 Chapter 16 of the Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Eva starts search for her husband. Six months passed, each day adding more and more to the suspense in her mind, as to the fate of her husband. Finally, calling Yanga to her one evening, she said, Yanga, I can stand this suspense no longer. I shall take some of the boys and go searching for my husband. I know that you love Lucretia as if she were your own child, so I shall leave her in the care of you and Toby. Lucretia is the only person Toby really cares for, and I know he would defend her with his life. Oh, Miss Eva, don't go away. You know I'll give my life for Miss Lucretia. But I want us all to be together, Yanga replied. But you do not understand, Yanga, I have no right to risk my daughter's life any more than we have already. I'm leaving a letter to be given to Governor Rowe, in case we do not return in six months. If after that time we are not returned, you and Toby must join the first caravan going to Masada. Tell King Banna Kelly of your desire to be sent to Governor Rowe of Freetown, and he will send you on. After completing the arrangements for her departure, Eva kissed Lucretia quickly as the letters leapt upon her cot. Taking Varney Ezra escort, she started with eight carriers, two bearing her hammock and the others the camp supplies. They proceeded along the river trail, camping at night, when they would put up a small camp tent for Eva. One evening the boys were squatting around a fire near the tent, when a large leopard crept noiselessly along and sneaked in between the flaps of the tent. Eva lay in a hammock stretched lengthwise. She opened her eyes upon its entrance, and lay gazing at the fiery eyes of the beast as it watched closely, and remained in a springing attitude. Eva realized that the least movement on her part meant instant death. She therefore lay very quiet, not even daring to bat her eyes. Just as she had given up hope of rescue, she heard a loud growl, and saw Varney run in from the back end of the tent with a large torch of fire which he shook before the leopard, and it retired with furious growls. Eva lost consciousness for a few minutes but soon recovered, and learned that when the leopard's tail disappeared within the tent the carriers had all deserted, saying that she was killed and that they must seek safety. Varney alone ventured to attempt rescue. They decided it was unsafe to remain longer in the neighborhood of the infuriated beast, whose growls could be heard in the distance. Varney bundled a few things which he strapped to his shoulders, as he also shouldered a winchester rifle. He gave Eva a lighted torch, proceeded in a bending position searching the narrow trail. Thus they continued, frightening the antelope and other beasts which scampered along the way. They finally came upon a small half-town of bamboo huts and sleeping natives in the early morning. Eva questioned the frightened inhabitants who could not understand Varney's tongue, and with a pandemime conversation soon realized that she could gain no tidings of Oliver from them. After resting a day, Varney managed to secure a canoe with paddles and they started in the early morning by the water-route. As they were paddling near the bank they came upon some wild cane which grew partly in the water. As Varney was trying to extricate the canoe from the floating weeds, a hippopotamus was aroused from a siesta and plunged into the stream, upsetting the canoe in its hurried departure. Eva managed to catch hold of the overturned canoe, and held on until Varney rescued her just before the hippopotamus returned to investigate the cause of the recent excitement. Going to the woods with no means of making a fire and with no food, Varney climbed into a tree to secure some monkey apples for their meal, when he saw a large elephant running in Eva's direction. He just had time to shout to her to climb a tree. It was close upon her before she reached a small tree which she hastily climbed. The elephant wrapped its trunk around the slender tree and made an effort to uproot it. The tree tops swayed and bent nearly to the ground, while Eva clung to its branches. It seemed only a question of a few minutes before the tree would be uprooted. Several days after Eva had left the camp, Toby ran to Yanga, who was preparing Lucretia's noonday meal, and said, Give me little and quick, quick, war-lift come for here. Picking up Lucretia he started for the woods, while Yanga, true to her precautious disposition, gathered up some articles of clothing, food, and the letter, which she tied into a large madras handkerchief and bundled it into a large blanket shawl. She then followed Toby's bush trail, just as the war-party was nearing the barricade. Toby had concealed himself and waited until Yanga approached when, still carrying Lucretia, they ran further into the woods. But Yanga's delay had almost been fatal, for some of the warriors had caught a glimpse of her calico-rapper as she disappeared into the woods, so that while the greater number despoiled and ravaged the camp, even to cutting up the canvas tents, a few pursued Yanga. The warriors were very close upon them when Toby handed Lucretia to Yanga and ran into view, so as to throw them off Yanga's tracks. His long cloth which historically wore across his shoulders even in jungle flight, readily deceived the party who had caught only a glimpse of Yanga's wrapper. Yanga in the meantime lay down with Lucretia behind a large log and remained very quiet, until their pursuers had disappeared in another direction. Lifting Lucretia on one arm while she balanced the bundle upon her head with the other, she ran as rapidly as she could over the many roots and through the thick grass. When she reached a safe distance, she stood Lucretia upon a rock and opened her bundle. After giving Lucretia a few biscuits, she had Lucretia hold on to her shoulders and sit upon her back, as she tied the large blanket around her. Yanga had frequently employed this method of conveyance since Lucretia was quite small, and now, although she was quite a little made, she still enjoyed the ride. Lifting the bundle upon her head, Yanga held her shirt as she weighted the ponds and marshy swamps. When night approached she looked around till she found a large hollow tree. Taking a stick in her hand she prodded up the trunk and around until she was satisfied no serpents or poisonous insects were concealed within. She then gathered up a large pile of dryers and thorny shrubs and placed them near the entrance. After placing Lucretia inside and creeping in upon her hands, she pulled the pile before the tree. Opening and snuggling in with Lucretia, wrapped snugly in the blanket, while she sat and watched a large ape return to its lair. She dared not make a move and looked in terror as the huge monkey attempted to pull away the brush. But after several of the thorns had stuck into its paws, with a cry of pain and rage, it ambled away. Thus the night passed as she watched the buffalo, antelope, heartbeast, and other wild animals pass by seeking their respective layers or prey. Thus they wandered through the forest, eating wild figs, pineapples, and other fruits and sleeping among the roots of the large cotton-wit trees or caves. Emerging from the forest they entered a hot, sandy plain. As far as Yanga could see was only a barren desert. Holding Lucretia's hand they wandered on. Lucretia looked up into Yanga's face and said, Oh, Yanga, I am so thirsty and I want my mama and papa so bad! Yanga picked her up and struggled along until she was hardly able to stand upon her feet, when Lucretia began crying. Yanga threw up her hands in despair and lay exhausted for a while. Going to her feet she picked up her bundle and held Lucretia by the hand as they walked through the burning sands. They finally reached a large tree when Lucretia and Yanga fell exhausted under his shade and were soon asleep. Lucretia first awoke, crying for water, when Yanga opened her eyes in time to see a small monkey climbing a tree with some fruit in its hand and mouth. Yanga looked around and discovered quite a number of little brown rough-skinned plums which partially elayed the thirst of both. After securing quite a number they resumed their journey. The parched lips refused to be cooled by the plums and just as Yanga had given up hope, she recognized in a short distance the traveller's tree, warnia spesia. With renewed hope she picked up Lucretia and went as fast as her weak state would permit. As soon as she reached the tree she opened a large pocket knife and cut away one of the fronds. As soon as the water flowed she satisfied Lucretia's thirst and then her own. They entered a sparsely wooded forest and finally came upon a ruined native village. All of the houses except one small bamboo hut had been raised to the ground by fire. All of the vegetation and fruit trees near had also met the same fate. It was about 4 p.m. when they reached the village and Lucretia was fatigued. She affixed a pallet of the blanket in the small hut and lay Lucretia upon the same to rest. After Lucretia had fallen asleep, Yanga wandered around in search for food. Lucretia woke soon after she had gone and coming out of the hut she began crying and calling for Yanga. Just from behind a clump of dried banana bushes appeared a little black five-year-old baby girl, wearing only beads around her waist and holding the hand of a large chimpanzee, almost as large as herself. She looked in Lucretia's direction, first in fright, but the side of Lucretia's tears overcame the first idea of flight. Lucretia was so glad of human companionship and having a fondness for monkey pets, she did not hesitate very long but ran to meet the queer pair. Recalling some of the African words she had heard Varney and Yanga frequently use, she said, "'Yakun? How do you do?' The little girl's face became full of smiles, showing her little white baby teeth. "'Yun Lekun,' she replied, returning the compliments. "'Wotui. What are your names?' Lucretia asked. "'Natun Zena Anatun Nogi. My name is Zena and his name is Nogi,' Zena replied, as she indicated the chimpanzee in her last reply. Zena soon made Lucretia understand, with the addition of the African pandemime language, that the language they both spoke was a branch of the manditongue, and that she and her mother had lived long ago far away, in the Mandingo country, and had been caught in war and sold as slaves back farther into the interior. Then the war had come upon the village a few weeks before and killed nearly all of the inhabitants, her mother among them. As she made the motion of cutting the throat, she burst into tears and was soothed by Lucretia, who patted her gently upon the back. Nogi, she continued, had fled with her to safety among the woods, and had fed and acted as her mother ever since. As the children conversed they wandered toward the woods, being led unconsciously by Nogi, which gently pulled Zena's hand as she ambled toward the forest. Lucretia suddenly realized that it was becoming dark, and she pulled Zena and Nogi back to the deserted village as she cried for yanga. But as the night shadows began to fall, Nogi, very insistently, led them toward the woods until they reached a small opening closed with brushwood. Nogi opened the brush and entered the aperture, and coming out again she gathered fresh leaves and carried them into the cave, near which she drew her charges in and pulled the brush before the opening. After the children lay in the rear upon the leaves, Nogi stretched across the front in order to protect them. One day a hunting party of Africans, clothed in cotton shirts and carrying spears, passed near the cave just as Nogi was about to enter with food for the children. The man gave a shout as soon as they saw her. Nogi made no effort to escape nor to enter the cave, but threw down her fruit before the entrance in a defensive attitude. One of the huntsmen wounded her before she could be removed from her stand. The children heard the commotion and partly witnessed the struggle. They both began crying, and when the men looked into the cavern, they were overcome with awe at the sight of the two children, especially Lucretia, whose golden hair was in wild disorder, and her blue eyes expanded in fright. The men had never before seen a white person. They therefore fell upon their faces in a worshipful attitude. When they arose they brought forth the two children, and looking around saw Nogi dead beside the entrance. They buried her inside the cave and left. Placing each child upon the shoulders of the two men, they proceeded in the same direction which they came. Varney realized the imminent danger Eva was in. She therefore hastily descended from a safe perch and attracted