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diff --git a/old/67378-h/67378-h.htm b/old/67378-h/67378-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 088e018..0000000 --- a/old/67378-h/67378-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13746 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> - -<head> - -<link rel="icon" href="images/img-cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> - -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> - -<title> -The Project Gutenberg eBook of John Solomon--Supercargo, by Henry Bedford-Jones</title> - -<style type="text/css"> -body { color: black; - background: white; - margin-right: 10%; - margin-left: 10%; - font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; - text-align: justify } - -p {text-indent: 4% } - -p.noindent {text-indent: 0% } - -p.t1 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 200%; - text-align: center } - -p.t2 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 150%; - text-align: center } - -p.t2b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 150%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t3 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 100%; - text-align: center } - -p.t3b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 100%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t4 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - text-align: center } - -p.t4b {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center } - -p.t5 {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 60%; - text-align: center } - -h1 { text-align: center } -h2 { text-align: center } -h3 { text-align: center } -h4 { text-align: center } -h5 { text-align: center } - -p.poem {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10%; } - -p.thought {text-indent: 0% ; - letter-spacing: 4em ; - text-align: center } - -p.letter {text-indent: 0%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.footnote {text-indent: 0% ; - font-size: 80%; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -.smcap { font-variant: small-caps } - -p.transnote {text-indent: 0% ; - margin-left: 10% ; - margin-right: 10% } - -p.intro {font-size: 90% ; - text-indent: -5% ; - margin-left: 5% ; - margin-right: 0% } - -p.quote {text-indent: 4% ; - margin-left: 0% ; - margin-right: 0% } - -p.finis { font-size: larger ; - text-align: center ; - text-indent: 0% ; - margin-left: 0% ; - margin-right: 0% } -</style> - -</head> - -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of John Solomon--Supercargo, by Henry Bedford-Jones</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: John Solomon--Supercargo</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Henry Bedford-Jones</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 11, 2022 [eBook #67378]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Al Haines</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN SOLOMON--SUPERCARGO ***</div> - -<h1> -<br /><br /> - <i>John Solomon—Supercargo</i><br /> -</h1> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t2"> - <i>By ALLAN HAWKWOOD</i><br /> - (Henry Bedford-Jones)<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> - <i>Author of<br /> - "Solomon's Quest" "The Seal of Solomon," etc.</i><br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> - <i>London: HURST & BLACKETT, LTD.,<br /> - PATERNOSTER HOUSE, E.C.</i><br /> -<br /> - <i>1925</i><br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3b"> - Contents<br /> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> - CHAPTER<br /> -</p> - -<p class="noindent"> - I. <a href="#chap01">The Cattle-Wharf at Deptford</a><br /> - II. <a href="#chap02">John Solomon</a><br /> - III. <a href="#chap03">The Road to Melindi</a><br /> - IV. <a href="#chap04">Who Murdered Hans Schlak?</a><br /> - V. <a href="#chap05">The Adventure Begins</a><br /> - VI. <a href="#chap06">The Lady Professor</a><br /> - VII. <a href="#chap07">Hammer Starts Something</a><br /> - VIII. <a href="#chap08">In the Open</a><br /> - IX. <a href="#chap09">Hammer Begins to See</a><br /> - X. <a href="#chap10">At Melindi</a><br /> - XI. <a href="#chap11">Solomon Prepares for Action</a><br /> - XII. <a href="#chap12">Under Suspicion</a><br /> - XIII. <a href="#chap13">Accused and Accuser</a><br /> - XIV. <a href="#chap14">Off At Last</a><br /> - XV. <a href="#chap15">Dr. Krausz Proves Obstinate</a><br /> - XVI. <a href="#chap16">The Place of Skulls</a><br /> - XVII. <a href="#chap17">The Pit of Adders</a><br /> - XVIII. <a href="#chap18">"Thahabu!"</a><br /> - XIX. <a href="#chap19">The "Daphne" Again</a><br /> -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap01"></a></p> - -<p class="t2"> -John Solomon—Supercargo -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER I -<br /><br /> -THE CATTLE-WHARF AT DEPTFORD -</h3> - -<p> -Frederick L. C. Harcourt, Viscount Ratcliff, -was extremely natty in his flannels, buckskins, -and yachting cap, and consequently he aroused -tremendous excitement, plainly being nothing more -or less than a "toff" of the first water. -</p> - -<p> -As he strode along the cattle-wharf at Deptford, -he looked as much out of place as would a royal -highness if suddenly dropped among the habitués -of Sally Tucker's pub. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, because of the Royal Yacht Club -insignia on his cap, and also because his face was -very brown and square-chinned and his shoulders -rather broader than most, his "sunfish" prodding -the long-horns down the gangs kept their comments -strictly to themselves. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt, who was strolling along in a rather -aimless fashion, nodded quietly to the astonished -S.P.C.A. inspector, replied to the latter's flurried -greeting that it certainly was a fine day, and passed -on. His dark-blue eyes settled on an ancient and -dishonorable well-deck cargo tank of some three -thousand tons, from which the last batch of cattle -were being driven into the wharf pens. -</p> - -<p> -As he passed down beneath her counter, on the -edge of the wharf, his sauntering ceased rather -abruptly. From somewhere came a well-directed -stream of blue, evil-smelling, pipe smoke, which -shot down with the wind squarely athwart his -face. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt looked up to see a man, obviously a -"sunfish" or cattle-boat hand, leaning lazily -upon the rail above him and grinning amiably at -the intruder. -</p> - -<p> -Foul beyond the ordinary foulness of the bullock -waiter was the man, his clothes a mere mass of -tattered rags, and dirt; but there was a twinkle in -his grey eyes, and his face and neck were brown and -rough and muscled. His tousle of black hair was -crowned by a battered felt hat, whose brim flapped -at weird angles about his ears; but from brow to -chin his face was aquiline, sharp, while, as he -addressed the other, white teeth flashed on his -pipe-stem. -</p> - -<p> -"Slumming, pardner?" -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt smiled, his cheeks rosy through their -bronze, and something of the cool insolence that -had rested in the grey eyes above him died away -before his look. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps. Come down here, my man. I'd like -a word with you, don't you know." -</p> - -<p> -The sunfish did not move, but sent a slow stream -of smoke down the wind, his eyes narrowing -slightly. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm not your man," came the calm retort. -"Also, I'm quite satisfied where I am. If you want -a word with me you are at liberty to trot up here; -but I'd advise you to take that white coat off first. -I'm liable to muss it up if you get me too excited." -</p> - -<p> -The Englishman stared for a moment, evidently -surprised at the voice and accent of the sunfish, -which held quite as much authority as did his own -and which betrayed culture despite the challenging -veneer of insolence. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile, the scattered sunfish and cowpunchers -took note of their visitor's stoppage and, -as the last of the cattle were shoved into their -pen, a little crowd collected about the gang, -scenting trouble with unmingled joy. Seeing that -one of their comrades had taken the burden upon -his own shoulders, they encouraged him distantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't youse take any lip off'n him, pal!" -</p> - -<p> -"Tell the bleedin', bloody toff 'is pants is tore, -'Ammer!" -</p> - -<p> -"Ain't his little feet pretty——" -</p> - -<p> -The murmuring died away with startling abruptness, -for one of the cow-punchers shouted over from -the pen, with callous indifference to the feelings of -the visitor; -</p> - -<p> -"Shut up, you stiffs! That's his lordship what -laid out the Brighton Blighter last night. I seen -him do it!" -</p> - -<p> -Amid the ensuing silence Harcourt flushed darkly -and walked to the gangway, the men drawing back -suddenly from his mild look. -</p> - -<p> -Up above watched the sunfish, his grey eyes -wide, for all the docks had heard the story—how -the famous Brighton Blighter had encountered -some toff or other in Oxford Street the previous -night, and how, after some passing reference to -lords and ladies, the heavy-weight champion had -been knocked out cold within a minute. -</p> - -<p> -So this mild-eyed, wide-shouldered yachtsman -was the man, then! The sunfish quietly laid aside -his pipe and stood waiting; if his invitation had -been accepted in the spirit in which it had been -issued, he was like to have his work cut out for -him. Harcourt, however, displayed no bellicose -intention, but halted a few feet away. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, now that I am here, I presume you'll -grant me a few moments?" -</p> - -<p> -The sunfish grinned as the blue eyes twinkled into his. -</p> - -<p> -"I can spare you five minutes, my lord. -I thought that perhaps you desired a sparring -partner!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I say now!" Harcourt flushed again and -was plainly ill at ease. "Just forget all that bally -rot, can't you? It's too beastly——" -</p> - -<p> -"Listen!" -</p> - -<p> -The sunfish held up a hand, and from the wharf -below a confused murmur drifted up from the -gathering crowd. -</p> - -<p> -"That's 'im, a talkin' to 'Ammer!" -</p> - -<p> -"Aw, what youse givin' us? He didn't knock -out your blamed white hope!" -</p> - -<p> -"Stow that, ye flatfoot! Billy here seen it, an' -that's the guy, all right!" -</p> - -<p> -The sunfish grinned again at the uneasy yachtsman. -"Don't be bashful, your lordship—true -greatness cannot be hidden under flannels, even -at Deptford, you see. Sorry to receive you in these -duds, but my valet hasn't come down to the dock -as yet." -</p> - -<p> -A flicker of something that was not amusement -flared out in the blue eyes, but it passed quickly -with a chuckle. -</p> - -<p> -"All right, my friend—you're the man I'm -looking for! But, upon my word, I hardly expected -such good luck." -</p> - -<p> -"It's all yours so far," came the dry retort. -"Only, if you're looking for a thug, you'll find -plenty down there in the crowd." His grey eyes -rested shrewdly, but laughingly, on the other. -</p> - -<p> -"No, thanks very much." An appraising glance -and a nod accompanied the words. "You'll do. -Your name is Hammer I take it. American?" -</p> - -<p> -"Stars and stripes, you bet. As to Hammer, -that's not my name, but it's handle enough for this -craft. 'Ammer, 'ammer, 'ammer on the 'ard -'ighway, you know—only my cognomen is a title of -distinction gained by the honest use of fists. -Yours, if you have one, was probably gained through -the chance of birth. I will say, though, that you're -very decent-looking, for a Britisher." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, thanks very much!" The visitor seemed -anything but angry, to the visible disappointment -of the watching gangway; still, he very plainly was -bewildered by the cultured tones of the sunfish. -"Are you—er—looking for work?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, that depends on the work," returned -Hammer easily, paying no heed to the outraged -ship's officers, who were looking on aghast. "No -yachting, thanks. Too hard to look pleasant all -the time. Besides, I can't keep straight." -</p> - -<p> -The other's eyes met his, unsurprised, questioning, -and beneath that level gaze Hammer only -kept up his truculent air with an effort. This -Englishman was very likeable. -</p> - -<p> -"How so, Mr. Hammer?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, general cussedness and particular booze. -Better browse along and hunt up another victim, -your lordship! I like your looks, but I don't like -my own—in comparison." -</p> - -<p> -This rather impulsive admission had no effect -on Harcourt beyond sending a stubborn glint into -his blue eyes. Deliberately pausing to light a -cigarette, he extended his case to the other; -Hammer refused, replacing his pipe in his mouth, -but this time he carefully sent the smoke downward. -</p> - -<p> -"No, I'm rather keen on you, Hammer. I've -been—er—browsing along, as you say, all of the -morning without any success, and it's getting -tiresome. As matter of fact, I came out to look for a -man with a second officer's ticket, a man who could -use his fists and who was willing to take a chance -with me. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, however, I've changed my mind. I'm -not quite sure yet as to what offer I'll make you, -but come up to my address in the city when you're -through here—to-night, if you can. Here's my -card and a tenner to act as retainer." -</p> - -<p> -The astonished Hammer mechanically shoved -the Bank of England note into some recess of his -ragged shirt, then perused the card. He looked up -with hesitation in his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Mind, Harcourt, I've warned you that I'm -no good——" -</p> - -<p> -"Nonsense! If I was after a sober, respectable -seaman, do you think I'd have come here looking -for one? When can I expect to see you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, have it your own way, then!" Hammer -shrugged his shoulders, resignedly. "I'll meet you -say, at Prince's for dinner. Centre table, far end." -</p> - -<p> -"Eh?" Harcourt's eyes opened. "You—er—but -Prince's, don't you know——" -</p> - -<p> -"——Doesn't go with these duds, you mean?" Hammer -chuckled as he finished the other's hesitating -sentence. "Never mind—you should worry, -Harcourt! Much obliged for the tenner, just the -same; all you have to do is to show up and see what -you find. Seven-thirty suit you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, thanks," murmured Harcourt, and -so the colloquy ended—in amused and rather -interested toleration on the part of the sunfish, -and in bewildered doubt on that of the Englishman. -</p> - -<p> -At seven-thirty that evening Harcourt received -another shock, and this time a greater one. For -after he stepped into the big dining-room at Prince's -and beckoned the stately head-waiter, that individual -arrived with the calm information that Mr. Hammer -was waiting. -</p> - -<p> -"Er—you know Mr. Hammer, Bucks?" -</p> - -<p> -"Quite well, sir," responded Bucks, and Harcourt -followed in subdued amazement. -</p> - -<p> -He was led to a table, from which a man in -evening dress sprang to meet him, hand extended. -For a moment the sorely-doubting Englishman -did not recognize the sunfish, until he took in the -hard grey eyes, the tanned features, the keen -incisive lines of the face. -</p> - -<p> -Then he recovered himself and went through the -form of greeting stiffly; but Hammer had no -intention of letting him off so easily. -</p> - -<p> -"It was rather a low-down trick, wasn't it?" -grinned the American cheerfully. "However, we'll -have an explanation all around. Poor chap, -your face was a picture this morning when I -announced that we'd dine here!" -</p> - -<p> -"I must apologize, of course, my dear chap," -returned Harcourt ruefully; then, unable to resist -the infectious humour of the other, he broke into -a laugh and the incident was closed. -</p> - -<p> -In truth, Cyrus Hammer was well calculated to -draw a second glance, for not only did his evening -clothes fit him impeccably, but he wore them with -ease and grace which made him to the full as -<i>distingué</i> as his aristocratic companion. -</p> - -<p> -His mouth was hard, and there were lines in -his face which has no place in the face of a man of -twenty-eight who had lived his life well; but these -were in great part redeemed by an abundance of -unfailing good humour, which hid, mask-like, the -hard-fisted quality of the man underneath. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt wasted no time, and no sooner was the -dinner fairly begun than he plunged headlong into -the subject under discussion. -</p> - -<p> -"Hammer, I have a little surprise for you myself, -perhaps. I told you this morning that I had -changed my plans pending your acceptance of my -offer to you, so there is no use in beating about -the bush. -</p> - -<p> -"Until a month ago I had considered myself -fairly well fixed for life; then came that flurry -in Wall Street which wrecked two of your big -institutions. -</p> - -<p> -"I woke up one morning to find myself almost a -beggar, as all my funds were invested in American -securities and they had slipped down and out with -a crash. My word, it was a blow! I had a few -hundreds left; no more." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer displayed none of the surprise he felt -at this astounding revelation, but merely nodded; -and after a moment, the other continued: -</p> - -<p> -"Practically all that I saved out of the crash -was my yacht, the <i>Daphne</i>. All my family have -been sailors, don't you know, and if I hadn't been, -sent down from the 'Mill'—Woolwich—years ago, -I'd have been in the navy to-day. In fact, one of -my proudest possessions is a Board of Trade -certificate as Master. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'd about made up my mind to sell the -craft and try my luck in your bally country, when -along comes an offer to charter the yacht. That -gave me the idea. I say, Hammer, why couldn't -I take this party out to East Africa, where they -wish to go, then—er—browse around the ocean, -acting as my own captain? Couldn't a chap make -a decent living at that, eh?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ought to," chuckled Hammer, making no -secret of his interest by this time. "If you're willing -to take a bit of risk once in a while, I fancy you -could pick up some easy coin, and have a good time -as well. But why should this party want to charter -a yacht to reach East Africa with?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, it's that big Dresden archaeological chap, -Dr. Sigurd Krausz—he's sending out an expedition -to dig up some beastly thing or other, and wants -the <i>Daphne</i> for his own use, the field force going -separately. I've not the slightest idea what he's -after, but he's willing to pay well, and seems to be -doing the thing on his own hook instead of working -for any museum. -</p> - -<p> -"But let's get down to business, Hammer. -I've been thinking this over, and since I am frankly -down and out, as you Americans would say, I've -no notion of depending on myself alone. I'm a -pretty good character-reader, Hammer, and I -liked you at first sight or I wouldn't make this -offer. Other things being equal, how would you -like to take a junior partnership in the <i>Daphne</i>?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer looked at him silently, wondering if -the man meant what he said. But the other was -plainly in earnest, and, moreover, Hammer thought -that he had seldom met a man to whom he was so -attracted. That the liking was mutual there seemed -to be no doubt; but would it last? -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know," he returned slowly. "I'm no -sailor, for one thing—I'm a cattle-boat hand, and -nothing else. I can't see where I'd be any good." -</p> - -<p> -"No matter," declared Harcourt impatiently. -"You could soon pick up navigation; for that -matter, there are plenty of men in command of -craft without proper license. However, I'm not -figuring on you as a sailor. I can do that, but I -don't know a bally thing about business. You -could handle the business end of everything and -gradually work into handling the ship; she'd -be my property, of course, but we'd share even on -what we made." -</p> - -<p> -"Go slow now," and Hammer laughed quietly -while the waiter hovered about them. Then, -when they were once more alone, he went on: -"Better let me spin you my yarn first, then see -how far you'd be willing to trust me." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer's real name was Cyrus Murray, and -until three years before this time he had been -engaged in a profitable brokerage business in New -York City. Alone in the world, he had made his -own way, and in the course of its making he had -contracted a hasty and ill-advised marriage with a -girl who was in no way fitted to be his wife. -</p> - -<p> -It was a sordid little tragedy, by no means -uncommon in American life of to-day; but, -unfortunately for Murray, his wife had been the -first to discover that it was a tragedy. -</p> - -<p> -He glossed over this portion of the tale in its -telling, merely stating that he had allowed her to -obtain a divorce, and had turned over to her the -greater part of his worldly goods; but he had been -hard hit by the entire affair. -</p> - -<p> -Impulsively, he had thrown his business -overboard, and one night, in reckless desperation, -he sought shelter from his thoughts by shipping -aboard a cattle-boat. Curiously enough, before -he reached Liverpool he had found that in spite of -the terribly rough life, in spite of the almost daily -battles for existence into which his very appearance -and manner flung him, the hard physical labour -and the tortured weariness of his body was a relief -to his mind. Then the liquor. -</p> - -<p> -So for three years he had been traversing the -Atlantic, working hard, fighting hard, drinking -hard; his ambition was destroying; he took -savage zest in bullying the thugs and degenerates -who were his companions in misfortune, and he had -thought himself fairly content at the level to which -he had sunk. -</p> - -<p> -Upon each arrival in England he made a practise -of going to London and living like a gentleman for -a week or two—for he had still some money left—until -the life became unbearable to him, and back -he would go to his cattle-boats and human cattle. -</p> - -<p> -"There's the whole thing," he concluded with a -bitter smile. "A fool paying for his folly, that's -all. Still want me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," came the quiet answer. "I think we're -well mated, Hammer; but, to make sure, suppose -we make this a trial cruise together. You'll never -find any ambition aboard a bally cattle-boat, -that's sure, and you might better go to hell decently, -if you're bound to go. -</p> - -<p> -"However, you're a real man, and I like you. -My offer stands; only, don't you know, I want your -word that you won't drink while you're with -me. I mean—er—well, drinking in a beastly -fashion——" -</p> - -<p> -"I get you, old man," chuckled Hammer quickly. -"Suppose we put it that I can drink as much as you -do, but no more, eh? All right, then—but I've -really no great inclination for drink in itself. You -have my word of honour, such as it is—and here's a -toast in coffee to the <i>Daphne</i> and the daffy Dutchman!" -</p> - -<p> -"Done!" cried Harcourt in undisguised delight, -but as he raised his cup Bucks approached with a -whispered word and a card. Harcourt frowned, -glancing at the latter. -</p> - -<p> -"'John Solomon'—who the devil is John Solomon? -Who is he, Bucks?" -</p> - -<p> -"A rather queer <i>person</i>, sir," replied the head-waiter -sagely. "I might let him wait in a private -room, sir!" -</p> - -<p> -"All right, do so. We'll be out in a -moment—confounded nuisance! How did the fellow come to -look me up here? By Jove, Hammer, the -unmitigated insolence of some——" -</p> - -<p> -"Cool off," laughed the American. "Here, -have another cigarette before we go, and we can -investigate your friend after we finish. Funny -name, John Solomon!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap02"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER II -<br /><br /> -JOHN SOLOMON -</h3> - -<p> -Since Hammer had an inveterate dislike of fat -men in general, and blue-eyed fat men in -particular—born out of his experience with a fat and -demented Swede cook on his first cattle-boat trip—it -was not to be wondered at that he eyed John -Solomon with no great favour in his heart. For -John Solomon was fat and blue-eyed. -</p> - -<p> -"Pudgy" would be a better word than the flat -and misleading "fat". Pudgy embraces the face -that a man is not merely fat, but that he is filled -to a comfortable completeness, as it were; that he -is not too fat to move about, but just enough so to -be dignified on occasion; and that his expression is -cheerful above all else. -</p> - -<p> -Save for this last item, the description fitted -John Solomon to a dot, for while his face was -cheerful enough, it was as totally devoid of -expression as a face can be—and still remain a face. -</p> - -<p> -He was a short, little man, not more than five -feet six, very decently dressed in blue serge, and he -sat quite contentedly filling a short clay pipe from -a whittled plug as Hammer and Harcourt entered -the private room. -</p> - -<p> -When he glanced up and rose to meet them, the -first thing Hammer noticed was that healthy-looking -yet expressionless face, from which gazed -out two eyes of pale blue and of great size. -</p> - -<p> -As he came to learn later, Nature had endowed -John Solomon with absolutely stolid features, -but in compensation had given him eyes which could -be rendered unusually intelligent at times. -</p> - -<p> -"You are John Solomon?" questioned Harcourt -curtly. "What is your business with me, and how -did you know I was here?" -</p> - -<p> -"Beggin' your pardon, sir," and the pale-blue -eyes met the darker ones of Harcourt without -shrinking. "I 'ave a pal down at Deptford who -'appens to 'ear what you and Mr. 'Ammer said this -morning. 'E knowed I was werry anxious for a -ship, and 'e comes to me with it." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you want a ship, then?" returned Harcourt. -"And therefore you interrupt a gentleman at dinner -in a fashionable restaurant——" -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't mean no 'arm, sir," broke in Solomon, -without cringing, however. "You see, sir, I -'adn't no means o' knowing where to find you -otherwise. I say that if so be as a man wants work, -it don't matter 'ow 'e gets it, so 'e gets it, and I -trust as 'ow you'd look at it the same way, -Mr. Harcourt, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"And quite right you are, John Solomon," -exclaimed Hammer, amused despite himself, and -beginning to think that this pudgy little man had -some brains. Since Harcourt was not quite sure -whether to be angry or not, the American's laugh -saved the situation for the moment. "You're got -plenty of nerve, my friend, but you must want work -pretty badly to go after it so strong. What's your -line—seaman?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir," and the wide blue eyes rested in child-like -faith on Hammer's face. "I'm a bit 'eavy for -that there, sir, though I've A.B. papers. No sir, -though I can do a bit o' navigation at a pinch, I'd -feel more at 'ome like wi' figures. I writes a good -'and, sir, and I knows 'ow to 'andle port off'cers -and such. If so be as you could use a supercargo, -sir?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer turned to the Englishman, who was -still eyeing Solomon doubtfully. -</p> - -<p> -"How are we fixed for officers, anyway, Harcourt? -I've got a grudge against fat men as a rule, but -hanged if I don't admire this chap's nerve! A -man who'll butt into a place like this to get a job -must have something in him." -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt rubbed his chin reflectively. "Well, -the yacht has been laid up for six months and didn't -have any crew, so Krausz agreed to place a dozen -of his own men aboard her under a mate, if I'd -find a chief officer and an engine-room crew. -</p> - -<p> -"So far as standing watches is concerned, you -can rank as first mate, unofficially, and I've already -arranged for my old chief engineer to pick up his -own men. -</p> - -<p> -"A supercargo isn't absolutely essential, but -Krausz is going to take a lot of stuff out to do -his excavating with, as well as packing cases and -all that bally impedimenta—my word, Hammer, -I don't just know what to say!" -</p> - -<p> -"Beggin' your pardon, sir," put in Solomon, -as the other paused, "but I can take care o' port -papers and such werry well, and 'ave A1 references. -A supercargo ain't no use unless 'e's a lot o' use, -I says, sir, and I goes on that princ'ple. What's -more, Mr. 'Ammer, I knows a man as can fix -you up wi' first off'cer's papers for a matter o' -two pun and no questions asked." -</p> - -<p> -The twinkle in the blue eyes drew an answering -chuckle from the American, even Harcourt relaxing -sufficiently to smile slightly. -</p> - -<p> -"You seem to have your uses, certainly," said -the Englishman dryly. "By the way, Hammer, -where are you stopping?" -</p> - -<p> -"I've stopped," grinned the American cheerfully. -"My war-bag's aboard the ship still, but -there's nothing in it worth carrying off. I have -my pipe here, and no other clothes worthy the -name. -</p> - -<p> -"Then you'd better go home with me to-night," -returned the other. "We'll do the opera first, -if you like. To-morrow, you can take up your -quarters aboard the <i>Daphne</i>, and we can talk -over money matters at leisure. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, John Solomon, you seem to have a -fairly good idea of my business already, so I'll -simply say that my yacht, the <i>Daphne</i>, is anchored -at the Royal Thames docks and that you can go -aboard whenever you please. As supercargo, you -will join the officers' mess, of course, but I'll -be aboard to-morrow and will fix things up with -you, and you can sign articles then. And—er—about -those bally papers—er—you had better -get them." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir, I'll 'ave them to-morrow, sir," and -John Solomon touched his forehead respectfully; -but Hammer imagined that he caught something -very like a wink from one of those wide blue -eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you werry much, Mr. Harcourt, and -you, Mr. 'Ammer, and I'll be aboard bright and -early, since it's the early worm what sees the -bird first, as the Good Book says." -</p> - -<p> -"Very good," rejoined Harcourt briefly, and -so John Solomon passed forth from all the glory -of Prince's, with his little black clay pipe wagging -defiantly at the liveried doormen, and the place -thereof knew him no more. -</p> - -<p> -Although he had accepted the proffered partnership -glibly enough, Hammer was by no means -sure that he would stick to it, for various reasons. -Chief among these was the fact that he had a -profound distrust of himself; since he had -deliberately thrown himself to the dogs, in a way, -he had come to have a deep-rooted conviction that -he was no good, that his better qualities -mere surface outcroppings, and that a man such -as Harcourt would like him less the better he -knew him. -</p> - -<p> -Still, he frankly liked Harcourt, and the idea -of free-lancing about the ocean appealed strongly -to him. But he had so long been battering down -the better side of his own nature, the shock of -his past trouble had so deeply bitten into his -soul, that he could not look forward to the future -with anything approaching hope. -</p> - -<p> -His very promise to abstain from drink had -been made solely because that was the only way -in which he could accept Harcourt's offer, and not -from any desire to regain his lost state. -</p> - -<p> -"No," he told himself that night, alone in -his room at Harcourt's apartments, "I guess I'm -a wastrel, pure and simple. I've nothing to go -ahead for, and I've got a devil of a lot to forget; -if I can only get up enough interest in the yacht -and in the places we visit and the work we do, -then there's a chance that I can break even and -stay decent for a while. And, Lord knows, it's -about time!" -</p> - -<p> -In which conclusion he was undeniably correct, -much more so than in his foregoing premises. -For Hammer was not nearly so unlikeable as he -imagined; in the effort to cast his old life and -his youthful mistakes far behind him he had -plunged into the swiftest maelstrom he could find, -as better men than he have done and will do, -but he had managed to keep his head above -water—much to his own surprise. -</p> - -<p> -The good-humoured manner, which was at -first an assumption to hide the hurts beneath, -had finally become reality, and perhaps Harcourt -had shrewdly reckoned on the fact that mental -trouble is very likely to lessen and vanish beneath -the light of friendship. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt himself was little bothered over his -own financial crash. Accustomed to thinking little -of money or its value, he did not trouble greatly -about making his living now that his plans for -the immediate future were settled. He was twenty-six, -two years younger than the American, but -he had taken the <i>Daphne</i> far around the seven -seas, and in some ways was a good deal older -than Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -The following day, having procured other clothes -than his dress-suit, Hammer went aboard the -<i>Daphne</i>. She was a small but luxuriously furnished -steam-yacht of a thousand tons burden, and having -been already overhauled for the benefit of -Dr. Krausz, was ready for sea, save for stores and -crew; also, the archaeologist's "impedimenta", as -Harcourt had termed it, had not yet come aboard. -Hammer was delighted with her, and with Harcourt -and John Solomon, put in a busy day. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt was well satisfied with his supercargo, -for Solomon took charge of the purchasing -of the stores, and not only procured them of -excellent quality, but at an astonishingly low -price. -</p> - -<p> -He proved to have a thorough acquaintance -with his duties, and also with the duties of the -other officers, and promised to be on the whole -an exceedingly useful man. -</p> - -<p> -Nothing was seen of Dr. Sigurd Krausz during -the next two days, but Hammer learned that the -point of the expedition was a small bay near -Melindi, on the East African coast, and that -another part of the expedition was being sent -ahead to make the preliminary excavations. -</p> - -<p> -On the third morning Harcourt sent the American -to Krausz's hotel to inform the professor that -the yacht was ready for her lading and passengers, -and now, for the first time, as a result of that -sending, Cyrus Hammer found himself awakening -to the fact that he had been suddenly transplanted -into a group of peculiar individuals, from the -aristocratic but "busted" viscount and the pudgy -John Solomon to the unscientific-appearing scientist, -and that there was a screw loose somewhere. -</p> - -<p> -This was the manner of it. Being now in -possession of his firstmate's certificate—"and -no questions asked"—Hammer sent in his name -and was admitted to the presence of the already-famous -archaeologist. For Sigurd Krausz was not -after the pattern Hammer had anticipated. -</p> - -<p> -He was a rather thick-set man, clad only in -pyjamas, and was at work over a desk full of papers. -These he abandoned to greet Hammer, pulling -the latter aside to the window as if to keep him -away from the desk. -</p> - -<p> -Then, through his host's <i>négligé</i> attire, Hammer -saw that Krausz was a mass of muscles; his hand-grip -was like iron, and his large head was set well -back between his shoulders in a fashion which -made him greet the world with out-flung jaw. -</p> - -<p> -There was nothing very remarkable about the -man's face, which was Saxon rather than Teutonic, -save for the heavy-lidded eyes. The features -were regular, of massive mould, and the ridge -denoting the thinker overhung the eyes; but—and -this Hammer did not observe at once—-the -right temple was crossed by a nervous muscle, -which throbbed like a ribbon underneath the -skin. -</p> - -<p> -On the whole, Hammer liked the scientist, -deciding that while his face could be cruel upon -occasion, it was the face of a strong man. -</p> - -<p> -"I am very glad to see you, Mr. Hammer," -exclaimed Krausz cordially, on learning the -American's errand. He seemed in no hurry to -return to his papers, but pressed Hammer into a -chair and questioned him closely about the yacht, -puffing the while at a long black panetela. -</p> - -<p> -Thanks to his recent labours, Hammer survived -the examination in good shape, and his personality -seemed to make some impression on the German. -</p> - -<p> -"I like you, yess, friend Hammer," remarked -the latter, handing him one of the thin panetelas. -"Also, I like Mr. Harcourt, and trust we will -get on well together. You are American, yess? -I like Americans, but not the British, for sailors. -That iss why I am putting some of my own men -aboard, for they will also serve as helpers in the -work. You are interested in archaeology, yess?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not in general," returned Hammer frankly. -"However, I didn't know there was anything -to be dug up on the east coast of Africa." