When Lucretia was revived she surprised her friends by announcing that she could not follow their plans, because it was impossible to return to her home. But if they would assist her to reach Sierra Leone, West Africa, she would be very grateful for their kindness. You are our daughter now, Lucretia, and you will accompany us up on her honeymoon and return with us to the States, if you refuse to return to your relatives. So now say no more about Africa, or we will be angry, Mr. Wilson playfully remarked. CHAPTER XXXI Mr. Wilson and Elaine were quietly married at the office of the American Embassy on the following afternoon. That evening they took a train with Lucretia, Zina, and Elaine's Russian maid, and passed through and over Jorah and the Jorah Mountains into Switzerland, and stopped at Zurich, where they spent a short while enjoying the sights of the quaint medieval-looking prosperous city. From there they traveled by train to Trieste, and remained at the important Austria-Hungarian seaport town with its Italian-speaking population. They remained there until the middle of summer, when Lucretia's cheeks began to regain their natural rosy complexion, when they crossed the Gulf of Venice and landed at Venice. From thence they took a train to Rome. As the summer had now advanced, Mr. Wilson decided that they would entrain for Genoa and spend the rest of the summer, when they would embark from that city for America on the first of September. On the afternoon of their last day in Rome, they visited the St. Maria De La Pace, and were seeking their favorite paintings, when she recognized Lord Wilson standing in a very pensive mood looking up on one of Raphael's paintings with his hands crossed behind his back. He looked so sad and altered that she forgot all of her past doubts and jealousies and wanted to take him in her arms and mother him as if he were a little child. She left her companions abruptly and hastened towards him. But, as fate would have it, the Countess was also among the visitors inspecting the paintings, and she saw Lord Winslow at the same time Lucretia did. Since she was near, she reached his side and, familiarly, took his arm before Lucretia could reach or attract his attention. Elaine was searching for Lucretia and had just reached her in time to save her from falling. Lucretia naturally supposed that they were traveling together and believed that Lord Winslow had really forgotten the dead young bride. When they reached Genoa, Lucretia said to Elaine as they were alone in the latter's dressing room, Elaine, dear, do you know that I've had a peculiar dream about my mother? I dreamed three times last night that my mother, who was supposed to be dead in Africa, met me at Reverend Jones' mansion, where she is awaiting my father's return. My life has been such a strange one of circumstance and almost miraculous escapes from dangers, that I am almost persuaded to believe, like Xena and the Africans, that my dream is true and that my mother is alive. I can never understand what became of a servant of my father's name Tui, who disappeared on the eve of father's fatal sale. The boy was loyalty as self, but has never been heard of. And my old nurse Yanga, who has left to search for my mother, has never been heard of, either. Now, darling, don't think me ungrateful of your and Mr. Wilson's great kindness, but don't you see that under the circumstances you would do me a greater kindness if you will permit me to visit Freetown and inquire after Reverend Jones. I will promise faithfully not to go into the interior unless I'm sure that my mother is alive and I have the proper protection, and I shall keep in touch with you always. Do, dear, persuade Mr. Wilson to consent. Someday I shall be in a position to repay the confidence you have placed in me without knowing my identity. But this much I can tell you now. I shall be seventeen this coming September, and I am a wife who is dead to her husband and relatives. Now, Elaine, you can see that I am not the child you thought I was. But it is too late to restore my happiness as a wife, but you may assist me to find the mother I have needed so much. After this confidential outburst of Lucretia, Elaine persuaded Mr. Wilson to consent to Lucretia's visiting Freetown with the understanding that she would finally live with them in Chicago. Mr. Wilson and Elaine accompanied Lucretia as far as Tenerife, where the party remained together in a mountain cottage for a fortnight. Mr. Wilson gave Lucretia a very generous cash check upon the British West African Bank at Freetown and a Chicago club address where she could always reach them. They then parted from Lucretia upon the leeward-bound West African steamer and embarked in a northwest bound steamer for their old home in the New World, which held out to Elaine a new and rosy future and a patriotic love she had never before experienced. CHAPTER XXXII of the Leopards' Claw by George Washington Alice The tidings of Lucretia's death reached Lord Winslow. After Lucretia left the cabin, Zena and the deaf fisherman changed the drowned woman's clothing, placed the chain and claw around her neck and returned her where she was formerly. They capsized his boat in the surf and Zena ran to bear the news to the castle. Lord Winslow and the Earl of Dudley reached the scene together upon horse back. Zena explained that Lucretia and she had tried to row out in the surf when the boat capsized and Lucretia drowned before she could be saved. Lord Winslow examined the body and surprised Lord Dudley when he calmly announced that the body was not that of Lucretia. He removed the Leopards' Claw, however, and seemed almost to doubt his own mind. But the claw, he said, holding it in his hand, she would not have parted from this under any circumstances. Strange, I don't understand it. He spoke aloud as he shook his head. Lord Dudley and several friends, who were among the curious crowds surrounding the body, patted him upon the shoulders pittingly and drew him away. No one else had the least doubt as to the real identity. Lord Winslow kept the claw continually in his possession, but showed very little interest in the preparation of the funeral. He accompanied the body to Worcestershire and attended the internment in an almost dazed condition. As soon as he could leave England he crossed over to Paris with an impression that he would find his wife alive. His friends began to believe that he had lost his mind and always shook their heads pittingly whenever he would leave the club or their society. The Countess was very disappointed at the turn of things, and lost no opportunity of following him upon the Continent, against her parents' advice and wishes. At the meeting in Rome Lord Winslow thought he had recognized Lucretia and was much aggrieved when the Countess caused him to lose sight of her. He left the Countess standing in surprise while he looked around for his wife, and, failing to find her, almost believed that he had seen a phantom. He sailed from Rome that night for Freetown West Africa, and inquired of the surprised sisters and old acquaintances for news of Zena. He left the very morning that Lucretia entered the Freetown port, and they would have recognized each other as the ships passed by had Lucretia arrived upon the deck in time. After Reverend Jones had parted from Oliver, he was not unmindful of his promise and prepared for the expedition, which was delayed by the heavy rains. He finally started with a large number of mission boys, camping necessities and yanga. When he reached the regions of the Kong Mountains, where