the elephant's attention. The huge animal suddenly unloosened his snout from the tree, which bounded back so quickly that Eva was nearly thrown out. Varney shouted to her to make her escape as the elephant chased him in fast pursuit. One day as Eva wandered through the woods, she heard voices of some natives passing on a nearby trail. She had been so long without human companionship that she preferred the risk of capture to the jungle terrors. Emerging from the woods, she came upon the hunting-party bearing Lucretia. Calling out to Lucretia, she ran as fast as she could, holding out her arms. Lucretia recognized her mother and began kicking upon the man's breast as she screamed and called for her mama. The men halted at this other miracle, and watched the two in their wild embrace. Eva was too weak to walk with the party. The men therefore cut poles and bamboo and thatch, and constructed a stretcher upon which they placed Eva and Lucretia, and which was placed upon the shoulders of four men. They arrived at a large African town of Mudhuts, situated at the base of a mountain called the Yahweh Mountain, or Mountain of God. The large clean town was arranged in circular streets. The king and people decided that Eva and Lucretia had been sent by the moon-god, whom they worshipped. He therefore delivered Eva and the children to the priest from the mountain, and ordered that they should tend the fires and live upon the Yahweh Mountain. They were led up the steep pathway to the summit, where a large space was cleared away and enclosed in a stout fence. In the center stood a circular mosque-shaped temple covered with thatch. In the center of the polished floor was a large ebony-carved image of a man in a sitting posture. Upon its brow was a half-moon-shaped golden crown. In his right hand he held a long ebony staff surmounted by half-moon and a star in the center of the same metal. Its stool was of gold, while large half-moon rings were hanging from its ears and nose. In the front of the idol a slow fire of sweet-smelling twigs burned continually night and day. At the back of the temple several small huts were reserved for the priests and virgins, who kept the fire burning. Eva and the children were given a hut to themselves. They were given white robes, crowns and belts of gold to wear when performing the sacred rites. When Oliver returned to his hut, Alpha called in a very bad mood, What's the matter, you no married king-daughter? There is no need in discussing the subject again, Alpha, Oliver replied, Me make ye, ye biggy man, so me be biggy priest. You leave for spoil everything. Let me give you to understand, now you will never add to your power by attempting to marry me to any one, Oliver replied, as he emphasized the same with his fist upon a long table. Alpha then left in a rage. Some time afterward Twee came in and said, Master Alpha, don make a wide goat-skinned belt, which he put all him big pearls and put it round him waist. I think he live for get ready to go away. Say, I guess we'd better try our skill on the leopard hide and keep a watch upon his movements, Oliver replied. The hide had been well tanned, so that they soon managed by punching holes to make a secure belt of five inches width, which they also filled with their best pearls. CHAPTER XVII. One day the town was assembled in the open court, and Alpha announced that the king's oldest son was bewitched and lay at the point of death. That the king had demanded a saucer-wood trial, trial by poison ordeal, but that he had managed to locate the guilty party by a cult means and thus that person only should be subjected to the ordeal. The villagers were so glad to be relieved of the general test that they received this announcement with applause. Alpha then named the nephew of Zodopanga. This announcement was received in silence. Zodopanga stepped forth and accused Alpha in turn and ended. If you kill my nephew, and the king's son fails to recover, you and your moon-man will drink the saucer-wood. If you escape harm, my nephew was the witch. This speech was greeted with loud cheers and met the approval of King Wanga. Alpha led away a tall, muscular young man of about six feet. They returned shortly afterward with Folas, the suspected witch, head clean shaven. Alpha directed the arranging of a fire upon the ground over which a large earthen pot of water was placed upon three stones in closing the fire. He next held in his hand several pieces of sassawood bark, over which he made incantations and dropped into the boiling water. After the liquid had boiled a sufficient length of time, he dipped in a gourd dipper and tested the strength by tasting a little. When the tea was cooled, Alpha made a speech and carried a quart of the liquid to Fula, who squatted upon the ground in terror. He compelled the victim to drain the gourd dipper. Fula soon began to roll and groan in misery. The administering of the saucer-wood was continued two more times at half-hour intervals. The victim finally rushed around in a twisted position and felt dead at Alpha's feet. When Oliver returned home after witnessing the terrible ordeal, he was very much upset and had determined to use his last cartridge in defense when he should be brought for trial. Alpha crept in shortly afterward and whispered, Get ready, we leave for runaway to-night. They discussed their plans and decided upon their meeting-place before Alpha departed. Oliver stored his leopard claws within his belt, together with his pearls, and fastened it around his waist. Tweetied up the remaining pearls in a grass-bag and bundled it with a few provisions and grass-maths. He left about four p.m. and passed unmolested to the meeting-place agreed upon. Shortly after he had gone, women ran from the huts and rolled upon the ground as they screamed that the young prince was dead. Oliver took advantage of the confusion to slip through the crowd and enter the woods. He had no more than reached Tweet when Alpha ran upon them almost out of breath. He carried a large white parcel to which he clung tenaciously. They started upon the river trail and had not proceeded very far when they heard sounds of their pursuers. They could distinguish several canoes upon the river, full of yelling madmen. Many they perceived that a portion of the pursuers had taken the river trail and were close upon them. They could hear the men piercing their spears into the bushes as they followed. Unable to flee without revealing their presence, they hid behind a clump of bushes and remained very quiet. But the wary huntsman continued prodding into the shrubs. When they approached very near, Oliver had at first decided to use his last cartridge, but knowing the fury of the crowd and the large numbers likely to be attracted from the river by the report, he concluded to try a ventriloquist's trick, with which he used to amuse his companions in his school days. He gave a very accurate imitation of a leperage growl. The brave man-hunters ran away in fright from the dreaded beast. Alpha and Tweet were also deceived, and were it not that the men were in too great a haste to make their own escape. They would have seen Alpha also running in fright. Oliver decided not to let Alpha into the secret, but explained to Tweet, who soon ran back to his master's side. The party continued their trail free from their pursuers. One morning they came upon a full-grown, bold rhinoceros which immediately charged upon the party. Oliver and Tweet were quick in their movements and were soon up in the safety of two large trees. Alpha was very much hampered by his white gown, which flared in the wind, as the rhinoceros followed close upon him. When he attempted to climb a tree, the animal pinned the gown to the tree, and only when Oliver shouted several times did he slip out of the gown and continue his ascent. The white gown soon covered the beast's head, and this infuriated the animal the more as it ran around trying to extricate itself. When it had finally trampled the gown to pieces, it kept a long vigil around the trees. Oliver stood the imprisonment for several hours, when he fired his last shot at the jailer. Although the shot missed the mark, it had the desired effect and frightened the beast away. They left the old trail and came upon a large field of guinea grass. They suffered much for water until they reached a small cluster of palm trees. Twee climbed into a bamboo palm and tapped the top, from which the fresh palm wind spurted. He called to Oliver, but Alpha pushed Oliver out of the way and hastily ascended. Fought with Twee and satisfied his own thirst first. Thus again he showed his selfishness. They camped under the trees, first having burned away a large patch of the grass. They then gathered grass and twigs and made a circle of fire around them and divided the night into watches. During Alpha's watch he fell asleep and the fire caught the surrounding field and caused a general conflagration. The heat awakened Oliver, who discovered upon all sides flames of fire, the heat and smoke becoming more and more unbearable. Climbing hastily into the scorched palm tree, he saw numerous wild animals running in a certain direction. He decided that a stream must be the goal, so informing his terrified companions of his surmise and desperate determination, they cut palm leaves and following the tracks of the animals over the smoldering grass, fighting the flames which continually caught Alpha's gown. They reached the stream almost overcome, but their trials were not ended, as the stream was filled with wild and terror stricken beasts of prey and elephants. They were therefore compelled to climb a tree, when they discovered stout vines reaching across the stream. Tweed ventured across first, then Oliver and Alpha followed, swinging over to the vines with their blistered hands. One day returning to the old camp, Oliver found himself in familiar grounds. With a cry of joy he rushed toward the hill of his old camp. When he reached the summit and saw the ruin and devastation that greeted him, he ran toward the frame of one of their old tents and threw up his hands in despair. Falling forward he was caught by Tweed, who seated him gently upon the grass. Oliver remained sitting with his head in his hands for a whole day. Finally recovering himself, he began to look around for some message from his wife. He remembered the hiding place of their strong box in which the private papers, the nuggets, rings, writing material, and an extra compass were kept. Digging into the ground he uncovered it and opened it and found within. My dearest, if you should reach the camp before I find you, Yanga will tell you how long I waited and suffered before starting out to search for you. Lucretia is in safe hands with Yanga and Tobi. I would not take the risk of removing her from this safe retreat. I am taking the same route that you took. Au revoir, dearie, until we meet again shortly, your wife. Oliver broke down in a good cry for the first time during his troubles. Tweed found two pairs of Oliver's trousers hidden away under an old bamboo bed. Oliver took them and donned them in a place of the tattered ones which he had been wearing. Taking the box along, Oliver left the camp to search for Eva and Lucretia. Alpha was very curious to know what the box contained, and the first night they camped he slid upon his stomach until he was within reach of the box, which sat near Oliver's head. Tweed woke just as he was about to seize it and wrenched it away. One day Oliver discovered a large diamond, second in size only to the Cullingham, lying among some debris at the edge of a deserted mining pit. He examined the blue soil, and soon analyzed it to be rich in diamonds of fine quality. He sat down and with the aid of his compass drew a plot of the location. He then held the stone in his hand and said aloud, Oh Eva, what a price I have paid for this bobble on mine! Too late, I fear, has the fickle God a fortune given me the key to wealth! Would that I had heated old Moly and turned my footsteps homeward! While he stood thus musing aloud, Alpha stood behind a clump of bushes at his back, listening as his eyes glistened and watched the stone in rapacious scupidity. After securing the stone and the plot in the box, Oliver again continued the journey. They reached a small half-town, and Oliver traded a few of his leopard claws for a canoe and food, after having discovered that the villagers would give no information about Eva and Lucretia. When later finding that day they would be unable to reach a native village by night, they chose a desirable camping spot and soon fell asleep, within the circle of fire which Alpha's tinder-box always provided. Oliver removed the belt of pearls from around his waist and placed them upon