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, plenty, plenty!" puffed the other, and -after a long puff continued: "It iss some relics -of Portuguese rule in Mombasa which I hope to -find—relics more important ass ethnological and -historic things than for their intrinsic value." -</p> - -<p> -"By the way, I'd like to know just how many -are in your party, doctor. Our steward wants -to get the cabins in shape." -</p> - -<p> -"My party? <i>Nein</i>, there will be but myself -and my secretary going out. Professor Helmuth -my assistant, leaves to-day for Mombasa to get -things started, and coming back we will perhaps -crowd the ship, yess. -</p> - -<p> -"My second mate, Hans Schlak, will bring the -men aboard to-morrow; if our necessary permits, -and so on, arrive from the British Colonial Office, -we will leave the day after. They should be here -already. That iss satisfactory?" -</p> - -<p> -"Perfectly—" began Hammer, when a third -voice interrupted apologetically. -</p> - -<p> -"In half an hour the <i>Mombasa</i> sails, Herr -Doctor!" -</p> - -<p> -Krausz turned with an exclamation. Shuffling -out from a shadowed corner of the room, Hammer -saw a black-clad, small, flat-chested man, with -deep-set, furtive eyes, high brow, and retreating -chin; the chin did not express weakness altogether, -for it was rather the fox chin, which denotes -cunning and ability. The doctor waved a hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Hammer, my secretary, Adolf Jenson. -Very good, Adolf; better take a taxi and deliver -the papers in person. Remember, Professor Sara -L. Helmuth, stateroom 12 B." -</p> - -<p> -With this he turned to the desk and picked up -a small black rubber wallet, which Jenson took with -something very like a cringe, departing with an -inaudible murmur of words. -</p> - -<p> -Somewhat disgusted with the man, Hammer -followed him, once more gripping the firm hand -of Krausz and taking with him the remembrance -of cordial words and an effusive smile from the -big scientist. -</p> - -<p> -The American stopped in the hotel entrance -to light the doctor's cigar, and, as he glanced -over his cupped hands, he saw something that -astonished him. For there, just at the curb, -and beckoning frantically to the nearest taxi, -was no less a person than his supercargo, honest -John Solomon! -</p> - -<p> -Hammer stared in disbelief of his own eyes, -since Solomon was at that moment supposed to -be laying in a supply of extra cabin stores on the -other side of the city. -</p> - -<p> -But there was no mistake; even as the taxi -drew up Solomon turned and waved his cap at -some unseen individual farther up the street, then -scrambled headfirst into the machine, his hurried -words floating back to Hammer: -</p> - -<p> -"P. and O. docks—the <i>Mombasa</i>! And 'urry -or no tip!" -</p> - -<p> -The taxi darted away, Hammer staring after -it dazedly. What on earth could this mean? -Why was this fat little Cockney supercargo of -his chasing in a taxi-cab after a P. and O. liner -due to sail in half an hour? Could it have any -connection with the errand of the secretary, Adolf -Jenson? -</p> - -<p> -A flood of questions darted through Hammer's -brain on the instant, and, giving way to the -impulse, he sprang to the taxi which had drawn -up to the curb in place of that taken by Solomon. -Whatever the supercargo's purpose might be, -Hammer determined to get down to the dock before -the liner sailed and see what was going on, if -possible. It might be a wild-goose chase, but -on the other hand—— -</p> - -<p> -"P. and O. docks—I want to see the <i>Mombasa</i> go -out, and she leaves in twenty minutes. Do it -on the jump!" -</p> - -<p> -The chauffeur grinned, and slammed the door. -A moment later they were driving through the -streets at a good speed, the American still pondering -this surprising action of his harmless-looking little -supercargo. -</p> - -<p> -And Solomon had actually been talking of tips, -when only a couple of days before he had dared -much in order to capture a job! The whole affair -was perplexing in the extreme. -</p> - -<p> -"I never did like fat men, anyhow," reflected -Hammer grimly. "That chap seemed to know -a whole lot the first night we met, and I'll bet -that he isn't the fool he looks by a long shot. -But whatever got him mixed up with this Krausz -business—if he is mixed up in it? I may be barking -up the wrong tree, of course, and everything may -be all right, so I'd better go slow if I catch him." -</p> - -<p> -The conviction grew upon him during the -remainder of his ride that he would have done -much better to have waited, and to have questioned -Solomon upon returning to the yacht. -</p> - -<p> -The man might have friends leaving on the -liner—but Hammer forgot his vague reasonings -when the taxi drew up suddenly and he found -the entrance to the docks of the Peninsula and -Oriental just ahead. -</p> - -<p> -The chauffeur had done his work well, for the -journey had taken just fifteen minutes. Hammer -found the dock gates open and pushed his way -through the crowd; as he did so he passed the -black-clad figure of Adolf Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -But the meek little secretary did not look up, -vanishing toward the gates; and the American -glanced around for John Solomon in vain. -</p> - -<p> -There was no trace of him in the crowd, and -the ship had already been cleared of visitors. -The waiting tenders had their lines out, and as -Hammer gazed up the gang-plank was just being -taken in. -</p> - -<p> -The whistle crashed out, drowning the tinkle of -bells, and at the same instant Hammer saw an -officer walk hastily to the open gangway, -accompanied by a small pudgy man, dressed in blue. -</p> - -<p> -They stood talking together for an instant, then -shook hands; the siren shrilled forth, and wharf-lines -were cast off, and John Solomon leaped -ashore with amazing agility, and was lost in the -crowd. -</p> - -<p> -Standing watching in sore perplexity, Hammer -recalled the name of the scientist's -assistant—"Professor Sara L. Helmuth". He turned and -pushed back to his waiting taxicab, execrating -his useless trip, for he was now convinced that -it had been useless. -</p> - -<p> -"I seem fated to get mixed up with people I -don't like," he smiled to himself, as he was being -driven back to the city, the Royal Thames docks -being up-river. "First it's a blue-eyed fat man, -and then it's a woman relic-hunter, to say nothing -of that swine of a secretary. Sara L. Helmuth—gosh, -what a name! I never did know a woman -named Sara that was worth a darn for looks." -</p> - -<p> -With which conclusion he paid off his chauffeur -and walked the remainder of the distance in an -irritable humour enough. This humour was by -no means lessened when he saw John Solomon -standing at the gangway, checking off some stores -that were coming aboard, while a number of -heavily-loaded wagons stood waiting by the foredeck, -where a steam winch was getting into action and -stevedores were bustling about. -</p> - -<p> -"What's all this?" he demanded bluntly. "I -thought you were in the city." -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir," returned Solomon, not looking up. -"I did take a bit of a run up, sir; but them 'ere -wagons were a bringing of our lading, so I 'urried -back. Werry fine day, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer grunted. "Tell the steward that there -will only be two passengers. Dr. Krausz and his -secretary. The crew will be aboard to-night or -in the morning." -</p> - -<p> -"Werry good, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Solomon went calmly on with his lists while -the extra cabin stores were brought up the gangway. -Suddenly, as one of the trucks stopped for -checking off, a case of tinned goods joggled over, -and Solomon leaned forward, catching it before -it fell. -</p> - -<p> -The action flung his short blue coat up around -his waist, and Hammer caught a glimpse of a -black rubber wallet protruding from the man's -hip-pocket. He recognized it instantly; it was -the same wallet which Krausz had sent aboard -the <i>Mombasa</i> an hour previously! -</p> - -<p> -The American leaned quickly forward and -snatched the wallet away. Solomon, having -replaced the case, straightened up and whirled, -and Hammer met his wide blue stare with a -smile. -</p> - -<p> -"You nearly lost this," he said coolly. "Nothing -very valuable, I hope?" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's eyes widened a trifle. -</p> - -<p> -"Lud, no, sir! Nothing more wallyble than -my 'baccy, sir. If so be as a man likes 'baccy -I says, then it's place ain't in a dirty pocket, -but in a neat like pouch, says I. Werry kind o' -you to save it for me, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Ignoring the outstretched hand, Hammer opened -the wallet, determined to test the truth of Solomon's -explanation. He was convinced that this same -black rubber pouch had contained the papers -sent by Krausz to Professor Sara L. Helmuth, -and that Solomon had, in some way, obtained -them from the latter, or else from the meek secretary. -</p> - -<p> -But his growing anger evaporated suddenly -when the opened wallet showed nothing more than -a vile-smelling flat plug of very black, -molasses-impregnated tobacco. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, a good pouch, that," he said quietly, -closing it up and handing it back to its owner, -his face inscrutable. "Is Mr. Harcourt about?" -</p> - -<p> -"In the saloon cabin, sir," and, nodding, the -American went on board. -</p> - -<p> -He looked back once and saw Solomon mopping -his brow; for some reason the action seemed -significant of relief on the part of the supercargo, -and Hammer frowned. -</p> - -<p> -"Confound it, I'd like to know a few things!" -he muttered savagely. "I'll have a run-in with -that fellow yet! Wish I hadn't stood up for him -the other night at Prince's; I should have let -Harcourt kick him out, and a good job." -</p> - -<p> -And the events which were to follow kept the -regret keen in his mind. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap03"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER III -<br /><br /> -THE ROAD TO MELINDI -</h3> - -<p> -"Well, the beggar was jabbering Arabic with -those three men behind the ventilator this morning, -and his actions don't look good to me, Harcourt. -Oh, you can laugh, and be hanged to you! I -tell you that John Solomon has more brains than -his position warrants, and that——" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, nonsense, old chap! Don't be so beastly -suspicious; Solomon told me at Port Said that he -knew a smattering of Arabic, and he's been -tremendously handy. I say, look at those hills, -eh?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer relapsed into sulky silence, and -presently Harcourt left the bridge to him and -sought his cabin, while the American remained -staring moodily at the purplish-blue Jeb el Geneffeh -hills to the south-west, for the <i>Daphne</i> was passing -through the Bitter Lakes, midway of the Suez -Canal. -</p> - -<p> -Until reaching Port Said, the cruise had been -perfect in every way, and his half-realized suspicions -of John Solomon had completely fallen into -abeyance. -</p> - -<p> -As Harcourt said, the man had proved to be -very useful, indeed; he seemed to have a perfect -knowledge of port regulations everywhere; he -attended to customs and <i>pratique</i> expeditiously, -and almost made himself indispensable at mess, -with his unfailing good humour and occasional -fragments of home-made philosophy. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, he seemed to have taken a liking to -Hammer, and the American had begun to reciprocate -it—until Port Said. -</p> - -<p> -Here, barely an hour before they left for Suez, -word was brought aboard that three of the German -crew were in the hands of the Sudanese police. -Dr. Krausz, who, with his secretary, had not left -his cabin a dozen times during the cruise, went -ashore with Harcourt in furious excitement, but -returned considerably subdued. -</p> - -<p> -It seemed that the three men had fallen foul -of some French and Arabs in the native quarter, -that a row had arisen, and one of the French -had been stabbed. -</p> - -<p> -Consequently, there was nothing to be done -save to place the matter in the hands of the German -Consul and go on, since Krausz did not wish to -be detained pending the case. -</p> - -<p> -As another of the crew was down with eye-trouble -and ought to be left behind in hospital -John Solomon had offered to pick up three or -four natives who could make themselves generally -useful, and after some hesitation, Krausz accepted, -and the supercargo had promptly got his four -Arabs aboard. -</p> - -<p> -When, the next morning, Hammer had found -Solomon talking Arabic with three of them in -shelter of a ventilator, he had at once laid the -affair of the black wallet before Harcourt, all -his suspicions aroused. -</p> - -<p> -But the Englishman laughed him down, and -even Hammer had to admit that there was nothing -very terrible about the pudgy little man. So -while the <i>Daphne</i> pursued her course through -the sandy wastes to Port Ibrahim and Suez, Cyrus -Hammer gradually threw off his almost groundless -suspicions and took on his usual good-humoured -manner once more. -</p> - -<p> -Hans Schlak, the second mate, was a big -blond German—a Viking in appearance, slow -and stolid, but thoroughly efficient in every way. -</p> - -<p> -The men, too, were smart and well-behaved, -responding so well to Harcourt's discipline that -Hammer was not surprised to find that most of -them had served in the German navy. -</p> - -<p> -Beyond discharging her pilot and sending some -letters ashore for the doctor, the <i>Daphne</i> made -no stop at Port Ibrahim, and by next morning -she was well on her way out of the gulf and down -the Red Sea. -</p> - -<p> -They were holding in somewhat to the Arabian -coast, and Hammer, in charge of the bridge, -was seated in the chart-house going over a lesson -in navigation, when a figure darkened the doorway -and John Solomon entered. -</p> - -<p> -"Beggin' your pardon, Mr. 'Ammer, sir, but -would you 'ave the kindness to let me take a -bit of a look through the glass?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I don't know that it would do any great -harm," replied Hammer cheerfully. "Help -yourself, Solomon. Want to get a last look at -Asia, eh?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir," came the sober answer, as Solomon -procured a pair of binoculars. "You see, sir, -I was down this 'ere way a few months ago. Werry -interesting place, Mr. 'Ammer, and when so be -as you finds an interesting place, I says——" -</p> - -<p> -The rest was lost as Solomon directed a fixed -gaze from the port doorway toward the distant -coast, and he did not change his attitude for five -minutes. Hammer watched him with some interest, -until at length the other lowered the glasses with -a sigh. -</p> - -<p> -"Lud, what a bare coast she is, sir! If I might -make so bold, sir, what be we a going to do after -we reach Mombasa?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why," smiled Hammer, "we're bound for -a little harbour up the coast called Melindi. We'll -have to leave the yacht at Kilindini harbour, -after the trip up, and go to and from Melindi -by launch, I suppose." -</p> - -<p> -"Aye, sir; it's a werry bad place indeed, Melindi. -And may I ask, sir, if so be as we're a-going to -stay with the yacht or go with Dr. Krausz?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not decided yet, Solomon, to my knowledge. -Why, do you want to go along with the relic-hunters?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir, though I'm werry interested in strange -things. Beggin' your pardon, sir, Dr. Krausz -is all werry well in his way, but 'is way ain't -to me notion." -</p> - -<p> -"So you don't like him? That's queer!" Hammer -pulled out his pipe, and, accepting this -as tacit permission, Solomon began to whittle -at a plug which he had been holding ready. -</p> - -<p> -The wide blue eyes came up and met his squarely, -with just the suspicion of a frown hovering at -their edges. Hammer decided that his supercargo -might yet inveigle some expression into his -face if he kept on in this way. -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir; me 'umble opinion is that Dutchmen -ain't to be trusted, not so far away from 'ome; -and I've 'ad some experience. Do you think, -sir, as 'ow Mr. Harcourt would give me a -discharge at Mombasa? O' course, I signed on -for the voyage, sir, but I 'ave me reasons for -wantin' to be stopping off at Mombasa, so I comes -to you all square and above-board. If you want -a thing, why, ask for it ship-shape, as the Good -Book says, sir. That's what I 'old to." -</p> - -<p> -"Right," nodded Hammer. He was no little -surprised at the request; but as it would have -been easy enough to slip the yacht at Mombasa, -the fact that Solomon asked for his discharge -so long beforehand showed a desire on his part -to play fair—and also to draw his pay on being -discharged. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll speak to the captain about it, Solomon, -and I think it'll be all right. But we'll be sorry -to lose you, for you've certainly been a great -help to us." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm sorry to be leaving you, sir," and the blue -eyes opened a trifle wider. "Thank you werry -much, Mr. 'Ammer." -</p> - -<p> -This was to be a day of surprises for Cyrus -Hammer, however. The day was cruelly hot, -even the breeze created by the yacht's motion being -stifling, and by noon Hammer, as well as Schlak -and the others aboard, had stripped to pyjamas. -</p> - -<p> -Very little had been seen of Dr. Krausz and Adolf -Jenson; most of their meals had been served in -their large cabin; and from the quantities of mail -sent out at each port of call, it had been evident -that the scientist was hard at work. -</p> - -<p> -That afternoon, however, while Hammer was -splitting a bottle of beer with Harcourt in the -comparative coolness of the latter's cabin, the -steward appeared. He was a quiet little Englishman, -who had formerly acted as Harcourt's valet -in more prosperous days, and had chosen to remain -with his master. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Harcourt," he said, hesitantly, "I'd like -to ask you about something, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, Roberts. What's on your mind, my man?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, sir"—and the steward twisted his cap -nervously—"it's Dr. Krausz, sir. I'm—I'm afraid -as he's going it a bit strong, Mr. Harcourt." -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? What do you mean?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, him and that—that yeller-faced swine -Jenson"—and Roberts spat out the words with a -sudden viciousness that was astounding—"I've -been a-taking them champagne, sir, all morning, -and a half-hour ago Dr. Krausz he sent for a bottle -o' brandy, sir. I thought, maybe, as how you -might drop a word to him, sir. It's a mortal -bad climate, you know, sir, for such goings-on." -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt stared at the American, surprise plain -in his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"My word!" he ejaculated. "I'd positively no -idea that he was a tippler, 'pon my word! Has -this been going on long, Roberts?" -</p> - -<p> -"Off and on, sir, since we left Gibraltar. But -not so heavy as this, Mr. Harcourt." -</p> - -<p> -"Very good. You did quite right in telling -me, but mention it to no one else, understand. -You may go." -</p> - -<p> -Left alone, the two looked at each other for a -moment until Hammer chuckled. -</p> - -<p> -"So our worthy doctor has fallen off the wagon, -eh? Well, it's his funeral, cap'n, not ours. -Better drop him a hint?" -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? By Jove, no! I want no bally German -telling me to keep my place! He knows what -he's doing, Hammer, and I'm no nursemaid, so -we'll let him drink himself to death if he likes. -I'd much sooner see that fellow Jenson go -overboard in a sack, for the doctor's quite a decent -sort, don't you know." -</p> - -<p> -"He might be worse," nodded Hammer. "Well, -I'll be off and get a bit of sleep under the -after-awning by the electric fan." -</p> - -<p> -Here he managed to obtain a modicum of relief -from the heat, and dropped off to sleep without -troubling himself over the alcoholism of -Dr. Sigurd Krausz. -</p> - -<p> -How long he was asleep he had no idea, until -he was aroused by an excited voice, which resolved -itself into that of the doctor in question. -Half-clad, dishevelled, and with furiously-flushed -features, the archaeologist was disclaiming wildly -in German to Hans Schlak, whose watch it was. -</p> - -<p> -The two were standing by the starboard rail, -and as Hammer raised himself on his hands the -second mate cast a helpless glance at him. The -American caught the look, and did not hesitate -to break into the scientist's flow of words. -</p> - -<p> -"Who's up on the bridge, Schlak?" he asked -curtly. "You'd better get back before the -captain——" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Was ist</i>?" Krausz lurched about with a black -frown, and Schlak seized the chance to get away. -At the same instant Roberts appeared, bearing a -whisky and soda. He hesitated at sight of Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"Throw that stuff overboard, Roberts," -commanded the later, rising. With a look of vast -relief the steward obeyed. Krausz glared at them, -and the American saw the peculiar ribbon of muscle -beating furiously under the skin of his brow. -</p> - -<p> -"How dare you!" burst forth the scientist. -"Pig of an American, you do not your place -know——" -</p> - -<p> -He was swinging his fists wildly in the air, -and by sheer accident managed to catch the tray -of Roberts with a blow that sent it clattering -to the deck. Hammer, angry, took a step forward -and caught the German's wrists in a hard grip. -</p> - -<p> -"Get command of yourself, doctor," he said -quietly. "You're making a disgraceful scene -here." -</p> - -<p> -For an instant the other glared at him with -bloodshot, maddened eyes which, despite his -light-brown hair, were of the deepest black. Then. -Hammer caught a ripple of the man's huge muscles, -and he was flung violently back with a curse. -</p> - -<p> -"Iss it not mine ship?" stormed the angry -German. "Pig! Dog! I will show you——" -</p> - -<p> -He rushed forward. Hammer, seeing that he -had to deal with a sheer madman, wasted no more -words but struck with all his weight behind -the blow. His fist took Krausz full in the stomach. -and with a single groan the big man shivered and -collapsed in a heap. -</p> - -<p> -"Roberts," and Hammer turned to the wild-eyed -steward, "send two of the Germans here to -carry the doctor to his cabin. Then see to it -that I am called at four bells and not disturbed -before then." -</p> - -<p> -Poor Roberts fled hastily, and Hammer composed -himself to sleep again. He would have -thought little of the incident, nor did he expect -that Krausz would remember it; but that evening -the doctor appeared at mess—a very rare thing. -His first act was to go up to the American with -hand outstretched. -</p> - -<p> -"My dear Mr. Hammer," he said, sincerity in -his tone. "I deeply regret what took place thiss -afternoon, and apologize to you for it. I——" -</p> - -<p> -"Don't say any more, doctor," laughed Hammer, -with an amused glance at the wondering Harcourt, -who knew nothing of the occurrence. "It's really -not worth bothering about, I assure you, and if -anyone needs to be forgiven it is I." -</p> - -<p> -"Not at all," beamed the other, but the muscle -over his temple was beating hard. "By the way, -you found no papers on the deck, yess?" -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't notice any," returned the surprised -American. "Why, did you lose something?" -</p> - -<p> -"A paper, yess. Adolf believed me to have -had it when I left the cabin. But no matter, -my friend. We——" -</p> - -<p> -"Hold on there!" cried Hammer quickly. "If -you lost something, we'll look into it. Roberts! -Was anyone else on the after-deck?" -</p> - -<p> -"I saw no one, Mr. Hammer," returned the -steward. "I called the two men, as you ordered." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer frowned, but Krausz waved a hand -and insisted that nothing mattered; and so the -dinner proceeded, with a brief but frank explanation -on the part of the scientist to Harcourt and John -Solomon, Schlak still being on the bridge. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer was about to relieve him when Krausz -asked him to wait, as he wished to explain the -purpose of his expedition. -</p> - -<p> -This proved to be of little interest to the -American, however. The doctor had discovered, -some time before, a number of old manuscripts -dealing with the Portuguese occupation of the -Mombasa coast. -</p> - -<p> -According to these, there was a place not far -from Melindi where a fort had been established, -and where, afterward, a number of vessels had -been wrecked on their way from Goa to Lisbon. -</p> - -<p> -The cargoes had been saved, but before they -could be transferred to Mombasa an irruption of -natives had destroyed the fort. It was believed -that a great portion of valuable relics, with gifts -from the Indian viceroy to the king of Portugal, -and other such things, had been buried somewhere -within the fort and had never been located. -</p> - -<p> -These formed the object of the party's work; -for if found they would be of great value to -historians, more especially as there were many papers -of interest supposed to be buried with the more -intrinsically valuable articles. -</p> - -<p> -The subject did not appeal particularly to -Hammer; but Harcourt displayed keen interest, -while John Solomon stared at Krausz with his -blue eyes growing wider and wider. -</p> - -<p> -"And you mean as 'ow to say that there 'ere -loot is still there, doctor?" he broke forth at last. -Krausz smiled blandly. -</p> - -<p> -"Such is my hope, Mr. Solomon." -</p> - -<p> -"Lud! The ways o' Prowidence are mysterious, -as the Good Book says. To think o' loot a-laying -buried for all this time waiting for you to dig -it up! Once upon a time I worked for a -relic-'unter, like you, sir. A fine, upstanding man 'e -was, too. But I says, when there's summat dead, -let it lie. It ain't proper to dig up the past, -as the old gent said when 'e led 'is third to the -altar." -</p> - -<p> -"So you used to work for an archaeologist, -yess?" and for the first time the doctor seemed -to find John Solomon worthy of attention. "Where -wass that?" -</p> - -<p> -"A main long time back, sir—up in Palestine -it was," and Solomon sighed reflectively. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer, who was studying Krausz, suddenly -saw the muscle in his brow begin to throb. He -felt himself beginning to dislike that muscle -vaguely. -</p> - -<p> -"'Is name was—-dang it! I've been and -forgot—no, I 'aven't neither! 'Is name was -'Elmuth!" he concluded triumphantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Helmuth!" The word broke from Krausz -and found echo in Hammer's mind. The heavy-lidded -black eyes of the German were bent suddenly -on Solomon. "The Herr Professor George Helmuth, -yess, of the University of California?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's 'im, sir!" Solomon's eyes sparkled. -"American 'e was." -</p> - -<p> -"H-m!" For some reason the doctor's face -darkened. "Hiss daughter she iss my assistant, -Mr. Solomon. She wass assistant curator at the -Dresden Library. Well, my friends, I bid you -good evening." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer also departed to the bridge, pondering -over the coincidence brought out by Solomon's -words; and when Harcourt joined him for a smoke -they chuckled over it together. The captain had -already decided to let Solomon go at Mombasa, -as there would be little need of his services for a -time. -</p> - -<p> -"Funny thing, that," remarked the Englishman. -"Fancy a woman doing such work out here -in Africa!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, shucks!" laughed Hammer carelessly. -"The kind of woman who goes in for that work—well, -you know. Spectacles and Bibles and a blue -<i>pagari</i>* on her sun-helmet." -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="footnote"> -* This is the correct spelling of the word, which is bastardized -into puggaree or pugree, and other forms. The "Standard" -will probably give pugaree, or some such spelling—<i>Author</i>. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -So the matter passed, and for the time he forgot it. -Indeed, Hammer was busier than he had been for -many a day. Besides lessons in navigation from -Harcourt, he was learning a smattering of Arabic -from Solomon, and already could swear fluently at -the four Arab sailors, who took a cheerful delight -in adding to his vocabulary. -</p> - -<p> -Also, he was rather surprised to find that he and -Harcourt were drawing closer together with every -day; that he was keenly interested in his new -environment, and was looking forward to newer -seas and lands with unalloyed anticipation. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, he was beginning to see the falsity of his -old attitude toward life, while the taste of authority -was sweet to him. Already the past had faded out -in his mind, save for occasional twinges of bitterness, -at which times he plunged into his work and -was astonished at the ease with which the mood -passed. -</p> - -<p> -So the days flew by until the <i>Daphne</i> had rounded -Cape Guardafui and the last leg of the journey -was begun, down the east coast of Africa. They -were still three days out from Mombasa when -Hammer, who had the second dog watch, went -to Schlak's cabin on being relieved by Harcourt. -</p> - -<p> -He wanted to ask the second officer about some -detail of the chart; and since it was nearly dark, -and he made no noise in his pumps, his approach -must have been unheard. -</p> - -<p> -As the door was slightly ajar, Hammer merely -pushed it open with a word and stepped in. He -heard one sharply-drawn breath, and in the gloom -found himself facing Adolf Jenson, whose face -was absolutely livid. -</p> - -<p> -An instant, as he switched on the light, the -American saw the body of Hans Schlak lying on -the floor at his feet, a knife-shaft between the -shoulders. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap04"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER IV -<br /><br /> -WHO MURDERED HANS SCHLAK? -</h3> - -<p> -"My God! Don't look at me like that, -sir—I didn't do it!" -</p> - -<p> -Trembling in every limb, the secretary shrank -back against the berth, staring up at Hammer -with horrified eyes. -</p> - -<p> -The American, to whom Jenson was repulsive, -made no attempt to lay a finger on the man, but -stood looking at him with sternly questioning -eyes; palsied with fear, the fellow babbled out -protestations of his innocence until suddenly -Hammer waved him silent. -</p> - -<p> -"That's enough from you. How long have you -been here?" -</p> - -<p> -"I just came in, Mr. Hammer. I can prove -it by Dr. Krausz; I've been with him until just -now——" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer leaned over and touched Schlak. The -second mate was dead, and had been dead for some -time, since the body was set fast in the rigor -mortis. For a moment he looked down, frowning, -then swept the cabin with his gaze. -</p> - -<p> -Evidently here had been a struggle, and a -desperate one. A chair was broken and overturned, -clothes and papers were strewn about the -floor, and the clenched fists of the body showed -that death had not found Hans Schlak unawares. -</p> - -<p> -In one hand Hammer saw a fragment of paper, -and after a moment's work got it away intact; -it was a torn corner of a letter, probably, for a -few words in German could be made out written -in pencil. -</p> - -<p> -Contrary to his own will and even against his -first supposition, the American was forced to the -conclusion that the cringing secretary was innocent. -True, he had the man standing over the body, -but Schlak had been dead for an hour at least—in -all probability he had returned from the -dining-saloon to find his fate awaiting him. -</p> - -<p> -Therefore, someone must have been in his room -during his absence at mess. Who? Not Jenson, -for Jenson had been at the table with them; and -Hammer mentally accounted for every member of -the officers' mess that evening, except John -Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -An instant later he remembered that he himself -had sent the supercargo off to make up some -accounts which Harcourt desired to see, and that -Solomon had returned a few moments after Schlak -had left the table. -</p> - -<p> -Therefore, it would seem that the pudgy supercargo -was cleared; and at the thought of the little -man killing the viking Hans Schlak, Hammer -smiled grimly. -</p> - -<p> -"So you didn't do it, eh?" he said sternly, -thinking to make the secretary cringe for a moment. -Hammer had a thorough dislike and contempt -for the man, and made no secret of it. "I find -you standing over this body, and you claim -innocence! Do you think that will stand when you -get up before the German Consul at Mombasa?" -</p> - -<p> -For a moment Jenson broke out anew with -his frenzied babbling, weaving his hands in and -out, his face ghastly with terror; then he caught -the American's contemptuous smile and shivered -into silence. Hammer was satisfied, but he was -to pay dearly for that short moment of play with -Adolf Jenson's nerves. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you're cleared all right, Jenson! Now -go down and send Captain Harcourt here, and -Dr. Krausz with him. Tell no one else what has -happened." -</p> - -<p> -With which Hammer went forward and investigated -among the crew. But one and all could -account for themselves and proved good alibis, -even to the Arabs; so he returned in disgust to -the bridge and relieved Harcourt temporarily. -</p> - -<p> -In ten minutes the captain returned with Krausz, -all three men entering the chart-house gravely -enough. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer told his story, exculpating Jenson -fully, and produced the torn scrap of paper taken -from Schlak's hand. Dr. Krausz, who had taken -the news with astonishing equanimity, examined -the paper and uttered a cry of surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"It iss the paper I lost that day when I was -drank! Mein Gott, gentlemen, but thiss iss queer! -It iss a copy of one of those Portuguese 'relations', -concerning the place to which we going are." -</p> - -<p> -"So?" Harcourt inspected the end of his cigar. -"Then whoever took it from you that day must -have been in the cabin with Schlak, and the row -probably started over that paper, by Jove!" He -looked up with sudden excitement. "Is anyone -else after this treasure, Dr. Krausz?" -</p> - -<p> -The big German blinked in surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Hein</i>! It would be of no interest to others, -but to archaeologists, yess. No one knows but -myself. There iss not any chance of sich a thing, -I am sure." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, here's the knife. It ought to be recognized." -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt laid the weapon on the table—a -plain, horn-hafted sheath-knife, with no scratch -on the haft to proclaim ownership. -</p> - -<p> -As Hammer had not revealed the cause of his -visit to the forecastle, it was decided to call in -each man on board the ship, from stewards to -stokers, and see if the weapon would be recognized. -</p> - -<p> -"It's a cinch that the murderer is on the -ship," declared Hammer confidently. "If that -knife belongs to any of the men it'll probably be -recognized." -</p> - -<p> -"By the way," exclaimed Harcourt, "we ought -to have Solomon up here. I believe that chap -has some brains, and he can help us out with the -Arabs. Can you handle their bally talk at all, -Hammer?" -</p> - -<p> -"Fairly well, but not for rapid-fire work. Yes, -better have John come up, and then start in with -the men. I'd better get the articles and see that -we get hold of every man aboard, hadn't I?" -</p> - -<p> -The captain nodded, and Hammer went below. -He went first to his own cabin, where he dug to -the bottom of a ditty-bag full of soiled linen -and fished out an old-style revolver of small size -but heavy calibre. -</p> - -<p> -"Not that I want to shoot her any," he grinned -to himself, "but she feels comforting with -murderers aboard! Guess I'd have to have a man -within a yard of me to hit him with this mule of a -gun, anyhow." -</p> - -<p> -Visiting Harcourt's cabin, he procured the -ship's papers, sent Roberts to ask John Solomon -to step to the chart-house and to follow himself, -and returned. At anyrate, he thought grimly, this -cruise bade fair to beat cattle-boats as far as -excitement was concerned. -</p> - -<p> -He found the others as he had left them, Harcourt -smoking and Krausz staring glumly at the knife, -which lay on the table before them. A moment -later the supercargo arrived, puffing after his -climb, and at Harcourt's invitation dropped into -the fourth deck-chair. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know that knife, Mr. Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, cap'n, I can't say that I do—no, sir; -I never laid eyes on it afore, not as I knows of. -I—why, dang it! There's blood——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," cut in Harcourt grimly. "Mr. Schlak -was murdered this evening. Oh, hello, Roberts! -Tell the men to come up here one by one—come -in here first. Ever see this knife before?" -</p> - -<p> -Roberts approached the table and replied in -the negative, after which Harcourt waved him -away. John Solomon said no more, but stared -from one to the other of the three, silent with -the horror of the thing. -</p> - -<p> -Taking pity on him, Hammer explained the -affair, and had barely finished when the men -began to come in, wondering greatly at the time -and place of the summons. -</p> - -<p> -One by one they passed through, each denying -any knowledge of the knife, and Hammer pricked -off the names. The four Arabs had not yet appeared -when Adolf Jenson came to seek his master on -some trivial errand and stopped, pale-faced and -with a virulent glance at the American, as he noted -what was going on. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's eyes turned to him, remaining in a -fixed stare; and after a moment the secretary -evidently became uneasy, for he passed out into -the night again after returning a brief negative -to Harcourt's formal question. -</p> - -<p> -There were only five men left—the four Arabs and -the German boatswain, Hugo Baumgardner. Two -of the Arabs, the only ones who knew English, -came through, and after them the boatswain. -Then for the first time things began to look -interesting. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir," replied Baumgardner slowly, scratching -his mop of black hair reflectively and speaking -excellent English, "it seems to me I've seen that -knife before; there's a funny twist to the handle -if you notice, sir." -</p> - -<p> -An electric-charged silence settled down, while -Baumgardner scratched his head and stared at -the table. From outside came a murmur of voices -from the waiting men; then very quietly John -Solomon rose and stepped to the door. -</p> - -<p> -No one except Hammer paid any attention to -the movement, and the American, after noting -that Solomon was saying something to some person -out of sight, centred his thoughts on the stalwart -boatswain. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, tell us where you saw it," spoke up -Krausz encouragingly, as Solomon resumed his -chair. Baumgardner frowned heavily, then his -face cleared. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, sir, it was the day after we left Malta—I -remember that Mr. Solomon was breaking out -a case of champagne and I was helping him with -it. Yes, that's it. I asked him for a knife—I'd -left mine in my bunk—and he passed me that one -to cut away the straw around the case. Just -let me hold it a minute." Harcourt passed over -the knife and the German folded his great hand -around it, nodding. "Yes, I could swear to it, -Mr. Harcourt. I hope there's nothing wrong, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing, Baumgardner. You have seen the -knife at no other time, I suppose?