Oliver was so long wandering about, he found that King Dofella was still waging war and ravaging the neighboring towns. As Luc would have it, they came across Barney one day, as he gathered wild fruit in the woods. He soon recognized yanga and told him the story of the escape from the Leopardrite, and the refuge in a neighboring town where Eva had won the gratitude and loyalty of the king's old mother by her kindness to her favorite granddaughter, who was the object of abuse by the king's favorite. That Dofella's war had reached the town two days previously, and that Eva had escaped with the old woman and child and lived in a cave upon the fruit and food Barney supplied. Barney led the party to the hiding place, and Eva was enfolded in the arms of her devoted maid. But the party had not progressed far when they discovered that they were pursued by a war-party. Determined to remain together, they took to the woods, when they met Twee coming in their direction. They had eluded their pursuers temporarily and halted for a rest. Twee produced a map and told of his pursuit of Alpha and the latter's final end. Reverend Jones examined the map and made a rough estimate of their present location. We should be near the Gold Diggers, he said to Twee. They heard the sound of their pursuers drying near and resumed their flight. Twee called out to Reverend Jones and pointing towards the hill exclaimed, that is the cave where the Gold Diggers live. Barney, take up Miss Moncriff and run with us. Quick, quick, before they see us. Stoop down and here is the hole. The last of the party had just disappeared into the hole, after abandoning most of the supplies in the woods, when the war-party came into view. Fawn recognized Eva, Yanga, Barney and Twee. And the other workers recognized Twee and Miss took at first Reverend Jones for Oliver. The party received a protection and were compelled to remain the guests of the hospitable Gold Workers for over a year before the war and heavy rains permitted their return. When they reached the mission and found no news of Oliver, they concluded that he had taken the interior route and was searching for Eva or lost again in the Kong Mountains. Reverend Jones had set out upon Fault Report several times and spent considerable time following misleading trails. While Eva, now garbed in suitable clothes and having the companionship of a woman of her own race, spent the time hoping and waiting for Oliver's return. One evening just after Reverend Jones' return from a long and unsuccessful expedition which nearly cost his life, Eva remarked, as they sat at the supper table, Reverend Jones, it is unwise for you to continue to follow the reports of the Nades as you have been doing for the last three or four years unsuccessfully. There is something strange about the actions of the folks at home. Oliver surely must have lashed for your address with the Earl of Dublin, as Twee tells us they were together. I cannot think why neither he nor Governor Rowe writes or sends an expedition to see what becomes of us. Twee says Oliver left upon the same day he followed Alpha, and I am sure Oliver lost no time in returning. We must send Twee to Sierra Leone to obtain some information concerning Lucretia and to notify Lord doubly of his brother's loss in the jungles. I shall continue to remain here because something tells me Oliver is alive and will meet me here. Reverend Jones agreed with her decision and sent Twee in Carava Caravan to the coast bearing letters from Eva to her relatives. Zena located Sally George's cabin as she promised, and Lucretia remained with Sally until a nice cottage could be fitted up for their dwelling. Thanks to Mr. Wilson's generosity Lucretia was soon settled in a very comfortable quarters with Zena and Sally's devoted attention. She was not very long in her new quarters, however, before a new event happened in her life, in the advent of a son and heir. Oh, Zena, see what I have done to my innocent baby! Oh, mother, won't you come to your poor silly daughter, Lucretia sobbed to Zena when she looked upon her son. Zena, I'm going to take little Reggie to his father as soon as I am strong enough. I have no right to deprive my child of his name and inheritance, she repeated in a new tone of matured responsibility. Why don't you write him and Lord Doubly and explain it to them first, Zena replied. No, no one will know, or see little Reggie until he is pleaded for me with his father. You do not realize the enormity of the crime we have committed, Zena. No letter could explain and put things right. My only hope now is my son. If Lord Winslow refuses to forgive me, he must receive his innocent son and give him his rights. After arriving at this decision, Lucretia improved in health and quickly recovered her good spirits in the joy of her new responsibility and anticipation of the reunion and forgiveness. As soon as the young Reginald was two months old, Lucretia embarked with her son and Zena in the late fall for England. They parted from Old Sally, who stood upon the wharf shaking her short, fat black body as she sobbed and watched the steamer heave anchor and disappear from view. One afternoon the steamer was off Cape Blanco and Lucretia reclined in a deck chair as she lazily watched the Portuguese fisherman bantering with the ship's crew and trying to sell their large red snappers. Don't stand too near the rail, Zena, she called out, as Zena walked near the rails in order to watch the scene, holding young Reginald in her arms. After Zena returned to her seat, Lucretia looked around with a sigh of satisfaction and picked up an old copy of the London Times one of the passengers had left upon a Madeira chair nearby her. She had been out of touch with the English news so long that the old paper was eagerly read as a late edition would have been. In reading over the Society columns she read, Lord Reginald Winslow and his bride sailed for Japan on the tenth. Lucretia's heart trending sigh attracted the attention of several of the passengers who ran to her as Zena screamed out as she feigned. When they reached the canaries, Lucretia informed Zena that they would get off at Las Palmas. I shall return to Freetown and ride a lane for advice, she remarked to Zena as they were being towed to the shore. Just as they landed Twee ran toward them. I was just going to take that steamer you came from aboard, to go to England in search of you all, he remarked after Lucretia had recognized him in his new European outfit. The party drove to a hotel when Twee informed Lucretia of her mother's safety and gave her the letter she had sent. I lost the others in the water and just saved yours because I held it between my teeth as I swam. I was obliged to work aboard the ship as Steward Boy and had no chance to stop at Freetown, as this was the first port it entered. I found work in a hotel and made enough to buy the suit of clothes. I was going to work my way to England and go to your uncle's place to look for you, he explained. After Lucretia read her mother's letter she brightened up and announced her intention to go directly to the mission. But I hate to think of taking Reggie into the interior, with no prospects of a future, Lucretia remarked aloud in soliloquy. Don't worry about money, ma'am. The gold diggers gave your ma plenty of gold and when they hear of the baby you will have more than you will need. Your father buried plenty of pearls and a big diamond somewhere. I thought it was on the paper that Alpha had, but Reverend Jones says that it was only a map of the country. Twee remarked as he