his box. He was so fatigued that he soon fell fast asleep, with one hand on his stomach. Alpha drew a sharp dagger and held it in readiness to plunge into Oliver at the slightest movement as he crawled toward him on his knees. Oliver's good angel guarded him, and he never moved when Alpha lifted his hand and secured the box and pearls. When Oliver and Twia woke the next morning, they discovered that Alpha had not only stolen the box and pearls, but he had cleaned the camp of everything and de-camped in a canoe. With only the mats upon which they slept and their knives, they were secured around their waists. They set out upon the journey through the woods. At night, discovering fire in the distance, they approached and saw Alpha asleep within the circle of fire, and clasping a large white bundle to his breast. I go kill him while he live for sleep, master, tweaked whispered as he drew forth his knife. Oliver caught his hand. Put it back, twea, we are not savages. I wish we had something to carry water in. We would have some fun taking away the package he embraces so fondly. See dem vine, master, hanging from dem tree? They get water. When we get lost and can't find water, we get dem vine and drink them water, twea replied. They tiptoed to the vine, and when Oliver tapped one, the milky water flowed freely. I guess you had better locate the canoe while I extinguished the fire, Oliver said to twea, as he turned the water on the fire, using the vine's ass holes. Alpha was so sound asleep that he did not hear the sizzling noise. When twea returned and indicated the location of the canoe, Oliver had completed his task, and twea crept to Alpha and pulled away the heavy bundle. Oliver and twea escaped to the canoe as Alpha ran around bewildered in the darkness, striking his fists in rage. Oliver decided that it was better to cross the river than to run the risk of meeting Alpha again, so they headed the canoe in a south-easterly direction. The river was over half a mile in width, and they congratulated themselves when the canoe grounded upon a narrow landing, before they had paddled half as long as anticipated. They scrambled to the shore and found a steep bank which they ascended with the greatest difficulty, owing to the darkness and the burden of the heavy parcel. As they neared the top, Oliver's hand pulled down a shower of dry bones, which they thought were chips of wood. Reaching the summit, they were surprised to find it barren of shrubbery. They sat upon the ground and waited for morning, and when it grew light, they saw a small island covered with skulls and other dry bones. Disbeat them island they buried them witch-people who died from sassawood, twea remarked as he shook in terror. They proceeded toward the canoe when they discovered that it had drifted away with the tide. They ran around the island, hunting in despair for some sign of their runaway craft, when several large alligators swimming close to the island warned them of the fruitlessness of attempting to swim the long distance to either of the opposite shores. While twee watched for a canoe, Oliver tied the bundle taken from Alpha and gave a shirt to twee to use as a signal. He then unlocked his box and, taking out the writing materials and compass, he emptied all the pearls and the diamonds into it. He scooped out the lipid claws and placed them in the plot of the mine, in the open ends of two of them, placing them also in the box. After locking it, he dug a hole and buried it, after which he wrote an accurate description of its location on a small piece of paper, which he folded and hid within the largest of his four remaining claws. This claw he had always intended to save for Lucretia as a souvenir of the escape of her father from the man-eating beast. He placed the claws and writing material in his leopard-skin belt, and took turns with twee waving the signal. After a long vigil spent during another night upon the gruesome island, they had fallen down from weakness and despair, giving up all hope. As the evening shades fell, they heard the sound of approaching canoes. CHAPTER XVIII. With renewed hope they arose from their prostate positions and walking to the bank, watched the canoes land. The men were chalked and tattooed, making a frightful appearance, with their masks and grass robes. They were the knee-jees, men who bury the witches. They were more surprised than Oliver, and it was only after much persuasion and the sight of Alpha's shirt that they consented to take back Oliver and twee. They were conveyed to the shore for which they had first headed. Their reception was by no means a welcome one. They were not allowed to enter the town, but were held outside as prisoners, while the king sat in counsel upon their case. They were condemned as witches, and ordered to a deep pit, where they were to await the morning and be burned alive. They were placed in the pit with their hands tied behind them. "'Twee, can you manage to get my knife out?' Oliver inquired. "'Twee managed to reach Oliver's side and turning his back to the ladder, tried to extricate the knife in vain. "'Master Dismitobi, I live for let-down knife for you.' Oliver heard a whisper from above, and soon caught a glimpse of the bright steel as it descended into the pit. After cutting loose the bindings from himself and Twee, he called up to Tobi and informed him. "'Me, sendy rope, you climb one, one, no fear, me hold ye strong.' Oliver caught the rope and ascended after which Twee followed. Tobi led them quietly to the river bank, where they found a canoe which he had already prepared for their flight. They had not gone very far before the alarm was given, and warriors with their bows and arrows launched half a dozen canoes in pursuit. The three fugitives made their paddles fly, and their small craft fairly glided over the water, but the warriors, coming within a close range, showered poisonous arrows after them. But by some miracle the arrows passed over their heads and missed them. The chase continued under a shower of arrows, flying wide of the mark. The pursuers had gained rapidly, and were just about to close upon them, when Tobi steered the canoe into the rapids which led to a steep waterfall. With victorious shouts the party gave up the chase, and returned rejoicing over the certain death of their escaped victims. Tobi understood the channel of rapids well, and had more than once used it upon his flight from pursuers. He soon turned into a well-known current, and emerged from their dangerous situation. Several years had passed in an unsuccessful search for tidings of his wife and daughter. Oliver, Tobi, and Twee, were walking on the bank of a narrow stream, which pushed over large stones in a swift current to a deep perpendicular waterfall. "'Looky! Full man come in canoe,' Tobi called out as he pointed up the stream. Oliver looked back and saw a white turbaned and robed figure holding on to the sides of a canoe as it was tossed helter-skelter among the rocks. "'Say, Tobi, won't you swing from the limb of that tree and hold on to my feet, and I will try to rescue the poor fellow when he reaches the open current?' Oliver said as he indicated the thick limb of a large tree stretching across the stream about fifteen feet from the waterfall. "'Hm! Me no fitty,' Tobi grunted. "'All too we fall in water!' "'Oh, Master, don't worry, Dad be all alpha. I so glad he gon' die soon,' Twee announced. "'Shut up, Twee. Don't forget that alpha saved my life once, and I owe him his pearls also,' Oliver said in an irritated tone. Just then some fishermen came along, bearing a heavy sign of trout, raffia, and grass-ropes. Oliver ran to meet them, and before they understood what he was about, he had them following him up the tree bearing the sign. He called out to Tobi to assist, and they just had time to drop the sign and hold on to one end as it swung across the stream, when Alpha's canoe entered the swift current and was soon within reach. Alpha lost no time, but caught hold of the ropes, reaching the tree limb in safety. He joined the trio upon their journey, as if they had parted in the most friendly manner. But both Twee and Tobi detected him scowling at Oliver when every thought himself unobserved. During the night as they camped in the woods, Tobi surprised Alpha as he crept toward Oliver with a sharp dagger in his hand. Alpha leaped into the woods and fled when Tobi rushed towards him. "'Ain't so I tell Master, let that bad man drown. We see much trouble since we got loose from him,' Twee remarked to Tobi after Alpha's flight. One evening at early dusk, the three wanderers reached a native village, and found most of the villagers marching toward a high hill, in the sight of which was an excavation about four feet in diameter, through which flames of fire were seen coming from the interior, situated about two hundred feet from the village. Oliver thought at first it was a volcano, but noticed that no smoke or lava ascended from the top. He watched the procession as it halted within one hundred feet of the hill, and deposited large bowls upon the ground. They then kneeled down in rows, bending upon each elbow alternately as they repeated strange sounds. Oliver learned afterward that this was the abode of the spirits of their dead ancestors, and that the bowls contained food for the spirits, and that every evening the empty bowls were found, after having been left the previous morning. Oliver presented the king one of his last four leopard claws, and one great favour, although he could gather no information concerning his guest. Alpha had shadowed the party, and remained hidden until he saw Tobi accompany a fishing party one morning. He appeared before the king and said, O king, the spirit of the great Sargi came to me three times in one night, and urged me to warn you against the man with the white skin. But he must be burned before the abode of your departed ancestors this evening before the sun goes down. If you fail to heed my words, a curse will be upon this town, and you and all the people will be destroyed by war and famine. The king was very sad at the tidings, but gave the order for Oliver's destruction. Alpha immediately had Oliver secured and guarded as he supervised the erection of the altar upon which to burn his victim. We ran to summon Tobi as soon as he heard the news. Oliver was wrapped in cords and laid face upwards upon the brush piled upon the stone altar. The king and crowd of villagers had assembled to witness the ceremony. Alpha approached with glittering eyes as he lighted the torch with which he was to light the kindling. Where be you hidey pearls? He hissed as he approached. Oliver turned to his old ventriloquist trick and barked loudly. Alpha looked around in fright when Oliver emitted loud hissing growls. The whole party disappeared in terror. Alpha dropped the torch near the altar as he sought safety. Twee and Tobi rushed from the woods just in time to rescue Oliver from the flames, which caught the altar's brushwood. They ran to the other side of the hill and discovered a hole in the ground partly covered with bushes. In their desperate plight they did not hesitate to descend. Oliver discovered a dark tunnel which they penetrated. They found themselves suddenly entering a large cave, in which were busy workmen mining and skilled gold smelters who kept a blazing fire burning night and day. As soon as the bewildered party entered, Oliver was given another surprise when the familiar voice of Fawn, in his same haircut, greeted him in sincere joy. Oliver was given a royal welcome in the home of the mysterious spirits, who planned to demand more food from the worshipping villagers. CHAPTER XIX of the Leopard's Claw by George Washington Ellis. This Libra box recording is in the public domain. Oliver's Old Enemy Kidnapped Lucretia When Alpha found out that Oliver had escaped alive, he suspected that it was through trickery. He therefore started the villagers upon a search while he wandered on visiting other towns in search of his escaped victim. He finally arrived at the village of Yahweh Mountain, during the evening of the full moon. He found the king and courtiers robed in white and mounted upon horseback, while the villagers in white also followed in the rear on foot as they made a circle around the town three times. Marching to the foot of the mountain the king and courtiers descended from their mounts, and slaves removed their sandals, after which they climbed the steep ascent in single file. Alpha joined in the procession with the villagers. When the king reached the gate at the summit he was met by slaves bearing a wooden trough of water. For washing and drying his feet, the king proceeded upon mats spread upon the ground as his followers washed their feet before