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir. I only remembered it because it had -that little hitch at the end of the handle, but it's -the same one." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well. That will do." -</p> - -<p> -No one said anything for a moment. Hammer's -eyes went to Solomon, and he surprised a peculiar -look in the other's face—a peculiar look which -he could not fathom. It was as if John Solomon's -faith in human nature had suddenly received a -shock, and if it was acting, then it was cleverly -done. -</p> - -<p> -A second later the third Arab entered, replied -to Harcourt's question, which Solomon translated -with a curt negative, and passed on. The -fourth Arab, however, glanced at the knife, and -before a word had been uttered his eyes lit up. -Harcourt caught the gleam and checked Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -"Wait a moment, Mr. Solomon. Hammer, I -think you'd better ask him, to avoid any suspicion -against Solomon's question; not that we suspect -you, Solomon, but under the circumstances it -might be better." -</p> - -<p> -"Quite so, sir," rejoined the supercargo humbly. -"I'm werry sorry, o' course, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer put the question in faltering Arabic, -and the man nodded at once. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, <i>effendi</i>, I have seen the knife. Has -it a small nick near the end of the blade?" -</p> - -<p> -The American translated and Harcourt picked -up the weapon. -</p> - -<p> -"Correct. Ask him where he saw it." -</p> - -<p> -Then Hammer received a surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"I saw it two days ago, <i>effendi</i>—no, it was -four days ago, two days after <i>effendi</i> was drunk -and you hit him very hard. I was cleaning the -brasswork. I saw the little black man come near -me, and there was a bad place in the brass. I -asked him if he had a knife, for I had none, and -he lent me this one. I remember the nick in the -blade, for Allah willed that it scratch my thumb." -</p> - -<p> -Startled, Hammer made the man repeat his -statement to make sure there was no mistake and -that he had understood correctly; then he translated -for the others. He saw Krausz dart a single -flaming glance at Solomon, which the latter seemed -not to note, and then Harcourt spoke up: -</p> - -<p> -"Ask him who he means by the little black man." -</p> - -<p> -The Arab could not say, except that he would -know the man again; but Hammer felt no doubt -in his own mind that Jenson was indicated, and -summoned the latter. Upon his arrival the Arab -identified him at once. -</p> - -<p> -"That is the man, <i>effendi</i>. If he says that the -knife is not his, then he is a——" -</p> - -<p> -The Arab's opinion of Jenson coincided more or -less with that of Hammer, but the American cut -short the Hood of expletives and ordered the man -to stand aside. -</p> - -<p> -"Gentlemen," said Harcourt gravely, "this -situation would be laughable were it not so deuced -serious. One man states that Mr. Solomon had -the knife when he left Malta; Solomon denies -having ever seen it before; another man states -that Mr. Jenson had it since that time. You -will have noted that the Arab recognized the blade -by its slight nick, of which he could have had no -previous knowledge. In my opinion neither witness -is to be doubted." -</p> - -<p> -Not until then did the unhappy secretary realize -what had transpired, or why he had been sent -for. Comprehending the drift of things at Harcourt's -words, transfixed by his master's gloomy eye, poor -Jenson shrank back, trembling, an agony of fear -in his livid features. -</p> - -<p> -"I—I never had it!" he cried in a strangled -voice. "Heir Doctor—gentlemen—I swear before -God and the Virgin—I never had the thing, never -saw it——" -</p> - -<p> -"Don't cry before you're hurt, Jenson," said -Harcourt coldly. "Then you deny having had the -knife in your possession, eh?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes! My God, yes!" With a sudden snarl -that brought out his rat-like teeth he whirled on -Hammer, "It's you who framed this thing up—you -always hated me; you accused me of doing -it in the first place——" -</p> - -<p> -"Shut up!" The heavy voice of Krausz silenced -his frenzied words. "Captain Harcourt, you are -in command here; but if you please I would like -a word to say, yess?" -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly, doctor." -</p> - -<p> -"Then I can witness that thiss man, Adolf -Jenson, wass with me from the time I went to -my cabin after mess until five minutes before I -wass called up here. Also, I left the dining-saloon -before Schlak did. If poor Schlak wass -killed after then thiss must surely absolve Jenson." -</p> - -<p> -"It would certainly seem to, by Jove!" exclaimed -Harcourt, frankly puzzled. "Mr. Solomon, kindly -explain to us why you denied all knowledge of -the knife when we first asked you about it. Do -you stick to that denial?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir," and the wide blue eyes, which had -rested on Jenson with a wondering look, shifted -to Harcourt. "You see, sir, I don't carry weapons, -not as a rule. Everything in its place, I says, -and a supercargo 'e don't rightly 'ave no use -for knives. When so be as I wants a knife I -gets one from the steward, or borries one anywhere. -It may be werry well be as the bos'n says——" -</p> - -<p> -"Then why did you deny it in the first place?" -shot out Harcourt sternly. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon hesitated, his eyes shifting from face -to face appealingly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, sir, I suspicioned as summat was wrong. -I don't 'old to gettin' shipmates into 'ot water, -sir, beggin' your pardon, and I says to myself, -'John Solomon, tell a lie,' just like that, sir. -'Tell a lie,' I says, 'and don't be a-gettin' of -a poor shipmate into 'ot water. Do as you would -be done by,' I says——" -</p> - -<p> -"Confound it," exclaimed Harcourt, "tell me -who you borrowed that knife from or I'll put you -in irons!" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, sir," sighed the supercargo, "I must -say as I remembers it werry well, and werry sorry -I am to 'ave to say it, Mr. Jenson; but you——" -</p> - -<p> -"You lie!" screamed Jenson terribly, flinging -himself forward. With unexpected agility -Dr. Krausz leaped up and gripped him. "You lie! -You lie! You lie!" Over and over the words -were shrieked out until a torrent of German from -the scientist quieted the livid-faced secretary. -</p> - -<p> -It was a scene that lingered long in the mind -of Hammer—stolid, pudgy Solomon sitting quietly -with something like sadness in his eyes, while -Jenson, an agony of dumb horror in his face, -panted in the grip of the Teuton, Harcourt watching -with a troubled frown, and the Arab standing -back in silence. -</p> - -<p> -"Ordinarily that would be good evidence -enough," stated Harcourt finally. "However, it -is only your word against Jenson's, Solomon, -with the preponderance of evidence in your favour. -</p> - -<p> -"Still, Jenson has an excellent alibi. Where were -you while you were absent from the dining-saloon?" -</p> - -<p> -"In me own cabin, sir," came the prompt -answer. "Fixing up them accounts, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Anyone see you there?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not as I knows on sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Then your bally alibi's smashed and we're -worse tangled up than ever!" -</p> - -<p> -Silence once more settled over the chart-house. -For the life of him Hammer could not solve the -puzzle, and in desperation he suggested that -the remainder of the crew be sent for. -</p> - -<p> -Since two of the forecastle mess had recognized -the weapon there was a chance that some of the -engine-room crew might have seen it and so -might corroborate either the Arab or Baumgardner. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt accordingly summoned every man on -board but with no result. Each and all positively -denied ever having seen the knife, and finally -the Arab was dismissed with the rest, Baumgardner -being advanced to acting second mate with orders -to prepare the body of Schlak for burial the next -morning. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm bally well stumped, gentlemen," announced -Harcourt wearily. Jenson was now standing beside -his master, one of Krausz's big hands resting -on his arm. "What's your opinion, Hammer?" -</p> - -<p> -The American hesitated. Plainly the secretary -believed him to have framed up the charge, and -it was next to impossible to believe that the fellow -had really murdered the giant mate. Besides, the -alibi was heavily in the man's favour. -</p> - -<p> -"From the evidence of the Arab and John -Solomon," he said slowly, "it would seem that -Jenson is guilty. But the body was stiff, remember, -and there had been a struggle, to say nothing -of the alibi. On the other hand, Solomon cannot -prove where he was at the time. I would suggest -entering on the log that Schlak was murdered by -persons unknown, and then put the matter up -to the German Consul who would probably have -jurisdiction at Mombasa." -</p> - -<p> -"No," corrected Harcourt. "Extra territorial -rights have been withdrawn in British East Africa. -The government would have jurisdiction. What is -your opinion, doctor?" -</p> - -<p> -"I would leave it to you, captain. I say it iss -for you to settle." -</p> - -<p> -"And <i>I</i> say," exclaimed Harcourt with sudden -harshness, "that no man is to be murdered in my -ship without someone swinging for it, by the -Lord Harry! We'll get into Kilindini, and never -a man goes ashore until this has been ferreted out. -John Solomon, and you, Adolf Jenson, mind that!" -</p> - -<p> -So the matter ended for the present, after -affidavits and statements had been drawn up and -signed by all concerned. But, as he paced the -bridge that night, Cyrus Hammer thrashed the -matter over and over in his mind. The strands -were twisted a little bit too much to his manner -of thinking. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's absence in his own cabin was bad, -for there was nothing to prove that he had been -there, save his own word. This, however, was -balanced by the fact that the knife seemed to -belong to Jenson, whose flat denial of this evidence -looked very bad also. Yet his alibi was unimpeachable. -</p> - -<p> -What with Baumgardner testifying against -Solomon, and the latter against Jenson, the thing -was badly tangled. Yet the evidence was in favour -of the secretary clearly. He would hardly have -stolen the paper from Krausz, over which the -struggle would seem to have been waged, and he -could account for his movements. -</p> - -<p> -Despite the ownership of the knife, there would -seem to be a much better case against John Solomon, -except for the testimony of the Arab—and at -this the American paused. <i>What had the supercargo -said there at the door of the chart-house</i>? -</p> - -<p> -For a long moment Hammer stood staring out -at the sea, startled by this thought which had -winged its way into his brain. Was it possible -that in that moment Solomon had given the Arab -his cue? -</p> - -<p> -But why? He had not desired to testify against -Jenson at first, beyond doubt. Hammer's mind -flashed back again—Jenson also had left the -chart-house shortly before Baumgardner's -recognition of the blade. -</p> - -<p> -Was it possible that Jenson had instructed -the boatswain what to say, that Solomon had -read his purpose and blocked the move by the -counter testimony of his Arab? -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey," thought the American, "that's -expecting too much altogether of Solomon's wits. -Besides, Baumgardner doesn't look as if he'd -lie in order to save that little shrimp of a secretary. -Well, I guess it's up to the authorities at Mombasa, -and here's hoping they can find more sense in the -whole affair than I can." -</p> - -<p> -With which he patted the side-pocket of his -coat reassuringly and devoted himself to keeping -a sharper lookout than usual. -</p> - -<p> -The next morning Schlak was buried, and the -<i>Daphne</i> went once more upon her way with the -mystery still unsettled, until in due time she -rounded into Kilindini, the southern harbour of -Mombasa, and her anchors crashed down into the -waters of the port. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap05"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER V -<br /><br /> -THE ADVENTURE BEGINS -</h3> - -<p> -Now, it is not to be expected that when a man -has been living for three years among "stiffs" and -"sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, -he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman -and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall -from grace. -</p> - -<p> -It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle -in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, -afford great pleasure to the average reader; but -it would afford great disgust to the average student -of human nature, such as John Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -"Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar -individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with -a 'op, skip, and jump, I says. 'Umans is 'umans, -and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked -when 'e smashed the constable in the eye. If so -be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on -earth, says I." -</p> - -<p> -Accordingly, in the due course of events, Hammer -and the rest were entertained at the Mombasa -Club, where Harcourt found numerous old friends -now "in the service". -</p> - -<p> -These, with the American Consul, were so cordial -to Hammer that he and Harcourt spent one glorious -evening around a punch-bowl at the club, and -about midnight Hammer was lost in the shuffle. -At 3 A.M. he was located by a native policeman, -who patiently extricated him from the embraces -of a half-caste Portuguese and two sailors from -an oiler in port. -</p> - -<p> -The extrication was a matter of time and trouble, -Hammer vowing that he was not being shanghaied -and had no intention of being so; and before the -question was settled the half-caste had a broken -head, two constables were <i>hors de combat</i>, and half -Mombasa was watching the riot in unholy glee—for -Hammer managed to hold the cathedral steps -against all comers until taken from behind. -</p> - -<p> -Undoubtedly, it was a highly disgraceful scene, -and Hammer was duly contrite when his fine had -been paid and he was returned to the yacht. -Harcourt made no mention of the occurrence -thereafter, and the American savagely determined -not only to stay away from the club but to get -out of Mombasa altogether. -</p> - -<p> -Wherefore it was not long until he was given -charge of the "impedimenta" belonging to -Dr. Krausz, and found himself steaming up the coast -aboard the government packet <i>Juba</i> with half a -dozen of the crew. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz himself had gone on to Melindi as soon -as the investigation into the death of Schlak was -finished. And it was quickly finished, for the -authorities, after hearing the evidence, directed -that the finding of the <i>Daphne's</i> log be confirmed, -there being no direct evidence against either -Solomon or Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -Whereupon the former had at once drawn his -pay and disappeared, and the latter had gone to -Melindi with his master in the yacht's launch. -Harcourt remained in charge of the yacht for the -present. -</p> - -<p> -The trip up-coast was fairly uneventful, and at -Melindi he found Jenson waiting with the launch -in which to take the men on. He himself was -given a native guide, and was forced to get the -boxes unshipped two miles from shore, swung -into surf boats, landed, and then loaded onto a -gang of Kiswahili porters to be taken overland. -From the Kiswahili guide Hammer extracted -the information that their destination was two -days' march north from Melindi, and, perforce, -he resigned himself to the situation, roundly -cursing Jenson for leaving him in the lurch. -</p> - -<p> -An English cotton-planter whom he met on the -wharfs came to the rescue, however, took charge -of his boxes and porters, and set off with him for -the first few miles—for all of which Hammer was -intensely grateful. -</p> - -<p> -He was like a child in a strange house, at first; -but by the time the planter stopped off at his -own place the American had got into the swing -of things. The planter sent him down a couple -of boys for personal attendants, and after Hammer -had attended to one insolent porter he had no -further trouble whatever. -</p> - -<p> -They were headed for a small ruined fort, dating -from the Portuguese occupation, which lay sixteen -miles up the coast from Melindi. Owing to -the difficulties of the march and the roundabout -track they were compelled to follow, it was not -until the evening of the second day that the guide -declared the fort to be near at hand. -</p> - -<p> -It had formerly been built at the head of a small -bay, but, owing to changes in the conformation of -the coast, the sea had left it a half-mile away and -the bay had vanished. -</p> - -<p> -As the little safari broke from a thicket of -brush and trees Hammer saw the ruins on a small -eminence from which the trees had been cleared. -</p> - -<p> -At one side were two large tents, with the smaller -tents and brush huts of the native workmen scattered -down the hillside. There seemed to be no -one in sight, however, and Hammer sent the guide -on to stir up Dr. Krausz or his assistants. -</p> - -<p> -He was in an ill-humour, and made no secret of -it. On that two days' march he had been tortured -by insects, irritated by his porters, and plagued -by the remembrance of what had occurred at -Mombasa; he decided that he thoroughly hated -East Africa, and longed to be once more out at -sea on the bridge of the <i>Daphne</i>. -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey," he ejaculated, staring at the -silent camp ahead, "when I get out of this devilish -country I'll stay out! The ocean is good enough -for me, and no mistake. I wonder what's happened -to this place, anyhow? Where are all those Dutchmen?" -</p> - -<p> -The guide had run ahead to the two large tents, -where a few other natives appeared, talking to -him. Above, the cleared hilltop showed long lines -of ruined stone-walls three or four feet in height, -crowned by one or two spreading mimosa-trees -which had evidently been too large for removal. -</p> - -<p> -It was a naked-looking place, with the deep -jungle behind and around and running down -toward the shore where the sunset gleam was -striking the ocean and the eastern skies to flame, -and Hammer wondered where water came from for -camp use—a thought born of his late experiences. -</p> - -<p> -This was answered by the sight of two or three -Kiswahili coming from the ruins with kettles, and -the American realized that the fort must have been -built around a spring or well. -</p> - -<p> -The porters slowly wound up the hill, singing -happily enough, and half a dozen natives crowded -around the guide as he returned to meet them. All -were capering and dancing like children, but -Hammer was in no mood to handle them gently. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," he snapped, "where are the sahibs?" -</p> - -<p> -"They are not here, sar," returned the guide. -"Here is one man from them," and he pointed to -a grinning fellow who stepped out boldly. -</p> - -<p> -"I am Potbelly, sar; very good mission-boy," -he announced complacently. "Missy Professor she -say she not see you, not well in the stomach. The -Herr Doctor, he went off this morning, sar, with -all men hereabouts, in order to engage native help -from nigger village inside of the coast. He will -be back very immediately, sar, and Missy -Professor say you take tent——" -</p> - -<p> -"You're blamed right, I'll take his tent," -ejaculated Hammer angrily, "and you see that these -boys are attended to after the stuff is piled—savvy?" -</p> - -<p> -Potbelly savvied and guided Hammer to one of -the two large tents. Here he found comparative -comfort, his two personal boys making a bath -ready; but his reception was vexing in the extreme. -</p> - -<p> -The Missy Professor, of course, was Professor -Sara L. Helmuth. She probably had the other -tent, with her own attendants, and of course -Krausz would never have gone off and left her -alone unless she was perfectly safe here. The -doctor was losing no time, evidently, since he was -already off engaging workmen and getting things -under way. -</p> - -<p> -The chop-box which the planter had sent with -his boys had been used up, and as there was no -sign of eatables about the doctor's tent, Hammer -changed into some of the German's clothes and -went forth to investigate in a vile temper. -</p> - -<p> -His proficiency in Arabic, of a sort, had vastly -increased since leaving Melindi, and, finding that -the natives were gathered about the boxes which -he had brought outside Professor Helmuth's tent, -he strode into the midst and demanded dinner. -</p> - -<p> -Now, whether it was that the American over-estimated -the intelligence of the Kiswahili and -Arab half-castes, or whether the absence of -Potbelly in his mistress's tent left the other boys -helpless, nothing ensued save a violent jabbering, -in which every native tried to talk at once, the -whole gradually rising to a shrill outburst of angry -shouts, and Hammer's temper gave way. -</p> - -<p> -Relying on the safety of his Arabic the American -made himself heard above the uproar, lashing -about with a convenient bullock-whip hide and -pouring out a raging flood of invective and expletive. -</p> - -<p> -Before the face of his anger the Kiswahili melted -away in terror, and long ere his rage was exhausted -he found himself standing alone, glaring around -vainly for someone on whom to finish his vocabulary. -</p> - -<p> -A moment later Potbelly appeared jauntily from -Professor Helmuth's tent, bearing a slip of paper. -With a watchful eye on the whip he handed it to -Hammer and skipped out of reach, vanishing with -a final grin. The American opened the paper, and -was dumbfounded. He read: -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="letter"> -DEAR SIR: -</p> - -<p class="letter"> -I would thank you to remember that there -is a lady within hearing. If common decency -will not restrain your language, I shall be -compelled to take other measures which will -have that effect. SARA L. HELMUTH. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -"Good Lord!" gasped Hammer in dismay. "I -never had any idea—why, she must know Arabic! -Oh, darn it all, anyway—I wish I was out of this -confounded place! Mixed up with blue-eyed fat -men and short-haired women and Dutchmen—good -<i>night</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -The Kiswahili had vanished. Potbelly had -vanished. Even the daylight had almost vanished, -and without a word Hammer flung down the whip, -tore the note into pieces and threw it to the breeze, -then turned to the tent of the "lady professor", as -he mentally termed her. -</p> - -<p> -"Very sorry, Professor Helmuth." He raised his -voice, but without especial civility in his tone. "I -apologize, of course. I didn't know you understood -Arabic. I'll trouble you no more." -</p> - -<p> -As no answer came he returned to the other tent, -and in desperation seated himself on a camp-stool. -With his pipe alight, he faced the fast-gathering -shadows outside, and a few moments later was -startled by a wild outburst of yells. -</p> - -<p> -Knowing nothing of the country, when the yells -grew closer and more threatening the American -leaped to the conclusion that the natives were on -the war-path, and he leaped up. -</p> - -<p> -Almost at his side stood a heavy, double-barrelled -shotgun, and, making sure that this was loaded, he -stepped to the front of the tent to investigate. No -one seemed to be in sight, for darkness was almost -on the camp; but, seeing a light in the other tent, -he walked toward it with the idea of defending the -lady professor. -</p> - -<p> -The place was an inferno, what with the shrill -yells and occasional shots; and from the noise, -Hammer concluded that the camp must be -surrounded by hundreds of men. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly a dark figure loomed up in the dusk a -few feet away, and instantly he brought up his -weapon. -</p> - -<p> -"Hold on!" he shouted angrily. "Who the -devil are you?" -</p> - -<p> -For answer he felt the barrel of the gun gripped -and flung up, and found himself looking into the -wrong end of a revolver. Then—— -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mein Gott</i>! It iss Mr. Hammer!" -</p> - -<p> -"Krausz—good Lord, I nearly plugged you. -man! What's going on here, an attack?" -</p> - -<p> -The other stared at him a moment, their faces -close. Hammer was quick to observe a startled -suspicion in the Teuton's heavy features, and the -revolver did not go down. -</p> - -<p> -"What are you doing with that gun?" demanded -Krausz threateningly. -</p> - -<p> -"Holding it," was the American's laconic -response. Then, at a fresh outburst of yells: "You -aren't going to stand here and be murdered, I -hope?" -</p> - -<p> -"Murdered? <i>Hein</i>?" For an instant the other -was puzzled, then his teeth flashed in a sudden -laugh as he understood. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you thought it wass an attack, yess? And -so you got out the gun—ho-ho! Come to my -tent—— Pardon, me, but I must laugh, for it iss but -my home-coming, Mr. Hammer. Have you dined?" -</p> - -<p> -"I haven't anything. I'm stiff and sore and -grouchy, and all I want is to get out of this blasted -country as quick as I can." -</p> - -<p> -The doctor laughed again, and they returned to -the tent together. Before Krausz had finished his -bath the camp had undergone a transformation in -Hammer's eyes. Fires had been built, around -which masses of natives were grouped; there was -a smell of roasting meat in the air, and brush huts -were being quickly put up by the dozen. -</p> - -<p> -Jenson received a sound berating for not having -attended to Hammer's wants in better fashion at -Melindi, and by the time they sat down to mess -with the secretary and Baumgardner, the American -was feeling more like himself. -</p> - -<p> -Still, he reflected, if the country was as peaceable -and quiet as the scientist declared it to be, -that revolver had flashed out with marvellous -promptitude. -</p> - -<p> -Professor Helmuth had been on the ground nearly -two weeks, and had made things ready generally -against the doctor's arrival, with the assistance of -a few mission-boys. -</p> - -<p> -The Kiswahili, it seemed, had refused to leave -their fields to work for a woman, even at the -urging of the district commissioner; but Krausz -had easily procured two hundred of them, who -would dig trenches and bring in food supplies for -the whole camp. -</p> - -<p> -Now that he was here, he confidently predicted -that things would go forward with a rush; but -whether it was the champagne, served abundantly -with dinner, or whether the remembrance of that -flourished revolver still stuck in Hammer's crop, -he did not exactly like the way in which the -archaeologist referred to his assistant. -</p> - -<p> -He learned that the lady professor kept strictly -to herself after working hours, even to taking her -meals apart; and this did not raise her in the -American's estimation. -</p> - -<p> -In her position, he considered, she should frankly -accept such things and not be so stuck on -conventions. None the less, when he expressed -himself in such wise f Dr. Krausz took it as a huge -joke and poked Jenson familiarly in the ribs, -upon which another bottle of champagne was -opened. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer, who had absorbed his full share in -his bitterness of spirit, suddenly felt out of humour -with the Teutonic attitude of mind toward women -in general. Spectacles or no spectacles, if the lady -hailed from California then she ought to have -more sense, and probably these Germans had -handled her coarsely. So he leaned over the table -and said as much with the innate earnestness of -his convictions. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Nein</i>," returned the doctor good-humouredly; -"I am not German, but Saxon, yess! So you think -she wass not asked rightly, Mr. Hammer? Perhaps -if you asked her then she might come, no?" -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey, if she's American I'd take a -gamble on it!" blurted out Hammer, and wagged -a long forefinger under the nose of Krausz. "I'll -bet you that I could get her over quick enough! -I'll bet a million dollars I could do it!" -</p> - -<p> -"So?" The archaeologist turned and leered -heavily at the others. "You hear, gentlemen? -Then it iss a bet—a bet of one million dollars, -yess! The <i>fräulein</i>, she does not like to eat with -you, Jenson, <i>hein</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -Jenson babbled something, Baumgardner boomed -out a stolid assent, and Hammer had a sudden -conviction that if he took another glass of -champagne he was going to be very very drunk indeed, -whereupon he removed his shoes and climbed -inside the doctor's mosquito shelter. -</p> - -<p> -In the morning he realized that that extra glass -would have been entirely superfluous, to judge -from his head. It was after nine, but he had a tub -and a cup of coffee and felt considerably improved, -and, finding from the boys that everyone was at -work on the hill, he donned his new sun-helmet -and started for the ruins above. -</p> - -<p> -Each of the German sailors had charge of a gang -of fifteen or twenty natives, and trenches were -being laid out between the lines of the old walls, -under the supervision of Krausz, who sat beneath -a grass-thatched shelter at a table with Jenson. -The doctor greeted him with a cordial grin, though -for some reason—probably the heat—the ribbon -of muscle in his temple was throbbing noticeably. -</p> - -<p> -"And the <i>fräulein</i>—she will dine with us this -evening?" -</p> - -<p> -"Huh?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer stared, astonished, until the wager -was brought slowly to his recollection. Then he -looked around in some dismay, but the lady professor -had not left her tent and the doctor failed -to assign any reason thereto. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I guess she won't leave for me," and -Hammer ruefully related the incident of the note -he had received the evening before, at which the -doctor laughed uproariously, and even Jenson -cracked a sly smile. Krausz explained that -Professor Helmuth was an expert in Semitic languages, -and also that the bet was off. -</p> - -<p> -"Your beastly champagne did it," said Hammer -irritably. -</p> - -<p> -"But listen!" Earnestness swept into the -doctor's heavy black eyes and his hand went to -the American's arm. "If you will do it, yess, I -will pay one hundred dollars——" -</p> - -<p> -"You'll—<i>what</i>?" Hammer stared at him a -moment, then flung off the hand as he turned away. -"Been hitting up the booze again this morning, -have you? I'll thank you to get that launch -ready for me to get back to Melindi in. As for -your she-professor, I'll have her over to dine this -evening just to show you what a blooming fool -you are, doctor. Then I'll start back in the launch -after dark. I've had enough of this place." -</p> - -<p> -How his remarks were received he did not see, -for he strode downhill without once looking back. -But the scientist's offer to pay him for getting -Professor Helmuth to dine with them was both -disgusting and illuminating. -</p> - -<p> -It filled him with distaste for everything German—or -Saxon—with particular emphasis upon Krausz' -ribbon of muscle; and it also made him wonder -why the she-professor was refusing to honour the -general mess with her company. Did she carry -primness to such a limit? -</p> - -<p> -"I'll fix her," he said, and upon reaching his -tent sent a boy for Potbelly. When that individual -appeared, Hammer gave him his name, stated -that he was an American, and said to tell Professor -Helmuth that he intended to call on her in ten -minutes. -</p> - -<p> -Potbelly's grin vanished and he looked ugly -instantly, whereat Hammer took him by the -shoulder and assisted him from the tent with a -kick. -</p> - -<p> -He watched Potbelly disappear inside the other -large tent, then sat down and smoked his pipe. -</p> - -<p> -When the ten minutes were up he promptly -knocked the ashes out of his pipe, began to whistle -and started for the other tent. -</p> - -<p> -Potbelly looked out, vanished again, and the -next minute the tent-flap was pushed aside and -Hammer obtained his first view of Professor Sara -L. Helmuth—and he was undoubtedly the most -astonished man in the whole of British East Africa -at that instant. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap06"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER VI -<br /><br /> -THE LADY PROFESSOR -</h3> - -<p> -The American's dreams of spectacles and blue -<i>pagaris</i> was swept away, for standing facing him -with expectant eyes was—a girl or a woman, -Hammer could not tell which. -</p> - -<p> -There was some mistake, of course; self-possessed, -cool, deliberate in word and look as she -was, this slender, brown-haired, brown-eyed girl -could not be the austere mistress of Semitic -tongues—— -</p> - -<p> -"I beg your pardon," he found himself stammering -weakly. "I didn't mean that message for -you; I wanted to see Miss Helmuth, the scientific -person who doesn't like my Arabic cuss-words." -</p> - -<p> -A trace of red crept through her cheeks, but her -eyes held his with no response to the whimsical -laugh of him. -</p> - -<p> -"I am Miss Helmuth," she said coldly enough, -not moving that he might enter the tent, and -appraising him keenly as she spoke. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer stared at her in open disbelief, but not -for long. Something in the curve of the dark -eyebrows and the set of the girlish mouth, something -in the poise of the small head, gave a hint -of resolution and firmness—and Hammer took the -hint. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," and he bowed with his fine smile, "I -trust you will pardon my surprise. I was looking -for a spectacled, gaunt lady of uncertain age, and -never expected to find——" -</p> - -<p> -"I am not interested in your expectations, -Mr. Hammer," her reply came coldly. "What is your -business with me?" -</p> - -<p> -Again Hammer was taken all aback and could -not quite readjust himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Why—er——" It struck him that she would -think that he was attempting to flirt with her, and -the thought sent him floundering deeper. "You -see, Miss—Professor, I mean—Professor Helmuth, -I'm first officer of the <i>Daphne</i>, and—— Oh, blame -it all! Honest, Miss Helmuth, get that look off -your face or I'll run!" -</p> - -<p> -A flicker of amusement came into her brown -eyes, then it passed, and her look hardened -strangely. Hammer could almost have imagined -that she had been crying not so very long ago. -</p> - -<p> -"Really, Mr. Hammer, I think that would be -the best thing you could do. I have no desire to -have any dealings with you whatever. Kindly -state your business and go." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, that's flat enough, anyhow." Hammer's -eyes flashed for a second. "But I must say that -such downright discourtesy doesn't go with your -looks, professor, though anything might be -expected of this outfit. -</p> - -<p> -"Still, as an American, you ought logically to -be a little more human and a little less priggish. -If we were on Fifth Avenue I wouldn't blame you, -but here in Africa I should think you'd have more -sense." -</p> - -<p> -She gazed at him, her eyes widening, as if this -direct attack startled and surprised her. Hammer -was instantly contrite. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I apologize again, professor. You -certainly riled me up for a minute, and I'm sorry I -expressed myself so bluntly. I guess Krausz wasn't -to blame so much as I thought he was, if you -handled him like that. You see, I came over to -ask you if you wouldn't show up at——" -</p> - -<p> -"So you dare to carry out that bet made in a -drinking bout with that man Krausz and his -associates?" Poor Hammer's jaw dropped as she -straightened up, anger in every feature, and fairly -flung the words at him. -</p> - -<p> -"Haven't I been put to enough shame without -having my name bandied about over the wine and -cigars? For a moment you nearly deluded me -into thinking you a man of another kind, Mr. Hammer." -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? Say, professor, I don't think I'm wise -to all this business by a long shot! Look -here—— No, don't fire up yet for a minute—— Tell me -how you knew about that affair? It's true, of -course——" -</p> - -<p> -There was scorn in her eyes as the American -stopped, embarrassed. -</p> - -<p> -"If you want to know, I heard of it through one -of my boys, who got it from your own boys. Now, -Mr. Hammer, you know the penalty attached to -entering this tent. If you dare to attempt it, -either you or your associates, I shall carry out my -threat to the letter. You may carry back that -report. Good day." -</p> - -<p> -With that she turned inside, but before she -could lower the flap Hammer sprang forward. His -mind was in a swirl, and he only realized the one -great fact that this woman had a very wrong idea -of him and of his intentions. Catching the flap -from the outside, he paused as she whirled on him -indignantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Just a minute, Miss Helmuth! Look here! -I'm not an associate of Dr. Krausz, in the first -place, and in the next I don't intend to carry back -any report. But I do want to square myself with -you, honest, and I think you might give me a -chance." -</p> - -<p> -He found himself, for the second time within -twenty-four hours, looking squarely into the -muzzle of a revolver which she had plucked from -the table behind her. -</p> - -<p> -"You step inside this tent, Mr. Hammer, and -I fire." -</p> - -<p> -"But, confound it!" he cried, astounded, "I -haven't done——" -</p> - -<p> -"Let go that flap and get out of here!" -</p> - -<p> -Helplessly, Hammer stared into her brown eyes -and read determination there. He made one more -attempt, however. -</p> - -<p> -"Please listen to reason, professor! I'm not -trying to put anything over on you; all I want is -to get out of this accursed place and to make you -look at the thing straight before I go. I didn't -know I'd got in so bad——" -</p> - -<p> -"Let go that flap or I'll have my boys force -you out of here bodily!" -</p> - -<p> -The brown eyes were blazing with fury, but -Hammer thought that never had he seen a woman -look so beautiful, so capable of taking care of -herself, so thoroughly efficient. -</p> - -<p> -Realizing that she was in no mood to be argued -with, however, he obeyed her command; and as he -turned on his heel a single word broke from him -with uncontrolled emphasis: -</p> - -<p> -"Damn!" -</p> - -<p> -The grinning face of Potbelly peered at him -from a corner of the tent, and he strode back to -the other canvas with his ears burning. It would -have been a bad moment for any who had interfered -with him just then, and perhaps the cunning -Kiswahili recognized the fact, for they kept well -out of his way. -</p> - -<p> -The humiliation of the interview was maddening -to him; and when he called the boys who had -been loaned him by the planter and found that -they had slipped home early that morning, he was -in savage humour. -</p> - -<p> -For a moment he determined to return to the -tent of Professor Helmuth and dare her to carry -out her threat, but second thought decided him -against it. -</p> - -<p> -She had been in earnest beyond any doubt—but -why? From the very face of her, she had too -much good hard sense to be the prig Krausz had -painted her; and why should she be willing to -carry out so desperate a threat? -</p> - -<p> -At this he recalled her words: "You know the -penalty attached to entering this tent." Why had -this girl set such a penalty? That she had done -so, publicly, was evident from her words, nor did -she bear Dr. Sigurd Krausz any great love; yet she -was his assistant; she had come out from Dresden -in charge of the preliminary work; she must have -known him well before she started; and, above -all, Krausz was an eminent man in his line of -work. -</p> - -<p> -Yet Hammer knew only too well how a man, -once away from his natural environment, may do -things he never would have dreamed of doing -otherwise. Could it be that Dr. Krausz, or others -of the party, had insulted the girl? -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey! That name Sara isn't so bad after -all, come to think of it," and Hammer rose, -frowning. "I guess I'll go up and see that chap. -If he's been cutting any didoes around here I'll -show him a few things. I wish Harcourt was here; -I'm blessed if I know what to make of it all!" -</p> - -<p> -He passed the she-professor's tent and strode up -the hill; for if there was to be trouble with the -doctor, he wanted to have it over with at once. -</p> - -<p> -And as he went he patted the side-pocket of his -coat, where his old-style revolver still reposed; he -remembered the way Krausz had whipped out his -weapon the evening before, and the thought was -hardly reassuring. -</p> - -<p> -He found the doctor as he had left him, and under -the direction of the Germans the natives were -beginning to make the dirt fly. Krausz looked up, -his heavy eyes narrowing slightly at sight of the -American's face; then he smiled cordially. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Mr. Hammer? And how did you find -the <i>fräulein</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"A darned sight worse than I expected," -returned Hammer frankly. "See here, doctor: I'd -like to know why she won't let a man enter her -tent under pain of firing at him, and why she's -holding a grudge against you?" -</p> - -<p> -The ribbon of muscle began to beat under the -skin of the other's brow, though Krausz's -expression never changed. Jenson apparently, paid no -attention. -</p> - -<p> -"Pouf!" The big Saxon spread his hands with -a Continental shrug. "My dear fellow, it iss her -fancy. What can you expect? She hass never -been here in Africa before, and she iss nervous. -Ass to dissliking me, why should she? Wass I not -her father's friend before he died?" -</p> - -<p> -"How the devil do I know? It's a cinch she -hasn't any love for you, doctor; and I'd like to -know why that girl has to barricade herself in her -tent, that's all. What's more, she isn't the sort -to be nervous." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer looked down at the other, hands on -his hips, his brown face determined. He realized -that he was beginning to dislike the sight hissing -accent of his employer, no less than that curious -muscle in the forehead, and the aggressive note in -his voice was thinly veiled. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz seemed surprised at the change in his -first officer, and once more his eyes narrowed; but -this time they were menacing—so menacing that -Hammer felt uneasy. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you her guardian, Mr. Hammer?" -</p> - -<p> -"No; but I'm an American, and I used to be a -gentleman." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you will please not interfere in a family -affair, my friend. I am her guardian, the executor -of her father's estate——" -</p> - -<p> -"Now, see here, doctor. I'm not hunting trouble, -understand; but I'm fairly competent to handle -any that comes my way. To know Semitic languages -and be curator in a big Dresden library takes time -and work; besides, I can tell from that girl's face -that she's of age. You're not her guardian any -more than I am, if you want it straight." -</p> - -<p> -"My dear sir, you missunderstand! Yess, she -iss twenty-three years of age, but I wass her -guardian, ass she will tell you. I wass her father's -best friend, and in my arms he died, yess. It wass -I who got her that library position. Ah, come!" Krausz -rose quickly and patted Hammer on the -shoulder, smilingly. "You and I, we are too big -men, yess, to be losing good humour over a little -girl! <i>Lieber Gott</i>! Iss she not to me like a daughter, -no? Come down to luncheon, my friend, and over -a bottle will we forget all thiss——" -</p> - -<p> -"No more bottles, I guess," said Hammer -decidedly. None the less, the scientist's words -had their effect. "However, I don't want to butt -in, doctor, and I'm sorry I made a mistake. I go -back to-night, I suppose?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yess; Baumgardner shall take you in the launch." -</p> - -<p> -So the matter was closed. The American still -felt a trifle uneasy; but Dr. Krausz' words had -placed the affair in a new light before him, and he -forced himself to the belief that he had interfered -in some petty quarrel where he had no concern. -Krausz had succeeded in spiking his guns. -</p> - -<p> -With Jenson and Baumgardner, they sat down -to a very enjoyable lunch in the doctor's tent; for -Krausz seemed to have brought no end of chop-boxes -from Mombasa, and the natives had fetched -in plenty of fruit, vegetables, and fresh meat. -</p> - -<p> -Even Jenson seemed to attain some semblance of -life, almost growing enthusiastic over the work -that had been begun; and the American found -Krausz cordial and entertaining as he had rarely -been before. He had an unfailing supply of his -long black panatelas; and while all four of them -were sitting smoking and chatting over their -coffee, there came a sudden interruption. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Hodi</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -All turned. There, standing unconcernedly in -the doorway, was a native streaked with sweat, -his eyes roving from face to face, a heavy fold of -skin hanging in the slit lobe of one ear. Several -of the camp-boys stood behind him uncertainly. -Once more he repeated the Kiswahili greeting. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Hodi</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Karibu</i>," grunted Krausz; and then in English: -"Who are you? What is it?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Bwana</i> Hammer?" came the laconic query. -</p> - -<p> -"That's me!" exclaimed the American. "What -do you want?" -</p> - -<p> -The Kiswahili looked him over for a second, -then nodded as if to himself and drew the skin -from his ear-lobe. From it he took a small packet -and handed it to the American, after which, not -deigning to say another word, he turned and -stalked away. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, that's a funny proposition!" exclaimed -Hammer, staring at the heavy little object in his -hand. The others said nothing, but Krausz smoked -furiously as he watched. Out of sheer decency -Hammer felt that he mast open the thing before -them, and proceeded to do so, wondering greatly -what it was and why the bearer had not been more -loquacious. -</p> - -<p> -Unwrapping a heavy fold of tissue-paper, he -caught a little silver ring that leaped out into his -hand. It was a cheap thing enough, and he remembered -having seen just such things sold to tourists -at Port Said, with "Arabic initials engraved while -you wait." -</p> - -<p> -Sure enough, looking closer at it, he perceived a -thin tracery on the signet side; but his slight -knowledge of Arabic did not extend to reading the -language, and he passed it over to the doctor with -a surprised laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"Can you read Arabic, doctor?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Nein</i>. Wass there no writing?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not a scrap," said Hammer. "Let's get that -boy back here." -</p> - -<p> -The messenger was sent for, but he proved to -have left camp without waiting to so much as be -fed—a thing unusual, to provoke comment from -the other natives. -</p> - -<p> -"Well"—and Dr. Krausz shrugged his shoulders -as he rose—"there iss some misstake, or the letter -hass been lost. It iss but a trifle. We must get -back to work, my friends, for the afternoon iss -getting on." -</p> - -<p> -The others rose with a sigh, and they went off -together, Hammer stretching out luxuriously on a -cot and wondering afresh where this mysterious -little ring could have come from, and what the -engraving meant. It was irritating, from its very -littleness, while the strange conduct of the -messenger refused to be explained away. -</p> - -<p> -If the thing had come from Harcourt it would -have had some word with it. In any case, what -reason would Harcourt have for sending such a -thing? -</p> - -<p> -It had probably come from Melindi, however, -and Hammer had not the faintest idea of who -could have sent it from there. -</p> - -<p> -The odd part of it was that the worth of the ring -itself must be far below the cost of the messenger's -services, nor was there any apparent reason for -the ending of it. -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey," thought Hammer suddenly, "I'll -send it over to Miss Helmuth!" -</p> - -<p> -Clapping his hands, he sent a boy for Potbelly. -Since the Lady Professor was an adept at Arabic -to the extent of understanding certain expressions -which would hardly bear adequate translation, -Hammer saw no reason why she could not decipher -the engraving for him. -</p> - -<p> -After he had sent the boy he hesitated, -remembering the humiliation he had already passed -through; but a moment later Potbelly appeared -at the entrance of the tent. -</p> - -<p> -"Come here," said Hammer curtly, holding out -the ring. "You see this? Take it to Professor -Helmuth. Ask her to tell what this means—— Why, -what the devil's the matter with you?" -</p> - -<p> -Potbelly's grin had faded suddenly; rather, it -had been frozen into a ghastly semblance of mirth, -and he looked from the ring to Hammer with -absolute terror. -</p> - -<p> -"You savvy him, <i>Bwana</i>?" he whimpered. "You -savvy <i>Bwana</i> John?" -</p> - -<p> -"What Master John?" repeated the American -suspiciously, then grinned. "John Jones or John -Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -To his intense amazement, Potbelly merely -whimpered again, then turned, speaking over his -shoulder as he went through the door. -</p> - -<p> -"You come, <i>Bwana</i>. I think mebbeso Missy -Professor she see you." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I'll be darned!" murmured Hammer, and -followed like a man in a dream. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap07"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER VII -<br /><br /> -HAMMER STARTS SOMETHING -</h3> - -<p> -The American was at a loss to make out what -had happened to Potbelly. The mission-boy had -arrived grinningly, almost insolently, and after a -look at the ring he had seemed to be transfixed by -terror. What was there about that ring to create -such an impression? Certainly it looked harmless -enough, and Herr Krausz would have observed -anything unduly curious about it. -</p> - -<p> -From inside the tent of Professor Helmuth he -could hear, as he waited, Potbelly's voice rising -shrilly, though the words were lost. Then came a -softer, deeper voice, which he recognized as that -of the lady in question. He grinned to himself as -he remembered her cool determination of that -morning. -</p> - -<p> -"I guess Potbelly's having his troubles about -now," he thought. "By Godfrey, I'll have to get -to the bottom of this mystery some way! And the -only way to do it, I guess, is to have a frank -explanation with Professor Sara L. Helmuth—bless -her brown eyes! I wonder why I never liked that -name Sara before now!" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer was still cogitating this all-important -point when he saw Potbelly's black visage appear -from the tent-flap, and the boy beckoned hastily. -The American, holding the ring in his hand, stepped -to the tent door. -</p> - -<p> -Sara L. Helmuth, professor and mistress of -Semitic languages, was sitting at the table inside, -a revolver ready to her hand. -</p> - -<p> -Simply and coolly dressed in white, with her -rippling brown hair coiled loosely on her head, she -offered an extremely attractive picture to Cyrus -Hammer, is spite of the circles of weariness and -trouble about her eyes. -</p> - -<p> -He had always felt a weakness for women who -were self-reliant without becoming, as he had -phrased it, "short-haired", and that she was such -a woman had been evident from the first. Moreover, -the doctor had said that she was just twenty-three. -</p> - -<p> -She did not rise, but stood looking at him for a -moment, and Hammer felt that to her the situation -was, for some reason, very grave. Instinctively he -sympathized with her, and under the thought his -face lost its harder outlines, though it retained to -the full all its rugged, healthy strength. Then she -waved her hand toward a camp-stool just inside -the door. -</p> - -<p> -"Sit down, Mr. Hammer. Make sure the boys -are watching, Potbelly." -</p> - -<p> -The mission-boy disappeared. Hammer felt -unaccountably at a loss, as though all his assurance -were ebbing away beneath her steady gaze, and -waited for her to speak. -</p> - -<p> -"Potbelly tells me, Mr. Hammer, that you -have come from Mr. Solomon. If that was true, -why did you not speak of it this morning?" -</p> - -<p> -"Eh?" he stammered, utterly bewildered. -"Mr. Solomon? You mean John Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -"Who else would I mean?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why—Miss Helmuth, I—you can search me! -I haven't come from John Solomon, not that I -know of. What's got into that fellow of yours, -anyway? Now please don't look like that"—for -she had suddenly stiffened in her chair, her -eyes cold—"but I can't make head or tale of this -thing, professor. That's straight! -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't tell Potbelly that I wanted to see you, -and I didn't send him to you with that message. -I wanted him to ask you if you could read the seal -engraving on this ring, for it looks like Arabic. -He jumped off on his own hook and told me to -come along." -</p> - -<p> -There was unbelief in the brown eyes that gazed -searchingly into his, but the American's whole -attitude betrayed the sincerity behind his words. -Slowly the girl relaxed in her chair, and held out -her hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Let me see the ring." -</p> - -<p> -He gave it to her in silence. She bent over it -a moment, then rose with lithe grace and took an -enlarging glass from an open suitcase near by. -</p> - -<p> -She stood by the light of the open flap, scrutinising -it closely, while Hammer's eyes wandered -over her slender figure and jerked back quickly -to her face, almost guiltily: for Cyrus Hammer -was like most highly-strung, clean, hard-living -men in that he idealized women in general, and -his own women friends in particular. -</p> - -<p> -That, indeed, had contributed largely to his -utter demoralization after the disillusion that had -come upon him three years before. -</p> - -<p> -"Where did you get this ring, Mr. Hammer?" -</p> - -<p> -He started, for his thoughts had been far away. -She returned to her seat, having seemingly lost -her fear for a moment, and he told her how the -ring had been brought to him an hour before, and -how the messenger had straightway departed -without a word of explanation. While he spoke -her eyes searched his face keenly, and at the end -she nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose your story is true, Mr. Hammer; -though it sounds rather odd, I must admit that -there is truth in your face. That is exactly what -I cannot understand." -</p> - -<p> -"You can't? Why not, please? You must have -a pretty bad opinion of people!" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, perhaps I have some reason for it, -Mr. Hammer. But—well, no matter. Where is -Mr. Solomon? Have you seen him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not since he left the yacht," and Hammer -told what he knew of John Solomon. It occurred -to him that this was a chance to heal the breach, -and accordingly he dilated upon Dr. Sigurd Krausz -as a side-issue, putting in as good a word for the -scientist as he could. He did not see that suspicion -was darkening in the girl's brown eyes as he -proceeded, nor did he note that her hand had closed -once more upon the revolver, until she held out -the ring and interrupted bluntly. -</p> - -<p> -"That is enough, thank you. This ring, as you -probably know, bears the Arabic name of Suleiman, -or Solomon. There is no use saying any more in -favour of Dr. Krausz, Mr. Hammer. Your story -is rather improbable, to say the least." -</p> - -<p> -"Why, what do you mean?" He was once more -startled by her sudden change of front, comprehending -that she had resumed her hostile attitude. -"I wish you would tell me if I can be of any help -to you, Miss Helmuth! I put it up to the doctor -flat, and he told me to keep out of a family row, -but——" -</p> - -<p> -"Now, listen, please," she broke in again, her -voice cold—almost desperate, he thought vaguely. -</p> - -<p> -"Your story is not convincing, Mr. Hammer, -and I am frankly afraid that you think me a good -deal of a simpleton. That ring may have come -from John Solomon and it may not, but under -the circumstances I prefer to take no chances. -</p> - -<p> -"I never met Mr. Solomon, and I never met you; -I am practically helpless here, except for my four -mission boys, and while you and the doctor may -pull the wool over their eyes, I intend to take care -of myself. -</p> - -<p> -"When you can produce Mr. Solomon to vouch -for you, then things will be different. Until then, -I must decline to have any further communication -with you." -</p> - -<p> -Poor Hammer stared at her, wondering which -of them was crazy. A moment before she had -seemed perfectly amenable to reason, but his -references to Krausz seemed to have flicked her on -the raw and turned her against him again. -</p> - -<p> -"But, Miss Helmuth, can't you see that I am -trying to help you? Good Heavens, girl, I'm not -any great friend of the doctor! Things here look -pretty badly for me, and I'm only anxious to help -you if I can. Why are you helpless here? I can't -very well go after Krausz with a shotgun without -knowing why!" -</p> - -<p> -"I think you know why, Mr. Hammer, and I -don't believe there is any use in discussing the -matter further. There is only one man I can trust, -and if you have been telling the truth I will be -glad to apologize. -</p> - -<p> -"But you are either a great fool or you are very -ignorant of conditions, and if you came from -Mr. Solomon I do not think you would be in either -category. -</p> - -<p> -"I can only conclude that you are, as you yourself -admitted, in the pay of Dr. Krausz. If Mr. Solomon -comes, as I have prayed he will come -then he may be able to vouch for you. If not—well, -I shall not give up without a fight, that's all." -</p> - -<p> -She rose in dismissal, but Hammer refused to -budge. -</p> - -<p> -"Give up what, Miss Helmuth? I'm sorry you -don't believe me, but I don't know what the row -is about." -</p> - -<p> -The brown eyes gazed at him steadily, almost -contemptuously. -</p> - -<p> -"How did Dr. Krausz know that I had appealed -to Mr. Solomon for aid?" -</p> - -<p> -"He didn't, that I know of," retorted the -American, losing patience. "What on earth is -all this talk about that little fat man, anyway? -You say you've never met him, then you say that -he's the only man you can trust and to bring him -along to vouch for me. If I do, who's going to -vouch for him, I'd like to know?" -</p> - -<p> -Her eyes dilated slowly, and Hammer was under -the impression that his words had had some effect. -He was soon undeceived, however. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, is he a little fat man with big blue eyes?" -and there was amazement in her voice. -</p> - -<p> -"He is," returned Hammer ungraciously. "Also, -he's in the employ of Dr. Krausz as supercargo—same -as me, if you please. Also, I think he's the -biggest liar unhung. I can't quite see the -connection between you and him, professor." -</p> - -<p> -"Then—he was the man who came on the <i>Mombasa</i>——" -she began as if speaking to herself, -stopping abruptly and gazing at Hammer as if he -had surprised her into revealing some secret. He -paid slight attention to her words, for he was -trying to find the clue which so persistently eluded -his efforts. -</p> - -<p> -Certainly his own statements were a good deal -more lucid than hers, and were not so conflicting -by half. Yet she seemed to think that he and Krausz -were leagued against her in some way and that -the ring was some kind of a trick. -</p> - -<p> -She claimed never to have met Solomon, yet -described him and seemed to trust him implicitly! -Small wonder that the American groaned to -himself in despair. -</p> - -<p> -Sara Helmuth was still standing, however, and -now she looked down at him with angry eyes; but -Hammer thought that seldom had he seen so -magnificent a girl even though her mind might -be a trifle unbalanced. -</p> - -<p> -"You seem to be insensible to my invitation to -depart, Mr. Hammer," and there was cold rage in -her voice; "and since you have been clever enough -to worm most of the secret out of me, I'll tell you -the rest in order to get rid of you. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Solomon came aboard the <i>Mombasa</i> at -London, stating that he was a messenger from -John Solomon and proving it quite efficiently. -Naturally I did not recognize him, but I turned -over to him the papers, and received them in -duplicate when I reached Mombasa from the hands of -Potbelly. -</p> - -<p> -"They must have been cabled out, but in any -case Potbelly has shown himself worthy of trust, -except in this one instance of your fraudulent ring. -That is all I know, and you can take it back to -your master and share the knowledge with him. -Now will you go?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer began to see light for the first time -since the conversation began. John Solomon's -hurried trip aboard the <i>Mombasa</i> was explained, -it seemed; also the conflicting statements of Miss -Helmuth began to straighten themselves out. -</p> - -<p> -And yet the thing sounded so incredible! John -Solomon, a fat little cockney supercargo, in league -with this girl he had only seen once—— -</p> - -<p> -"I'll go," he said helplessly, "but I'm going to -have this thing out with Krausz and see what -screw is loose, Miss Helmuth. I still can't -understand your connection with that little rat -Solomon—but I'll go." -</p> - -<p> -So he went, without a word more from her, -back to the other tent, where he filled his pipe and -tried to get the affair into more lucid shape within -his own mind. The effort was vain, however. -</p> - -<p> -The one thing that stood out above all others -was that Potbelly's recognition of the ring had -been in vain, that Sara Helmuth had absolutely -no confidence in it, and had a very lively suspicion -that he and Krausz were attempting to trick her. -</p> - -<p> -But what about? It was no longer a question -of this woman being a prig—Hammer saw deeper -than that, at least. There was something -underlying it all that vitally affected her. -</p> - -<p> -This much he knew: Krausz had sent her certain -papers in a black wallet from the hotel in London, -and she had given those papers to Solomon five -minutes later, doubtless without reading them. -Then Solomon had lied to him about the black -wallet, and he had done it artistically, too. The -American began to consider Solomon seriously. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll bet a dollar I was right about Schlak's -murder," he thought suddenly. "John Solomon -put that Arab up to testifying as he did, and -whether Jenson worked the same game with -Baumgardner—say, I'll run a bluff on that big -Dutchman!" -</p> - -<p> -As the idea occurred to him he looked up and -saw Baumgardner himself approaching the tent, -evidently having been sent for something by the -scientist. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer laid down his pipe and waited until -the other came up to the entrance, when he quickly -brought out his revolver and covered the surprised -German. -</p> - -<p> -"Sit down, Baumgardner," and he made his -voice as cold and menacing as possible. "I've a -word to say to you, my man." -</p> - -<p> -Anger flitted over the other's heavy countenance, -but Hammer was in no mood to be trifled with and -showed it plainly. The boatswain sat down. -</p> - -<p> -"Now bear in mind that you're under my -authority, bos'n, and not under that of the -doctor. No, shut your head! I've got you to rights, -Baumgardner. Thought you were pretty smooth, -didn't you, when you pulled off that play aboard -the yacht? But I'm on to you, and you go back -before the German Consul, you and Jenson, and -before the British authorities. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm going to open up the case of Schlak's death -with a vengeance, and you'll get about two years -breaking stone on the Mombasa roads for perjury, -you and Jenson. How does that strike you, my man?" -</p> - -<p> -It struck, plain enough, and struck heavily. -Baumgardner, who was a big, black-haired type -like the doctor, stared at first in blank amazement, -but when Hammer finished, his jaw had dropped -and dismay sat in his eyes. The American, at heart -terribly doubtful as to the outcome of his bluff, -pressed the advantage instantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, look here, Baumgardner. You're a good -seaman, and I'd sooner put Jenson over the road -than you. Besides, Mr. Solomon and his Arab -friend are going the same way, so there'll be -company, and to spare. Now tell me exactly what -Jenson said to you outside the chart-house that -night." -</p> - -<p> -Baumgardner, whose heavy wits failed to come -up to the scratch, blinked. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, Mr. Hammer," he responded humbly, -"he just fixed up the story with me, that was all, -and said he'd stand by me. How did you know -about it, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"None of your business," snapped Hammer, -unutterably relieved. "So it was a frame-up, eh? -And Solomon never had the knife to your knowledge?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir. It belonged to Mr. Schlak." -</p> - -<p> -"Good Lord! Is that so?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir. The sheath was hanging on his wall, -but Mr. Jenson said to say nothing about it. The -hands didn't know because they'd never been in -his cabin and he generally carried another." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we'll land Solomon—but why did he -admit having had it?" -</p> - -<p> -The other only stared dully at him, his face -pale. The American had almost forgotten about -Sara Helmuth in the light of this amazing revelation -which his bluff had forced out of a clear sky. -</p> - -<p> -He thought swiftly. Solomon must have admitted -having had the knife in order to give better -colour to the Arab's testimony, and the cleverness -of it appalled Hammer, who had scarcely expected -such astuteness from the fat supercargo. -</p> - -<p> -Now, however, he determined to carry out the -affair to the limit. He would take Baumgardner -and Jenson back to Mombasa, get hold of Solomon -and the Arab, which could easily be done, and set -the whole group breaking stone with the possible -exception of the boatswain, who had been a mere -tool in Jenson's hands. -</p> - -<p> -Moreover, the pallid-faced secretary was turning -out to be a dangerous character. The American's -dislike of him was being well verified, and he -would have to keep a good watch on the viperish -little black-clad man on the trip to Melindi, where -the district commissioner could take him in charge. -</p> - -<p> -But while he was turning the matter over in -his mind, Baumgardner, perhaps suspecting that -the American had bluffed the truth out of him, -was regaining his lost self-control, and now spoke -out with startling boldness. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll have to see Dr. Krausz, Mr. Hammer, -before taking us back. I'm working for him——" -</p> - -<p> -"You shut your head!" Hammer shoved the -revolver back into his pocket, for he much preferred -to use his fists, and his face, dangerously -alight, shot forward almost into the German's. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't give me any of your lip or I'll show you -who you're working for, you pie-faced Dutchman! -Now stay where you are while I fetch Jenson, and -we'll be off for Melindi in ten minutes. You leave -this affair to me and I'll pull you out of it; but -start any monkey-work and I'll make it hot for -you. Don't forget that." -</p> - -<p> -Baumgardner was thoroughly subdued and showed -no sign of giving further trouble. So Hammer, -determining to get off in the launch before the -afternoon grew old, called one of the boys who was -in sight. -</p> - -<p> -"You talk English? Good. Break out two chop-boxes -and put them aboard the launch—where is -she, Baumgardner?" -</p> - -<p> -"Anchored a quarter-mile off shore, sir. The -boat's on the beach. It's too shallow to run her in -closer, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Very good. Boy, what's your name?" -</p> - -<p> -"Mohammed Bari, sar." -</p> - -<p> -"Then get a couple of boys down to the boat -with the boxes and stay here. Be ready to lead -me down there. That's all. How far is the shore -from here, bos'n?" -</p> - -<p> -"Straight down, sir, about three hundred yards. -But we come by a path, sir, which goes down to -the boat. It's a matter of a half-mile." -</p> - -<p> -"All right. You stay where you are." -</p> - -<p> -So, having no more fears that the boatswain -would prove insubordinate, Hammer rummaged -around in the effects of Dr. Krausz until he found -a length of very serviceable wire-twisted cord -which would make a good substitute for handcuffs. -He was going to take no chances with Adolf Jenson. -A moment later he started for the hill. With one -of the sailors to accompany them and fetch back -the launch from Melindi, he could take care of -Jenson. He found Krausz and the secretary at their -table beneath the sun-shelter, and perhaps -something in his eye warned the latter, for Jenson -started to his feet as Hammer came up. -</p> - -<p> -"You're coming back to Mombasa with me, -Jenson," said the American, reaching forward -and dragging the fellow out bodily by the collar. -"Stick out your hands, you little beast!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Was ist?</i>" The doctor's voice was very gentle, -but Hammer felt a little rim of steel touching his -neck. "Let that man go please, yess?" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap08"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER VIII -<br /><br /> -IN THE OPEN -</h3> - -<p> -Cyrus Hammer had never felt a revolver-muzzle -against the back of his neck before, and the touch -was decidedly unpleasant. It sent a peculiar cold -chill quivering down the length of his spine, and -there was an odd note in the doctor's voice which -sent the same kind of a chill through his brain. -</p> - -<p> -In no sense was the American a coward, but he -had seen enough of life to have grasped an -extremely difficult accomplishment—that of knowing -when a man is in cold earnest, from the mere tone -of his voice. -</p> - -<p> -Dr. Krausz was just at present in earnest, and -therefore Hammer loosened his grip on Jenson -and tossed his length of cord on the table; there -had swiftly leaped into his mind a premonition -that he had overlooked the most difficult part of -the proposition—by name, Dr. Sigurd Krausz. -</p> - -<p> -"Now will you please explain, Mr. Hammer." -</p> - -<p> -So Hammer explained, and the manner of his -explanation was not calculated to soothe the -doctor's feelings or those of Jenson, who had -shrunk back beside his protector. The American -was angry, and three years on cattle-boats give an -angry man a vocabulary which is little short of -being extraordinary. -</p> - -<p> -When he made an end, Jenson, with his rat-like -snarl, was clinging to the scientist like a frightened -child, while Krausz, his revolver put aside, was -looking at Hammer with an ominous glint in his -black eyes. Over his temple that peculiar strip of -muscle was pounding furiously with every throb -of blood. -</p> - -<p> -"So, Baumgardner hass confessed, no?" The -doctor's voice was fairly athrill with hostility, -though the words came calmly enough. "And -on the word of a drunken sailor you would deprive -me of my helper when I need him most?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer flushed. "Your assistant is in her -tent down there, doctor," he said significantly. -"And, by the way, I had a talk with her this -afternoon. No, I'm not doing this on the word -of any drunken sailor, doctor, but that fellow -Jenson is going over the road, and you may as -well make up your mind to it. Either he or John -Solomon knows who killed Hans Schlak, and I'm -going to find out." -</p> - -<p> -There was no mistaking the rage that flashed -out into the heavy eyes, but it was directed against -Jenson, as if the name of the murdered mate had -aroused a slumbering ferocity within the big -Saxon. -</p> - -<p> -"So!" he spoke slowly, looking down at Jenson -with terrible quiet, only that ribbon of muscle -betraying his emotion. "So? And whoever killed -Hans Schlak, it wass he who took that paper -from me when I wass drunk, yess. I do know -Adolf Jenson. I did not suspect that it wass -you or that it wass Mr. Solomon, but if it was -you, Adolf, you shall be very sorry, yess!" -</p> - -<p> -Until now poor Jenson had trembled in silence, -but he looked up and caught the full gaze of Krausz, -and it was as if something in the heavy powerful -face had blasted the last remnants of courage -within him. He buried his face with a muffled -scream. -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't! I lied because Mr. Hammer and -Solomon were friends—they both hated me—don't -look at me like that, Herr Doctor! Before God, -I didn't take the paper!" -</p> - -<p> -It struck Hammer as odd that the taking of -that paper seemed more important to Jenson than -the murder of Schlak. However, he had to ascertain -what the attitude of the archaeologist was to be. -</p> - -<p> -"See here, doctor, I want to do the square thing, -but you can't stand up for this man. He's perjured -himself in court and he's got to explain it. Of -course, I can't scrap you and your men—for these -Germans will stand by you—but what I can and -will do is to go back to Melindi and send the -district commissioner up here for Jenson. If you -persist in sticking up for him you'll get into -hot water, that's all." -</p> - -<p> -Krausz looked at him calmly. -</p> - -<p> -"Do not get excited, Mr. Hammer! I am not -sticking up for anyone; but Adolf cannot go back -to Mombasa, just yet. Later, perhaps——" -</p> - -<p> -Jenson pulled away from him suddenly, looking -up with his viperish snarl. -</p> - -<p> -"If you let them take me, Herr Doctor, I'll -tell——" -</p> - -<p> -With brutal force the Saxon's hand struck down, -caught Jenson square in the mouth, and knocked -him under the table, where he lay whimpering. -Hammer was startled at the change in the face -of the man; its glossed-over brutality was standing -out in full relief, its heavy eyes were filled with -rage, its finely-chiselled mouth was convulsed with -untrammelled passion. -</p> - -<p> -"Pig! Dog! Be quiet!" bellowed the doctor -threateningly, then turned to the American. "As -for you, Mr. Hammer, of what did you talk with -the <i>fräulein</i>?" -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? The professor? Why, we—say, I can't -see where that's any of your business, doctor. -You'd better attend to the matter in hand and -quit using your fists on that poor devil. Now, -speak up, for I don't intend to hang around these -diggings all afternoon. Are you going to hand -Jenson over to me, or not?" -</p> - -<p> -"My friend, I do not like your tone. Remember -that I am your employer, yess. When I ask you a -question I expect it to answered be." -</p> - -<p> -The two men glared at each other across the -table, beneath which lay the prostrate figure of -Jenson. From behind them came an occasional -guttural exclamation from one of the seamen-overseers, -and the ring of pick or shovel on stone; -if the scene beneath the grass-thatch was observed, -it passed unnoticed. -</p> - -<p> -And beyond was the jungle and forest, deep, -silent, tropical; behind, the tents and brush huts, -the jungle again, and then the blue sea. -</p> - -<p> -It may have been that a breath of bracing salt -air drifted in from the sea at his back, but Hammer -felt unaccountably stubborn on a sudden. He -closed his fists, and was aware of the silver ring -setting a bit tightly around his little finger. -</p> - -<p> -"I feel the same way about it, exactly," was -his dry response, and there was danger in his -level grey eyes. "I asked you what you were -going to do about Jenson, doctor, and I'm waiting -for my answer." -</p> - -<p> -He saw the burly hand tighten on the revolver, -and the ribbon of muscle deepened with the flush -that swept across the face of Krausz at his words; -he saw the figure under the table change its position -slightly; he saw one of the German seamen -painstakingly explain to a group of natives how to -handle their picks properly; but all the while -he was gazing steadily into the black eyes of the -scientist, waiting for the latter's decision. -</p> - -<p> -Then the affair was taken out of his hands. -</p> - -<p> -For, being trained thus to see many things -while looking only at one thing, the American -caught a glint of something bright beneath the table. -</p> - -<p> -With his nerves on edge as they were, he shied -at the thing as a horse shies at a newspaper, and -well it was for him that he did so. -</p> - -<p> -Barely had he shifted his position when a splash -of red ripped out in the shadow of the table, something -sang viciously an inch from his ear and whined -up through the grass thatch, and he realized that -Adolf Jenson had made answer for himself. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer never attempted to excuse what happened -next, though he was never very sorry over it. -Comprehending in a flash that Jenson had fired -at him, and that Dr. Krausz stood waiting, -revolver in hand, he tackled the more dangerous -opponent first, even without provocation. -</p> - -<p> -The scientist's face was dawning with surprise, -for he had evidently not been expecting Jenson's -move, when Hammer's fist caught him squarely -in the chin. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer had no time to waste blows, and -Krausz went down without a word. Almost in the -same movement the American jerked up the table -with his knee, exposing Jenson, and stamped hard -on the wrist which was pulling up the revolver once -more. -</p> - -<p> -Jenson screamed once, and then again as Hammer's -kick took him in the stomach and doubled -him up gasping. Already, however, Krausz was -struggling to his feet, and the American jumped -for him, raging. -</p> - -<p> -Even in his anger he could not strike a man who -was down, though he had not hesitated to put the -treacherous Jenson out of commission. He caught -the doctor's revolver hand in both his own, -wrestled away the weapon with a savage twist that -brought a grunt from the Saxon, then picked up -the automatic dropped by Jenson and sprang back. -</p> - -<p> -The six seamen were coming on the double-quick, -drawn by the shots and Jenson's screams, -and the American knew that he had his work cut -out for him. -</p> - -<p> -"Down with you, Krausz," he cried, his voice -high. The doctor, raising himself on one elbow, -cursed, but obeyed, while Jenson writhed in the -dust and whimpered. Across their bodies Hammer -levelled the two revolvers and waited. -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" he said more calmly as three of the -seamen came up together. "You, Schmidt, and -Klaus, pick up that rope there and tie Mr. Jenson's -hands behind his back. Behind his back, remember, -and do it so that I can see the knots. The rest of -you stay where you are." -</p> - -<p> -Krausz raised his voice in a storm of furious -curses, but the six seamen were used to taking -orders from Hammer, and after a look into the -two revolvers they obeyed him promptly if sullenly. -</p> - -<p> -"Stop that silly cursing, doctor," commanded -the American, now sure of himself. The cursing -stopped, though the doctor's face was not a pleasant -sight, what with his fury and a trickle of blood from -a cut lip. -</p> - -<p> -By this time the two sailors had jerked Jenson -to his feet and were trying his hands as Hammer had -directed, the other four men standing back and -staring from the doctor to the American in -stupefied wonder. Already, however, Hammer was -making his plans as how to get away. -</p> - -<p> -If he took Jenson and Baumgardner and started -for the beach the doctor and his six men would be -after him instantly. The natives did not count; -Hammer had learned enough from the doctor to -know that there was nothing to fear from these -Kiswahili. Then there was Baumgardner to be -considered—— -</p> - -<p> -"You want help, sar?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer glanced hurriedly over his shoulder at -the gentle voice. There, to his infinite amazement, -he beheld the grinning features of Potbelly; also -the submission of Dr. Krausz was explained, since -Potbelly held him under the muzzle of his own -shotgun, and appeared to be enjoying himself -immensely. -</p> - -<p> -The American remembered suddenly that he -could not take to his heels and leave Sara Helmuth -in the lurch, though he had forgotten all about her. -And that he would be leaving her in the lurch he -had no doubt whatever. -</p> - -<p> -"Did Professor Helmuth send you up here?" -he asked crisply. Potbelly grinned. -</p> - -<p> -"No, sar. I hear <i>bang-bang</i>, take gun belonging -to <i>Bwana Doctor</i>, come quick." -</p> - -<p> -There seemed to be no doubt of his antagonism -to the Saxon, so Hammer accepted the fact without -trying to explain it. -</p> - -<p> -"All right. You stay here. If the <i>Bwana</i> Doctor -or his men try to follow me, shoot. Get that?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Jambo, Bwana</i>," came the assured answer. -</p> - -<p> -"Come over here, Jenson—move lively, you -hound, or I'll come and kick you over!" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer's grim voice fetched the cowering -secretary, whose arms were fast bound behind -him. Throwing away the automatic, which he did -not understand, the American put the doctor's -revolver into his vacant coat-pocket and grabbed -Jenson by the shoulder, accelerating his progress -as he turned. -</p> - -<p> -Beneath, he could see Mohammed Bari and -Baumgardner standing, watching, beside the tent. -He was not ready for them, however, but paused -outside Professor Helmuth's canvas, drawing out -one of his revolvers in order to keep the boatswain -safely lined up. -</p> - -<p> -"Miss Helmuth!" he called. "Get out here, quick!" -</p> - -<p> -A second later the tent-flap was pulled aside and -he saw the girl standing, her revolver in her hand. -Her eyes widened in amazement at sight of him -standing over the figure of Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -"Get what necessities you must take, and do -it in a hurry, please. Potbelly's holding the doctor -up there with the shotgun, and we'll have to -make tracks for the launch. Don't stop to argue, -but for Heaven's sake get a move on if you want to -skip out of here!" -</p> - -<p> -He caught one muttered exclamation of something -that sounded very much like "Thank God!" -and she vanished. It was curious, thought Hammer, -that while she had twice repulsed him that same -day, with varied degrees of suspicion, she now did -as he commanded without a word of protest. -</p> - -<p> -Perhaps Potbelly had something to do with -it, or else the sight of Jenson in bonds had influenced -her to believe him sincere at last. -</p> - -<p> -He eyed Baumgardner grimly, and, deciding -to make the big boatswain of some use, ordered him -to take charge of Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -"If he gets away, one of you will stop a bullet," -he concluded. "You go first and lead the way, -Mohammed Bari." -</p> - -<p> -The Kiswahili grinned, nodding cheerfully and -seeming in no wise affected by the display of -revolvers by these white men, to whose vagaries he was -accustomed. Looking up at the hill, the American -could see the tableau beneath the grass-thatch -very clearly. -</p> - -<p> -Potbelly stood with the shotgun at his shoulder, -covering Krausz, who still lay on the ground, his -heavy curses carrying down to the tents, and behind -him stood the six seamen in a bunch. -</p> - -<p> -"I guess that nigger's competent," chuckled -Hammer to himself. "Wonder what he knows about -my friend John Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -His wonder vanished before the necessity for -action, as Professor Helmuth appeared at the -entrance to her tent, a small wicker suitcase in -her hand. Hammer took it as she reached his -side, and motioned her to fall in ahead of him. -</p> - -<p> -"Go ahead, Mohammed," he said. "You next, -bos'n, with Jenson—no, you go with Mohammed, -professor; I want to keep an eye on these two -beauties. I guess Potbelly can take care of his -own getaway." -</p> - -<p> -The girl made no protest, but joined the native, -and all five left the camp and the staring Kiswahili -behind. A last backward glance showed Hammer -that Potbelly was slowly retreating down the hill, -and then the jungle had closed in about him and all -behind was lost to sight, with only the green tangle -on every hand and the backs of Baumgardner and -Jenson in front, while through the shadow-haunted, -sun-creeping mass of foliage came to him occasional -glints of the white dress of Professor Helmuth. -</p> - -<p> -Cyrus Hammer felt quite pleased with himself -for once. He had bearded the lion in his den and had -got clean off with the bone—meaning Jenson. -As to Sara Helmuth, that was another matter and -not one with which Hammer was not now greatly -concerned. If she had been in trouble, she was out -of it, and enough said. -</p> - -<p> -But Jenson was going over the road, the American -told himself grimly. To tell the truth, he was angry, -more because the pallid little secretary had played -with him than because he had committed perjury, -and he was now intent on reopening the case of -Schlak. Either Jenson or Solomon could tell who -had killed the second mate, and why there had been -a double perjury afterward. -</p> - -<p> -As they tramped along, stumbling over vines -and creepers, with the jungle wall dark and -impenetrable on either hand, Hammer caught the two -men ahead talking, and warned them against it -with such savage intensity in his voice that they -obeyed. -</p> - -<p> -The American was perfectly well aware of the -dangerous quality of the secretary by this time, -and was surprised that Dr. Krausz had stood up -for the man so boldly, even to defying the law. -</p> - -<p> -For that matter, Krausz was apt to prove -extremely dangerous himself, now that his open -antagonism must have been aroused. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer chuckled at the delight which had been -so evident in the face of Potbelly. -</p> - -<p> -The fellow had the quality, rare in natives, of -acting on his own initiative, and the American -hoped that he would get away in safety from the -German party. -</p> - -<p> -Undoubtedly he owed Potbelly's help to the -little silver ring, however—and that was a mark -in John Solomon's favour. -</p> - -<p> -But had Solomon really sent him the ring, and -why? It seemed a senseless thing for a supercargo—ah! -If Potbelly had recognized it, what connection -had he with John Solomon, and where was the -link between Solomon and Sara Helmuth? -</p> - -<p> -"It's too blamed deep for me," concluded -Hammer, eyeing Baumgardner's broad back and the -narrow cringing shoulders of the secretary. "Best -thing I can do is to see Harcourt and soak this devil -Jenson before the doctor gets back to fire me—which -same he won't get a chance to do if I know it!" -</p> - -<p> -It had been his original plan to bring one of the -German sailors who could take back the launch -from Melindi, for the convenience of Dr. Krausz. -This did not matter greatly to Hammer now, however, -so he concluded that when they reached Melindi -they could find out about the Protectorate -despatch-boat <i>Juba</i>, the only ship which made the place. -</p> - -<p> -If she was about due they could wait for her, and -if not they could easily run the sixty-five miles -down to Mombasa—which, however, would be -longer by coast, for the launch was a small one, -and Hammer would not chance a squall very far -from shore. -</p> - -<p> -After an excessively long fifteen minutes the -American, who was half-fearful of treachery on -the part of Mohammed Bari, the guide, saw the -welcome gleam of water ahead, and they stepped -out from the trees to the sand, almost without -warning, for the jungle ended as suddenly as it began. -</p> - -<p> -Below them lay the surf-boat, with the two boys -indolently lying under the thwarts, and Mohammed -Bari was already stirring them to action with his -foot and tongue. A white speck out beyond the -lines of heavy ground-swell surf showed the launch -at anchor. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer marched his captive Jenson and his -semicaptive Baumgardner down to the boat without -heeding Sara Helmuth, who was watching anxiously. -Dropping the suitcase to the sand, which was alive -with sand-fleas, he addressed the boatswain sternly. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Baumgardner, if Jenson has been putting -any treachery into your head you forget it quick. -Get up in the bow of that boat when she goes out, -and then get into the bow of the launch and take -care of Jenson. If his bonds are loosened or if you -try any tricks, I'll give you a bullet first, so mind -that. All ready, Miss Helmuth?" -</p> - -<p> -She assented silently, and he helped her into -the stern-sheets of the boat, the boys waiting to -run it out. Ordering the two to return after they -made the launch and Mohammed Bari to remain -with him, he sent the two Germans into the bow, -then lent a hand at running out the boat. -</p> - -<p> -A moment later he flung himself in over the -stern, the dripping boys took an oar each, and they -headed through the slow swells of breaking surf -for the launch. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap09"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER IX -<br /><br /> -HAMMER BEGINS TO SEE -</h3> - -<p> -Not until reaching the launch did Jenson, who -was almost beside himself with terror, -seem to realize that Dr. Krausz had been powerless -to save him from Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -As Baumgardner tried to put him over the side -he broke away, and flung himself face downward -across the fore thwarts of the boat with whimpering, -inarticulate cries. -</p> - -<p> -The American caught Baumgardner's helpless -gaze and ordered Mohammed to hold the two craft -together while he attended to Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -At this juncture, however, Sara Helmuth developed -resources of her own. Motioning to Hammer -to hold on, she calmly took a revolver from his -coat-pocket, rose, and went forward. -</p> - -<p> -"Get into the launch, Baumgardner," she said -coldly, and the man obeyed. Jenson looked up at -her, then fell to grovelling at her feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't shoot!" he shrieked, a mad agony of fear -in his voice. "I'll tell it all, <i>fräulein</i>—it was I -who told the Herr Doctor about the——" -</p> - -<p> -"Be silent!" she said scornfully, and his -whimperings died away. "Get into that launch unless -you want to be thrown in." -</p> - -<p> -To the surprise of Hammer, the secretary -clambered into the launch without a word more, and -she followed him. When the chop-boxes had been -put aboard and Mohammed Bari had followed -them, Hammer went over the side also and curtly -ordered the two boys to row back to the shore. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you understand this engine, Miss Helmuth?" -he asked meekly. Since this girl from California -had shown herself adept at so many other things, -it was more than possible that she could take care -of the launch engine, so that he was not surprised -when she nodded, handed back the revolver, and -stooped over the fly-wheel. -</p> - -<p> -An adjustment of oil and gasoline pins, and with -the first crank the engine went off into a steady -splutter that rose to a roar beneath her hand. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer made room for her in the stern-sheets -and took the tiller-ropes himself, for the launch -steered from a wheel at the bow, with another -amidships, but he could easily steer by the ropes -from the stern. -</p> - -<p> -"Baumgardner, get up that anchor. Help him, -Mohammed." -</p> - -<p> -The boat rocked as the little anchor was torn -loose and then swung away. By the time the -boatswain had got the anchor in-board the launch was -standing down the coast: looking back, Hammer -could see nothing save jungle, over which the sun -was lowering redly, for the afternoon was hard -upon its close. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, it's good-bye to the doctor and his ruins," -he said cheerfully to the girl at his side. To his -amazement, he saw a mist in her eyes; then she -turned and looked at him, her hand extended. -</p> - -<p> -"I ask your pardon, Mr. Hammer." -</p> - -<p> -The touch of her cool hand thrilled him, but -before he could speak she went on, her voice low. -</p> - -<p> -"I am sorry that I misjudged you so terribly, -but under the circumstances I was unable to trust -anyone. Then, when I heard the shots and came -came out to see you with Adolf tied up, I knew that -Potbelly had been right after all, and——" -</p> - -<p> -"And so you came," he finished gravely as she -paused. "I do not understand, Miss Helmuth, as I -told you before, but I am just as glad as you are to -leave that place behind." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm—I'm not glad," she faltered, looking -away from him, and he could see that her eyelids -were closing and unclosing rapidly, as if to quench -tears that welled forth. "It was my father's -dream—I——" -</p> - -<p> -He leaned forward to throw off the motor, but -she recognized his intention and checked his hand -swiftly. -</p> - -<p> -"No, no—you misunderstand, Mr. Hammer! -Please, let me think a moment! I'll try to tell -you——" -</p> - -<p> -"No, please don't tell me anything that -distresses you, Miss Helmuth. I am very sorry that -circumstances brought us together in the way they -did, but everything's coming all right now, so -don't worry. This boat isn't very fast, but we -ought to pick up the Melindi light an hour after -dark at furthest." -</p> - -<p> -"What do you intend to do with Adolf Jenson, -Mr. Hammer?" She turned and faced him, and -now her brown eyes seemed very determined once -more with the passing of her momentary weakness. -</p> - -<p> -So Hammer told her the story of how Hans -Schlak had died unavenged, and of necessity -began at the beginning with John Solomon's -arrival at "Prince's" in search of a job. -</p> - -<p> -She listened with grave intentness, only smiling -once, when he told about that hurried trip to -the departing <i>Mombasa</i> at London, then sitting -and watching his face. Hammer himself could -give but a divided interest to the story, since he -had to tell it and watch the coast at the same -time, until it occurred to him to order -Baumgardner to handle the yacht from the wheel -forward. -</p> - -<p> -He also ordered Mohammed to break out the -chop-boxes and dish up as good a meal for all -as their contents would afford. Then, leaning -back, he filled his pipe and finished his story. -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly, smoke all you want to," she smiled -at his inquiring look. "Have you always been a -sailor, Mr. Hammer?" -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? Well, not exactly," he returned, flushing, -and hesitated for a bare second. "I've been -working on cattle-boats for three years past." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, isn't that being a sailor?" she laughed -back. Hammer looked sharply at her, and found -that she meant the words. Evidently she knew -nothing of cattle-boats. -</p> - -<p> -"Not exactly, Miss Helmuth. It means that -one associates with thugs and the lowest sort of -men, and in general stands for ostracism among -decent people." -</p> - -<p> -"Then why did you tell me that?" -</p> - -<p> -"Because you asked me." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer felt, indeed, as though she had drawn -the truth from him bodily, and the earnestness -of his tone perhaps startled her, for she looked -out toward the east, where the after-glow was -striking the skies to crimson; and when finally -she spoke it was with entire abandonment of the -subject, much to the American's relief. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Hammer, I wish I had trusted you in the -first place. Do you know, I do think that -Mr. Solomon sent you that ring for the very purpose -of making me trust you? No, wait a minute, -please! I haven't anyone else to depend on, and -if I told you my story I think it would help me a -great deal. You see, I've been rather wrought -up for the past few days—in fact, ever since -Dr. Krausz arrived." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer nodded quietly. "I'll respect the -confidence, of course, Miss Helmuth. And if I -can be of any assistance, you may command me." -</p> - -<p> -She seemed not to have heard the words, for -she was gazing off toward the darkening coastline, -lost in thought. He watched her firm, well-poised -features for a moment while he lit his pipe, -and as the match hissed in the water alongside, -she turned decisively to him. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer stopped her, telling Mohammed to -get out the launch's lights and set them in their -sockets, then settled back and listened without -comment. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll pardon me for going into my own -history, Mr. Hammer, but it's necessary here. -My father was an archaeologist connected with -the University of California, though he was usually -afield, and as I accompanied him ever since my -mother's death, ten years ago, you can see how -I come to recognize your Arabic expressions yesterday." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer grinned to himself, for there was a -suspicion of dry humour in the girl's voice, and -he knew that he was forgiven. -</p> - -<p> -"Last year my father and Dr. Krausz were -together in Greece, while I was preparing to take -up work at Dresden Library. Mr. Hammer, what -happened on that trip has never been discovered. -I received a very hasty letter from my father, -dated at Lisbon on his return to Germany, and -this was followed by the news of his death. -Dr. Krausz brought his body home, for we were living -in Dresden, temporarily. -</p> - -<p> -"In his letter my father had merely said that -he was not well but had made a great discovery, -and if anything happened to him I should write -to Mr. John Solomon, a friend of his at Port -Said, to whom he had already written in full. -At the time I thought nothing of it, though I -believe that he had some presentiment of his death; -nor did I distrust Dr. Krausz when——" -</p> - -<p> -"Good gracious, girl!" snapped out Hammer, -startled. "You don't mean to say that Krausz -was responsible for your——" -</p> - -<p> -"No, no! Wait, please!" She laid a hand on -his arm, withdrawing it instantly. "You see, -father's death was a dreadful shock to me, and -then I had to straighten up all his affairs besides -going on with my work at the library. So I -forgot all about father's discovery and writing -this Mr. Solomon. There was no mention of -such a man in his papers which Dr. Krausz turned -over to me—after keeping some of them, as I now -know." -</p> - -<p> -"Then Krausz is not your guardian, as he -told me?" broke in the American. In response -to the girl's surprised glance he told her of the -doctor's words. -</p> - -<p> -"No; that was all a lie, Mr. Hammer. Of course, -I never suspected that anything was wrong, for I -used to see a good deal of him in Dresden, where -he stayed to work on a book. Well, about three -months ago he came to me offering me this position -of assistant to him. I was naturally quite flattered, -for he is really a big man in the world of science, -Mr. Hammer, and of course I accepted. He told -me only that he had found out about this place, -and, as usual, I waited to be taken into his -confidence when the time came. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, while I was clearing things up at home -I found father's letter, and it occurred to me -that since I had to pass through Port Said I might -as well write to this Mr. Solomon and ask him -about father's discovery. I did so, and in return -received a long cable telling me to say nothing -to Dr. Krausz, but to trust implicitly in whoever -showed me the letter I had written Mr. Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -"I waited for the messenger, but none came -until that day in London when the steamer was -leaving. Then a fat little man with queer blue -eyes rushed up, showed me the letter, and demanded -the papers which the doctor had just sent me. -Since the purser had directed him to me and there -was no time to waste, I obeyed, although the -papers contained directions as to what I was to -do in the preliminary work. Fortunately, he -cabled me their contents at Mombasa." -</p> - -<p> -"The thing sounds incredible, Miss Helmuth," -said Hammer, as she paused, "but I rather think -that there is more in it than we know. Solomon -certainly must be more than a mere supercargo—and -say, he sure handed Krausz a hot one!" -</p> - -<p> -Whereupon he told her about Solomon's mention -of having worked for a Professor Helmuth in -Palestine. She smiled sadly. -</p> - -<p> -"I haven't finished yet, Mr. Hammer. It—oh! -What's that? It's just like a lighthouse!" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer turned to see a tiny dot of light against -the coast to the south-west, and nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"The Melindi light—stationary white light, -Miss Helmuth. We're miles away yet." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I got here and got the work started after -a fashion. I thought it was awfully queer that -Mr. Solomon had acted the way he did, but father -spoke very warmly of him in his last letter, and -father had some queer friends all over the world. -Things went on very well until Dr. Krausz and -Jenson came the other day. The first evening -the doctor drank a good deal of champagne, and -he said some things that startled me, in connection -with the expedition. -</p> - -<p> -"Then, the second day, I went to his tent while -he was on the hill, in order to get some quinine. -As I passed his table I saw a sheet of paper on -the floor and stooped to pick it up; you can imagine -the shock it gave me to see my father's handwriting! -Then I saw that it was something about -this place—Fort St. Thomas, it was called—and -the paper proved to be part of a transcription father -had made from some old document, telling about -the things buried here. -</p> - -<p> -"That made me suspect Dr. Krausz of having -stolen the papers from my father. Perhaps you -can guess, Mr. Hammer, that with archaeologists -especially, a 'find' such as this would be a terribly -big thing; it would mean not only money, but -a great deal more. And with certain scientists, -just as with actors, it is almost a monomania -to 'have a big name'; besides, the passion for -discovering such things gets a tremendous hold -on one, all by itself. -</p> - -<p> -"I was so angry that I went right up to the ruins -and asked the doctor about it. He had been -drinking again, and instead of getting angry he -only laughed at me, telling me to prove it if I -could—and he frightened me, Mr. Hammer. I'm -not very timid, but I think any woman is afraid -of a drunken man." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer winced imperceptibly. -</p> - -<p> -"I tried to get away with my boys, but he -prevented me—not openly, but so I understood -that I could not go. Therefore I managed to -get one of my mission boys off with a note, but -he was found and brought back by a party of -Kiswahili, and the only thing I could do was to -barricade myself in my tent." -</p> - -<p> -"Which you did very effectually," laughed -Hammer. Inwardly, he was cursing Dr. Krausz -with all his soul. "Tell me, where did you get -that boy Potbelly? He seems to know a lot about -Solomon." -</p> - -<p> -Potbelly, it appeared, had met her when she -first landed, displaying letters of recommendation -from John Solomon and others, upon which she -had promptly engaged him. Since then he had -proven invaluable to her, though he had said -nothing of Solomon until he rushed into her tent -that afternoon, saying that Hammer had come -from that individual. -</p> - -<p> -In the American's mind there was no doubt -that Krausz had been carried away by the craze -of his science, and he expressed himself forcibly -on the subject. It occurred to him, however, -that possession was nine points of the law, and -they had no evidence on which to prosecute Krausz -for anything. On the other hand, if he set to -work to gather in John Solomon for the perjury -committed on the yacht and in court, he would -be removing the girl's only mainstay. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon had clearly been playing a smooth -game, for some undefined purpose. Supposing -that Professor Helmuth had really written him -from Lisbon, upon receiving the letter from Sara -Helmuth telling of Dr. Krausz's expedition and -asking details of her father's discovery, he might -have leaped to the conclusion that Krausz was -crooked. -</p> - -<p> -Then he had come to England for the purpose -of finding this out? That was the question -troubling Hammer. It Solomon had joined the -yacht merely to play Sara Helmuth's hand for -her, which seemed like incredible chivalry in -such a man, there would be a bad complication -if Solomon were arrested for perjury. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, that would be the best thing in the -world for Dr. Krausz, for whoever and whatever -this Solomon was, he was certainly taking care -of everything in a remarkably shrewd manner. -</p> - -<p> -Potbelly had plainly been stationed at Mombasa -to attach himself to the girl and protect her. The -mere use by Solomon of the cables in so reckless -a manner showed that the man must have money -behind him. -</p> - -<p> -Sara Helmuth went on to say that all of -Dr. Krausz's men had been with him for years, from -the giant Hans Schlak to Adolf Jenson. It was -clear to Hammer that Krausz had received as -much of a shock as had anyone upon Schlak's -death, and he had afterward threatened Jenson -darkly, there and up on the hill. -</p> - -<p> -But if the fellow knew who had killed Schlak, -why did he not tell—or had he told the truth -when he said that he had tried to fasten the crime -on Solomon because he was Hammer's friend? -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly the American remembered Jenson's -cry, stopped by a brutal blow from the doctor. -"If you let them take me, Herr Doctor, I'll tell—" -what? The secretary had started to say the same -thing as he grovelled at Sara Helmuth's feet, -and as he recalled this Hammer sprang up. -</p> - -<p> -"Jenson! Come aft here, and move spry unless -you want me to come after you." -</p> - -<p> -The secretary, his hands still bound, had been -stretched out on one of the side-cushions near -Baumgardner, and at Hammer's words he got -up and shambled aft. -</p> - -<p> -The American was growing less anxious with -every moment to push the investigation into -Schlak's death; at any rate before he and Miss -Helmuth had had some kind of an explanation -with John Solomon. Once Jenson was turned -over for perjury, Solomon, the Arab, and -Baumgardner would of necessity be gathered into the -same net, while the legal complications might -be unending. And Cyrus Hammer had both the -sailor's and the broker's fear of lawyers. -</p> - -<p> -"Look here, my man," he addressed Jenson -with curt asperity, the pallid, almost corpse-like -features of the man standing out in the starlight -clearly. Hammer noted absently that over the -shoulder of Jenson the Southern Cross hung low -above the horizon's rim. -</p> - -<p> -"Miss Helmuth and I know some things, and -we want to know more, especially about your -master's dealings with Professor Helmuth in -Lisbon. You know, and you can tell us. If you -do, I promise you that you'll not go up before -the court for perjury, though we may hold you -for a few days aboard the yacht. If you refuse, -then you'll take your medicine for perjury and -for your murderous attack on me. Choose." -</p> - -<p> -Jenson chose, and quickly. He sank down in -the bottom of the boat awkwardly, because of his -bound arms, and the terror in his face was so great -that the girl turned away from him, unable to -watch longer. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll tell, Mr. Hammer, if—if you'll let me go." -</p> - -<p> -"I promise, Jenson," said Hammer quietly. -"But mind you don't lie, for we know enough -to test the truth of your story." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll tell the truth, Mr. Hammer, so help me! -Professor Helmuth was sick, and we knew that -he had found something big in one of the libraries. -I was nursing him, and when he got worse I went -through his papers one night, then took them to -the Herr Doctor who kept them. -</p> - -<p> -"Professor Helmuth died, and we tried to get -hold of the original papers at the library, but -there had been an outbreak of Royalists and -everything was closed or in disorder. So we came to -Dresden and, later, made up the expedition. That's -all, sir!" -</p> - -<p> -"And enough." Hammer turned to Sara -Helmuth. "Anything you would like to ask him, -Miss Helmuth?" -</p> - -<p> -"No," she shuddered, looking away. "Get -him out of my sight." -</p> - -<p> -Jenson needed no urging to remove himself, -and for a space the two in the stern remained -silent, while the motor sent its staccato exhaust -humming over the sea. The Melindi light was -very close now, and Hammer headed for the river, -since the launch was small enough to get into -the mouth of the Sabaki and make the dock. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you, Mr. Hammer," the girl spoke in -a low voice as she turned to him. "So it was -that man who brought about father's betrayal! -I think that he will suffer punishment for that, -one day." -</p> - -<p> -The American gave little heed to her words -at the time, but he was to remember them later, -when he and Sara Helmuth and Adolf Jenson -were facing the end of things together. -</p> - -<p> -Jenson's soul seemed to Hammer as colourless -as his face. He lay amidships, over a thwart -beyond the motor, in silence: odd, thought the -American, that while the man was a creature of -lies and theft and treachery yet he was the veriest -coward withal. -</p> - -<p> -Baumgardner, who was smoking a pipe, had -also come amidships to the wheel there, while -Mohammed Bari was sitting forward, just beyond -Jenson, chewing betel and humming some -monotonous native air to himself. -</p> - -<p> -The American overlooked one significant fact, -namely, that Baumgardner, as well as the other -Germans of the crew, had been with Krausz for -several years, and since the Melindi fight was now -so close he apprehended no further trouble. -</p> - -<p> -He was joying in the fact that the girl's -confidence had drawn them a bit closer together, -mentally; and by that curious sixth sense which -comes to men at such moments he felt that she -also realized this, and that it was not unwelcome -to her. -</p> - -<p> -He frankly was drawn by Sara Helmuth. The -way in which she had faced the problem presented -by Dr. Krausz, her absolute independence of -thought and action, and the very manner in which -she bore herself—all these attracted the American -greatly, and he smiled as he recollected his mental -picture of this Professor Sara L. Helmuth. -</p> - -<p> -Sara wasn't such a bad name alter all, he -reflected, then remembered how the doctor had spoken -of his assistant and frowned. Dr. Krausz certainly -had something coming to him, and if he only got -the chance he was going to see that it came. -</p> - -<p> -However, that could wait. First was the -problem of John Solomon, while he and Harcourt -would have to look into Schlak's death between -them. -</p> - -<p> -Mohammed Bari shifted his position and hung -over the side, lazily squirting betel juice -outboard, and as they were now opposite the Melindi -light, and a half-mile out, Hammer directed -Baumgardner to head straight in for the river -mouth. -</p> - -<p> -The launch swung about, ceased her rolling -as she rose on the first surf-crest, and on a sudden -the engine gave one deep-throated, convulsive -gasp and died into silence. -</p> - -<p> -"The oil—turn the oil-cocks off!" exclaimed -Sara Helmuth sharply, as Hammer rose. "I -thought I had turned them off, but——" -</p> - -<p> -"All right, I'll fix it in a minute." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer went to the engine, beside Baumgardner, -and leaned over; with the action he -received a heavy shove that sent him head first -against the second cylinder. His head striking -the oil-cup, he felt the thing snap off, the jagged -glass and metal ripping the skin of his brow above -his left eye: for a second he was half-stunned, -but fought blindly to regain his balance, thinking -that the launch had struck a reef. Then he was -caught from behind and half-lifted back toward -the rail, a hand closing on his throat. -</p> - -<p> -As he came erect, gripping desperately at the -air, he saw the form of Jenson at one side, hands -unbound. A flash of red split the starlight into -blackness, and Jenson, with a strange clucking -noise, dove head first over the side. -</p> - -<p> -Baumgardner, who was trying to fling the -American over the rail, stumbled on a thwart, -and they both came down in a heap. -</p> - -<p> -Over the port bow lay Mohammed Bari, very -still and silent, a black thread of betel juice -trickling from his mouth and something blacker -running from between his shoulder-blades where -a knife-haft gleamed. Jenson had acted swiftly. -</p> - -<p> -Thrashing about in the launch's bottom, Hammer -wrenched around and clutched the boatswain with -his left hand, forcing him back against the rail. -But his throat was dry, his breath was shut off, -and the figure of Sara Helmuth standing in the -stern, revolver in hand, was lost in a swirl of -blackness. -</p> - -<p> -Vaguely, Hammer felt the fingers of his right hand -close on something hard beneath him, and with -a last effort he brought the object up and struck -the German with all his strength. -</p> - -<p> -Hit squarely on the temple by the heavy wrench, -Baumgardner groaned softly and fell back with -loosened fingers, toppling slowly over the rail -until a surf-crest picked him up gently and -smothered him from sight. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer lay motionless at the girl's feet, a -black-red smear over brow and eyes, while she -stood as if paralysed; and over the bow one of -Mohammed Bari's hands flopped crazily to the -lift of the surf. -</p> - -<p> -And so the launch drifted slowly toward the -river-mouth and beach, with no man to guide -her. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap10"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER X -<br /><br /> -AT MELINDI -</h3> - -<p> -"Dang it, I've a 'ole bloomin' 'ospital on me -'ands, what with Mr. 'Ammer as 'e is and -Mr. Harcourt on 'is beam ends! And worse luck, -it comes just when—ah, all ready, miss? And -what'll it be this time?" -</p> - -<p> -"Whatever you say," rejoined the voice of -Sara Helmuth, grave and self-contained. "Is -there any change in Mr. Harcourt?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, miss. 