thought she referred to the lack of money. Twee suggested the necessary things that would be needed at the mission to make them comfortable, while Lucretia selected her mother a nice supply of clothes and toilet articles. She was determined they would enjoy as much of the luxuries of civilization in their voluntary exile as possible, because she felt somehow that it would only be temporary and that her mother or Elaine would think of a way to set matters right. She intended that her son should be trained in proper etiquette, although they lived in Africa. Mr. Wilson's liberal check enabled her to secure the things which she desired and return with a large stock of provisions, furniture, and large, cyber-edict store so pleasing to the female sex. CHAPTER XXXII. When Lucretia landed at Axum with her large cargo, she called at the Government House and asked for assistance and protection of the colonial officials. She was given an order to the District Commission of the Frontier, enabling her to secure a sufficient number of carriers under military escort, as she left the railway terminus. Arriving safely at the mission at early dusk, she surprised them all as she fairly flew into the arms of her astonished mother. Eva did not recognize at first the fashionably dressed young woman. Whose baby is that? she asked, as soon as she had recovered from the first surprise. Lucretia then fell upon her neck and sobbed out the sad story. Mrs. Jones held the baby as she listened to the revelation. My poor little girl, Eva cried as she joined in the weeping. You needed your mother's care and advice. Oh, you poor, unfortunate child! Oliver! Oh, Oliver! Mrs. Jones handed the baby to Yanga and crossed over to the two sobbing women. This won't do, Eva. Shame! Oh, shame on you! You are worse than Lucretia, and do you forget that you have not seen your grandchild? There now, that is better. Yanga gave him to her. After she succeeded in quieting Eva and interesting her in the baby, Mrs. Jones took Lucretia upon her lap as she would a child, and stroked her hair as she obtained an accurate account of the situation. Too bad, indeed, but I think you should inform your uncle of the whole circumstance. Although it is a hard thing to do since your husband has married his daughter, but you have your son to consider now, and you must secure his rights. Since they have gone to Japan, you will have time to think it over calmly and decide what is best to do, Mrs. Jones advised. Reverend Jones approved of Lucretia's plan to live at the Mission, and advised them to leave the matter in the hands of Providence, who would settle and straighten the tangle because he understood what an embarrassing position Lord Winslow and the Earl of Dublin would be placed in if conditions were as Lucretia had represented. He built a corrugated bungalow upon the hill overlooking the valley of Allah for the family, and assisted Lucretia in beautifying the grounds and comfortable surroundings. Lord Winslow was in Madsburg when he met an old schoolmate of his, Baron Steinhauser, in a hotel one day. I am preparing to join a hunting party of Americans who are taking moving picture-machines and photographers along for big-game hunting in East Africa. Why don't you join us, my Lord, the Baron remark? I should be glad to do so, providing you promise to cross the continent and return by the way of the West Coast. I was planning to visit the district of the Kong Mountains the coming winter so as to travel in the dry season, but I have been thinking that an airship of the Zeppelin type would be just the thing to take along so as to facilitate travel. What do you think of that idea, Baron? As to your transcontinental suggestion, that meets our plans. We will start from the eastern Sudan and travel south and then northwesterly. But we had never thought of the airship, and I'm afraid that, while it would enable us to do a great deal of exploring and assist us to avoid the difficulties of the jungle travel, the cost would be too great considering our present outlay, the Baron replied. The cost is of minor consideration, my dear Baron, but the difficulty lies in securing such a one as I desire. Since your government is so strict about these machines, they might suspect that I was securing it for military purposes. I had decided to take a Reed Curtis flying boat with me, but it would not be able to answer the purpose of a large party. If we could secure one of the Zeppelin airships and hydro aeroplanes with about two small turbine motor engines of fifty horsepower and a compartment capable of accommodating your party and a large supply of gasoline secured in safely iron vessels, we could easily overcome the danger of the African interior travels and explore about the Kilima-Najora Mountains, and unknown parts of Central Africa. The Zeppelin airship of the latest type I am informed is able to sustain several tons with ease at a high altitude, Lord Winslow replied as he watched the Baron's expression. Baron Steinhausen was a man about twenty-eight years, medium height, wearing a full military mustache and goatee, and very slow and precise in his manner. He sat passing his hand over his goatee as he listened, and seemed to be in the thoughtful mood. What you said about the airship is correct, but I think I can manage to secure such a machine as you described. I am a friend of Count Zeppelin and can say for him that he is very interested in and devoted to science. This is a scientific as well as hunting expedition. Hare Bayers and my collection will be contributed to our national museum. Hare Bayer, a member of the expedition party, is a botanist and also an authority on natural history, so that his trip is purely scientific. The six Americans are three moving picture men, one doctor and two scientists, who are also keen sportsmen. We may class ourselves as explorers. There you have it. We will call it a scientific expedition. The Count will appreciate the advantages to be obtained from an accurate plan of the country taken from the air. I will manage to secure it for you. You will need an expert from the works to manage the machine. We will be ready to start next month. That will land us in Dongala, the Egyptian Sudan on the Red Sea in July, and we will cross the Nubian Desert in a southwesternly direction by rail to Khartoum. From there we can travel southward on the Nile by steamboat, or the airship to British East Africa. The Americans have secured a permit for our party to hunt big game in that territory, and we plan to hunt in the region of the Victorian Yanza and the Kilimanjara Mountains. We also plan to spend at least four months in East Africa, and take a westerly course through Belgium and French Congo, then travel north by northwest through Cameroon, Nigeria, Dahomey, to Togoland, where we will have an invitation from the Governor to hunt elephants and leopards in the northern regions. That should suit your plans excellently, because Togoland is near Ashanti and the Kong Mountains are in the neighborhood of Ashanti, the Baron explained as he traced the course upon a map of the proposed expedition. The party consisting of Baron Steinhausen, Herr Bayer, Lord Winslow, Mr. Wolf and McCormick, the two American middle-aged scientists and sportsmen, Dr. Rossman, Mr. Williams, Hauson and Billings, the three young moving picture men, and Hearn, Wagner and Reisnes, the two machinists from the Zeppelin Works, with five allays of the five first-mentioned gentlemen embarked upon the Lucretia, Lord Winslow's yacht, at Hamburg and sail for East Africa in the middle of July 