entering. The king entered the moon temple and bowed before the idol, as he lay his offerings before its feet. After the offerings were over, Eva led a procession of twelve young girls, robed in long white gowns fastened around the waist with golden belts, gold half-moon crowns upon their heads, and each holding a string of fragrant coffee-blossoms, which they held in both hands. As Lucretia, now eleven years old, led the dance to the tune of Tarara Bandia, which Eva had taught them. Alpha suspected Eva and Lucretia to be the lost wife and daughter of Oliver, and he grinned in contemplated revenge. As soon as the ceremony had ended, Alpha inquired of the villagers the history of the two white people. He was soon satisfied that his first guess was correct. He then set about to make plans to carry out his scheme of revenge. Creeping along the barricade, he watched until he saw Lucretia returning from the temple, strolling down near the gateway with Xena. He opened the gate softly and leaped upon them before they were aware of his presence. Stifling Lucretia's cries with a piece of cloth, he ran toward a back trail which he had recently cut. At the foot of the mountain he placed Lucretia upon a horse which he had tied to a tree, and mounted it. Holding her in one arm he rode away at a fast pace up the river bank until he reached two canoes. Embarking in one with Lucretia, he sent the other adrift and emptied down the stream as he paddled up the river. When Xena gave the alarm, Eva ran wildly down to the village and informed the villagers of the kidnapping. They set about immediately to scout the mountain and brush trail as another party set out in a number of canoes. Eva joined the hunt and was informed by the canoe party that the search was in vain, because Lucretia had been seized by the crocodile men and dispatched to the other world, and that the empty canoe had been seen drifting down the stream. The villagers ceased to hunt and tried to console Eva, who, followed by Xena, ran madly from the town. When Yanga had returned to the deserted village and found Lucretia gone, she ran about calling and searching for her charge. She finally reached a village where the young daughter of one of the king's wife's was very ill, and she administered herbs to cure her. She then became a great favorite and remained, while she questioned all travelers as to news of her charge and parents. One day in the early morning she was in a fishing party standing in a creek when she saw a white-robed figure paddling toward them. As the canoe came nearer, she caught a glimpse of the white face of a child in the bottom of the canoe. She hurriedly informed the women that the white-robed man was the party who stole her charge, and they should assist her to recover her. END OF CHAPTER 19 CHAPTER XXI OF THE LEPARD'S CLOB BY GEORG WASHINGTON ELLIS FLEEBERVOX RECORDING IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. Lucretia's Rescue Alpha was very fatigued, as he had paddled all night, and had just felt safe to land. As soon as he drew near the landing and lifted Lucretia in his arms, Yanga and the women leaped upon him with loud screams. The women scratched and pummeled him while Yanga secured Lucretia and fled into the village. The Fisher women threw their nets over his head, ducked him into the water and had the time of their lives, laughing at the half-ground figure with the mud-be-spattered gown clinging to his body. Yanga sought protection of the king's favorite wife whose good will she enjoyed. Alpha soon realized that the town was too hot for his presence and resumed his journey on foot. Eva and Zena wandered in their fruitless search until Eva was almost compelled to believe that Lucretia had been sacrificed. Still her mother's heart held hope and she continued her search. They reached a village whose people received them kindly, and she decided to rest a few days. In the meantime Alpha arrived at the same town on the next day. As soon as they heard of the white woman's stranger in the town, he determined not to be foiled in his revenge. Although approaching the king he said, I was sent from a far country by the spirit of Great Pampora, one of the Great War ancestors, to bring you the tidings that a woman of white skin, red hair, and eyes like the sky would be sent to you to receive a message for him. That when she bears the message he will aid you in carrying war against your old enemy and make you victorious. You speak the truth, O messenger Pampora. A woman, as you describe, arrived in this town, was the reply. Alpha left and saw that Eva was secured while he caught Zena and sold her to a passing caravan. In a dark forest a dozen men squatted around a fire over which was a large earthen pot. Two men standing were garbed in leopard hides, with wooden shoes upon their feet made in the shape of the leopard's claw. In the right hand they held pronged knives in claw shape. We will have a new kind of messenger tonight. I wonder if this white-skinned woman can take the message to Pampora in our language, one of the men said aloud in their tongue. Oh, don't bother about that. The priest says she must be the messenger. When the moon has gone we must be at the road to the spring, one of the leopard-rope men replied. Varney happened to be passing through the woods when he saw the fire in men. He recognized he had come upon a meeting of the leopard branch of the Boreform Society. He was so overcome with fright that he stood behind a tree afraid to move. He overheard the conversation referring to their prospective victim. He decided that it was Eva to whom they referred, so he made a quick retreat and ran to secure her rescue. The leopard men paid no heed to the running footsteps, because they thought it was only a frightened antelope. At midnight Eva was bound hand and foot and carried to the outskirts of the town and laid upon the ground at the beginning of the narrow pathway leading to the spring. A priest marked a heart enclosed in a circle upon her forehead with a piece of charcoal. After a few weird antics and dancing the procession retired. The two leopard men approached with loud growls after the party had appeared. One of the men was leaping toward Eva with the raised leopard knife, when Varney sent a bullet into his heart. As soon as the report sounded the other leopard man took to his heels, leaving his companion. Varney quickly cut away the cords from Eva. Lifting her up in his arms he said, this be Varney, no fear, try be strong, yeah? Me go save you. He reached a place in the woods where he had secured two large ostriches. He seated Eva upon the soft saddle and placed her feet in the stirrups he had hastily constructed and which nearly caused a fatal delay. He instructed her how to hold on to the rope which he bound around his waist as he quickly seated himself upon the foremost bird and began their almost wing flight just as the inhabitants became aware of the escape. The caravan which was purchased by Zena made an average forty miles per day for fifteen days over a much traversed route leading south by southwest. They finally reached the frontier of the Ashanti country after traveling a little over seven hundred miles. End of CHAPTER XXI. CHAPTER XXI of the Leopards' Claw by George Washington Ellis. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. CHAPTER MEETS REVEREN JONES Reverend Jones, an American missionary from Baltimore, met the caravan as he was returning from the mission plantation. He was tall, erect and clean shaven, dark complexion, more from tan, light brown hair and hazel eyes. His quick and sprightly movements were typical of his great ready resourcefulness while his face inspired instant confidence. As soon as Zena saw the white man, she jerked loose from the man who was holding her hand and ran toward Reverend Jones. �Oh, mister, please save me� she cried in an almost perfect accent. Reverend Jones was very much astonished, and taking her hand inquired where she learned to speak English. He soon obtained sufficient information from her excited story to arouse his interest, and after offering redemption money to Zena's owner, he left for the mission, taking Zena along, followed by her late owner. The mission station consisted of a corrugated iron storey and one half bungalow, having a veranda surrounding it. It was situated upon a small hill and had, at his side and back, a small iron cottage and mud huts. The stairway consisted of long wooden steps leading from the ground up to the side veranda. When Reverend Jones reached the mission, he was greeted by a short buxom lady of about forty, whose good nature showed in her smiling and sympathetic face. Reverend Jones soon told Zena's story. As they both cross-questioned her, he said to his wife, �I would stake my last dollar that the woman and girl she speaks of are the wife and daughter of that unfortunate family the newspapers made such a stir about when the expedition traced them as far as Massadu and traveled up to Timbuktu in a fruitless search. The man's name was Monsomething, and he was the brother of Lord Doubly. Don't you remember? It must be nearly five years since the expedition returned in failure. �I�m going to set out to-morrow with one of the caravan party as a guide, and take this child along with me.� Reverend Jones lost no time after coming to this conclusion. He persuaded one of the men to act as guide, and with the madam's prompt assistance his preparations were completed, and he started early the next morning. After the surprise of the gold workers was over, Oliver was compelled to smile in spite of his melancholy state, when he thought of the clever trick these craftsmen had played so successfully for years upon credulous villagers. He presented the old priest, Tappella, who was the head of the establishment, with one of his remaining claws. He had the large clock containing the plot of his hidden treasure set in gold. The sharp end was enclosed in a gold tip with two narrow bars passing up to the wide ornamental cap which fitted tightly over the open end. The slender bars then clasped across the top, ending in a small loop. Thus the cap was securely fastened to the claw. One of the workmen presented him with the slender platinum neck chain which was passed through the gold loop and fastened with a stout and intricate catch. The other claw he had only a gold cap attached. Tappella presented him with a wide hollow gold band bracelet that opened with the spring and revealed a cavity used for securing small articles of value, as poison, snuff, and other things so prized by the African. Oliver enclosed the two leopard claws and the location and plan of the mine within the cavity and placed the bracelet upon his left arm. He left the cave dwellers with valuable gifts of nuggets, and proceeded on his errand. Just as he neared the entrance to a town called Seahooker, he saw a white man coming toward him. Reverend Jones soon decided that the bearded white man in frayed trousers was no other than Oliver. They soon shook hands in greeting and began explanations as they entered Seahooker. Oliver was almost wild with grief and rage when he heard Zena's account of Lucretia's abduction. Had I only taken tweeze advice and permitted this scamp to drown, I should have been spared this terrible knowledge, ever repeated, as he attempted to go in instant pursuit. Be calm, my friend, you have suffered the most heart-rending misfortunes a man can have. But you have managed to live through them all for five years. You must now trust Providence, who has protected you during all of your adventures. Remember that the same guardian who made the wild elephant pick up Lucretia in friendliness, and provided a protectress in the old orangutan will surely deliver her from the hands of the kidnapping Arab. We must rest tonight in this village and proceed upon our search to-morrow. Reverend Jones said to Oliver in a sympathetic but firm manner. When the report of Varney's revolver reached the village it caused quite a commotion. Even Alpha was puzzled as to the source, because he was sure that Oliver had to abandon his revolver on account of its uselessness. He was the first, however, to recover composure, and he finally persuaded a small number of men to accompany him with torches. When he saw the dead leopard man and the robes which had bound Eva, cut into small pieces and lane where Eva had lain, he informed the men that an enemy had rescued their sacrifice, but the sight of the dead leopard man had caused such a panic that they all ran away as he spoke. King Kipe was very much wrought up over the report, and accused Alpha of being a false messenger, who had caused the lightning god to kill one of the borform priests. He commanded the men to return with Alpha, so that the chase, which coincidentally started after the bird fugitive, was really after Alpha. As soon as the men left, Alpha decided to flee from the scene. He finally reached the village where he was badly used by the Fisher women. He decided to keep out of Yanga's sight and to lose no time in carrying out his revenge. He entered the village at night and immediately sought a private audience with the king. Old King Dofella was squatting upon a mat in his private hut before a fire. He was seventy years old and very homely. Alpha presented him with some colonuts and said, O mighty and great King Dofella, I congratulate you upon your fortunate and happy position. You have had the beautiful young white maiden sent to you for wife. Blessed man to have honoured above all other kings! Dofella did not understand at first what Alpha meant. Where's the maiden, he asked? She has lived in your presence for the past two months. She is with the fair skin, deep blue eyes and sandy hair. Is she whom I refer, Alpha replied. But she is a child of the moon-god, and cannot marry mortals, Dofella said. But she is the daughter of a man like you. Only his skin is white. They came from a far country to our country to steal our wealth, so the gods have decided that we should wed them, and you are chosen to be the first and to wed the fair young maid. But she is too young. O priest of the great gods, Dofella feebly protested. Haven't you got the devil-bush for preparing young girls for wifehood? Two years in it will be sufficient to make her eligible for your wife. Do not find excuses, O fortunate man, lest the gods think you unworthy of their choice, Alpha replied. This last argument settled the qualms of conscience which Dofella had felt before. The next morning he presented himself before Yanga's hut, bearing gifts of colonuts, fowls, and a slave as the first dowry to his prospective bride. A close review of Lucretia incited him to act immediately. As he presented the gifts to Yanga, he informed her that Zoha, the head of the devil-bush, would call at midnight for his bride. Yanga managed to keep her feelings under control, in the hope that she might be able to rescue her charge from the horrible fate he had announced. Shortly after the king's visit, Lidia, the patroness of Yanga and the favorite royal wife, called upon Yanga in a very bad temper. Is this the way you repay my kindness, begging me to protect you from the white-gown priest then joining him in secret, to marry your white-skinned girl to the king? She addressed Yanga upon entering. As soon as Yanga heard of Alpha's connection with the proposition, she understood the scheme at once, and soon convinced her friend of her desire to rescue Lucretia from the same. Two slaves have just come from the town of my father, and brought the news that two men of the same skin of your girl were entering the town as they left last night. If you really wish to run away with her, I will make plans for your escape to-night, to join the white men. But tell them not to remain at my father's town, because Dofella will send war upon my father when he learns of your refuge, the wife pronounced in restored good spirits. Alpha had now to contend with a very sharp-witted antagonist. Lidia instructed her brother to engage Alpha in the game of Moe, a game very absorbing to people of the Orient, and arranged her plans unobserved by the alert Arab. After the king had paid his respects to Yanga, and presented another dash, Yanga slipped out with Lucretia, and they disappeared from the rear of the hut into the woods. They were assisted to mount a fine horse by two silent men, who then mounted two other horses, placed Yanga's mount in the center and began a fast gallop to freedom. At the same time three young men mounted the fastest ostriches and started in another direction, while two boys paddled away in the swiftest canoe of the village. At midnight the horns were blowing and bells ringing, announcing the approach of the Zoa. The news soon reached Dofella, of the flight of the two. He was in a towering rage, and ordered his fastest horses when he then discovered that the best horse, ostriches, and canoe were missing. Being puzzled over the exact direction of the flight, he ordered his warriors to follow the water and every likely land route. Oliver and Reverend Jones were on the same road to Dofella's town, when they met the fugitives. Although Oliver was wearing a long beard, Lucretia was not long in recognizing her father. Oliver mounted the foremost horse with Lucretia, Zena was placed upon the horse with Yanga, and Reverend Jones mounted the rear horse, while Toby and the mission boys followed on foot. They lost no time, but hastened toward the mission town, through a long and tedious brush-route. CHAPTER XXII of the Leopards' Claw by George Washington Ellis One day, about three weeks afterward, the party descended from a steep and thickly wooded hill on foot. They were very much surprised at the sight of a beautiful valley covered with velvety green lawn grass, lying almost on a perfect level before them. In the center was a small pond covered with water lilies, upon which stood tall white herons and jacanas perched upon one leg and dozing in the sunshine. The diameter of the pond was about twenty feet, and a mixed variety of lilies bordered on its banks. On the lawn were tropical fruit and ornamental trees of every description, while orchids, caped jesemines, and wild roses, ferns and flowers in a large variety bloomed in luxuriant and lovely disorder. In the branches of the trees, the loud notes of the torocos mingled with the merry whistle of the gray parrots, while the beautiful plumage birds of variegated colors chirped and hopped about, undisturbed by the recent arrivals. An antelope scampered away at first, but it soon returned with several others and walked about the lawn in restored confidence. Where do you think we are, Moncrief? Reverend Jones asked, in real surprise. We have been following the south by southwest course as you directed, Oliver replied. Hush! Listen to the murmur behind that traveller-tree. Look! Those are the mission boys repeating something from the Koran, and here comes old Samson, who lives near the mission plantation. Will wonders never cease? Hello, Samson! Where are we, and whose park is this? Reverend Jones remarked as he hailed old Samson. The old African was almost toothless and bent upon a cane as he walked. You lift me close to mission, and this be Allah Valley, he replied. The veil of Allah, Oliver repeated. Old Moli's prophecy has come true. He then related the sand-reading at Masadu and Moli's warning. That reminds me, he continued, as he opened the spring of his bracelet and extracted the leper's claw and chain. From Lucretia, I hope that the leopard claw will unite us with your mother, as he also prophesied. He repeated as he secured the chain around her neck and cautioned her never to part from the claw. What are the mission boys doing kneeling behind those trees, Samson? Reverend Jones asked. They live for play Allah for good luck, Mass Jones, he replied. Lucretia wandered around and picked up a large orchid. Miss Samson, observing her, smiled and said, Picky Flower Allah Valley find a plenty good luck in same valley, bye-bye. He repeated as he arose to proceed on his way, after having directed the party to the nearest route. He went in the direction of the hill which they had just descended. The party ascended the opposite hill which was steep and wooded, and descended into a valley, when they soon perceived the beacon light of the mission house shining down upon them from a near hill. Arriving at the mission, Lucretia was taken to the warm and motherly breast of Mrs. Jones. She quickly changed the rain of the young girl and fitted her with mission clothes from the stock. Oliver was very impatient and began to search for Eva, and on the next morning said to Reverend Jones, When do you think you can supply me with an outfit for my return journey? By tomorrow? I should be glad if you will keep Lucretia here until I return. I've been thinking over the subject, Moncreef, and I want to suggest that you take Lucretia home and leave her in your brother's care, and entrust me with the mission of finding your lost wife. If she still lives, you may be sure that I will find her or die in the attempt. You have been through so many adventures, and your brother has also suffered from the suspense. You owe this to your daughter, who must be twelve or thirteen years of age. Eleven, Oliver corrected. She is large for her age, the Reverend continued, and even at that age she needs to receive the education and culture suitable to her station. All of that is true, Reverend, but I can send a cable-gram to the coast for Harold, who will arrange to have Lucretia taken home in case I fail to return in six months. I cannot bear to think what might happen to Eva should Alpha find her whereabouts, while I am resting safely within the mission. I do not fear the natives so much since Lucretia related the kind treatment and respect which they received upon the Yahweh mountain. Master I see Alpha live for hide round the mission. He had done follow-wee here, twee announced, as he hastily approached the two men upon the front veranda. That decides the matter according to your suggestion, Reverend. Oliver continued as he nodded to twee and turned toward Reverend Jones. The scamp is following me, and if I should return into the interior, he would very likely come across Eva before I should and revenge himself upon her, just as his wicked and cunning brain directs. If he follows me to Freetown, I shall take care of him for you with your Winchester and Lucretia as my charge. I will not take the chances I so unwisely took in the woods. I shall place Lucretia with the Catholic sisters and instruct Harold by letter as to her future. Of course I shall cable him as soon as I reach the coast. I shall soon secure an outfit and an escort for an expedition party. I hope, however, that you will have succeeded in locating Eva, and that I shall find her awaiting me here when I return. You may be sure that I shall not be gone two months. Mrs. Jones completed a wardrobe for the girls in a very short time, and Oliver, looking almost the same as when he first started, except for the tan upon his hands and forehead, and the sad, wistful look and ill-fitting clothes, started from the mission, one week after his arrival, taking with him Lucretia, Zena, Toby, Twee, and the mission carriers. Twee remained to assist in the search for Hermitris. Reverend Jones accompanied the party on the canoe trip as far as Bumba. You will soon reach Axum on the Gold Coast. It was there that the natives sunk the famous chair of Gold in the eighties, when they heard that some foreigners were about to visit the country. The chair was of Gold and of fine workmanship. You have seen a sample of the African Gold craftsmanship, so you can appreciate the worth of the chair. Togoland is their next neighbor. We are near Abopo. The country made historic in the early nineties, when King Jaja, the king of an independent kingdom, was exiled to the West Indies. I am sure that you know of Sir Henry Johnston. He was your accredited consul at King Jaja's court at the time of his exile, Reverend Jones remarked just before their parting. At Axum Oliver cabled to Lord Dobley. St. Stephen's Club, West Minister. The Earl of Dobley. Harold, I am embarking for Freetown with Lucretia and returning to search for Eva, who is lost in the jungles. Letter follows, Love from your brother, Oliver. On the landing at Freetown, Oliver received the following cablegram. Vermont Creef, care of, P. Z. & Company. Await my arrival, I am sailing to-night by Chartered Boat. We'll reach Freetown in eight days. Love to both, your brother, Harold. doubly castle, were Chester Shire. End of CHAPTER XXII CHAPTER XXIII of the Leopard's Club by George Washington Ellis. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Oliver and Lucretia arrive at Freetown. Harold will be here to-morrow, Oliver repeated as he read the cablegram. That old cargo boat of ours stopped at every port on the coast, so that we have just managed to arrive a day ahead of him. He lost no time in placing Lucretia and Zena at the Catholic convent in the care of the good sisters. He found that Mr. Solomon filled his former post of manager for the firm. He engaged his suite for Lord Doubly and himself and took up quarters at the hotel. After the happy reunion of the brothers, they sat conversing upon past events. Lord Doubly handed Oliver the letter which the old Earl had penned to him just before his death. Oliver held his hands before his face, crying and shaking with emotion. Eva will prize this letter more than the news of the wealth he has bestowed upon us. He has suffered so much because we left without his blessing. I do believe she blames herself as the cause of fathers denouncing me. If only I had taken her advice, and written at the time she obtained my promise to do so, all of this unhappiness could have been avoided, Oliver said as he arose and excusing himself, retired to his room. He turned up his sleeve and cuff, and opening the spring of the bracelet, removed the leopard claw. He re-read and folded the small letter carefully, and enlarging the cavity of the claw with his pen-knife, placed the smallest end of the knot in the claw and fitted the other end into the wide gold cap, which now fitted firmly. He replaced the claw within his bracelet and closed the spring. He could not bear to have even his brother see the bracelet and claw, because they looked so much like a fetish, when in fact that was the safest manner in which to preserve the papers and other small valuables which were liable to be ruined by rain and water accidents incidental to jungle travel. Upon the eve of Oliver's departure for the interior, the Earl of Dobley sat in Oliver's room as they talked business arrangements. Oliver, Lord Dobley suddenly said, I cannot permit you to return alone. I shall accompany you also. Why, Harold, that is impossible. You have a wife and daughter to consider. They must come before your brother. The danger would be much greater to you than to me, as you have never lived in the tropics. I am depending on you to act as a father to my Lucretia during my absence. You will do me a much greater service by performing that sacred pledge than by unnecessarily sharing my dangers, Oliver replied. I have never approved of your idea of leaving Lucretia in Freetown, Oliver. She is nearly twelve years of age and has never seen her ancestral home. I think it is a great pity to have the child remain in Africa so long. She would be such a great comfort to me also, Lord Dobley remarked. Georgiana must be in her eighteenth year, and of course is quite an educated and cultured young lady. I believe you inform me that Lady Dobley is planning to have her introduced at court sometime this coming season. She will soon be marrying and Lucretia will not suffer so much from the embarrassment she would naturally feel under the present circumstances. To place her in a boarding school at home would be equally as embarrassing at present. The sisters are very kind and Lucretia is very studious. She will be prepared in a few years' time to be removed from the convent, in the event that we are still absent. To such be the case, Herald, I am sure that you will take her to your heart and protect her as you would your own daughter," Oliver concluded. After Lord Dobley retired, Oliver remained up very late drawing a map of his proposed journey. The next morning, while seated in the drying room, Oliver handed his brother the two plots he had made of the situation of the goldmine, mission and station, and instructed him to keep them. I am sorry I had to postpone the drawing of this rough plot, and had no time to make a duplicate, but the mission plan which lies here upon the map. Oliver said, as he traced his finger upon the drawing lying upon the table, is very carefully drawn, also the cave of gold diggers which is located at this cross. The Yahweh Mountain and other places are guesswork, although I think I am very nearly correct in my calculations. Oliver ventured as he still pointed out and explained the route he intended traveling. Neither noticed a clean-faced brown-skinned figure with black silken hair parted on one side, and eyes glistening, as he heard the word gold and saw the papers which Oliver was discussing. Oliver would have had to look closely to recognize his jungle enemy in the metamorphosized, civilized Arabian hotel guest. Oliver retired to his room to pack a few things into a hand-grip. He removed the map from his pocket and was just about to drop it into the bag when he was called away. He dropped it hurriedly, leaving the bag unwalked. As soon as the door had closed behind him, Alfa, who had been peeping through the keyhole of the other door opening into a private bedroom, slipped in and hurriedly snatched the map from the bag. Looking at it, he thought he had secured the plot to the location of the hidden wealth. Just as he was unfolding it and about to place it in his pocket as he walked toward the door, Twee entered and seen the paper gave instant pursuit. Oliver had received a message from the Governor. Accompanied by his brother he left immediately for the mansion-house. The Governor informed Oliver that he had received the information that Eva was dead and appealed to Lord Doubly to prevent Oliver from making a useless trip. But when the Governor named Alfa as the bearer of the tidings, Oliver denounced it as a fake and refused to be persuaded to abandon the expedition. CHAPTER XXIII Oliver fails on search expedition for Eva. He lost no time in taking his departure. Even the absence of Twee did not delay him, as he hoped to meet Tobi, who was visiting his home at Cape Coast Castle, and was to meet him at Exham. After the brothers had parted and the steamer had disappeared in the southwestern horizon, the Earl of Doubly, who was now the Governor's guest, inquired of the Governor if he were convinced of the authenticity of the sad tidings. Unfortunately it is true beyond a doubt. I could not relate the horrible circumstances because he has suffered too cruelly already. He will be safe with the military escort, which he will receive at the frontier. The longing to see his daughter will soon convince him of the fruitlessness of his errand. These Arabian priests travel all over the Continent, either as fanatic teachers or cunning traders, who profit by the credulity of the African and secure the natural wealth of the country in exchange for charms and trinkets. Their adaptability to every environment and their gift of learning languages and dialects aid them in their successful enterprise. This priest saved Oliver's life from the borough form Society, and traveled as his companion, the Governor concluded. Yes, Oliver told me of him, but it seems as if he afterward tried to take Oliver's life and kidnapped Lucretia, so I can understand why Oliver doubts him, Lord Doubly replied. The man's story was too true, I examined him closely. He says that he entered a town just as the Leopard Society sacrificed a white woman. We have that state of affairs in trouble in the southern part of Sierra Leone protectorate, so that I can readily believe his statement. Borough form, the name of the Mother Society, means to dispatch from the earth. They believe that the victims are receiving an honour when they send them to take messages for and attend as servants or companions to some big chief or warrior. I am really glad that I am spared the unpleasant task of informing my old friend of this last tragedy. This morning's mail brought the news of the death of the old squire. But be not too despondent, my Lord, Eva was very much adored by me also. The poor child is out of her troubles. We must now protect her motherless little girl. She will be in my constant care. You may have no uneasiness upon her account, the Governor concluded in an emotional tone as he held out his hand and hurriedly left. When Twee followed Alpha from the bottom he had no time to call the assistance of the police, because the willy nilly Arabian left the hotel immediately and preceded him in a merry chase around the town. Twee finally caught a glimpse of him as he slipped within a bamboo hut on the kissy road. He hid until he saw Alpha finally leave the rear exit, in his old costume of white turban and gown, and a bundle under his arm. Twee trailed him unobserved to the railway office, where he purchased a ticket, and Twee secured one also and boarded a compartment near his wary antagonist. Twee shadowed him through the interior, constantly seeking an opportunity to recover the paper as Alpha slumbered, but he was foiled every time, and one night came very near paying his life for his daring, when Alpha awoke just as he was searching Alpha's breast pocket for the paper. One day they were walking through a palm grove. Alpha was a good distance ahead as usual. Twee saw a large pile of picked and choiced palm nuts under a tree, which Alpha was hastily approaching. Twee smiled and sat down. He knew the penalty this unsuspecting victim pays who dares disturb those tempting piles of palm nuts seemingly abandoned. Alpha sat beside the pulpy nuts and ate as many as he could, after which he unloosed a part of his turban, tied up a large quantity, when he arose to resume his journey. Uh, uh, uh! Reached the ears of both Alpha and Twee at the same time. Then around they saw a large gorilla bounding after Alpha. Alpha's white gown flapped in the wind like a sail, while the gorilla followed closely behind, and Twee brought up the rear as he shook with mirth. Alpha threw the palm nuts away and halted his pursuer for a moment. The chase was soon resumed when the chimpanzee caught the end of the shirt, but Alpha wiggled out. The monkey threw the gown down in a rage and continued his pursuit. Twee picked up the gown and searched for the map, which he found secured in an inside pocket. He then looked to see how the race had ended, when he saw the gorilla dragging Alpha by one leg to the woods. Shrugging his shoulders, Twee folded up the gown and calmly walked away. CHAPTER XXIV The steamer was struck a midship, and Oliver's cabin was near the scene of the disaster. Oliver had been on sea about four days, when the steamer attempted to enter a non-port of entry off the grain coast in north latitude, four degrees, sixteen minutes, and west longitude, eight degrees, fifteen minutes, at night in order to smuggle contraband goods to the natives. The captain was not very familiar with the dangerous harbor, and wrecked the ship upon one of the many rocks submerged beneath the water, and hardly visible except at the closest distance in low tide. The ship was sinking rapidly, and the boats lowered and ordered to the open seas. All of the passengers and crew were rescued except Oliver. He was asleep when the accident first occurred, but the noise and confusion soon awakened him, and he just had time to don his clothes and secure his life-boy round himself, when he saw the water rushing into his cabin. He made his way to the deck with the greatest difficulty amid the dark watery surroundings. When he reached the deck the ship was deserted and sinking rapidly. He caught the glimpse of flames coming from the forecastle, and leaped overboard just as an explosion from the hatch-hole, where the cargo of petroleum oil was stored, set the whole ship aflame. A piece of the wreck struck him on the head and knocked him senseless. A number of African wreckers were holding torches and gathering the cargo the captain had ordered to be thrown overboard. In an effort to lighten the ship before he was aware of the hopelessness of their task to save the ship, much of the cargo had been sacrificed in this way and a much useless labor. Oliver drifted toward the beach and would have been dashed against the rocks had it not happened that his bracelet upon the left arm was exposed, and two of the men who were about to swim after a floating case caught the gleam of the gold and dragged him ashore. One of them held a torch while the other tried to remove the bracelet. He accidentally touched the spring and revealed the leopard claw. At the same time Oliver opened his eyes and looked upon the open bracelet also. He regained, it seemed, temporary consciousness, and immediately closed the springs to the great amazement of the already astonished natives, who kept repeating, shi, shi, as they stood aghast. A white man who wore a hidden leopard claw and who was aroused from the dead, and who closed it from view, was a strange, miraculous being. The leopard claw, then believed surely to have been a powerful charm, caused them to leave him upon the beach unmolested as they finished their wrecking and reported the strange find to the others. Some of the men had traveled as stevedores upon European steamers and spoke several languages, so that when Oliver recovered sufficiently to stand up alone, after a long illness in one of the ship boys' hut and walked around, they were more mystified when he did not speak a word, or seemed to realize his condition. Since the dumb are always protected among all Africans and supposed to bring good luck to their patrons, everybody was anxious to contribute to Oliver's comfort. Of course the word was passed that the less known about the wreck boat, the better off would be the villagers, who might be held