1913. The yacht sailed through the Suez Canal down the Red Sea, and landed at Dongala near the middle of August. They spent the months of October, November, December, January and February hunting lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses, of which they succeeded in killing large and select specimens after exciting hunting experiences. The moving picture men were fortunate in obtaining not only the hunting scenes, but arranged their machines at night so as to obtain radiographies of the smaller animals in their natural haunts by means of Rolton Reis, while the botanists and natural history scientists kept busy overseeing the African huntsmen in preserving the specimens for shipment. When the time expired in the East African territory, the party carried the natural history collection to Uganda and shipped them on to Europe. Leaving Uganda, they flew westward into Belgian Congo, and followed their original plans until they reached Togoland, the latter part of June 1914. There they received their mail and the information that the Lucretia was in the Axum Harbor awaiting them. But they did not intend to sail before the beginning of winter, as the heavy rains handicapped their successful hunting. So they camped for a long season in North Togoland. CHAPTER XXXIV On the morning of the 14th of August 1914, some of the guides reported that some man-eating leopards had seized human prey, and were lurking in a neighborhood not far from the camp. The mid-dries had set in and the day was very bright and tempting. Lord Winslow, the three moving pitchermen, Dr. Rossman, the two German machinists, and Lord Winslow's valet, made up a hunting party and left on foot, leaving the others in the camp. The hunting party killed a few antelopes and small game on the march, and were reminded that the African notion of time and distance is very vague and uncertain. In the late afternoon they came upon a small town of savages. They decided to remain for the evening and managed to obtain two small bamboo huts for their accommodation. Lord Winslow and Dr. Rossman, a tall thin, clean-shaven man, happened to have taken two grass hammocks long so they had them tied across the hut side by side, from the poles of the roof. The three moving pitchermen occupied the same hut also, and were obliged to secure grass and leaves and whatever they could to make a pallet upon the dirt floor. A number of villagers stood looking on and watching the preparations. One stalwart young black giant wearing only a loincloth stood within the hut which Lord Winslow and the others occupied, and soon became a nuisance as they wished to retire. Lord Winslow motioned for him to leave them, placed his right hand upon his right cheek, and bent his neck as he tried to express in the African Panamime language that he was sleepy and wished to be alone. The young man misunderstood him, rushed out from the hut to his brothers and relatives, and stated that a white man in the hut had threatened to cut his throat. Quite a commotion was started and a number of Africans rushed in and seized the surprised white men and held them as they waited to be shown the fender. Lord Winslow was pointed out, and was carried as far as the door when a wild-looking bearded white man of giant strength, wearing a gold-band bracelet upon his left arm, knocked the black men down and rescued Lord Winslow. He seemed to have a strange influence upon the men, who stole away sheepishly as he glowered in speechless rage upon them. The other men in the party were in arms and outside just in time to see them steal away. A few minutes afterwards the chief sent a gold and white chicken as a peace offering to Lord Winslow, and the matter was explained. But the identity of the bearded white man was a puzzle they could not solve. The interpreters could only obtain from the villagers that he had come with a caravan a few weeks previously, and was considered and worshipped as a kind of fetish because of his infirmity. They tried to obtain information by signs from the stranger, but he seemed to have been like a child and remembered nothing. The next morning Lord Winslow added the stranger to their party, and both seemed to have developed a strong attachment for each other. After he is barbed and clothed in a decent outfit, I'll bet he will hardly appear to be over thirty-five. The outdoor life certainly has developed his muscles and improved his health. Poor fellow, I would give anything to know his history. Some poor family in Europe mourns his loss to-day, Lord Winslow remarked to Dr. Rossman, who was thoughtfully regarding the subject of discussion. Walking over and examining the man's head he replied, this fellow is suffering from the effects of an accident, either a blow-up on the head or a fall. An operation will restore his memory and speech. Perhaps a shock may have the same result. Well, you can rest assured that he will be placed in the hands of the most killed surgeons of Europe. I will leave no stone unturned to restore him to his former state. Lord Winslow replied. As they neared the camp in the early morning of the seventeenth, Lord Winslow was surprised when Jack, the colored valet of Mr. McCormick, slipped a note to him as he passed on without an explanation and joined the merry group of huntsmen in the rear. Reading the note he read, suggest to the party that we fly over to Ashanti and send away the films and specimens. Be diplomatic and see me privately on arrival. Steinhausen, bear, and camp-hands are gone. A great war is raging in Europe. German machinists must suspect nothing. Wolf will explain to them Steinhausen and the other zapsons satisfactorily. Lord Winslow's brow contracted and he looked around to see if the party had suspicions of anything unusual, but to the satisfaction he noted that Jack was acting the part of a well-trained and diplomatic servant. He was telling of a hunting party which had visited the camp and persuaded Bernsteinhausen and Herr Baer to accompany them over to Dahomey. Mr. McCormick and Wolf had drilled Jack well in his part, so expressions of regret had not having been present to join the party came from all sides. Lord Wilson took advantage of the moment and proposed the trip to Ashanti. This was greeted with loud cheers of approval, and he lost no time in urging an immediate departure, since the weather and air were both favourable. When they reached the camp, Lord Winslow turned his charge over to his valet, while he sought an interview with Mr. McCormick, a sprightly, middle-aged man with a mustache, and about one hundred and eighty pounds in weight. End of Chapter 34 Chapter 35 of The Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. THE FLIGHT It was a fortunate chance that sent you upon the Leopard Hunt, Mr. McCormick said to Lord Winslow as they exchanged greetings. Shortly after you left, messengers arrived from the Governor, ordering Steinhauser and the party to report immediately at Lohm. Steinhauser did not tell me the full contents of the message, but said, Germany and Austria-Hungary are at war with Serbia, Russia and France. England has not declared war as yet. Of course there is no likelihood of America being drawn into this war, so that I would hardly compel the two subjects of a great neutral power to accompany me to headquarters. And it is impossible to escort my friend Lord Winslow back when he has taken a trip by air to Ashanti, and will probably remain. Of course I may be mistaken about the airship, but the two German subjects are away and I have not looked into the hangar. If you will recollect, I was away