accountable for the cargo recovered by the wreckers. They were therefore much relieved when a caravan starting for the interior asked for his companionship as an omen of a lucky and successful trip, and Oliver was sent into the interior with a blank memory and unable to speak, while no word of his rescue reached the civilized world. Four years had passed since a wreck. Lady Georgiana, the Earl of Doubly's daughter, had married an old but very wealthy French count, and was now the Countess de La Fetterie, and lived in southern France. Lord Doubly had long before missed the companionship of his young daughter, who at a very early age disappointed him by her designing and too ambitious disposition, which was but the result of her mother's training. Anna's marriage, although a disappointment, was a relief to the Earl, who often thought of and read the reports of his innocent and orphaned niece. Her letters and photographs were his greatest pleasure, which he enjoyed in secret. This morning he sat in the old library where his father always sat and read Sister Teresa's report concerning Lucretia. It read in part, You will be astonished at the progress the dear girl has made. She has a talent for music which she has also greatly improved. She has cultivated a kind and dignified reserve which makes her appear older than her age, and inspires the respect and admiration of all her acquaintances. We hate to part with the dear child, but since you ask if we think she is sufficiently trained to leave the convent, I must be frank and do justice to our charge. She will need no further tuition for the position she will occupy in life. I am sure she will continue her studies and wide reading, so that unless she intended to specialize in music or train to earn a living, you may be at rest concerning her education. Lord Dobley cabled immediately to Sister Teresa his intention of leaving for Freetown for Lucretia. Lady Dobley did not spare his lordship the pain of the knowledge of her disapproval of receiving Lucretia as their ward. But to her great surprise, Lord Dobley paid no heed to her objections and left immediately for Freetown. When Sister Teresa presented the tall and graceful young lady to Lord Dobley, he could hardly believe that it was the shy girl that he had parted from a few years previously. But as soon as they were left to themselves, he found that the reserved Lucretia was also a warmed-hearted, affectionate girl, who responded to his fatherly greeting and lavished the love which she had so long nursed for her supposedly dead parents upon her lonely uncle. You are sixteen now, I believe, Lord Dobley inquired. Next September, coming four months hence, Uncle Deer, she replied, You look like a grown-up lady when you were first announced, but I'm upon closer inspection. I see that you are still the open-hearted young girl I have always imagined you to be. With your old uncle you will always be yourself and reserve the other poise for strangers, Lord Dobley playfully remarked. Lucretia and Zeena soon bade good-bye to their kind friends. Zeena, although years younger, was a strong girl and looked to be sixteen or possibly eighteen years of age. She accompanied her young friend and mistress as ladies made, having been trained to the position. Aboard the ship they were met by Mr. Solomon, who presented Lucretia with the young monkey which she immediately christened Nogi too in memory of their protectress. Lucretia was happy in her chummy relations with her uncle, who was her ideal of what she had always imagined her father to be. She anticipated her pleasure in wandering through the old castle and visiting her grandfather's and daddy's apartments. She imagined Lady Dobley to be just a motherly person as Mrs. Jones of the mission, Sister Teresa, or the ideal of her mother, by which she judged all good women. No dark forebodings or doubts marred her happiness in the anticipation of the welcome which she would receive at her ancestral home. And so it was a light-hearted and happy girl who watched the old castle as they approached in an open machine, while Lord Dobley pointed out the different works and scenes of interest. She was disappointed when they were greeted by the formal footmen and prim Scottish maid, instead of her aunt, as she had expected. Lord Dobley left her in the maid's care, who led her to her own apartments, while he sought his wife to arrange a meeting. Please send Zena to me, Lucretia said to the maid, after having admired her private boudoir, dainty bed and dressing rooms. Somehow there seemed to be a loneliness and disappointment which her handsome apartment could not relieve. When Zena arrived, she had also felt the chill, and both wished the same unspoken thought that they were back at the happy convent. Lucretia had just changed her travelling clothes and dawned a simple white dress, when many a maid, announced that his lordship awaited Miss Mon Creef in the hall to conduct her to Lady Dobley. Lucretia entered the sumptuous apartment of Lady Dobley, and was ushered in to the bird-wa on the arm of her uncle. Lady Dobley was reclining upon a couch and a rose at their entrance. She coldly extended her hand, and turned her cheek to be kissed. After a polite inquiry as to the voyage, and as to the satisfaction of Lucretia's apartment, she apologized as she complained of a severe headache, and informed Lucretia that she would have to take her breakfast alone or with the Earl, because she always dined alone in the mornings. Lucretia was very anxious to do something to relieve Lady Dobley, but her offers were met with a polite refusal. After Lucretia had retired, Lady Dobley turned to her husband and remarked, many inform me that Lucretia brought along a heathen maid and a monkey. I wish you would give her to understand that they are undesirable, and must be dispensed with. You would also do me a favor by placing her in a young lady's boarding school, where she could be made a polished English lady. Lord Dobley exerted his authority in a most surprising manner, and refused to separate Lucretia from her maid and pet, or to take her to a school. Lucretia will grace any drawing-room in her present state, but I shall have companions for her next fall who will assist her in the modern languages and music, after which I shall have Lady Endicourt, her mother's widowed aunt, chaperone her upon a continental tour, Lord Dobley remarked as he arose to retire. Lucretia felt the coldness of Lady Dobley very keenly, and somehow believed that it was due to some fault of hers. Given her anxiety to please her aunt, she continually sought her company, offering to do little personal services, and was always reminded that the maids were employed to contribute to the comfort of her ladyship, after which she would leave, feeling very much humiliated. Her uncle presented her with one of his pedigreed horses, and they both took early morning rides over the beautiful green planes and through the wooded parks. These rides and their occasional chats in the library were Lucretia's happiest hours. One afternoon in the early fall, Lucretia was in her bourgeois seated on a Roman stool before the open fire, leaning her chin upon the open palm of her left hand, as the elbow rested on her knee, playing with the leopard claw around her neck as she gazed into the fire in a very thoughtful mood. Xena squatted Turkish fashion upon an oriental rug as she petted Nogi too. Lady Dudley entered unannounced, and stood looking upon the scene. "'How dare you perform a hithish ride in this castle?' she demanded in a rage. Before Lucretia understood the question had been addressed to her, Lady Dudley ordered Xena and Nogi from the room and forbade their return, then turning to Lucretia she said, "'Don't you know that white people do not wear fetishes and worship idols? I thought you had left those ceremonies on the mountain in Africa. Throw that claw into the fire at once.'" Lucretia was indignant at the accusation, and informed Lady Dudley politely that she would never part from the claw, because her dead father had fastened it around her neck and had instructed her never to part from it. Lady Dudley sought the earl in the library and accused Lucretia of fetish and idol worship, and insisted that Xena and Nogi leave the castle immediately, and that Lucretia removed the claw from her neck. Lord Dudley was very sad over his wife's decision, but made no comments until he had spoken with Lucretia. He did not believe the charges, but asked his niece if she would not wear a chain and locket with her initial in brilliance instead. But when Lucretia explained the circumstances of her father's gift of the claw and his warning, her uncle gave her the privilege of wearing it unmolested. He then arranged with an old nurse of his who lived in a cottage in the Petting Hill, to lodge Xena and Nogi, and permitted Lucretia to visit them. Lord Dudley had gone to London for a few days, and one sharp morning Lucretia refused to allow the groom to accompany her on her ride. As they were driving through the country, Nogi leaped from her arms upon the horse's neck and pulled its ear. The horse became frightened and galloped madly away beyond Lucretia's control. The Earl of Winslow, whose estate adjoined the doubly estate, was riding a sprightly chestnut horse through a meadow when the frightened horse bounded madly over a bored fence coming in his direction, as Lucretia clung to his neck. Lord Reginal Winslow was a young man about twenty-two, of dark complexion, and wore a becoming, slight mustache of a dark brown color. He was about five feet eight inches, and his erect, correct and sprightly bearing gave one the impression that he was of the military profession. But they were only typical of his character, and represented a young aristocrat who recognized the responsibility of his position and always tried to live up to his social demands. His sprightly energy exerted itself as soon as he saw the runaway horse. After an exciting chase, his self-possession almost deserted him as he caught a glimpse of Lucretia's frightened but calm white face, while Nogi clung to her right shoulder and a braid of her hair, which had unloosed in its fright, when he finally succeeded in checking the frightened horse. Raising his riding cap of the same pattern of the plaid riding suit he wore. �You had better take my mount,� he said, after being assured that she was unharmed. �Thank you so much, sir, but Billy is all right now. Nogi will not be naughty any more, will you, Nogi?� she concluded as she patted the monkey. Lord Winslow held out his arm to Nogi, and to the surprise of his mistrust it leave from her to the earl, and cuddled in his arms as if they were old friends. Thus the first bond of friendship was firmly established and Lord Winslow, bearing Nogi, accompanied her to the village, as she innocently chatted of her pet and African maid. After Nogi was restored to its keeper and Lucretia had promised to omit him in her future rides, Lord Winslow took his departure. On the next morning Lucretia rode along, and they were both surprised when their morning rides happened to bring them together. Lord Winslow, of course, was naturally anxious about the result of the runaway ride, but his sense of propriety and strict conventional training prompted him to inquire if there were no mutual acquaintance who could give a formal introduction. When Lucretia informed him that she lived at doubly castle, and was the daughter of the late Oliver Moncrief, Lord Winslow immediately recalled the history of the unfortunate family. I am well acquainted with the Earl and Lady Doubly. I shall call on him to-morrow and obtain a formal introduction. Until then, arvoire, he concluded as he tipped his cap and rode away. Lucretia had met no eligible young men. In fact, besides her father and uncle, Reverend Jones, Governor Rowe, the priest and Mr. Solomon, her acquaintance with the male sex had ended, and her father and uncle had occupied the star places in her mind. But now her hero and ideal that she had read of, and sometimes in her innocent daydreams had pictured, had come in real life. Her natural reserve protected her secrets so that she but inspired a greater passion in her devoted admirer. Lord Winslow was well acquainted with Lady Doubly's habits because a few years previously he had been a constant visitor at the castle when he was accepted suitor of Lady Georgiana, the Earl's daughter. He therefore called at eleven a.m., just after she had partaken of her breakfast and occupied her morning-son parlor. Lady Doubly received his card with a smile of pleasurable surprise. She had secretly regretted that Georgiana had not waited a little longer before breaking her engagement with the then tideless heir of a rich