hunting with Herr Bayer when the party left. If you happen to join Lord Winslow, Mr. McCormick, I hope you and Mr. Wolf will remember to have Lord Winslow land the two machinists safely in German territory. I am sure I can trust my friends and pleasant companions to see that they reach the Fatherland. Remember me to Lord Winslow. I am very sorry I part so abruptly, but I may be back in a few days and see if the party is safely returned. Of Widers' aid, my friend, he ended as he shook hands and hurried the party away. I am almost sure England has joined the war and Baron Steinhausen has done you a great favor, my Lord. We must lose no time, because they will be anxious to obtain your airship and will leave no stone unturned to overtake us. That was indeed a great favor Steinhausen has shown to us all. Our moving picture films would have had to been left behind and nearly all of our supplies, because every one of the boys have deserted except the three you had in your party. We must hasten before they get on to the truth, and cause the Germans to strike or betray us, Mr. McCormick remarked as they both arose. Mr. Wolf, who was a short, medium-sized, clean-faced man, had employed the time well, and they were soon ready for flight. Lord Winslow hardly recognized his protégé, whose clean-shaven face, well-cut hair, and manicured nails, with a suit of Lord Winslow's, had so altered his appearance that his youthful appearance exceeded Lord Winslow's prediction. The beard had saved his face from the sun so that he was only slightly tanned about the forehead and neck, and with the exception of a few gray hairs at the temples, he could easily have passed for thirty-five. He expressed the delight of a child when he saw the great airship removed from its hangar and made ready for flight about one o'clock p.m. He clapped his hands delightedly as the great monster rose from the earth and ascended skyward. Just about six o'clock p.m. they passed into Ashanti, where they were trying to locate a suitable place for landing, when they were mistaken for a hostile airship and fired upon by the British garrison. Great Scott, Mr. McCormick exclaimed, they have mistaken us for the Germans. We must leave this territory and try the Kong Mountain District. The Americans were all into the secret, but the two Germans could not understand the hostile reception. Mr. McCormick, who was ready for any emergency, explained to them that the natives were frightened at the apparition and were responsible for the attack. They flew at a high altitude and landed on Komyo River about midnight and camped upon the river bank. They resumed their flight in a westerly direction. About two o'clock in the afternoon they were flying at a low altitude over the river, when Lord Winslow leaned over the side of the car and toyed with the leopards' claw. What a dreary-looking island we are approaching. No vegetation, whatever upon it! Say! Lord Winslow was suddenly interrupted in his speech by an attack from his protégé. In his surprise he dropped the chain and claw outside of the car. As soon as the stranger saw what had happened he suddenly burst into tears and tried to leap overboard. Lord Winslow was very angry, but when he saw how strangely the poor fellow acted he softened towards him. But he ordered the airship to be lowered into the river and taken back to the strange island where he was sure the claw had fallen. When they reached the island and the skulls and dry bones were discovered no one offered to assist Lord Winslow but the stranger, who could not be restrained. After a long and careful search Lord Winslow discovered the trinket lying broken upon the ground. He picked it up with a cry of dismay at his discovery and saw a piece of paper projecting from the hollow end of the claw. He pulled it out and read it. Why, this must be the very island referred to, because we are in the same latitude and longitude, he remarked, as he went to the end of the island designated in the plot. He soon discovered without digging what the box referred to, protruding from the soft earth. Oliver had had no means of burying it deeply and the heavy rains had washed away the earth. But it would have been safe flying exposed any spot upon the dreaded island. Lord Winslow found the key attached to the box and opened and examined the contents. There are two other claws. What is this? A plot to a diamond field. Poor, unfortunate family. Just then the strange man had given up his diligent search upon the other end and noticed Lord Winslow stooping down over the box. He started to ward them with a quick bound and expectant look. Lord Winslow had just time to lock the box when the man reached and grabbed it from him. How queerly he acts, Lord Winslow remarked, as he made no effort to recover it, but motioned to his companion to follow him to the landing. We will have to fly around and select some place to land because it is four p.m. and too late to continue our journey. Say, Rissnitz, you had better try over this way, because it is less hilly, Mr. McCormick said, as he pointed in a southwesterly direction, after Lord Winslow and his companion had returned to the airship. The stranger hugged the box in his arms and refused to part from it. Lord Winslow related to the party his discovery and the manner in which it affected his companion. So that trinket you dropped was the means of recovering your late father-in-law's hidden fortune? Was it not a strange coincidence and fate which led us over the island? Will you permit me to examine the claw? Mr. McCormick asked as he held out his hand for the Leopard's Claw. That certainly was a great idea of his to place his secret within this claw, he remarked as he returned it. I have been thinking over this matter, and I am almost tempted to believe that the man is either my father-in-law or was present, when the treasure was hidden. But he looks too young to be Mr. Moncreef, and it would be almost impossible for him to escape drowning when his ship was wrecked off the green coast and to have wandered so far into the interior without the news reaching us somehow. Lord Winslow repeated half musingly. Do you remember your father-in-law's features, Lord Winslow? Dr. Rosemann asked. I do not remember him personally, but since you have spoken I must say this young man reminds me a great deal of Mr. Moncreef's photograph taken when he was twenty-five. That firm set of his mouth and chin particularly recalls his features. I really cannot understand it. The more I think of the matter, the more I am convinced that he is Mr. Moncreef, Oliver replied. Stranger things than that have happened, and you may be correct in your surmise. One thing I am sure of, and that is, if he is not Mr. Moncreef of the wreck, your other theory is correct. He was a member of his party and is familiar with the secret, Dr. Rosemann remarked. There are houses upon that hill over there, Mr. Rissnitz called out as he looked through a small telescope and pointed southwardly. What a beautiful park this is below us, Mr. Wolf called out almost simultaneously with Mr. Rissnitz. The party leaned over the sides of the car and looked upon the beautiful scenery below them. This park must belong to some rich planter who lives in the bungalow over the hill. It is an ideal place to land, and we will risk trespassing upon his grounds because it is after five and too late to continue. Let us hope we will not be received with a volley of shrapnel. In what neighborhood are we, Rissnitz? Mr. McCormick asked. We are about fifty odd miles northwest of the Ashanti Frontier in the southwest part of the region of Kong Mountains, Mr. Rissnitz replied. As they neared the ground the stranger, whom they had been discussing, jumped overboard holding the box before he could be stopped. The poor fellow must be killed. I wonder why he jumped out. They all repeated almost in a chorus. As soon as they had landed, Dr. Rosemann, Lord Winslow, and the others hurried to his side. This fellow has a remarkably strong institution. I can find nothing more serious than a cut back of the head. Don't worry, he will be conscious soon. I shall be better able to find out if he sustained internal injuries when we get him to bed, Dr. Rosemann stated in answer to the query. Lord Winslow removed the box from the arms of the unconscious form. I shall walk up to the house and obtain permission to have him taken in and put to bed at once. By the way, there comes someone upon horseback. It appears to be a woman in white. Lord Winslow announced as he hurried towards the approaching figure upon horseback. End of CHAPTER XXXV CHAPTER XXXVI of the Leopards Club by George Washington Ellis. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. THE REUNION Many changes had taken place upon the mission settlement in the past two years, since Lucretia's arrival. Mr. Wilson's check had enabled Lucretia to present the mission a stream launched to navigate travel on the river, and the Golddiggers' liberal offerings to the young air had aided in making better roads upon which the new spring wagons and horses now traveled. Thus the difficulties of transporting the mail and mission stores were overcome and a regular three-weeks mail service between the acts and post office to the mission substation at the railway terminus. The Wilson Hill, as Lucretia had christened their new home, contained, besides a large story and a half-iron bungalow, newly painted in a modest coat of gray and green shutters, a small white and green frame cottage, with three large and neat square mud houses in their rear. Eva's early training and Oliver's great devotion has so molded her life to one of dependency and weakness, which even her great sorrow had developed the firm and determined character inherited from her father and the old Earl. But as she grew more thoughtful, a softened look overspread her features which gave it a melancholy charm and reminded one of the Madonna. She had converted the interior of the bungalow into a royal-regulated summer home of an English aristocratic family. Her small music room contained a piano, Victrola and the latest records, a violin and guitar, both of which last named instruments Eva was expert in playing, so that the Reverend and Mrs. Jones spent many delightful evenings at the bungalow, listening to Lucretia accompany Eva up on the piano, and their favorite opera stars entertaining them from the hornless machine. Lucretia had trained Mary and Nora, her two maids, from the mission, to dress in uniforms and act in yangas and zenas places as ladies' maids. Xena and Twi were married and lived in the neighboring cottage, and they were now the proud parents of a young son and heir. Yanga and Varney had also married, but refused to give up their old duties. They therefore lived at the bungalow, Yanga acting in her envied position of the undisputed nurse of young Reginald. Varney continued to act as butler and steward boy around the house, while Old Toby was settled in the three-mud houses with his three respective wives and small family. He continued to prepare appetizing meals in his stoical manner, and twelve-yard piece of figured cotton cloth draped across his shoulders, just as he used to at the Sierra Leone home. Lame, a ten-year-old African boy, who wore the dress of a page with buttons, was the last addition to the house domestics. Lucretia had to give up the idea of having Yanga, Varney, and Toby dress in the style she wished. So she had to accustom herself to seeing Yanga's loose-fitting cotton gown and Varney's white shirt and bloomers around the house. This afternoon Eva and Lucretia sat in two Madeira arm-chairs under some fruit trees in the backyard, reading the newly arrived mail. Eva's appearance told very little of the great suffering and trials she had endured, and but for a few gray hairs, which her abundant supply of brown curls hid from view, and a sad and expectant look a close observer would detect about her eyes, one would take her to be a young woman about twenty-eight or twenty-nine, who was enjoying a summer tour and the elder sister of her companion. Eva held an open copy of a Chicago daily upon her lap as she scanned its pages. Lucretia read a letter which seemed to contain important news by the expression of her face. They both wore white afternoon dresses and were bareheaded. In front of one of Toby's houses a strong and heavily-built, young black barefoot girl of fifteen, wearing a short calico dress, and a black youth of sixteen dressed in cotton jeans, stood before a large roundwood and mortar holding two heavy wooden pistols of about five feet each, which they grasped by the sander and pounded alternately in rhythmic and merry unison upon a sticky white mass of cassava dough within the mortar. They dipped their pistols occasionally into a nearby bucket of water, when loud reports as the sound of pistol shots would come forth from the mortar, announcing to the waiting native diners that the favorite African dish, Gumboy, was nearly prepared for consumption. A short distance from the couple standing under a tree was the two-year-old son of Lucretia. Nora, the brown skinned maid, wearing her complete uniform of white, stood near him as he tried to hug a small monkey in his arms and divide his attention alternately between a young fawn, standing as high as himself, and a litter of guinea pigs, which he stooped and petted. Jacko stood the slide as long as possible, and his jealousy, finally overcoming him, he escaped from Reginald's arms and jumped upon Eva's lap, interrupting her reading. Mother, I am so glad that I wrote to Elaine and confided in them. Listen to what she says. Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois, July 21, 1914 My dearest Lucretia, we could only forgive you for deserting and treating us as you did, because it enabled you to find your dear mother. We rejoice with you and only regret that we did not share your secret earlier. You gave us a great scare, darling, when we could find no trace of you at Freetown, but we won't scold you now. So like the dear girl she is, Lucretia interjected. Bobby, Mr. Wilson and myself, read your letter together, and we decided to take the matter into our own hands and act in the interest of our Godson. Just think of it, a young Lord is my Godson. Bob is a friend of your uncle, and was a guest of his seven years ago at the Montroy Castle in Scotland. He is acquainted with your husband also. So he has decided to go to England in two weeks' time and explain the circumstances to both of them in person. You can depend upon my Bob to put things right. So leave the matter with him and rest easy, until you hear from him. He says you may expect a cable-gram about the 26th or 27th of next month. I would accompany him also, but the stork visited us two weeks ago and left a wee, bald-headed toothless miss with me. Only the love for and great interest we have in you and yours influenced Bobby to decide to desert the court of the autocratic and tyrannical ruler in the person of her royal highness, Miss Lucretia Moncrief Wilson, of Chicago. Bobby will accompany your husband, or the Earl of doubly, to Wilson Hill, so as to be present at the reunion and bring you back to stand Godmother for your namesake. Bobby joins in love to you and mother. You will have to divide her with me because I have no mother of my own. Kiss mother and our Godson many times for me. Bobby and Lucretia join me in sending bushels of love and kisses. Your friend and sister, Elaine. PS, I am sending you a copy of the Chicago Tribune. Read the society page. The dear child. Of course I will take her to my heart and love her as a daughter, even remarked as Lucretia ended the letter. We must send Twee to ax him to-morrow, because this is the twenty-first, and, let me see, it will take, say, give him eight days to cross over and attend to his business, for going to Worcestershire. Yes, he has seen them by now, Lucretia repeated, as she unconsciously drifted into a soliloquy. But mother, do you know that Elaine's news about my namesake has caused me to think of a new probable problem? Suppose that Georgiana has a child also. Oh, mother, see what my folly may cause. Hush, Lucretia, you have no right to imagine such things and cross bridges before you reach them. Here is the newspaper Elaine referred to. Is this the kind of airship you flew away with Mr. Wilson in, Eva said, trying to change the subject, as she held before her the front page of the Chicago Tribune, and pointed toward a cartoon in a large phantom zeppelin airship, flying over the silhouette of a city, throwing out searchlights into the air. Lucretia looked at the airship and replied, No, mother, Mr. Wilson's machine was a biplane, similar to that toy aeroplane that was on Reginald's Christmas tree. There are different kinds and makes. The machine you are looking at is a kind of balloon and modern aircraft combined, Lucretia replied. Well, I feel like old Rip Van Winkle. I have been in this wilderness for nearly fourteen years. So many new things have taken place during that time that I shall feel out of place at home, Eva repeated musingly. You will find old London as you left it, except for the New King's Highway and a few building improvements. There has been little change. The wireless telegraphy and aeroplanes are the most important invention since your exile. Don't worry, mother, we have been keeping up with the styles and latest music, which are, after all, about all the ladies of your world care about, Lucretia replied. That is true, Lucretia. I'm afraid that we have gone to the extreme in the matter of dress. It seems comical to me, sometimes, when we are donning these late fashionable dinner gowns and dining in state with Reverend Jones and the madam dressed in their comfortable clothing. I really believe our Sunday evenings and holiday dinners are becoming more and more a nuisance to the couple, but of course I know that you want to keep up the customs of your husband's well-regulated establishment. It seems so strange that a young couple would have had time to think of so much so soon after marriage. Dear me, how old are you, Lucretia? Nineteen this September, mother. Think of it, I have been separated from Oliver nearly fourteen years. Say, Lucretia, tomorrow is the anniversary of Oliver's forty-first birthday. Do you know I do not believe that he is dead? Something tells me that he is still alive and wandering through the interior, searching for me. That is why I've been so content to remain here, and I hate to think of going away for fear he may come, Eva remarked. Somehow I feel that way also, mother, and especially so the last few days. I feel as if something startling is going to happen. You remember how strongly the impression that you were alive influenced me. But we will turn the bungalow and things over to Younga and Xena, so that with Tui and Varney going about in the interior and the women always about the place, we may rest assured Father would soon be in touch with us. And don't forget Dr. Jones and the Madam. They are so wedded to the mission work that they may be considered as permanent fixtures. I think Toby will take his family back to Cape Coast Castle, Lucretia replied. Lucretia, do you know? Sometimes I believe that if Lord Wilson had not been too punctilious in his habits and devoted his time to winning your confidence, you too would have been as happy as Oliver and myself used to be. Oliver thought that everything I wore was perfectly lovely. All of my actions were perfectly grand, so you see, my dear, we had no time to find out each other's faults. Excuse me, mother, but I must be going for my afternoon ride, Lucretia repeated, as she interrupted her mother's reminiscences and walked towards the back porch entrance. Lame! Go and tell Tui to saddle my horse and have it ready for my ride. She instructed the page when she entered the back door. Lucretia did not like to have her mother discuss her husband's exacting ways. She had often reflected upon their short married life and had thrashed out all of their mistakes. Oh, Reginal, why didn't I confide in you the terrible secret that burned within my breast because of Lady Dudley's statement made to me on the eve of our marriage? Yes, I should have confessed and heard your side of the story that morning before the ceremony. If I had even tried to understand him, things might have been different. How I used to hate to conform to the narrow routine of dress and customs. Now, oh now, how I love them. Yes, too late. Oh, if I had only married with this wisdom, I see that now as I think of it. Poor Reginal must have had an embarrassing and lonely time with his poor half-frightened and reserved girl-wife. No wonder the poor boy welcomed my lively cousin. Why, the castle was as dull as a prison and when Georgiana brought in the sunshine we needed but to exchange dress and I would have made a model widow. Reverend Jones thinks that it would be right to give Reginal the divorce in order that he may remarry Georgiana and avoid scandal. I am sure that this is the right thing to do, but oh, when I think of the possibility of losing my little Reggie also, I am also tempted to forget his future. But I must be brave and pay the penalty of my rash folly, although it breaks my heart. Lucretia suddenly aroused herself from her meditative monologue and changed into a white duck writing outfit. She ran down the steps of the back porch bare headed, because it was after 5 p.m. and the afternoon was cool and pleasant. She kissed Eva and walked over to young Reginald, who was still busy with the guinea pig pets. Stooping down, she lifted and kissed him as he threw his arms around her neck. Then after saying something to Nora concerning Reginald, she started towards the front of the house carrying a Ratan writing whip in her hands. Don't write too far, Lucretia. It is getting late and time you should be returning. Eva called out to her. Yes, mother dear, have no fear. I shall be back in time to dress for supper. She replied as she tripped away. As soon as Lucretia emerged from the shades of the thick trees which screened the bungalow, she saw the airship in the valley, but could not decide for certain what it really was because of the distance. Tui, what is that large white thing in the valley that looks like a balloon or airship? I see men moving. I wish I had my glasses. Let us hurry and find out if they are white men. Why, yes they are. Here comes one towards us. Lord Winslow identified Lucretia about the same time she recognized his familiar figure. Lucretia, oh Lucretia! he cried as he rushed towards her. Reginald, reg. Tui was just in time to catch his fainting mistress. Lord Winslow was at her side in a second and almost roughly