uncle, who then bade fair to the good old age, for the old count de la Ferry, who jealously guarded his young wife and refused to take her into society as she naturally desired. Lady Doubly did not admit her regrets even to her husband, and suffered the more keenly, especially since her selfish daughter did not spare her feelings in her reproachful letters. It was really a great pleasure to her ladyship when Lord Winslow was announced. She held out her hand and greeted him in a very friendly manner. After an exchange of polite compliments, Lord Winslow mentioned the object of his visit. Do I understand you to say that Lord Doubly's niece was writing with that African idol? Lord Winslow then explained the accident again. I am sorry not to be able to comply with your request, Lord Winslow, but Miss Moncrief is not old enough or prepared to enter society. She will be sent to school and taught to outgrow her African habits before she makes her debut into society. I shall have to ask you to wait until that time, my friend. Lady Doubly replied to his repeated request. Lady Doubly prohibited the next morning's ride, and when the Earl returned that afternoon, Lady Doubly informed him of the meeting with Lord Winslow. Just think of your niece writing through the country unattended, with a monkey, which frightens the horse when it sees a handsome young man approaching, who of course rescues the fainting maiden. Oh, it is disgraceful! These innocent girls are very clever after all, Lady Doubly remarked in a temper. She must be sent away to school because I will not tolerate her presence here any longer, under the circumstances. Lady Doubly concluded, when the Earl failed to reply to her first statements. Lucretia explained the occurrence to her uncle, but suggested that perhaps the school would be better since her ladyship desired it. It was finally agreed that Lucretia be sent to a fashionable boarding school. Lord Winslow had always been the choice of the Earl, who tried to influence his daughter to be guided by her true feelings rather than make a needless sacrifice for wealth and title. The Earl of Doubly therefore listened to Lord Winslow's proposal for Lucretia's hand with favour. Does Lucretia reciprocate your feelings, Reginald? he asked, after Lord Winslow had paused. I have not dared express my sentiments to your niece without your approval, Lord Doubly, he replied. Lucretia is but sixteen years of age and has no experience of the world. She received only the training her mother could give her in the jungles until placed in the convent, so you must understand that she will have to be sympathetically understood by you before it would be advisable to contemplate an early marriage, Lord Doubly remarked. Lord Winslow soon convinced the Earl of Doubly that his feelings were no passing fancy. Summoning a page, Lord Doubly sent for Lucretia. Lucretia was packing her little treasured momentals over which she was shedding tears when the page was admitted and delivered his lordship's message. When Lucretia entered the library, the Earl of Doubly retired and left the couple alone. Lucretia was very surprised when she saw Lord Winslow in her uncle's library. But half an hour afterward the spirit of her old grandfather, who had often smiled upon her baby in childhood photographs, must surely have smiled upon his happy granddaughter, who plighted her maiden heart to the keeping of such a true and handsome night. Lord Doubly returned an hour later to find the couple in such a happy mood that the first glance told its own story. Lord Winslow led Lucretia to her uncle and received his blessings. Lord Doubly first objected to the early marriage, Lord Winslow proposed, but the memory of Lucretia's unpleasant position at the castle, and his desire to see her happy finally overruled his first objections, and he consented. Lady Doubly was very much aggrieved over the news of the engagement, but decided to act the part Lucretia's position demanded. She, however, would not consent to the marriage until a formal luncheon was given at which Lucretia's debut and engagement were made simultaneously. On the eve of the marriage, Lady Doubly visited Lucretia's room at midnight. She kissed her niece very affectionately and, sitting beside the bed as she held her hand, she began, "'My dear little girl, you have always misunderstood my motive when I suggested things for your good and future happiness. I know that you are an innocent girl who knows nothing of the wickedness and machinations of this our world. You precipitated this agreement without consulting me. Who, after all, you will find to be your best friend?' Lord Winslow is the jilted suitor of Georgiana, my daughter, the Countess of Delafaire. He still loves Georgiana and is only marrying you because he has foolishly got the impression that he would be spiting me since he accuses me of being responsible for Georgiana's choice. Had I believed he wanted to meet you from a sincere motive of friendship, I should not have hesitated, although you are not old enough to receive young gentlemen collars. But how could I believe he was sincere when he continually uprated me for ruining his happiness? I would have spared you a loveless marriage, but there will come a time when you will recall this interview and wish you had heeded my advice. MARRIGE AND HONEY MOON Lucretia lay awake long after Lady doubly had retired, thinking over the statement she had just heard. How could it be possible for such honest eyes as Reggie's to look into my face and declare his love and devotion when he knew he loved another, she thought. Oh, this is too cruel. There must be some mistake. For what have I done to be deceived and treated so cruelly? Reggie could not be guilty of such an unmanly act. But suppose he proposed out of pity for me when he learned that I was to be sent away because of the accident. I cannot think well tonight. Oh, how my head throbs! Lady doubly, after all, meant to be kind. I am sure she would not misrepresent things to me. Georgiana is already happily married, and there is nothing to gain by causing me unhappiness, and she could have warned me sooner if she wished to prevent the marriage because of personal feelings. No, I cannot believe that she would be inflicting a needless misery upon me. She only wishes to prepare me not to expect too much happiness. Oh, mother dear, would that you were here to advise your poor unhappy child. Ah, Sister Julie often warned us at the convent of the deceit and cruelty of men. But Reggie, oh Reginal, how can I believe that you are deceiving me? Thus the poor girl raved all night, sobbing and praying for some way out of her unhappy state. The next morning was dark and a misty snowstorm raged outside. Lord Winslow and the few family guests arrived, just as the pale and trembling bride was having the finishing touches arranged to her toilet. The ceremony was performed in the castle drawing-room. At the wedding breakfast Lord Winslow and the guests noticed the pale and pathetic look upon the face of the young bride, but thought that the excitement and natural bashfulness were responsible. They entered a limousine and drove away amid the usual rice and shoe showers. Arriving at the station they were joined by Zena and Nogi, and they took the noon express for Portsmouth, where they embarked in Lord Winslow's yacht and crossed the Solent Channel for his island castle near St. Catherine's Point, upon the southwest part of the Isle of Wight. The large old Norman Castle stood with its facades and massive towers ranging one above the other and situated upon a promontory that overlooked some rugged cliffs, upon which the waves of the Channel constantly broke into feathery spray, as the sound of their noisome breakers was wafted up to the castle. Lucretia was delighted with their surroundings, but the seed Lady Doubly had sown continued to crop up no matter how hard she tried to forget. The fact that the Countess was never referred to seemed to indicate that Lord Winslow either regarded the subject too scared to be discussed or wished to spare her feelings. The first open little cloud started when Lucretia was dressing for a ball given in her honor. Lord Winslow was about to clasp a diamond necklace about her neck and noticed that she had not removed the chain and claw. Why do you continually wear that charm around your neck, my dear? You are no longer a child and it is very unbecoming, Lord Winslow remarked as he attempted to unclasp it. Do not loosen the chain, Reginal. I must never even move it from my person, Lucretia replied. Lord Winslow recalled the charges Lady Doubly had made when she referred to the African Idol. For a moment a frown flitted across his forehead as he wondered if his wife believed in fetish and charms. But his great love and confidence soon dispelled the doubts and he inquired the reason she prized the trinket. After she related the circumstances of her father's escape and wound made by the claw and his warning as he clasped it upon her neck, Lord Winslow was satisfied that it was merely a sentiment and desire to respect her father's wishes, that prompted her to object to its removal. But, my dear, you cannot appear in an evening gown wearing the claw, so give it to me. I shall keep it in one of my inside pockets, so that it will still be with you. He playfully ended. Lucretia began to wonder why her father had placed such an objectionable article about her neck which caused everybody to regard her as a fetish worshiper. Her loyalty to her father, however, influenced her to wear it, and her husband's happy solution was met with tears of gratitude. Lord Winslow's objection to Lucretia visiting among the peasants caused quite a bit of friction. One day he happened to be riding through his estate and saw Lucretia holding a sick baby, outside of a small cottage, while a little racket urchin of four held on to her skirts and seemed quite familiar to her. Lord Winslow was very much annoyed. As he rode near, she called out to him before he could speak. Oh, Reggie, this poor baby was smothering to death inside with the fever and I brought him out for a breath of air. Fever, Lord Winslow asked, what are you thinking of? Exposing yourself among such unsanitary surroundings. Give the child to its mother and return with me to the castle. You must have these clothes burned and never act in hers again. I am glad you are interested in the poor people, but you may send them money, food, and ironers, but do not expose yourself among them. I am very sorry I cannot obey your commands at present, because the poor mother has gone to secure some medicine and groceries, and I am keeping house. Send Zena down, please. Lord Winslow was constantly provoked at Lucretia's democratic habits, as she could not convince his young wife that ladies of her position should not mingle among their unfortunate sisters. She religiously performed her many social duties, at which times he prompted and tried to have her act so perfectly correct that the poor child had begun to lose her natural grace and enshroud herself in a shy reserve that was mistaken among their friends for pride and unfriendliness. Lady Winslow's words constantly recurred to Lucretia, and at each misunderstanding she became more unhappy, and believed he was comparing her faults to Georgiana's virtues. Spring arrived, and Lord and Lady Winslow came in the early part to remain with the couple and joined the yachting party that Lord Winslow was planning to sail during the first of May. Lucretia improved considerably with her uncle's companionship. She suspected that Lord Winslow had tired of her company, and had therefore invited the older people to come so early. Lady Winslow soon read the telltale signs of Lucretia's face, as they sat alone one afternoon, she remarked, My poor child, how I pity you! It's really cruel of Reginald not to have given you a pleasant honeymoon, at the least. But I knew his pride would soon overcome his desire for revenge and that he would regret having married a wife who had once been an African priestess. Oh, it stung him when he heard of it! But, of course, my dear, you were not to blame. She ended as she noticed with alarm the dead pallor which overspread Lucretia's face. Georgiana writes that the old count has been poorly. The dear child is so anxious about him that she will not leave his side. She concluded after Lucretia did not faint or become hysterical. And Georgiana, Lucretia remarked, Please do not miss Judge Reginald. He has treated me very kindly, and if I look unhappy it's because I am not very well. You must remember that this was my first winter and I am acclimating. Don't mention anything to Uncle, please. About what you have said to me, Lucretia said as she arose. End of chapter 26