pushed Tui away as he took the unconscious form from the saddle. He gently placed her upon the lawn as he knelt over her, rubbing her hands and calling her name. She opened her eyes and pushing him away said, Go away and leave me, please. I did not know that it was you at first. Lord Winslow felt the sting of the words very keenly. Having suffered so long from the cruel deception, the mystery of which he could not solve, he drew away and stood before her. Permit me to assist you to rise. Ah, this is better. Before I leave you, I think you owe me an explanation for the cruel and heartless treatment I have received at your hands. Why did you pretend to love me and even plighted your faith in the holy matrimonial vows, when you knew that my person was so obnoxious to you that you preferred to relinquish your family ties and large inheritance and banish yourself in the interior of Africa among savages? I left you because I wished you to be happy, Lucretia replied. Happy? Oh, the mockery of the word! Your idea of happiness is rather strange and peculiar. Is that the reason you parted with the Leopard's Claw that your father instructed you never to part with? Did you know the secret of its contents? He asked as he pulled out the claw. I knew that it held some secret which a letter that Uncle has would reveal when I was twenty-one. But believe me, I really wanted you to be happy, she replied. What did you imagine that the wealth of all Africa would repay me for all I have suffered? Here is your treasure of pearls and diamonds and the plot to a diamond mine. I hope they will bring you the happiness you wished for me, Lord Winslow replied. And he pointed to the box and raised his cap as he started to walk away. Reginal, I-I didn't mean the treasure. I-I meant that you might be happy with your wife. She appealingly called out to him. My wife? What are you talking of? You are my wife. I meant Georgiana, whom you married soon after you thought I was dead, she replied. My poor child, who has put such silly ideas into your head, he replied as he drew nearer. I saw you two in Paris before the Hotel de Ville and in Rome at the Saint-Marie de la Pace, and I was standing before the four Sibyls of Raphael when Georgiana came between us and I lost sight of you. After searching over the church for you, I gave up and thought that I had only seen a vision. My trip to Freetown, where I tried to find Zena, was equally as fruitless. So I finally began to believe that you were really dead, since I had seen your apparition in the church, Lord Winslow interrupted, as he seized her hands and looked into her face. But what about the announcement of your honeymoon trip to Japan that I saw in the London Times? I was on my way to beg your forgiveness when I read it off Cape Blanco, she inquired. My poor little girl, you have also suffered under a cruel mistake. That was Lord Roland Onslo, my cousin, who had recently married. The papers are always confusing our names. No, darling, you are my wife. The boy's passion for Georgiana died long ago. Couldn't you see, sweetheart, that it was you that I loved all of the time? Lord Winslow folded Lucretia into his arms, and they joyed in the newly found happiness of a complete understanding and restored confidence. Twee had left the couple as soon as Lucretia recovered consciousness, and he ran towards the airship. As soon as he drew near the crowd, he recognized Oliver, who had recovered consciousness and was looking around for the box. Master! Twee, Twee and Oliver exclaimed almost at the same time. Come on, Master, Miss Lucretia is over there, repeated Twee, pointing to the couple. Oliver started to run. Dr. Rossman called after him. Stop there, man. You had better be careful. You will start that wound to bleeding afresh. Oliver paid no heed to the warning, but continued to run, while the astonished crowd followed. He was obliged to interrupt the beautiful love scene by hailing Lucretia before his approach was noticed by the couple. Father! Oh, Father! Oh, here is my lost daddy! She cried as she flew into his arms. Father! This is Reginald, my husband, she said, as soon as she was calmed. And the two men grasped each other's hand. Father! The jump was a very fortunate thing for you, because it has restored your memory and speech at the same time. But how is the wound? Lord Winslow anxiously inquired. Oh, it is all right, but you are mistaken when you say that the fall restored my memory. It was the sight of you holding Lucretia's leopard claw neck charm that restored my memory. The fall, however, restored the speech for which I am indeed thankful. By the way, you have dropped the claw again, Oliver repeated. And he stooped and picked up the forgotten charm which had fallen unheeded as they embraced. You will unite this happy family through the leopard claw in the Valley of Allah. Old Moly's prophecy had come to pass. Where is Eva, Lucretia? Oliver asked, after repeating the quotation from their prediction of the old Islamic priest of Masadu. Can you two stand any more surprises and happiness today? teasingly asked Lucretia. Hurry up, Lucretia, and take me to Eva. You will see then that true happiness possesses a healing charm, Oliver replied. Lucretia caught hold of one of the hands of her husband and father and ran between them, pulling them as they ran along like children. They had forgotten all about the treasure box and left it standing upon the ground. But we picked up the box and explained the circumstances of the reunion of the lost family to the astonished hunting-party. And they followed the happy trio. Lucretia made a lovely picture of her husband and her father Lucretia made a lovely picture of happy and carefree girlhood, while Lord Winslow had lost his precise manner and chatted boishly, like a romping schoolboy. When they reached the foot of the hill, Eva was standing midway of the hill, bending over little Reginald as she retied and adjusted the bow at the front of his white sailor blouse, which the pacified jaco had unloosened while Reginald hugged it in his arms. Eva had changed into a dinner-dress and combed her hair in the style that Oliver used to admire. And she reminded Oliver, at this time of the days, when Lucretia used to toddle at her side like the little stranger. But Oliver spent no time in reminiscences. He bound up the hill, calling to as Eva. She looked up and recognized him instantly. Oliver, my own lost Oliver, she cried as she was enveloped in his embrace. Lord Winslow was puzzled at first at the sight of the young stranger, but Lucretia pointed towards them and exclaimed, Look at mother and her son Reginald. Our son, he replied. He let go Lucretia's hand and bounded after Oliver. And he almost reached his astonished son at the same time and embraced Eva. Lucretia arrived soon afterwards, almost out of breath. Lord Winslow now embraced her with one arm as he held his son and heir in the other. Jaco had leaped from Reginald's arms in the excitement, and he stood off watching the two happy scenes in an attitude of perplexity. Little Reginald whispered it all to Jaco, that night just before he was sent to bed. And he made a plane to Jaco that he had much to be thankful for, that he was just an observer of the reunion, because finding one's dad and granddad was not so pleasant after all, since it meant the smothering of a little fellow in their strong arms. And a reminded one of the great hug of the teddy bears, which Mammy says, hug naughty little boys until they promise to be good. End of Chapter 36 End of The Leopards' Claw by George Washington Ellis