'E's crying fretful like—or at -least 'e was. Seems like a woman's step and -tongue quiets 'im a bit, miss: werry unusual, -o' course, but when so be as a man's off 'is 'ead, -I says——" -</p> - -<p> -"Darn you, Jenson! Stop your bally grinning! -He stabbed me, I tell you——" -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt's shrill cry pierced through the low-toned -voices and sent cold sweat starting on Cyrus -Hammer's brow as he stared up into darkness. -</p> - -<p> -Where was he? What was this terror that had -seized on Harcourt? For answer the soft murmur -of Sara Helmuth's soothing voice came to him, -followed by the wheeze of a harmonica. -</p> - -<p> -"All right, miss, I've got me instrument in -ship-shape order, so to speak. Let's give 'em -that 'ere lullaby you was a-singing of last night, -miss—them Irish things fair brings the music out -o' me, though bein' born and bred in Wapping -I ain't got much use for the Irish in general. -But let 'er go, miss; I'll come in somewheres." -</p> - -<p> -Silence for a moment; then the girl's voice -rose—a soft, deep-toned contralto, with Solomon -"coming in somewheres" with his harmonica in a -monotone accompaniment which did well enough, -however, and must have satisfied him amazingly. -Hammer's eyes glistened as the words came sweetly -to him, for the words and air brought many things -back to him, things that he thought long forgotten—— -</p> - -<p class="poem"> - "Out on the sea where the sad winds wail<br /> - (Sad and low, sad and low!)<br /> - Watch for the flash of thy father's sail<br /> - Dipping from sight in the sunset glow!<br /> - He comes no more till the dim stars die<br /> - And the day gleams, red in the eastern sky;<br /> - Baby of mine—<br /> - Oh, baby of mine, hush, hush thy cry,<br /> - For the deep sea-moan holds grief of its own—<br /> - Grieve not my heart with thine!<br /> -</p> - -<p class="poem"> - "Out on the sea where the slow gulls wheel<br /> - (Sad and slow, sad and slow!)<br /> - Watch how the writhing night-mists steal.<br /> - Veiling the infinite ocean's wo!<br /> - Father will come when the nets are drawn<br /> - With a kiss for thee, as the night is gone;<br /> - Baby of mine—<br /> - Oh, baby of mine, in the rosy dawn<br /> - He will come to me, with a kiss for thee,<br /> - On the crest of the tossing brine!<br /> -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -"Dang it—'e's asleep—excuse me, miss, while -I see to Mr. 'Ammer." -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's voice was husky and jerky, and the -American, who felt much the same way himself, -saw a flood of light spread through his darkness -for a moment. A step sounded, and Solomon -dropped into a creaking chair beside Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"Dang it," came a mutter, "I didn't 'ave the -'eart to tell 'er, bless 'er sweet face! 'E's done -for, 'e is, and 'ere I be, tied up wi' the missus -and the two on 'em while that danged pasty-faced -scoundrel's been and got clean off. But -wait, me friend! Them as stabs in the dark -shall perish in the dark, as the Good Book says; -but when I gets me 'ands on 'im—Lud! So you've -been and woke up, Mr. 'Ammer?" -</p> - -<p> -The American, wondering what sort of nightmare -he was passing through, had raised his hand and -felt a thick bandage around his head, and the -movement had startled Solomon from his soliloquy. -</p> - -<p> -Despite the bandage and his bewilderment, -Hammer felt very well, and announced that -fact as he tried to sit up. Solomon's hand repressed -him. -</p> - -<p> -"Down wi' you, if you please, sir! It's still -a-workin' in you, but to-morrow morning you'll -be fit to—Lud help us all! If 'e don't last——" -</p> - -<p> -"If who doesn't last?" queried Hammer, lying -back among his pillows. "Who is it that's done -for?" -</p> - -<p> -"You've 'ad a sleeping potion, Mr. 'Ammer," -came Solomon's reply, a curious note in the man's -voice. "It's been and give you bad dreams, sir, -so just drink this, and in the morning——" -</p> - -<p> -Obediently, Hammer swallowed a few drops -from the spoon that Solomon held to his mouth, and -still wondering what the conversation had been -all about, slipped off into slumber before he could -speak his thoughts. -</p> - -<p> -He woke to find it broad daylight. He was -lying on a mosquito-curtained cot beside an open -window, and gained a glimpse of green trees and -white-boiled cotton-fields before he turned his -head to inspect his quarters. For a space the -wonder of the thing gripped him, keeping him -from recalling what had last taken place. -</p> - -<p> -He had gone to sleep in an open launch off the -Sabaki River, and he had wakened in a room -that might have housed a prince. Save for his -cot and a small stand of plain ebony beside it -that held medicines, there was no furniture in -the room but rugs—rugs on walls and floor, and -ceiling, even. Though knowing nothing of such -things, the American sensed the fact that they -were such rugs as he had never seen before. -</p> - -<p> -Opposite him was a royal Ispahan prayer-rug -of solid fawn and blue silk, with unbroken lines -of Arabic worked in solid gold thread, and the -cypress, the tree of life, rising over all in white. -</p> - -<p> -On another wall beside the one door hung a -rug of pale-blues and yellows, bearing the -five-clawed dragon of the imperial family of China; -it could have come from no place save the imperial -palace, so much Hammer knew. -</p> - -<p> -These were but two of the many which struck -his eye in that first moment, and utterly -bewildered, he sat up, feeling slightly dizzy -but perfectly sound, save for a slight pain in his -head. As he sat, a voice came to him; at first -he took it for Harcourt's, then recognized his -error. -</p> - -<p> -"I have notified the authorities, Mr. Solomon, -as you wished, and have no doubt that all will -be right as far as you are concerned. No, I am -sorry that there is no hope whatever; this bally -fever has complicated the thing, don't you know, -and I am frank to say that I can do nothing. He'll -be conscious for an hour or so before——" -</p> - -<p> -The voice died away, and Hammer sat staring -dumbly at the Ming dragon, for now he recalled -that wild dream he had had. What was going -on here, anyway? Where was he? -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly conscious of hunger and a feverish -thirst, he seized a glass of water from the ebony -stand and drained it. As he set it down the door -opened, and into the room came John Solomon, -holding open the door for Sara Helmuth, -pale-faced but steady-eyed as ever. -</p> - -<p> -He could do nothing but stare at them blankly, -Solomon, his pudgy face very pale, heaped up -a large rug for the girl at the head of the bed; -and as she sat down she looked up at Hammer -with a smile, but it was a smile that struck a cold -fear to his heart. -</p> - -<p> -"What's the matter?" he asked hoarsely. "For -Heaven's sake talk!" -</p> - -<p> -"You tell him, Mr. Solomon," and there was a -catch in the girl's voice. Solomon nodded and -sank down on a rug with his legs crossed: Hammer -noted absent-mindedly that he wore dingy -carpet-slippers and held his empty clay-pipe in one -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. 'Ammer, sir," the supercargo cleared his -throat, "let me say first as 'ow you're all right, -or will be after a bit, though you've been off -your 'ead for a matter o' three days. You're -in my own 'ouse, sir, and werry safe you are, -if I do say it as shouldn't. It's a werry crooked -story, sir—dang it, Mr. 'Ammer, don't interrupt!" -</p> - -<p> -For a wonder the last words were so irritably -shot out that Hammer sank back, listening, his -questions stilled. So he heard what had chanced, -with a slowly-gathering horror in his heart, and -a great grief filling his soul, for the words of John -Solomon bit into him ineffaceably. -</p> - -<p> -When the launch had drifted in toward the -shore, Harcourt had just been bringing up the -<i>Daphne</i> to Melindi, and had picked up the launch -with her searchlight. Harcourt himself had -contracted a slight touch of fever, but had insisted -on bringing the senseless Hammer and Miss Helmuth -aboard personally, and the off-shore breeze had -not aided his fever to any extent. -</p> - -<p> -Alarmed at the story told by the girl, and the -condition of Hammer, who had remained unconscious -that night, Harcourt had gone ashore early -the next morning intent on getting a doctor. -</p> - -<p> -He had barely left his boat when a figure had -started out from the crowd of natives about him -with a shriek, and the next thing anyone knew -was that Harcourt was lying in a pool of blood, -stabbed in the side. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon had appeared on the spot, and being -known, it seemed, to the native constabulary, -had assumed charge of Harcourt. Getting the -story of Hammer and Miss Helmuth from the -four German sailors who had rowed the captain -ashore, he had sent for them as well, installing -all three at his cotton plantation a mile outside -the town. -</p> - -<p> -Here an English physician had come to attend -them from the <i>Juba</i>, then in port, and had remained -until a few moments before. Hammer had been -given a sleeping-draught the day previous, his -own slight fever had vanished altogether, and he -was perfectly well: but Harcourt was dying. -</p> - -<p> -From his delirium Solomon and the girl had -gathered that his attacker had been -Jenson—probably rendered insane by fear at sight of -Harcourt. At this juncture the American -disregarded Solomon and broke in with a single -curt question, his face grim. -</p> - -<p> -"Where is Jenson?" -</p> - -<p> -"No one knows, Mr. Hammer," answered the -girl gently, placing her hand on his wrist for a -moment. "Wait, please! It was not found out -who had stabbed Captain Harcourt until we found -it out from his ravings. Then Mr. Solomon said -not to tell the authorities anything about it." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer looked at the supercargo, a flame of -grief and fury in his hard, grey eyes, his face -tense. -</p> - -<p> -"Explain this, Solomon, or by Godfrey——" -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. 'Ammer," and for a brief instant the -American was all but awed by the look in the -wide blue eyes, "I liked you, and I liked -Mr. Harcourt, more than I like most men. If so be -as you're bound to do it, then report the thing; -but I says, wait. Just like that, Mr. 'Ammer—wait. -I 'as me own ways of doing a thing up -ship-shape, and I'm older than you be, -Mr. 'Ammer, havin' learned a mortal lot in me day. -I knows the authorities, Mr. 'Ammer, and I -knows John Solomon, and I gives you me Bible -oath that this 'ere Jenson answers to us for what -'e's been and done." -</p> - -<p> -The eyes of the two men gripped and held for -a long moment. Hammer, struck to the heart -by the news of Harcourt as he was, a furious -madness for revenge tearing at his brain, yet -felt a curious impulse to obey this John Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -All the obsequiousness of the latter had vanished, -and in its place had come a quiet assurance, a -steadiness, that could not but impress the American. -More than this, even, did the next words of Sara -Helmuth restrain him. -</p> - -<p> -"Please, Mr. Hammer, don't be hasty in this -affair. Believe me, I know a good deal more -than I did that night in the launch, and when you -know it, too, I think that you will agree fully -with me. Beside, Mr. Harcourt is—is—the doctor -said that he would not live more than a few hours -longer." -</p> - -<p> -Not until that moment did Hammer fully -realize how dear his friend had become to him. It -was to him an incredibly dreadful thing that after -all he had passed through, after finding Harcourt, -after coming to like and to be liked—that the gods -had now snatched this gift from him, just when he -was coming to most depend on the other man. -</p> - -<p> -"My God!" he said under his breath, and dropped -his head into his hands. "Harcourt dying!" -</p> - -<p> -It was horrible; a thing almost beyond his -comprehension. But, so deep down in his soul -that even he did not realize it, was fear—fear -that he would go back to what Harcourt had dragged -him from—fear that the old terrible bitterness -would sweep back over him and smother him. -Suddenly he looked up, his face drawn and grey. -</p> - -<p> -"You—last night you were singing!" he cried -hoarsely, and his eyes shot accusation into the -brown pitying gaze of Sara Helmuth. "What do -you mean? Are you playing with me——" -</p> - -<p> -"Be quiet!" Solomon's voice rang harsh and -stern. "'Ow dare you, Mr. 'Ammer! I says this -'ere lady is an angel—why, dang it, sir, she 'asn't -slept for two blessed nights, what o' watching -wi' you and 'im! Yes, she was a singing, -Mr. 'Ammer, 'cause Mr. Harcourt 'e thought she was -'is mother, 'e did, and wouldn't go——" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, stop it, stop it!" Hammer groaned, -waving his hand in desperation. "I'm sorry, Miss -Helmuth—I understand now. Take me to Harcourt, -please." -</p> - -<p> -He gained his feet, careless of the fact that he -was dressed only in a suit of pyjamas. Sara -Helmuth looked after him, her eyes brimming, but -did not move; Solomon led him out into a wide -hallway and across into another room. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt was lying in a cot, wasted, pale to -ghastliness, dark circles under his eyes, but none -the less with his mouth wearing its same -good-humoured lines. By his side was a chair, and into -this Hammer dropped, gazing down at the sleeping -face of the man who had been his friend. -</p> - -<p> -How long he sat there he did not know. He -was vaguely aware that Solomon had gone away on -tiptoe, but before his mind's eye were passing -scenes, pictures of Harcourt as he had known him -from day to day, now sharp and clear-cut, now dim -and ill-remembered. -</p> - -<p> -And three days had wrought this change! Three -days, death in their wake, had transformed the -broad-shouldered, clean-minded Englishman into -this wasted semblance of himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Good God," muttered Hammer, licking his -dry lips. "It's horrible!" -</p> - -<p> -As he breathed the words to himself, leaning -over the bed, the dark eyelids flickered and opened, -and Harcourt's blue eyes met his—at first with -blank unrecognition, then with surprised delight. -Harcourt smiled faintly, and his voice came clear -but weak. -</p> - -<p> -"Hello, old chap! You're—by Jove, where's -that Jenson?" -</p> - -<p> -The blue eyes had suddenly flashed out with -anger as Harcourt remembered. The American, -with more tenderness than he had ever thought to -show any man, put out a hand to the cold brow of -his friend. -</p> - -<p> -"Quiet, old man; we'll take care of all that." -</p> - -<p> -For the life of him he could not repress the -message that leaped from his own eyes to those of -the other. Harcourt looked up steadily; he had -read the message aright, but the clear blue eyes -never faltered. -</p> - -<p> -"So bad as all that, old chap?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer nodded, his mouth quivering as he bit -at his lips; then the words burst forth brokenly. -</p> - -<p> -"God knows I wish—he'd taken—me instead, -Harcourt!" -</p> - -<p> -The other put out a weak hand to his, still -smiling. -</p> - -<p> -"I say, old chap, don't be so bally broken up! -How long?" -</p> - -<p> -Before Hammer replied a step sounded, and he -looked up to see Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -"What-o!" exclaimed that individual cheerily. -"Inwalid woke up? We'll——" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's voice died away, and into his wide -blue eyes crept a look of utmost sympathy and -kindness as he saw that Harcourt knew. -</p> - -<p> -"How long can I count on, Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's 'ard to say, sir. An hour, the doctor -said——" -</p> - -<p> -"All right. I want to make a will, don't you -know. I say, Hammer, brace up! 'Pon my word, -I'm having a splendid time, old chap; I've -always wanted to have a look in on the stage and -see how things were run." -</p> - -<p> -"I'm a notary public, sir, if so be as you wants -to——" suggested Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well. Hammer, you don't mind leaving -us alone for a bit?" -</p> - -<p> -The American, choking, rose and left the room, -returning to his own. Miss Helmuth had vanished, -and he stood over his cot, looking out the window, -and fighting back his emotion with grim intensity. -It seemed untold ages before his door opened and -he turned to face the master of the house. -</p> - -<p> -"'E's all through, Mr. 'Ammer, and wants you. -Werry weak 'e is, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer strode back hurriedly and dropped -beside Harcourt. -</p> - -<p> -"Hammer, old chap," and Harcourt's voice -was faint. "I'm not afraid to meet the Stage -Manager; but, Christian or not, I do wish that -you'd get Jenson for me, will you? Not that I -object particularly, don't you know, but I do -object to being hurried in such a bally indecent -way." -</p> - -<p> -"I'll get him," muttered Harcourt, meeting the -clear blue eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll get him, Harcourt, and I'll get his master -with him, by Godfrey!" -</p> - -<p> -"Werry good, sir!" echoed the voice of Solomon -behind. -</p> - -<p> -Harcourt's gaze shifted and the trace of a smile -crept into his colourless cheeks. -</p> - -<p> -"Tell me, Solomon, do you know who killed that -bally second mate?" -</p> - -<p> -"I did, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer heard the words dully, but they did -not pierce to his brain, nor would he have heeded -them if they had done so. Harcourt's vitality was -ebbing fast, and their hands came together for the -last time. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, old chap," and his voice was little more -than a whisper, "no bally preaching, you -know—but take care of yourself. And I wish you'd take me -cut to sea for the last scene, if you don't mind. -Beastly country to rot in, this. What's the time, -John?" -</p> - -<p> -"Four bells, sir, afternoon watch." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks very much." -</p> - -<p> -Silence ensured, while Hammer's grey eyes -fastened hungrily on the face of his friend, and -Harcourt gazed up, still smiling faintly. -</p> - -<p> -Then the blue eyes closed, but the hand that the -American held still pressed his feebly. After -a moment Harcourt looked up again, a tinge of -colour in his cheeks, and spoke in his old voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't forget—Jenson. Good luck, old chap!" -</p> - -<p> -And there were but two men in the room. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap11"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XI -<br /><br /> -JOHN SOLOMON PREPARES FOR ACTION -</h3> - -<p> -"Solomon, I wish you'd tell me about that Schlak -business, just to get it off my mind." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir; just a moment. Miss 'Elmuth, can -you bring to mind the date o' that 'ere scrimmage -up at the camp?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer stared, for the supercargo—supercargo -no longer—seemed to think more about getting his -notes down in that little red morocco notebook than -he did about the death of Schlak. Presently, -however, Solomon closed and carefully placed a rubber -band about the notebook, shoving it into his pocket. -</p> - -<p> -"I likes to keep my accounts all ship-shape, sir -and missus, and I must say as 'ow I'm getting a -mortal big account over against the name o' Krausz. -Why, Mr. 'Ammer, 'ere's the facts o' the case. -</p> - -<p> -"You may remember as 'ow, that night, I was -gone from mess for a bit? Well, I'd slipped up to -Mr. Schlak's cabin to see if I could find something -I was after—papers connected wi' the expedition, -they was. -</p> - -<p> -"I 'ad the paper I'd taken from the doctor's -pocket, and was comparing of it with some others -I found when, lo and behold, in pops Mr. Schlak! -</p> - -<p> -"'E never says a word, 'e don't, but just goes for -me. Lud, but it did give me a turn for a moment, -sir! Forchnit it was me 'and fell on 'is knife, -where it 'ung on the wall, after 'e'd knocked me -back and took me by the throat. No, I 'ad to do -it, miss; it was 'is life or mine, and no mistake." -</p> - -<p> -It was four days after the sea funeral of Harcourt. -The latter, by the terms of his hasty but authentic -will, had left to Hammer all his property, consisting -of the <i>Daphne</i>. -</p> - -<p> -At first the American had flatly refused to -accept the yacht, until the practical, hard-headed -common sense of John Solomon won him around; -and when he put the case up to Sara Helmuth she -had promptly decided that he should accept. -</p> - -<p> -He did so, was duly constituted as lawful owner, -and there being no objections to the first mate's -papers, obtained for him by Solomon, took command -of the yacht until her arrival in England once -again. She was at anchor off the river, Hammer and -Sara Helmuth remaining with Solomon until -they had agreed upon some plan. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer began to feel that it was time for action. -No word had drifted in from the ruins of Fort -St. Thomas during the week that had intervened, -and Hammer's grief had settled into a determined -thirst for vengeance. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon was at one with him in this, but had -exercised a restraining influence to which Hammer -had yielded with good grace. He had begun to find -out things about John Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -The man seemed to have no lack of money, and -it was apparent that he was neither supercargo -nor cotton-planter. The very character of his -visitors precluded that, while it but vexed -Hammer the more. -</p> - -<p> -On one occasion it was a Kiswahili chieftain -from up-coast; on another a party of dirty but -stately Arabs from a dhow in port; on another a -bearded, khaki-clad officer of police from -somewhere up-country. These visitors were received -in private and departed as they came, without -meeting Hammer or Miss Helmuth. -</p> - -<p> -On this, the fourth day after the sea-burial, -all three were sitting in a large living-room on -the ground floor of the house. Like the other -rooms it held many rugs, together with native -weapons and two of the ancient Shishkhana rifles -from Damascus, of which Solomon was inordinately -proud. -</p> - -<p> -He had been seated over a little desk in the -corner, busily writing in his red notebook, and -when at last the impatient American had got -the story of Schlak's death out of him he squatted -down on some cushions beside Sara Helmuth, -who, with her quiet common sense which -embarrassed Hammer at times, was darning socks for -the two men. -</p> - -<p> -"About Jenson now," he continued, whittling -at his tobacco plug—"it don't pay to be in a -'urry, Mr. 'Ammer. I 'ave men out 'unting for -Potbelly——" -</p> - -<p> -"But, confound it, Solomon, why can't I go -up there and——" -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Mr. 'Ammer, don't take on so! First -off, we 'as t' get this 'ere business straightened -out all ship-shape and proper, so to speak; and -the East ain't the West, Mr. 'Ammer. -</p> - -<p> -"If so be as you wanted a certain book, you'd -say, 'Get the book I gave you last night,' which -is all werry well in its place, I says; but if you -was talking Hindi you'd say, 'What book was -by me given to you yesterday at night, that book -fetchin' to me, come.' -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Mr. 'Ammer, that's just a sample, like. -The East ain't the West, I says, and a werry good -job that it ain't. Besides, there's the missus to -think on, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer glanced at Sara Helmuth, who smiled -at him, noticing that his face was older than it -had been a week before—that it was graver, finer -drawn. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps it's time for an understanding, -Mr. Hammer. I haven't seen much of you the last -two or three days, you know, but Mr. Solomon -and——" -</p> - -<p> -"Make it John, miss, if you don't mind," -broke in Solomon pleadingly. "It's John with -me friends, if I may make so bold as to place -you in that 'ere category." -</p> - -<p> -"All right, then," laughed the girl. "John and -I have had an understanding, Mr. Hammer——" -</p> - -<p> -"Make it Cyrus, miss," interrupted the American, -his eyes narrowing in a slight smile as he met her -gaze. "Or cut off the mister and make it plain -Hammer, both of you." -</p> - -<p> -"Hammer it is!" exclaimed the girl, though -John shook his head solemnly. "So, of course, -I'll reciprocate with plain Sara. And now let -me finish. The whole story that Dr. Krausz told -you, Hammer, was untrue." -</p> - -<p> -"What? You don't mean about the treasure -stuff——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, for he changed that to suit himself. Now, -here's the real story. My father found a number -of old papers in Lisbon giving the whole thing, -and wrote it to Solomon, intending to join him -later and go shares on it. In 1696 Fort Jesus, -or Mombasa, was besieged by the Arabs. -</p> - -<p> -"That siege lasted for thirty-three months, for -the Portuguese sent over help from Goa, but in -the meantime all the other Portuguese settlements -were being destroyed. -</p> - -<p> -"Our own Fort St. Thomas was able to hold out -until Fort Jesus had fallen, when the Arab fleet -came up and put everyone in the fort to the sword. -We don't know who escaped, but, at anyrate, -father found the papers telling about the treasure. -It seems that the Viceroy of Goa had sent some -alleged relics of St. Thomas, who was supposed -to have died in India, you know, back to the King -of Portugal; and with them he had sent a lot of -valuable papers and documents, as well as such -things as gold and jewels—there has to be a -treasure, of course. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, that ship put into the bay which used -to be at St. Thomas; she was driven ashore, and -the garrison only had time to transfer her cargo -to the fort before they were attacked. So far -as anyone knows to the contrary, Hammer, it's -there yet." -</p> - -<p> -"I guess not." The American shook his head. -"Krausz has it by now; you can lay on that—Sara." -</p> - -<p> -His brief hesitation before her name was answered -by a slight flush as she laughed quickly up at -him. -</p> - -<p> -"No, he hasn't! At least, not the papers, the -best part of all. They were hidden away separately, -and not even father knew it, There was one paper -he could not translate, for it was written in cipher, -so he sent it direct to John. That paper told -about the hiding-place of the papers and the -relics, and Krausz never heard of it." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer glanced at Solomon, beginning to -grow interested in this treasure-hunt in spite -of himself. -</p> - -<p> -"What kind of a chap are you, John? By -Godfrey, I'm thinking that you must be some kind -of wizard!" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Mr. 'Ammer, so the Arabs do say. You -see, sir, I've 'ad a bit o' luck wi' the rosary -predictions—'El Rame!', the Arabs call it—and -I'm free to admit, sir and miss, that it ain't far -removed from rank sorcery to a Christian's way -o' thinking. But I've learned a mortal lot in -me time, Mr. 'Ammer, and 'ave 'andled some -main ticklish jobs. -</p> - -<p> -"You might not think it, sir, but I've a fondness -for these 'ere rugs, and I've got some as -couldn't be bought, sir—sent to me by different -'ands. But put not your trust in Hajjis and -Sayyids as the Good Book says: no, sir, I 'olds -to me own game and plays it me own way. Just -so with this 'ere Jenson; and when Potbelly gets -back, why, we go after 'im and 'is master and -the loot, all in one pile." -</p> - -<p> -"Potbelly?" queried Hammer. "Is he a man of -yours?" -</p> - -<p> -"One of a few, sir, and not so black as 'e's -painted. A Hazrami, 'e is; them Hazramaut -men wanders all over, sir—reg'lar soldiers o' -fortune, like. The Hindus say: 'If you meet a -viper and a Hazrami, spare the viper'. But this -'ere man Potbelly, which ain't 'is proper name, -is main useful. Lud, what I've seen that man -do! A actor, 'e is, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer learned that nothing had been heard -of Potbelly, but men were looking for him. He -also learned that Solomon had, in reality, been -the <i>deus ex machina</i> during the entire cruise of -the yacht, and that he had managed the affair -at Port Said, thus detaining three of the Germans -and replacing them with his own men in case -of trouble. As he had advised dismissing the -remaining Germans at once, they had been -summarily discharged and sent to Mombasa. -</p> - -<p> -Thither, Hammer decided to follow them. -Roberts, the steward, had already been sent home -with his master's personal effects, and the sooner -the yacht was in the shelter of Kilindini harbour -the better. -</p> - -<p> -As Solomon wished to get two Afghan friends -of his up from Mombasa, Hammer concluded -to take down the yacht in the morning; for it -was beginning of November, and the south-west -monsoon was threatening the insecure anchorage -of Melindi. -</p> - -<p> -"What day is this?" he asked suddenly. -</p> - -<p> -"The 14th day o' the month Zil Ka'adah," -rejoined Solomon, with a twinkle in his eye. -"Year o' the Hegira, 1331. In other words, sir, -it's Thursday." -</p> - -<p> -"Then I'll be back on the <i>Juba</i> Sunday night," -reflected Hammer. "What are your plans?" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's plans were quite well-defined, once -he stated them. He intended to go up-coast to -old Fort St. Thomas by launch, sending a party -of Arabs around by land; the natives would be -easily sent away, leaving Krausz with six Germans -and Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -The last-named would be either given up or -taken by force, and Krausz could get back to -Melindi and Mombasa as best he might, while -with their men Solomon and Hammer dug up -the ruins. -</p> - -<p> -Sara Helmuth insisted that she be of the party -also, and since there was no great danger to be -apprehended, Solomon consented. -</p> - -<p> -He bade Hammer keep the little silver ring, -saying that most of the natives knew the emblem -and that it might prove of help to him at some -future time. -</p> - -<p> -Frankly mystified, Hammer questioned the man -directly as to who and what he was; but Solomon -merely laughed and waved a hand complacently. -</p> - -<p> -"Easy, sir—easy! A man as asks too much -gets less'n 'e asks, I says; it ain't in 'uman nature -to be answerin' of questions, I says, but Lud, -there's few men as understands 'uman nature, -Mr. 'Ammer! Ship's stores, me line is, -Mr. 'Ammer, and I 'as me little shop in Port Said -all neat and ship-shape like, where I'll be mortal -glad to receive ye on 'appier occasions, sir -and miss." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer gave up questioning his ex-supercargo. -Sara Helmuth proved to know no more than did he -himself, but he had talked much with her of other -things, striving to gain something of her poise -and perfect self-confidence. For the American -was in deadly fear of himself. -</p> - -<p> -With each day the old bitterness had been -surging back into his heart, driving him to action -no matter what it might be. Harcourt's death -had been a sore stroke to him, and yet—even -more than he could comprehend—the presence -and friendship of Sara Helmuth had upborne him -and kept him from the brooding which had proven -his undoing in time past. -</p> - -<p> -He listened without interest as Solomon questioned -the girl about the old fort and her preliminary -work in getting it cleared of brush and -trees. As she replied to his queries, Hammer saw -a frown slowly gathering on Solomon's pudgy -face; then the little man pulled out his clay pipe -and tobacco and began to whittle thoughtfully. -</p> - -<p> -"All werry good, miss," he declared finally, -"but I'm mortal sorry as 'ow you 'ad all that -work for nothing." -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" she asked quickly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I thought as 'ow I'd say nothing about -it till the proper time, miss; but this 'ere's the -proper time, I says. You see, that there place you -was a-workin' on wasn't the fort at all, miss; it -was just the ruins of the old store-house and slave -barracoon, at what used to be the water's edge. -The fort itself is a matter o' two hundred yards -back in the jungle, miss." -</p> - -<p> -While Hammer and the girl stared at him, -almost in incredulity, he went on to explain, -with one of his quiet chuckles. He had visited -the ruins four years previously on an inspection -with the district commissioner from Melindi, and -so was aware of there being two sets of ruins. -</p> - -<p> -Those of the fort proper were well overgrown -by the jungle, but were in much better preservation -than those on the hill, which had been -levelled long since by the elements. -</p> - -<p> -Bearing this in mind, he had instructed Potbelly -to meet the party of Miss Helmuth and to lead -her to the lesser ruins, saying nothing about those -of the fort proper. -</p> - -<p> -This Potbelly had done, and in consequence -Dr. Krausz was spending time and money in digging -up ancient slave barracoons, knowing nothing of -the real fort so close to him. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer could not understand this until Solomon -explained the density of the jungle near the place, -which was uncrossed by any native tracks. -</p> - -<p> -"But if he got the location from the papers -left by your father," argued the American, "surely -he would know better, Sara. He's a man of -experience——" -</p> - -<p> -"Not in Africa," broke in Solomon, chuckling. -"Not in Africa 'e ain't! Them places was all -alike, sir—just a square with a roof over it, like. -The fort's just three o' them there squares with -a wall around and other buildin's in between. -No, sir; in them papers you mentions, 'e found -where to dig, prowiding 'e got the right place. -So 'e's a-digging of his bloomin' 'ead off, and much -good may it do 'im, I says. When so be as we -gets ready to dig, why, them Arabs o' mine will -'ave it all ready cleared for us. It's so mortal -thick in there, sir, that two parties could live -for a year on end, ten yards apart, and never know -it—just like that, sir." -</p> - -<p> -In the end Hammer was forced to admit the -logic of Solomon's reasoning, though when he -learned that the Arabs were probably on the spot -by this time he refused to believe that they would -not be discovered at work. -</p> - -<p> -The Afghans he was to pick up at Mombasa -had been despatched to Goa by Solomon in the -endeavour to learn something definite about the -old fort; but whether they had done so or not -Solomon did not know. -</p> - -<p> -Nor could the American understand the other's -choice of men. Why he should send Afghans on -such an errand, why he should trust Potbelly and -make use of him as he did, why he should seemingly -put so much trust in natives and so little trust -in white men, drew a series of questions from -Hammer which forced Solomon to explain. -</p> - -<p> -"White men is all werry well in their place, -sir, but Africa ain't their place. Me men know -me, Mr. 'Ammer, and 'as faith in me. White -men can't 'elp from talking too much, sir; but -it ain't in the nature of brown men to talk. -</p> - -<p> -"Work a brown man all square and aboveboard, -I says, and 'e'll curse ye for a bloody fool; -but work 'im underhand, like what e's been used -to for the last thousand years, and 'e'll fair go -through fire and water for ye. What 'e loves is -the game, sir—same as me. It ain't the money -as I'm after, though I do say as money 'as its -uses." -</p> - -<p> -Which was all Hammer ever extracted from -John Solomon on the matter of colour. -</p> - -<p> -That night, after a long talk with Sara Helmuth, -the American went out to the <i>Daphne</i>. He had -not been able to nerve himself to the deed before -this, but now installed himself in Harcourt's -cabin and arranged with the chief engineer to -sign on a crew at Mombasa as fast as the men -could be picked up. -</p> - -<p> -He was without money, practically, and doubted -very much whether he would be able to make -the yacht pay in future—for this, however, he -made no plans; his first duty was to get hold of -Jenson, and what came after that did not trouble -him greatly. -</p> - -<p> -At Mombasa he found the two Afghans without -trouble. Both were heavily-bearded, stalwart men, -of keen intelligence, and cousins; Akhbar Khan -and Yar Hussein were alike, grave-eyed, dignified, -green-turbaned, and dependable. Hammer -concluded that John Solomon knew what he was -about, after all. -</p> - -<p> -His only business ashore was to get the two -Afghans, and with them he returned to the waiting -launch, provisioned and manned by Solomon's -four Arabs, for the run up-coast. -</p> - -<p> -He did not go near the club, and saw no one -he knew until reaching the wharf. Here, however, -he ran into a little Cockney, a waiter at the club -the evening he had so gloriously awakened Mombasa. -</p> - -<p> -Finding the man staring at him, he nodded -and would have passed on, but the fellow plucked -his sleeve. -</p> - -<p> -"Beg pardon, guv'nor, but you'd best cut and -run for it. I heard two o' them nigger bobbies -sayin' as 'ow they was lookin' for you up-town." -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? I guess you've made a mistake, my -man!" exclaimed the American. The other winked -and sidled away hastily. -</p> - -<p> -"Just a tip, guv'nor. Don't wyste no time——" -and he was gone. -</p> - -<p> -Laughing over the occurrence, and thinking -that the man was drunk, Hammer dropped into -the launch and the wharf was soon left behind. -</p> - -<p> -He had decided not to go up on the <i>Juba</i>, as -the launch would be of use to them and he could -make a quicker run up in her. Solomon had a -launch hired at Melindi, but another would not -come amiss, he thought. Nor did it, as events -proved. -</p> - -<p> -The run to Melindi was uneventful in the extreme, -and they made the river-mouth shortly after nine -in the evening. Bidding the Arabs and Afghans -come to the plantation with him, where there -were a number of buildings in which they could -find shelter. Hammer led the way at once. -</p> - -<p> -To his surprise, the plantation-house was dark -save for the servants' quarters, nor was there -anyone to greet him. -</p> - -<p> -Mystified and no little startled by the empty -rooms, the American lit some of the lamps and -soon had the house-boys on the jump. -</p> - -<p> -The only information that he could elicit from -them was that Potbelly had come that morning, -and Solomon and Sara Helmuth had gone shortly -after luncheon—where, no one knew or would say. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap12"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XII -<br /><br /> -UNDER SUSPICION -</h3> - -<p> -Irritated almost beyond control by Solomon's -exasperating method of playing his hand in the -dark, Hammer passed a very bad night. -</p> - -<p> -More than once he was on the point of sending -a boy to Melindi for the district commissioner and -of putting the whole case into the hands of the -authorities, and only his promise to Harcourt -restrained him, for he had come to look upon that -promise as a personal pledge, to be carried out by -himself alone. -</p> - -<p> -Why had Solomon gone off without leaving him -any word, and why had he taken Sara Helmuth -with him? Perhaps the latter query worried the -American more than the former. -</p> - -<p> -He overlooked the facts that Sara Helmuth was -quite competent so far as taking care of herself -was concerned; that she had as much or more -interest in the entire affair than he had, and that -she was not the kind of person to sit idly by while -Solomon worked in her behalf. -</p> - -<p> -Evidently Potbelly's tidings had in some way -drawn them off the original plan, though Hammer -could not see how. -</p> - -<p> -The Hazrami, who was masquerading as a -Kiswahili, must have brought back important -news to bestir Solomon to such rapid action, for -at dawn no move had been contemplated till -Hammer's return. Besides, Solomon had no taste -for hurry, as the American knew. -</p> - -<p> -The two Afghans and the four Arabs had received -the news of Solomon's absence with grave -acquiescence, departing to the rooms assigned them by -the house servants, who were all Kiswahili. -Akhbar Khan had carried a small roll of sheepskin, -the only baggage of the two, and this he had -taken with him. -</p> - -<p> -But when Hammer descended to breakfast both -Akhbar Khan and Yar Hussein had vanished -bodily, sheepskin and all. The four Arabs could -tell nothing of them, and, although Hammer -expended all his store of Arabic upon the house -servants, he elicited nothing but the surprising -information that the two visitors must have been -djinns, since they had flown away in the night, -even as they had come. -</p> - -<p> -So the American cursed them all impartially -in the name of Allah and bade them leave him -alone, which they did willingly. There being -nothing better to do, he gave himself up to waiting; -but an hour later he was pleasurably surprised -by the arrival of no less a person than Potbelly -himself. -</p> - -<p> -Now, however, he came in his own guise. No -longer a Kiswahili, he had doffed his pseudo-mission -clothes and came in all the stately pride -of a Hazrami, an Arab of the Arabs, masterless, -and bowing to no man. -</p> - -<p> -Yet, in spite of his white burnoose and green -turban of the pilgrimage, he was weary and in much -need of repair, having plainly come through the -bush. He insisted on speaking French, also, to -the further annoyance of Hammer, though the -American could understand him well enough. -</p> - -<p> -"It's about time you came, Potbelly," grunted -Hammer ungraciously. "What's your news? -Where's Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -For answer the Arab settled himself on a rug, -clapped his hands, and demanded coffee from the -boy who came, and then saw to it that his proper -self made a proper impression on Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"I am no longer Potbelly, <i>m'sieu'</i>, but the -Hajj Omar ibn Kasim el Hamumi——" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't care a whoop who you are!" exclaimed -Hammer angrily. "Give me your message or get -out of here!" -</p> - -<p> -A wounded look from Omar ibn Kasim was -followed promptly by his news, as he met the eye -of Hammer, and saw fury smouldering there. -</p> - -<p> -But, mindful of the words of John Solomon, -the American forced himself to restraint and let -Omar tell the tale in his own fashion, which -consisted largely in dwelling on every little circumstance -to the full, and lauding his own efforts with -great self-satisfaction. -</p> - -<p> -The gist of the tale, as Hammer finally extracted -it, was that Omar had held Dr. Krausz and his -men helpless until Hammer and Sara Helmuth -had obtained a good start on any possible pursuit. -</p> - -<p> -Then, knowing that he had no retreat by sea, -he had shouted to Miss Helmuth's mission-boys -to join him in the jungle, and had plunged into -the midst of it, chancing upon the real ruins of -the fort. -</p> - -<p> -At this point his story was full of fanciful -interpolations, as Hammer termed them, concerning -monkeys who threw skulls at him, and pits -full of snakes. After weird and wholly impossible -adventures he had met Solomon's party of Arabs, -who were later joined by Sara Helmuth's mission-boys. -</p> - -<p> -Since the Arabs, whom he wrathfully described -as "men without shame", were determined to -carry out Solomon's orders, and laughed at his -stories of the ruins, he had come on to Melindi -with the mission-boys. -</p> - -<p> -Midway, however, he had come down with fever, -which explained his delay. The mission-boys had -cared for him, and Hammer shrewdly judged -that he had made the most of his illness, for at -present he displayed no great signs of emaciation. -</p> - -<p> -On the day before, as he was coming into town, -he had seen a party of nine men leaving; of these -stalwart Masai <i>askaris</i>, bearing the eagle of the -German Consulate on the collars of their tunics. -Here the American interrupted wrathfully: -</p> - -<p> -"What manner of lie is this, Omar ibn Kasim? -How should these men get here from Mombasa?" -</p> - -<p> -"Did not the <i>Juba</i> arrive the day before -yesterday, and does it not arrive again to-morrow, -Yaum el Ahad?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, to-morrow is Sunday," retorted the -American, "but that doesn't explain how Jenson -could have fetched those <i>askaris</i> from Mombasa." -</p> - -<p> -"A week has passed, <i>effendi</i>," and the other -struck into Arabic. "Am I a liar, then? <i>Al Nar -wa la al Ar</i>! May fire seize on me, but not shame! -If I lie, <i>effendi</i>, may I be childless, may my——" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, cut it out and go on!" groaned Hammer -wearily, recognizing his want of tact in dealing -with the man. "You are more truthful than the -Koran, Omar Ibn Kasim, so finish the story and I -will doubt no more." -</p> - -<p> -Mollified, the Arab told how he had brought the -news to Solomon, and how that individual had -at once set out after Jenson, taking him for guide. -</p> - -<p> -Miss Helmuth had gone with them, with enough -boys from the plantation to make a respectable -safari. As they had failed to come up with Jenson -by nightfall, in the morning Solomon had -despatched the Arab to bring up Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"Then it's time we started," growled the latter, -angry at Solomon, Omar, himself, and everyone -else. "If we had only got the authorities after the -fellow," he thought, "it would have been all over -by this time. Confound Solomon! It's too late now." -</p> - -<p> -He questioned Omar about the two Afghans, -but the latter knew nothing of them. Neither did -he have any inclination to hurry forth into the -jungle again, and said so plainly as he sipped his -coffee. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer, exasperated by the coolness and almost -contempt of the man, could restrain himself no -longer. Starting from his seat, he grasped the -arm of Omar with a wrench that sent the man to -his back on the rug. -</p> - -<p> -"Now," and he glared at the angry Arab with -his grey eyes hard and cold, "I've had enough of -your insolence, my friend, and I don't give a -hang whether you're a Hajj or a Hazrami or -Mohammed himself. You're going to lead me to -John Solomon, and do it on the jump—understand?" -</p> - -<p> -This was exactly the action required. Omar -looked up at him for a moment, then his dark face -cleared, and he stated that he understood and would -do exactly as the <i>effendi</i> ordered, though he was -dying for lack of food. -</p> - -<p> -"That's all right," and Hammer released him. -"Do all the dying you want to but not until you -have led me to Solomon <i>Effendi</i>. Now, get out and -see that you have some boys ready to start within -an hour, else I go alone and spread the story of your -shame through all the coast. Jump!" -</p> - -<p> -Omar jumped, and, with the four Arab soldiers -to help him, he speedily raised a force of twenty -boys from the plantation quarters. -</p> - -<p> -As Hammer knew where Solomon's stores of -chop-boxes and supplies were located, he broke -into the storehouse without scruple and left -Omar getting the loads ready. -</p> - -<p> -Though he searched every room in the main house, -he could find no arms save the weapons adorning -the walls, and these were handsome but useless -to him. -</p> - -<p> -Evidently Solomon had small use for weapons, -so he was forced to bide content with his own two -revolvers. Meanwhile, the problem of Jenson -and the consulate <i>askaris</i> was worrying him. -</p> - -<p> -There was no doubt that the secretary had swum -ashore, either frightened or wounded by Sara -Helmuth's bullet, the night he had stabbed -Mohammed Bari in the launch. He had met Harcourt -the next morning, probably after hiding on the -wharf all night; and where had he been during the -intervening week? -</p> - -<p> -Remembering the <i>askaris</i>, Hammer whistled -softly and consulted Omar ibn Kasim, who replied -to his questions with the information that the -German Consul in Mombasa did not have <i>askaris</i>, -requiring no protection; but that all the Consulates -in Zanzibar did, and, further, that if a man was -fool enough to be in a hurry he could get to -Zanzibar from Mombasa and back in a couple of days, -more or less. -</p> - -<p> -This, then, explained the actions of Jenson -fairly well. Immediately after his stabbing -Harcourt he must have gone aboard the <i>Juba</i> to -Mombasa—but would he have the influence and authority -to command <i>askaris</i>? Also, he was taking them to -Fort St. Thomas, a thing he would never dare -do on his own initiative. This compelled a -readjustment. -</p> - -<p> -Evidently, then, Jenson had gone to Dr. Krausz, -either overland or by launch. This could be verified -by ascertaining in Melindi if he had hired a launch -at the time in question; yet he must have done so -to account for his other movements. -</p> - -<p> -Armed with letters from Krausz, the American -reflected, he had caught the <i>Juba</i> on her next trip, -connected at Mombasa for Zanzibar, and hurried -back with the <i>askaris</i>. Krausz evidently wanted -men who could shoot, as these Masai could. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer strongly doubted whether it was legal -or not to bring the Consulate guards from Zanzibar -up here into British East Africa. Certainly, the -German Consul would take no such risk, for the -thing would be sure to demand investigation if -illegal, as Hammer thought it was. -</p> - -<p> -How, then, had Jenson secured the men? Probably -by misrepresentations, or else by actual lies; -and if this was the case Hammer felt that he had -Krausz cornered at last. -</p> - -<p> -Omar had met the party leaving Melindi, however, -and if Jenson acted thus openly the presence -of the <i>askaris</i> must be unquestioned. -</p> - -<p> -The best thing to do was to see the district -commissioner about it, thought the American, and with -this thought he issued from the house and sought -out Omar. -</p> - -<p> -The latter was ready to start, as was his safari, -and from somewhere the Arab had dug up an ancient -Snider rifle and bandolier, which Hammer eyed with -some disfavour. As he gave the order to march, -however, a Kiswahili boy ran up with word that -Bwana Somebody was coming, whereat all save -Omar seemed to be affected with sudden fright. -</p> - -<p> -The American got them into shape with much -expenditure of Arabic, and as he did so became -aware of a little party coming down the track—for -the plantation of Solomon, being away from those of -the East African Corporation, did not have the -benefit of any road. -</p> - -<p> -The party, as he saw at a glance, consisted of a -very trim and spruce officer of police, a sergeant, -and four men, and that they were coming here he -had no doubt. So, bidding the natives wait, he -advanced to meet them. -</p> - -<p> -"Good afternoon," the officer responded curtly -to his greeting. "Is there a Mr. Hammer -anywhere about?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am Mr. Hammer," replied the American, -surprised. "Sure you want me!" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, rather!" snapped out the other, curtly. -"Sergeant, arrest this man." -</p> - -<p> -Before the amazed Hammer knew what was -happening there was a policeman on each side of -him, and the officer's eye had lighted on Omar. -</p> - -<p> -"Here, you! Have you a permit to carry that -<i>bunduki</i>?" -</p> - -<p> -The officer was somewhat taken aback when Omar, -grinning, held out a folded paper and replied in -English: -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sar. Licensed to carry one gun, sar." -</p> - -<p> -"Humph!" By the time the officer had glanced -over the permit and returned it with a bad grace, -Hammer had recovered his power of speech. -He knew that something was radically wrong, but -that if he resisted it would be more wrong still, so -he restrained his anger and spoke with what seemed -to him remarkable coolness. -</p> - -<p> -"I'd like to know what this means, lieutenant! -How dare you arrest me, and on what charge? -What——" -</p> - -<p> -"Whatever you say will be used against you," -replied the officer. "You are under arrest for murder, -sir, and I warn you not to resist. I just got here in -time evidently; you slipped out of Mombasa pretty -neatly, 'pon my word!" -</p> - -<p> -"Slipped your grandmother!" retorted Hammer -with some heat. "I'm not in the habit of -slipping out of anywhere, you impertinent young -puppy! I want to know——" -</p> - -<p> -"See here, Hammer," and the officer, for all -his youth, showed determination, "I'd advise you to -keep your mouth closed unless you want it closed -for you. If you can't help talking, wait till you -get closeted with the district commissioner. I'll -warrant you'll get a mouthful from him, my -man, and no mistake, but in the meantime I'll -thank you not to discuss this affair with me. I've -no bally use for a man of your stamp, and the less -you say the better for you. All ready, sergeant?" -</p> - -<p> -The sergeant was, and so was Hammer. Furious -but helpless, he clearly perceived that there was no -use resisting, and that argument with this -business-like young officer was worse than futile. -</p> - -<p> -He was but obeying orders, after all, and the -only thing to do was to have it out with the district -commissioner. -</p> - -<p> -So, angry at the mere senselessness of the arrest, -the American fell in between the two men and -followed the sergeant, his face pale and hard. -</p> - -<p> -As he went he saw that Omar ibn Kasim, after -a quick order in Arabic which he did not catch, -was starting after him. Struck by a sudden thought, -Hammer held up the hand on which glittered -Solomon's ring. -</p> - -<p> -Omar stopped, waved a hand, and departed by -another path in all haste, while Hammer proceeded -with more calmness. He was suddenly aware that -he had great confidence in John Solomon, and, -whatever this situation was into which he had -stumbled, the pudgy little man would find some -loophole. -</p> - -<p> -Then he remembered the Cockney whom he had -met on the Mombasa wharf, and realized that the -thing must be serious indeed if the Mombasa police -were after him. They had notified Melindi by wire -of course; but of what had they notified? What -was the cause of the whole business? -</p> - -<p> -Hammer racked his brains vainly. He might -have been arrested for the death of Baumgardner, -although no hue and cry had been raised over -finding any such body along the beach. Besides, -the testimony of Sara Helmuth would have cleared -him of that, and Solomon had accounted to the -authorities for the death of Mohammed Bari in -some manner or other. -</p> - -<p> -It must be some trumped-up charge brought -against him by Krausz, he considered. The scientist -had no knowledge or fear of John Solomon's -activities, and he was probably trying to get -Hammer out of his way, believing him the only -champion of Sara Helmuth. -</p> - -<p> -The reason was plain, for with the persistent -American safely disposed of, pending trial, the -doctor and his aides could get hold of the treasure -and get it stowed away where Sara Helmuth -would never find it. -</p> - -<p> -At this reasoning, which proved correct enough -in its way, Hammer chuckled and began to feel -relieved. Krausz would have a hard job finding -any treasure in the place he was looking for it, that -was sure. -</p> - -<p> -As for himself, he would be freed just as soon -as he had had a talk with this asinine district -commissioner, or as soon as Solomon came to the rescue. -And with that Jenson would be tracked down in -short order. -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey, he's going to swing for that -murder!" Hammer swore savagely to himself, -almost forgetting his own plight. The party -had swung into the road by this time, passing -old and new cotton plantations on every hand, for -Melindi threatened to become a big -cotton-producing centre in no long while. -</p> - -<p> -On whatever evidence Krausz had trumped up -this charge against him, thought the American, -he was reasonably sure of getting off in a day -or two, and it would be more than a day or two ere -Jenson got out of the country. He was not greatly -concerned whether he brought the man to justice -or killed him himself, and rather preferred the -latter, for feud was strong in his heart. -</p> - -<p> -"I suppose I'll have a preliminary hearing?" -he asked the officer. -</p> - -<p> -The latter nodded curtly. "I suppose so. You -must be formally identified." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer asked no more questions. Ahead of -him were the two small corrugated iron bungalows, -with the flag fluttering gaily before them and the -police huts at one side, while the natives stared -in high glee at a white man being brought to justice. -</p> - -<p> -The American grinned cheerfully as he caught -sight of the planter who had assisted him on his -first arrival at Melindi standing in the doorway -of a store; but to his surprise his grin was not -answered in kind. Instead, the planter darted him a -black look, and Hammer could almost hear the -curse that left his lips as he turned on his heel and -vanished. -</p> - -<p> -He had small time to wonder at this, however, -for he was led into one of the iron bungalows which -mark the limitations of British rule in all torrid -lands, and found himself in the presence of the -district commissioner. The latter was a red-faced -young man who sat at a table writing, with a -whisky bottle on the shelf behind him; two more -of the police were sitting on a bench inside the door, -and these rose in salute as the squad marched -Hammer inside. -</p> - -<p> -"This is our man, Mr. Smith!" exclaimed the -police lieutenant, saluting. -</p> - -<p> -Commissioner Smith looked at Hammer from a -pair of narrow set eyes and pulled a paper in front -of him with a weary air. -</p> - -<p> -"You are Cyrus Hammer, first mate of the yacht -<i>Daphne</i>?" -</p> - -<p> -"You bet I am!" shot back Hammer, irritated -by the man's air. "And I demand to know why I -am under arrest?" -</p> - -<p> -"For murder," came the laconic answer, accompanied -by a stare of mild surprise. "Don't come -that, my man! Can't get away with it, really, -don't you know!" -</p> - -<p> -"Confound it, who have I murdered, you -blithering ass?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why—er—oh, yes—Frederick R. C. Harcourt, -your owner and captain. And no more insolence, -you cur, or I'll put you in irons, you know." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap13"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XIII -<br /><br /> -ACCUSED AND ACCUSER -</h3> - -<p> -It was perhaps unfortunate that District -Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred -from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew -not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them. -</p> - -<p> -He was utterly bored by the place, and showed -it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and -training and Hammer saw that the question of -his guilt or innocence was of the utmost -indifference to his inquisitor. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge -Mr.—er—Hammer?" -</p> - -<p> -The American tried to collect himself, for the -charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue. -Preposterous as it was, the very absurdity of it -shocked him into quiet coolness. -</p> - -<p> -If it was the work of Krausz, as he had -conjectured, then he would eventually hold the -whip-hand, through the testimony of Solomon and Sara -Helmuth; but in the meantime it would do no good -to try and bluster out his innocence. -</p> - -<p> -"Not guilty, of course. I trust that you'll note -that I gave myself up without making a fight? -Does that look as if I was a murderer, Mr. District -Commissioner?" -</p> - -<p> -Smith made an entry on the sheet before him, -then looked up. -</p> - -<p> -"You'll please bear in mind, Hammer, that -you're not here to ask questions, but to answer -them. Where were you on the morning of the 14th -instant?" -</p> - -<p> -"The 14th?" Hammer thought back desperately—ah, -that was the morning of Harcourt's murder! -</p> - -<p> -"I was aboard the <i>Daphne</i>, ill with fever." -</p> - -<p> -"You deny the fact, then, that you were on the -wharf that morning?" -</p> - -<p> -"Of course I do! I was brought ashore that day -unconscious, and can bring witnesses to prove it." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" For the first time Smith began to show -a trace of interest. "Their names?" -</p> - -<p> -"John Solomon for one. Miss Sara Helmuth -for another, the doctor who attended me, natives—— -</p> - -<p> -"Testimony of natives not allowed." The -commissioner glanced at his police officer. "Who -is this—er—this John Solomon, lieutenant?" -</p> - -<p> -The officer hesitated, for he knew Solomon of old. -</p> - -<p> -"He is a planter, Mr. Smith. His place is about -a mile outside town. I would suggest, sir, that he -be——" -</p> - -<p> -"Kindly bear in mind that I am conducting this -examination, lieutenant." -</p> - -<p> -The latter bit his lip and flushed. It was plain -that he had no great love for his superior. The -commissioner turned languidly to Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"Where is this Mr. Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -"Out in the jungle somewhere—search me. But -he'll be in soon." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, very good! Lieutenant, you will see that -he appears. Now, Hammer, what physician—er—attended -you?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know, but he was the same who signed -Harcourt's death-certificate." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Dr. Fargo—at present with the <i>Juba</i> at -Mombasa. Very good. Well, Hammer, I can't see -that you have any case whatever. Cheek, I call it. -However, they can settle it at Nairobi, and be -blessed. Lieutenant, put the prisoner in the——" -</p> - -<p> -"Look here," Hammer broke out furiously, -"I've had about enough of this farce, Mr. Smith! -Now you bear in mind that I'm an American citizen. -Also that I plead not guilty. You hand out what -testimony you have against me or I'll make it hot -for you in darned short order; and if I can't I'll -bet a dollar John Solomon can!" -</p> - -<p> -The commissioner gazed at him mildly, then -shifted his look to his lieutenant. What he saw in -the latter's face may have decided him, for with -an air of boredom he shuffled the papers before him, -fixed on the right one, and nodded. -</p> - -<p> -"Very good. You are probably aware of the fact -that according to the death certificate of Mr. Harcourt -he died from a stab at the hands of persons -unknown, complicated by fever. -</p> - -<p> -"Since that time it has been reported to the -authorities at Mombasa that you inflicted the wound, -later getting away in the crowd. It is also known -that you benefited largely by his death, since by -his will you were given ownership of the yacht -<i>Daphne</i>. Yesterday, you visited Mombasa, getting -away—er—secretly before you could be apprehended." -</p> - -<p> -"See here, Mr. Smith," exclaimed Hammer -earnestly, "this charge is absolutely absurd. -Not only was Mr. Harcourt my best friend, but I -was ill and unconscious at the time——" -</p> - -<p> -"Just a moment—I overlooked that scar on your -forehead," broke in the commissioner, looking up -from his papers. Hammer put up a hand to the -scar which had resulted from the fight aboard the -launch, "Yes, that is it. These papers state -that—er—it is the result of a blow struck you by -Mr. Harcourt as you stabbed him." -</p> - -<p> -"Confound it all," exclaimed the enraged American, -"who's bringing all these charges, anyway? -Dr. Krausz?" -</p> - -<p> -For answer the commissioner glanced at his -police officer. -</p> - -<p> -"You detained those fellows, lieutenant?" -</p> - -<p> -"I did, sir, against their protest." -</p> - -<p> -"Damn their protest, my dear chap! Bring 'em -in. Since you persist in going through with this -ruddy mess, Hammer, I'll give you all you want -of it." -</p> - -<p> -The American asked nothing better, and began -to think that the commissioner was not so bad after -all, having probably been prejudiced against him -from the start. The police officer, with his sergeant -and two men, left the room, Hammer watching -the door eagerly for their return. -</p> - -<p> -Who were these unknown persons? Whoever -they were, he reflected, they had done their work -well. The devilish ingenuity of it all was -amazing, and as Hammer never doubted that Krausz -was behind the thing, he began to score up an ugly -debt against the scientist. -</p> - -<p> -Except for the evidence which could be brought -by Solomon, Sara Helmuth, and the doctor of the -<i>Juba</i>, all of whom would not be suspected by -Krausz, the identity of Harcourt's murderer was -unknown. -</p> - -<p> -Counting on this fact, Krausz must have worked -out the case against Hammer to the last detail—even -to that scar on his forehead. -</p> - -<p> -There was no ultimate danger, of course, but -that was not the fault of Krausz; he must have -reasoned that if Harcourt had disclosed the name -of his attacker before he died, it would have set -the commissioner after Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -Therefore he had not disclosed it, and therefore -it was perfectly safe to make out the case against -the American—and with a plausibility which was -startling to Hammer himself, certain as he was -of disproving the charge absolutely, on the return -of Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -Yet, was Krausz so wholly to blame after all? -Could he have known those little things, such as -the scar, and Hammer's ownership of the yacht? -He had been miles away all this time, and while -he must have furnished Jenson with letters to the -German Consul, in order to get the <i>askaris</i>, the little -secretary must have acted on his own initiative -in regard to this charge. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz was no saint, but he was a sinner only -because of his life-work, his science; he was no -plotter in the dark, and the very theft which had -brought him here, which had made him bring -Sara Helmuth with him as a sop to a guilty -conscience, was attributable to the secretary, who was -his evil genius. And that Jenson could act on his -own initiative had been shown after Schlak's -murder. -</p> - -<p> -Yes, concluded Hammer grimly, he had a godly -score to settle with Jenson. Solomon could handle -Krausz, for he had long since constituted himself -the companion of Miss Helmuth, but Jenson was his -own peculiar affair. And, <i>askaris</i> or no, he was -going to the ruins and get Jenson—— -</p> - -<p> -At this juncture the door opened. Behind the -policeman entered two of the German sailors from -the <i>Daphne</i>, and behind him Adolf Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer said nothing. Thoroughly master of -himself by now, he knew the futility of threats, -nor did he want to show Jenson his hand unless it -was necessary. But he soon found that it was highly -necessary for his own safety. -</p> - -<p> -"You are Adolf Jenson?" demanded the -commissioner brusquely. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir," and the secretary, more pallid-faced -than ever, let his eyes rest on Hammer's grim face, -caught the flame in the American's eyes, and shifted -his gaze abruptly. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer remembered that the lieutenant had -stated that Jenson had remained only under protest. -This, then, was why Solomon had not found him -with the <i>askaris</i> in the bush. The two seamen -gazed stolidly at the commissioner. -</p> - -<p> -"You came ashore with Mr. Harcourt from the -<i>Daphne</i> the morning of the 14th instant, according -to your evidence sworn to at Mombasa?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Who else was with you in the boat?" -</p> - -<p> -"These two men, sir, as well as two more, -who are now in camp with Dr. Krausz, my master." -</p> - -<p> -"State what happened on the wharf." -</p> - -<p> -Jenson licked his lips nervously, but the sight -of Hammer under arrest seemed to give him courage. -He had a red weal across one cheek, which the -American took to be the mark of Sara Helmuth's -bullet, fired during the struggle aboard the launch. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, sir, Captain Harcourt had just stepped -ashore. I was right behind him, sir, and there -was a crowd of Arabs and natives all about for -the <i>Juba</i> had just come in, and a number of -surf-boats had come ashore from her." -</p> - -<p> -He paused, the telling of the story being plainly -distasteful to him. Commissioner Smith nodded -his head, reading one of the papers before him. -</p> - -<p> -"The captain was a little ahead of me, for I -had turned to see that a man was left in the boat. -I saw a man wearing a white burnoose step close -to Mr. Harcourt, and the next minute he had -drawn a knife, sir. -</p> - -<p> -"Before any of us knew what was happening, -he had stabbed Mr. Harcourt. The hood of his -burnoose fell off, and I recognized Mr. Hammer -there; then the captain grappled with him and -struck him. That's the mark over his eye, sir. -It was made by a heavy ring that the captain -always wore." -</p> - -<p> -Jenson was an accomplished liar, thought -Hammer grimly. Harcourt had indeed worn a -heavy seal ring. Again the man paused, licking -his lips, his face ghastly, and again the -commissioner encouraged him with a nod. -</p> - -<p> -"Go on." -</p> - -<p> -"He had the hood on again in a minute, sir, -but not before we knew who he was. As -Mr. Harcourt fell I tried to reach him, but -Mr. Hammer's knife touched my cheek, just here, -sir"—and Jenson indicated the red weal under his -eye. "Then, before we could do anything more, -he had slipped away into the crowd. That's all, -I think, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Jenson stepped back toward the door, in evident -relief that his story was done with. Except for -the two native policemen on the bench, he had -the open doorway to himself, since the lieutenant -had taken his stand behind Hammer, one hand -on his holstered revolver. -</p> - -<p> -The American eyed Jenson grimly enough, but -still in silence. The thought that was in his -mind, occurred to the commissioner at the same -instant. -</p> - -<p> -"Look here, Jenson," said Smith, looking up -for the first time, "your story agrees with the -facts as brought out by the inquiry at the time, -except that no such evidence was then given -my assistant, who made the inquiry. I'd like to -know why you and these two men, who I see gave -their testimony in German, went down to the -German Consulate at Mombasa after a week had -passed, instead of coming to me on the spot and -accusing the murderer?" -</p> - -<p> -"We were frightened, sir," returned Jenson -promptly. "Mr. Hammer threatened us a little -later on, when he found that we had recognized -him. It wouldn't have mattered so much to me, -sir, but the two men here are members of the crew, -and without their testimony mine would not have -been believed, I thought. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. Hammer threatened to kill them if they -said a word, sir. I went to the camp of Dr. Krausz, -who sent us at once to Mombasa, and then to -Zanzibar, where we produced a number of <i>askaris</i> -to guard the camp, as you know, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, and I've taken that up with Nairobi, -by Jove!" Smith seemed to wake into life suddenly. -"It's a deucedly funny affair that I have to see -German soldiers walk into my district to protect -a man! If Mombasa people hadn't agreed to it -not one of 'em would have set foot in Melindi, -and if they aren't kicked out of here inside of -two days I'll hand in my resignation. Confound -the insolence of you Germans!" -</p> - -<p> -He glared at Jenson, who cringed abjectly. -Hammer, who had only been forestalled by the -commissioner's questions in regard to the delay -in giving evidence, smiled grimly across the stuffy -little room at Jenson, and the smile seemed to -discourage the secretary entirely. Shrinking back, -he pointed at the American, his voice shrill. -</p> - -<p> -"I want you to protect me, sir! He's threatened -to kill me before now, and he carries revolvers——" -</p> - -<p> -"Did you search that man, lieutenant?" asked -Smith sharply. -</p> - -<p> -Before the officer could reply Hammer drew the -two revolvers from his pocket and laid them on -the table, still smiling. -</p> - -<p> -"Kindly observe that they are loaded," he said -contemptuously; "also that if I had desired to -make any resistance it could have been done very -easily." -</p> - -<p> -Smith cast a single glance at his officer, who bit -his lip again, for he had evidently forgotten about -searching his prisoner for weapons. -</p> - -<p> -The Commissioner forbore to make any observation, -however, being plainly highly incensed -over Jenson's action in bringing the <i>askaris</i> into his -district. -</p> - -<p> -"Look here, my man, I've a deuced good notion -to send you after those <i>askaris</i> and ship the lot of -you out of here to Mombasa! Confound it, this -isn't your bally German East Africa by a long shot, -and if you think you can carry things with a high -hand in my district, either you or I go, by Jove!" -</p> - -<p> -Jenson did not reply, save by an inarticulate -mutter, and shifted his gaze out of the open -doorway, the two seamen consistently inspecting the -boards of the floor. Smith turned to Hammer, -gathering up the papers before him as if his task -were done. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Hammer, I trust you are satisfied that -you will get justice done you? And let us hear -no more 'American citizen' talk——" -</p> - -<p> -"Is it customary here to allow an accused man -to be heard in his own defence?" broke in Hammer -quietly. He saw that he had started off badly, -and that while Smith did not care a snap about the -outcome of the case, he did care about the dignity -of his position and the brand of justice which he -was there to dispense. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm sorry if I offended you at first, Mr. Smith, -but I didn't quite understand the situation and was -naturally indignant." -</p> - -<p> -"Why—er—of course, Hammer," assented the -other, still with his air of boredom, as he prepared -to write. "Anything you may say, of course. No -deuced use, though, I'll say frankly: you're bound -to go to Nairobi for this thing——" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, then my accusers will go, too, of course?" -</p> - -<p> -"Naturally," came the dry response. "And -under the circumstances I'd advise you to change -your plea there, Hammer." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks," smiled the American. Jenson, -uneasy, was darting swift little glances at him, -but he paid no heed to the secretary. "But I'd -like to go on record as denying the whole affair, -Mr. Smith. When does the <i>Juba</i> come in, may I ask?" -</p> - -<p> -"She's due to-morrow night, and you'll go back -on her the next morning." -</p> - -<p> -Much as he disliked to show Jenson his cards, -Hammer saw that he had no other choice. He did -not want to leave on the <i>Juba</i>, and he hoped -to delay matters until the arrival of Solomon, -with Sara Helmuth. -</p> - -<p> -If only Potbelly, or Omar ibn Kasim, rather, -had understood that last signal of his! Surely -Solomon could not be so very far away by now. -</p> - -<p> -"You still deny the accusation, then?" the -commissioner was asking, with some surprise in -his tone. -</p> - -<p> -"Most certainly, sir. Not only do I deny the -charge, but through the evidence of Mr. Solomon, -Miss Helmuth, and Dr. Fargo of the <i>Juba</i>, who -stayed over here, as you are aware, to attend -Mr. Harcourt, I am prepared to prove that not -only was I unconscious at the time of the attack on -Mr. Harcourt, but that I was on board the <i>Daphne</i>. -</p> - -<p> -"If necessary, Roberts, the yacht's steward, -can be brought out from England to testify to that -fact, since he caught the first steamer home with -certain of Mr. Harcourt's personal possessions. -Furthermore, through the same evidence——" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer paused, unwilling to lay out his whole -hand as yet. The commissioner was staring at -him in blank amazement, while Jenson, more -pallid-faced than ever, was still looking nervously -out the doorway. Smith laughed as the American -stopped speaking. -</p> - -<p> -"That's a poor game, don't you know, Hammer!" -he said incredulously. "You can't produce -your witnesses, it seems, and you're making a -play for time that'll do you no good in the end. -Now——" -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly Jenson interrupted, coming a pace -forward. -</p> - -<p> -"Beg pardon, sir, but if you think it would be a -good plan I can get a launch at the wharfs and fetch -these other two witnesses of mine, sir, in time to -catch the <i>Juba</i>. Their testimony would clinch -matters, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," and Smith nodded, pursing up his lips. -"That's a good plan. Go ahead——" -</p> - -<p> -"Stop him!" cried Hammer sharply, as Jenson -sidled toward the door. He could not make out the -secretary's purpose, but it was clear that Jenson -was anxious to get away. "I charge that man with -being Mr. Harcourt's murderer——" -</p> - -<p> -"Enough, Hammer," ordered the commissioner -coldly. "Another word and you go in handcuffs. -Get your witnesses, Jenson, and be back here by -to-morrow night at latest." -</p> - -<p> -Furious, barely able to restrain himself, the -American saw Jenson flit hastily from the door, -leaving his two Germans still on the spot. -</p> - -<p> -From his position he was unable to see the street, -and five minutes had elapsed during which time -Smith was giving instructions as to the care of the -two seamen and preparing his papers, until he -ordered Hammer taken to the little corrugated -iron prison. -</p> - -<p> -He stopped the officer to order him to get John -Solomon as a witness when Hammer heard the -sentry outside halt some person. -</p> - -<p> -"See who it is, sergeant," commanded Smith -impatiently. -</p> - -<p> -The sergeant went out, but came back hurriedly. -</p> - -<p> -"Mr. John Solomon, sar." -</p> - -<p> -And a moment later the overjoyed American -saw the pudgy form of Solomon enter, with the -grinning Omar Ibn Kasim at his heels like a faithful -watchdog. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap14"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XIV -<br /><br /> -OFF AT LAST -</h3> - -<p> -"Dang it, but it be a mortal 'ot day!" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon, with his mild observation, paused to -mop his brow with a flaming red handkerchief. -Instantly offended, Smith snapped out a curt -question. -</p> - -<p> -"Your business with me, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon looked up, his blue eyes widening in -surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, dang it, if it ain't the new commissioner -as I 'aven't met yet! Werry pleased I am to meet -you, sir, and 'ere's 'oping as 'ow we'll get on well -in future, as the old gent said to the new -'ousemaid. Me name's Solomon, sir, John Solomon." -</p> - -<p> -"So I understand. Your business?" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon once more seemed surprised, then -looked around and nodded to Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, sir, I 'eard as 'ow me friend, Mr. 'Ammer, -was 'ere, so I says to meself: 'John,' says -I, 'don't refuse a 'elping 'and to a friend! 'Elping -'ands is cheap,' I says; 'but friends is werry 'ard -to find.' So 'ere I be, sir, 'oping as 'ow you'll -see fit to let Mr. 'Ammer go with me." -</p> - -<p> -"You're a very innocent person," came the -brusque reply. "Mr. Hammer is accused of murder, -and does not go <i>with</i> you." -</p> - -<p> -"Lud! Murder! And who's 'e been and murdered, -if I may make so bold, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer grinned to himself, though inwardly -worried over Jenson. Had the man seen Solomon -coming? -</p> - -<p> -"He's accused of murdering Mr. Harcourt, who -died at your house not long ago." -</p> - -<p> -"Lud! To think o' that!" Solomon fixed the -commissioner with his wide blue stare, seemingly -as harmless as a baby's, then shifted it to the -officer. "Your servant, lieutenant, sir! Mr. Smith, -might I 'ave bit o' speech with you in the -other room, sir?" -</p> - -<p> -"You may not. By the way, lieutenant, better -make sure of getting Mr. Solomon as witness in -this case I——" -</p> - -<p> -"Beggin' your pardon, sir; but if so be as you -'as the time, I'd like a bit o' speech with you in -the other room." -</p> - -<p> -Smith looked up, raging at Solomon's calm -persistency. -</p> - -<p> -"Confound your deuced insolence, sir!" he -began. "Do you think——" -</p> - -<p> -"Did you ever 'appen to 'ear, sir," and the -wide blue eyes narrowed a trifle, "as 'ow this -station come wacant? Werry unforchnit it was, -sir, for the gentleman as was 'ere before you. -Lieutenant, your servant; if so be as you'd say -a word to Mr. Smith——" -</p> - -<p> -"I really think, sir," said the police officer -dryly, "that it would be wise to grant -Mr. Solomon's request." -</p> - -<p> -Smith glared from one to the other, while -Hammer chuckled. Then, as Solomon very calmly -drew out clay pipe and plug, the commissioner -sprang to his feet and whirled into the other room. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, Solomon." -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you, sir," and as Solomon passed the -lieutenant of police, Hammer caught an almost -imperceptible wink. -</p> - -<p> -What transpired in the other room Hammer -never knew. For a long ten minutes those in -the outer room listened to the hum of voices; -then the commissioner reappeared, his face very -red indeed. -</p> - -<p> -"Lieutenant, put those two Dutchmen in cells -and keep them there," he ordered succinctly, and -sat down at his table while Solomon came out. -For another few moments he wrote rapidly, then -passed the paper to Solomon, who scrutinized it -carefully and signed. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm sorry this mistake occurred, Mr. Hammer," -and the commissioner turned to him with extended -hand, which the American grasped. "You'll have -to go to Nairobi, of course; but I've accepted -Mr. Solomon's bond for your appearance there. -By Jove! Sergeant, take two men and get down -to the wharfs; stop that fellow Jenson and bring -him up here. We'll land him for perjury, -Solomon!" -</p> - -<p> -"Werry good, sir; and if so be as all's well, -Mr. 'Ammer and I will bid you good day. We'll -be back werry shortly, I 'opes, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Once more in the free air, Hammer's first thought -was for Jenson. As he started after the sergeant -Solomon stopped him with a quiet chuckle and -pointed out to a dot at the river-mouth. -</p> - -<p> -"Too late, sir. But there ain't no 'urry, -Mr. 'Ammer. There's a mortal lot in what the Arabs -say about fate, sir; and if so be as a man's turned -to evil ways, sir, then 'e's got to run 'is course, -I says. Don't you fret, Mr. 'Ammer, we're -a-going to send that 'ound to 'ell, sir." -</p> - -<p> -To his surprise, the pudgy man led the way -to the river, with Omar trailing after them, and, as -they went, Solomon explained matters somewhat. -</p> - -<p> -When he had left with Omar, the day before, -he had missed the trail of Jenson and the <i>askaris</i>, -owing to the fact that Jenson had been fetched -back to Melindi by the police. -</p> - -<p> -The <i>askaris</i> had perforce come with him, but -had been sent on to the camp by launch, with a -native for guide. Solomon had left no word of -his whereabouts because he wanted Hammer at -the plantation house where he could find him at -a moment's notice. -</p> - -<p> -No such restrictions had been placed on the -two Afghans, however, since he was anxious to -see them. Accordingly, having found out from -the servants the direction in which Solomon had -started, they had slipped out during the night -and come to meet him. -</p> - -<p> -Not until after sending Omar to bring Hammer -did Solomon find out from a party of natives that -he was on the wrong scent, so he had promptly -turned back, to be joined by Omar and brought -to the commissioner's office in the nick of time. -</p> - -<p> -"No such thing," returned Solomon to a remark -by Hammer—"no such thing as coincidence, -Mr. 'Ammer. Just the way things work out, I say. -When the time comes to get that 'ound Jenson, -why, we'll get 'im, sir, and not till then." -</p> - -<p> -"Where's Sara Helmuth?" asked the American. -</p> - -<p> -"Right 'ere, sir," and Solomon pointed to the -wharf ahead. Then Hammer saw that his own -<i>Daphne</i> launch and another were lying ready, -filled with Arabs; in the first was seated Sara -Helmuth, who left the shade of the awning to -meet them as they came down the wharf. -</p> - -<p> -"A fair jewel, the missus is," but Solomon -lowered his tone as he went on. "I came to get -you off, sir, while she took charge o' this 'ere. -And werry well done it is, sir! Off we goes after -Jenson." -</p> - -<p> -Few words passed between Hammer and the -girl, to whom the story was told as they chugged -out into the lines of surf and headed to the north. -Quiet and self-contained as always, she had brought -down the men and provisioned the launches while -Solomon had gone on to the commissioner's. -</p> - -<p> -With the three of them beneath the awning -sat the two Afghans, who greeted Hammer with -grave dignity, while Omar had taken command of -the other launch. -</p> - -<p> -In all, there were some fifteen Arabs in both -craft—and after leaving Melindi behind, fifteen -very excellent Winchester rifles mysteriously -appeared, with all the appurtenances belonging -thereto. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer suddenly appreciated the fact that -these men were very different from the chattering -natives, and were apt to be dangerous. When -Solomon explained that his plan was to land -Sara Helmuth and five men a mile this side of -the ruins that they might join the Arabs behind -the doctor's party, while he and Hammer would -go straight for the camp with the other ten, the -American voiced his thoughts. -</p> - -<p> -"All very well, John; but wait a minute. Those -two Germans back there at Melindi were the same -two I kicked off the yacht. Jenson found them -and didn't have much trouble persuading them -to swear to his lies, evidently. But that only -goes to show what a hold he and Krausz have on -their men. There are eight <i>askaris</i> and six seamen -up at the ruins now—fourteen in all, with Krausz -and Jenson. -</p> - -<p> -"I'm not afraid of being outnumbered, since -we've got it all over them there; but I am afraid -of a general row, and no mistake. If we get into -a shooting scrape and half a dozen men get laid -out, these Britishers will give it to us hot and -heavy for going after Jenson on our own hook, -to say nothing of the danger to Sara——" -</p> - -<p> -"One minute, Mr. 'Ammer, sir. I'm werry -strong wi' the governor, sir, and the government -generally, so to speak, so I wouldn't worry none -about a-shooting of all fourteen o' them 'ere men, -wi' the doctor into the bargain, sir." -</p> - -<p> -"Mind, I don't say to 'unt any such mess, -Mr. 'Ammer; but if it comes—why, I says to -meet it half-way. This 'ere's a partnership deal, -sir—you for Jenson and me for the doctor; but -so be as 'e gets out peaceable, why, let 'im go. -What be you a-going to do wi' this Jenson?" -</p> - -<p> -"Take him back to the <i>Daphne</i> and string him -up, and explain to the authorities afterward," -announced Hammer. "I'd have brought the -engine-room crew if I'd known we were to go after -Krausz hammer and tongs, like this. If Jenson -resists, I'll shoot him." -</p> - -<p> -To which intention Sara Helmuth made no -objection whatsoever. -</p> - -<p> -Now for the first time Solomon had a chance -to interview his Afghans, for they had all been -too worn out the night before to have any talk. -The result of their mission, which Yar Hussein -announced with no little pride, was embodied -in the little sheepskin packet he had carried. -</p> - -<p> -This, being opened, proved to contain some very -well-copied plans which Akhbar Khan had located -among the archives—though he did not say where -or how. He was the locater and Yar Hussein -the draftsman, it seemed, and the work had been -copied line for line and word for word, even to -the early seventeenth-century Portuguese text. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon held them in his lap, Sara Helmuth -and Hammer leaning over his shoulders as they -inspected the plans and he explained them. The -first was a rude map of the coast, which clearly -showed the location of the fort and storehouses and -barracoons; when erected, the latter buildings had -been well defended by the position of the fort -itself, though the coast seemed to have changed -greatly. -</p> - -<p> -There were three others showing the Melindi—spelled -"Maleenda"—buildings, which Solomon -tossed aside, but at the fifth and last he uttered -a grunt of satisfaction. This, to Hammer's surprise, -was labelled Fort San Joao. -</p> - -<p> -"That 'ere was its first name," explained -Solomon knowingly. "Accordin' to them papers -o' Professor 'Elmuth's, it was changed to Fort -St. Thomas after its destruction. You see, sir -and miss, some o' them 'ere relics belonged to -Saint Thomas—Didymus, I doubt it was—and -as they was never dug up again the name just -stuck to the place, so to speak. This 'ere'd be -the place for Jenson, Mr. 'Ammer," and he chuckled -again as he laid his finger on one of the squares -in the corner of the plan. -</p> - -<p> -As Solomon had told them before, the fort -was merely a group of buildings with a wall around, -much as were the barracoons and warehouses for -less valuable goods. The corner to which he pointed -was that farthest away from shore, and seemed -to be separated from the fort proper by the angle -of the corner bastion. -</p> - -<p> -"Why?" asked the girl. "What was that, John?" -</p> - -<p> -"This 'ere, miss, was a little room set above -the ground, according to the plan. It was a -prison—them Portuguese were main cruel, which was -why they didn't last—and under this 'ere room -was a stone pit full o' puff-adders." -</p> - -<p> -Solomon went on to say that he had not seen -this room when there before, as there was too -much jungle to inspect the place closely; but -the text, with the plans, explained its purpose -fully. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, it was not until a native king had -perished in this snake-pit that the place was finally -attacked and razed, with the help of the fleet -from Muscat which had already taken Port Jesus, -or Mombasa. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly, Hammer recollected Omar's wild -tales about monkeys throwing skulls at him and -pits full of snakes, and related what he could of -the man's story. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon nodded gravely, saying that there -might still be snakes there, though the monkeys -were probably imagination, and fully reassured -Sara Helmuth that she would be in no danger -through joining his Arabs and making camp in -the ruins; and, in any case, puff-adders would -hardly be encountered outside the pit. -</p> - -<p> -Upon which, with the air of a man who has -played his part exceeding well, Solomon stated -that he was in need of rest and would take a nap -until the run was finished. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer had seen no sign of Jenson's launch -ahead, for he had no glasses, and the secretary -had obtained a good start. When Solomon had -curled up on the bottom beneath the thwarts -the American sat beside Sara Helmuth in the -stern, as they had sat on that eventful night that -seemed ages ago, when Baumgardner had paid for -treachery with his life. -</p> - -<p> -"Talk about Arabian Nights," laughed Hammer -grimly, glancing back at Omar's launch in their -wake, "I guess this is the limit, Sara! I've half -a notion to use that snake-pit on Jenson after——" -</p> - -<p> -"Don't, please!" She shivered despite the heat, -then met his gaze and smiled. "I know you didn't -mean it, Hammer, but it sounded anything but -nice. Now tell me—I have been thinking about -something during the past few days, and I wonder -if—if this man Jenson could have had anything -to do with my father's death?" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer stared at her, trouble in his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know. The man is a regular viper; -but though it has occurred to me, also, I rather -fancy that he's not guilty of that, Sara. You -see, he's hardly the sort of man who commits -murder except when he's panic-stricken—a cornered -rat, exactly, even to his face. He murdered -Mohammed Bari in the hope of getting away -from me, and he murdered Harcourt in blind -panic, thinking he was discovered." -</p> - -<p> -The girl looked pensive, and said: -</p> - -<p> -"I'm glad you think that, Hammer; because, -while I'm afraid I hate the man as much as you -do, if I thought he had injured father in any way, -I don't know just what I would do. No, I think -you're right. He started out by lying about that -horrible murder on board your yacht, didn't he? -And he just got in deeper and deeper through his -desperate efforts to get out until——" -</p> - -<p> -"Until he's in too deep to ever get out now," -concluded Hammer. "Shouldn't wonder if John's -right in his doctrine of Kismet. Jenson's whole -life, little and mean and full of lies, has been -leading him up to this very point, it would seem. -He hasn't met his punishment yet, but it's mighty -close, seems to me." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes. But isn't that always the way, Hammer? -Isn't a man's life, and a woman's, always slowly -leading up to some great moment? It has always -seemed to me like a mosaic, in which every little -action fits like a stone—insignificant in itself, and -yet giving its tiny detail to the making of the -whole, until the great moment of highest power or -highest failure comes. -</p> - -<p> -"It may not be very high, but I think it comes -to everyone, banker or grocer's clerk, and whether -it is power or failure depends largely on the structure -of the mosaic. How do you like my philosophy?" -</p> - -<p> -"I'm afraid it's very true," returned Hammer -slowly, his voice low, his eyes gazing straight -over the bow of the launch. Something in his -tone struck the girl, for the underlying earnestness in -her own voice crept into her eyes as she watched him. -</p> - -<p> -The American's thoughts were not pleasant. -It came to him that this argument of hers was -indeed very sound, and he quailed before it. -Jenson's whole life had been leading up to his -greatest villainy; his own entire life had been -leading up to—what? So with other men he knew, -and women. -</p> - -<p> -So with his own wife—her life a tissue of trifles, -of petty vanities and unworthy ambitions, until -it had culminated in finding a man after her own -stamp, and her preferment of him to her husband. -</p> - -<p> -Little things, all of them, yet when united all -led irrevocably to some great valley of decision. -Why, this serious-eyed girl had hit to the very -heart of things! -</p> - -<p> -So, never looking at her, he told her his story. -</p> - -<p> -She listened, half-fascinated by the virility of -him, half-awed by the fact that she had pierced -to his soul unthinkingly. She watched the -fine-lined face, whose rare smiles swept away its -harshness; the clear eyes that frowned into the blaze -of afternoon sun; the firm, almost too firm, mouth -and chin and nose. -</p> - -<p> -And as she watched, harkening to his low words, -the faintest trace of a smile touched her lips, -though in her eyes there was only a great compassion. -</p> - -<p> -"So, you see, you hit near home, Sara," he -concluded. "What my great moment will be there -is no telling; but if it were to come soon I would -be afraid—yes, afraid to meet it, I think. Harcourt -met his great moment with a clean heart, like -the splendid man he was; but my little moments -have not been so good, so open to all the world, -so fearless and honest as his." -</p> - -<p> -She was silent an instant; then, "But they -have been strong, Hammer! And better a devil -than a fool! No; when that great moment of -yours arrives I think it will be one of power, not -of failure; I would like to see what happens when -it does come." -</p> - -<p> -A sudden blaze outbroke in the man, and he -turned; but the words on his lips were interrupted. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ere! 'Ere! Dang it, you've been and passed -the place!" -</p> - -<p> -Startled, he looked around to see Solomon -awakened and hastily gaining his feet. It seemed -that Hammer had passed the intended landing-place -of Sara Helmuth by a good half-mile, very -nearly reaching that of himself and Solomon, in -fact; for, looking ahead, he could see a launch -anchored and rocking lazily to the swells, while -on the shore was the deserted boat. -</p> - -<p> -He swept his launch around, bidding Omar -shut oft power and wait where he was. As they -had no boat, Solomon went into the bow and -conned the shoal-water until, at his cry, Hammer -shut off the engine. -</p> - -<p> -A swift order sent five of the men over the side, -up to their knees in water; and these took up Sara -Helmuth and carried her to shore, where all -vanished amid the trees a moment later, after -a last wave of the hand. -</p> - -<p> -"All right, Mr. 'Ammer!" cried Solomon, -relaxing. "They'll be in camp in an hour, God -willing." -</p> - -<p> -"And in less than that time we'll either have -our friend Jenson ready for the rope, or else we'll -have a sweet scrap on our hands," added the -American. But he was now thankful to John Solomon, -for that sudden awakening had saved him from -words which he might have sorely regretted. -</p> - -<p> -Five minutes later the launch was at anchor, -and Hammer, lowering himself from the arms -of his bearers, saw the path to the ruins directly -ahead of him. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap15"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XV -<br /><br /> -DR. KRAUSZ PROVES OBSTINATE -</h3> - -<p> -Hammer was by no means certain as to the -attitude of Dr. Sigurd Krausz, and he was very -certain indeed as to the attitude of the British -East African officials. He knew that if he played -a waiting game for a day or so, District Commissioner -Smith would see to it that the scientist's -force was disrupted and the <i>askaris</i> transported -home, and his recent elbow-brush with the law -had shown him very vividly that men do not -die in East Africa without investigations, and -reasonably thorough ones at that. -</p> - -<p> -Wherefore, with the flame of vengeance no whit -undimmed, but burning in the lamp of caution, -he waited for Solomon to land the rest of the Arabs -and the two Afghans, who had also been given -rifles. -</p> - -<p> -"Going to take the men up with us, John? -It might be wiser not to make any display of arms -until we see what Krausz intends to do." -</p> - -<p> -Solomon nodded, and spoke in Arabic: -</p> - -<p> -"Keep the men here, Omar. We'll be back -before sunset." -</p> - -<p> -"And if you do not come, <i>effendi</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"Then see that no one from the other party -reaches their boats, but do not fire the first shot. -If there is a fight, your task will be to cut them -off from escape." -</p> - -<p> -Mopping his streaming brow—for there was -not a breath of wind—Solomon turned to the -American. -</p> - -<p> -"If so be as you're ready, sir? It don't seem -as 'ow there'd be any trouble, Mr. 'Ammer; so -we'll not take any arms, if it's the same to you, -sir. Guns is all werry well in their place, I says; -but if men wasn't so danged anxious to be carryin' -of 'em there wouldn't be so many cartridges -wasted, says I. So we'll go gentle like and meet -the doctor 'alf-way, so to speak." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer handed back the rifle he had taken from -Yar Hussein, and nodded. Knowing the path up -to the ruins, he plunged into the opening; but -Solomon insisted on going ahead, fearing that -Jenson might be lying in wait and might go crazed -with fear again at sight of the American. -</p> - -<p> -The latter laughed, and gave way, and he was -surprised at the agility with which Solomon -clambered along, for the pudgy little man gave -no great evidence of bodily activity to a casual -eye. Remembering the episode of Hans Schlak, -however, Hammer decided to suspend judgement. -He had already found John Solomon highly -surprising in more ways than one. -</p> - -<p> -Though he watched the jungle keenly as they -proceeded, he could detect no sign of danger. But -surely Jenson must have known that he would be -followed, and Krausz would not be fool enough -to put out no sentries! -</p> - -<p> -Nor was he, as the American found out soon -enough. They had covered perhaps half the trail, -and had just crossed an open space amid the -bamboo thickets, when Solomon, four yards ahead -of Hammer, vanished around an abrupt turn in -the trail. -</p> - -<p> -The American pushed hastily after him, and -upon rounding the same bend was brought up in -startling fashion. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon had halted, and directly in front of -him Hammer saw Dr. Krausz calmly seated on -a camp-stool, with that murderous, double-barrelled -shot-gun of his covering the approach. -So, then, their launch had been seen! Behind -the doctor stood two gigantic Masai <i>askaris</i>, their -black faces stolid. -</p> - -<p> -For a moment, Krausz looked at the two men -before him, his heavy face impassive, but that -ribbon of muscle beating, beating, beating -endlessly on his brow. He was perfectly sober, the -American was glad to note, though none the less -dangerous on that account; and when at last -he broke the silence his voice was impassive as -his face, as though he were exercising a great -restraint upon himself. -</p> - -<p> -"So you have come back, Mr. Hammer! And -what are you doing in this man's company, -Mr. Solomon—you who used to work for Professor -Helmuth, yess?" -</p> - -<p> -In his last words contempt flashed out, but -Solomon's eyes only opened a trifle wider as he -met the sullen, menacing gaze of Krausz. By -tacit consent Hammer allowed his companion to -do the talking. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's answer was characteristic, however. -Before replying, he put a hand inside his coat, -paying no heed to the swift movement of the doctor's -shot-gun, and drew out his red, morocco-bound -notebook. Then, wetting his thumb, he opened -it and shuffled over the leaves until he found the -place desired. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, 'ere it be, all ship-shape and proper!" He -held it out, and Krausz took it, but without -relaxing his vigilance. At a word from him the -two Masai brought up their rifles while he glanced -down at the notebook. -</p> - -<p> -"Werry sorry I am, Dr. Krausz, sir," went on -the little man apologetically, "for to bring this -'ere account to your notice, but you asked a -question, sir, and so I answers according. If -a man can't tell 'is business honest like, I says, -why, 'e ain't no business 'aving any business, -says I. If you'll just turn over the page, sir, -I made so bold as to set down Mr. 'Ammer's -account wi' Jenson, keepin' same separate <i>and</i> -distinct from the account o' Solomon and 'Elmuth." -</p> - -<p> -But Krausz was paying no heed to the words. -As he read, his heavy jaw snapped shut, and a -dark flush rose slowly to his brow, where the -muscle was pulsating terribly. -</p> - -<p> -Deeper and deeper grew the flush, though he -forced himself to turn over the page and read to -the end; then, with a swift movement, he dashed -the notebook down and sprang up with fists -extending and shaking, the shot-gun slipping -unheeded to the ground. -</p> - -<p> -"Swine!" he roared, furious almost beyond -control. "Swine!" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer prepared for anything as Krausz -advanced, for one blow from the big man would -put him or Solomon in hospital. The latter, -however, only gave Krausz a reproachful glance -and bent over to pick up the notebook, without -heeding the great fists which waved about his -head. The action seemed to both puzzle and calm -the infuriated archaeologist. -</p> - -<p> -"It iss foolishness!" he foamed, yet looked -curiously at Solomon. "Thiss Professor Helmuth, -she iss crazy, no?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir," retorted Solomon simply; "no more'n -I be, sir. You see, doctor, I was in partnership -with 'er father, in a manner o' speakin', and 'e -wrote me a letter before 'e went and died, 'e -did." -</p> - -<p> -"What?" Krausz controlled himself, swept the -brutishness out of his face, and concentrated his -keen energies on John Solomon's personality. -"You were my supercargo, yess? Then you were -a spy, also!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir, so to speak. I——" -</p> - -<p> -Krausz interrupted with a brusk gesture as he -turned his broad back. -</p> - -<p> -"Come." -</p> - -<p> -Solomon and Hammer followed him, the two -<i>askaris</i> falling in behind. Hammer was not at -all convinced that Krausz did not intend treachery, -but there was no help for it, and he followed, -wondering if Sara Helmuth had by this time joined -forces with Solomon's Arabs behind the camp. -</p> - -<p> -He could not know what was in Krausz's mind, -or if the scientist had by this time heard of -Harcourt's death. It was possible, indeed, that -Jenson had carried his trickery through to the -extent of deceiving his master, though Krausz -was not a man to be easily deceived. -</p> - -<p> -Now the camp hove in sight ahead, and to his -surprise Hammer saw that work on the ruins -had been abandoned. More, the hastily-constructed -huts of the natives seemed deserted, while -the sailor-overseers were sitting idly beneath a -large tree. -</p> - -<p> -But, on the hill-top above, he could see an -<i>askari</i> standing sentinel, while five more were -scattered about the camp. Of Jenson there was -no sign, and Hammer guessed rightly enough -that the secretary was inside the doctor's tent. -</p> - -<p> -"This is great state in which to receive poor -wayfarers," said Hammer dryly. "Ready for our -ultimatum, doctor?" -</p> - -<p> -The other strode on without answering, curtly -bade them wait, disappeared within his own -tent, and emerged a moment later with one of -his black panatelas smoking mightily. -</p> - -<p> -Already irritated by the manner of their reception, -the American suddenly found himself furiously -angry, and flung off the hand of the ever-watchful -Solomon without ceremony. -</p> - -<p> -"No, you've said your say, John, and got -nothing for it. I'll talk to this brute and show -him that we mean business." -</p> - -<p> -With which he strode up to Krausz grimly and -delivered his "ultimatum" without any -preliminaries. -</p> - -<p> -"You mind your eye, Krausz! You're here -after stealing a girl's property and trying to bluff -her with threats, but I'm not calling you to account -for that. You're shielding a murderer here, and -I want him. You tried to shelter him once before -and got what was coming to you, but you hand -over Jenson now or you'll learn what's what in a -very different way." -</p> - -<p> -"Who hass he murdered?" The other eyed him, -puffing calmly. -</p> - -<p> -"Captain Harcourt, and I guess you know it!" -</p> - -<p> -"And," Solomon came forward with something -in his manner that was almost boldness, surprising -Hammer greatly, "I'd like to say, doctor, as 'ow -you'd better move out of 'ere werry quick, like. -A man as'll steal from a lady, I says, ain't to -be trusted nohow. It's 'uman nature to steal, -I says, but——" -</p> - -<p> -"Be quiet!" broke out Krausz, losing his calm. -"How iss thiss? You say that Jenson killed -Mr. Harcourt? That iss a lie! A damnable lie!" He -glared at them, overlooking entirely the charges -of Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, do something," suggested the American -challengingly. "Hand him over or refuse, one of -the two." -</p> - -<p> -"Wait," and Krausz pointed to the tent of -Sara Helmuth. "Go in there, both of you, and -in the morning——" -</p> - -<p> -"Not on your life," and Hammer took a step -forward threateningly. "You make up your mind -right here and now, Krausz. I don't give a -whoop which you do—all I want to know is——" -</p> - -<p> -"Go," repeated the other, displaying no other -emotion than the pulsating ribbon of muscle. "Go, -or my <i>askaris</i> take their whips to you, and shoot -if you refuse, yess! Now go." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer, breathing hard, saw an <i>askari</i> approach, -trailing the long lash of a rhinoceros-hide whip -behind him, two others standing with rifles ready. -</p> - -<p> -"Then you will give us your decision in the -morning, doctor?" asked Solomon rather humbly. -Krausz flung him a swift look of contempt. -</p> - -<p> -"Yess, to you and Mr. Hammer both. Go!" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon turned and went. Hammer hesitated, -but seeing that they were practically prisoners, -turned and followed. -</p> - -<p> -At anyrate, thought the angry American, the -enemy had taken the offensive and had only -himself to blame for what followed. -</p> - -<p> -An escape that night, or a signal to the Arabs, -who were, no doubt, aware of what was forward, -and Krausz would find himself up against something -solid. -</p> - -<p> -But Solomon had no intention of either escaping -or signalling, as he flatly stated when Hammer -had exhausted his arguments. The other, sucking -his clay pipe, accepted the situation very -complacently. -</p> - -<p> -"What better could we 'ave asked, Mr. 'Ammer? -''Ere,' says 'e, 'I'll give you me answer in the -morning.' 'Werry good,' says I. 'E can't get away, -nor can Jenson. Nor, for the matter o' that, -can we; but 'e thinks as 'ow our men are down -by the shore and 'e don't know about them as -Miss 'Elmuth 'as. It wasn't worry as made -Methusalum live longer'n most men, sir, as the -Good Book says." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer grunted, but knowing the hopelessness -of trying to shake Solomon's conviction, said no -more. His eagerness to get hold of the man was -accentuated a thousandfold by Jenson's nearness, -yet he could see that there was some reason in -Solomon's argument. -</p> - -<p> -Also, two <i>askaris</i> brought in their supper before -long, and since they were to eat alone, Hammer -pitched in and made a good meal, feeling more -comfortable over a pipe afterward. -</p> - -<p> -In any case, they had Krausz on the hip, what -with the men watching the boats and the second -party in the ruins of the real fort. -</p> - -<p> -For that matter, he need not be made to move; -they could settle down and dig up the treasure, -as Solomon had hinted, without the Germans -knowing anything at all about it. -</p> - -<p> -What Hammer did not know was that the reading -of that notebook and Solomon's words about -stealing from a lady had sent a desperate and -terrible fear through the big Saxon. -</p> - -<p> -It was not the fear of bodily ill, but it was the -fear of the scientist who sees that thing for which -he has worked and planned and bartered his soul -suddenly about to be snatched from him. -</p> - -<p> -It is a bad fear to have place in a man's heart, -but worse when that man is able and determined -and when he has staked much upon the issue. -</p> - -<p> -"What's become of the natives?" asked Hammer -when they were about to turn in. "Krausz had -about two hundred of 'em the last time I was -here." -</p> - -<p> -Solomon chuckled. "I sent 'em word to be -gone 'ome, sir. They worship some kind o' snake -god 'ereabouts, Mr. 'Ammer, so I sent 'em a -quiet 'int that the doctor 'e was a-goin' to sacrifice -some of 'em. That settled it." -</p> - -<p> -"Snake god?" repeated the American thoughtfully. -"Anything to do with that den of snakes -we were talking about?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not as I knows on, sir. To be downright -frank, it's some years since I've been and lived -'ere, sir, and I ain't kept in touch rightly wi' -things. 'Owsoever, it may be, though I 'as me -doubts." -</p> - -<p> -"Snakes don't live without food," retorted -Hammer. "They might have a sort of voodoo -business along here, which would explain their -snake god and also why the snakes had kept -alive—for I guess Omar ibn Kasim was telling the -truth after all, in part." -</p> - -<p> -Leaving to the morning the question whether -they were to be hostages or captives or free men, -Hammer slept the sleep of the just that night. -They were wakened to receive an early breakfast, -which was soon followed by the intimation that -"Bwana Krausz" wished to see them in the other -tent. Solomon nodded, but stopped Hammer -as the latter was preparing to follow the Masai. -</p> - -<p> -"Just a minute, sir. It strikes me that you -'ave a way to make 'im give up Jenson, if so be -as 'e refuses, Mr. 'Ammer." -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? How's that?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, 'e don't know about the real fort, and -no more 'e don't know as Jenson 'as 'fessed up -to Miss 'Elmuth about them there papers 'e stole -from 'er father. Jenson 'asn't been and told 'im, -you can lay to that, sir! 'E'll be fair mad when -'e finds it out." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, if it comes to that, we'll make him give -in," returned the American slowly. "But I don't -fancy the method, John, and that's a fact. I'm -sore at that big Dutchman for his general conduct, -and I'd like to make him crawl without using -any such side-issues. But we'll see what turns -up; it's certainly a good card to hold." -</p> - -<p> -They found Krausz seated at the table in his -own tent, two <i>askaris</i> at the door, and two more -of the seamen within call. At one side sat Jenson, -who was very plainly possessed by one of his -cowardly fits, and who contented himself with -darting a venomous glance at the two as they -entered. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz motioned Solomon to one side and -transfixed Hammer with a baleful stare, at which -the American grew angry instantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" he rasped out, "what have you to say?" -</p> - -<p> -"Thiss, my friend. I have found out who killed -Mr. Harcourt. He wass a good man, and a good -captain, and I am sorry. Adolf did not kill him, -but you did, and for that you shall hang by the -neck, yess. Ass for taking Adolf away, that iss -foolishness. Adolf shall take you, yess." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer collected himself, for he had -half-expected such a counter accusation from the -secretary, who was desperately endeavouring to -weave such a network of lies about the death of -Harcourt that he might be able ultimately to -wriggle out through some loophole. Angry as the -American was, he laughed shortly. -</p> - -<p> -"Suit yourself, Krausz. Adolf never goes away -from here except in irons, though. So, now that -you've settled me so neatly, what about Mr. Solomon?" -</p> - -<p> -Krausz turned to Solomon, who looked very -wide-eyed at him. -</p> - -<p> -"As for you, Mr. Solomon, I do not like people -with notebooks, no. You also are a very big liar, -and to a bad end you will come. I might prosecute -you for blackmail, but no. Out you shall go, but -do not think you can——" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Bwana</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -A sudden disturbance arose outside, followed by -a shout in German. One of the seamen entered and -made a hurried speech in that language, to which -the doctor nodded, looking slightly surprised. The -man hurried out again. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! I thought we saw you land Miss Helmuth -yesterday, yess!" He beamed on the American, -caressing the thin cigar in his mouth, and his face -was cruel. "Also I thought she would not stay out -in the jungle long, for here she iss!" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer started. Was Sara really coming, -then? She or Omar must have seen that he and -Solomon were prisoners, of course, but it was a mad -thing to come in and throw away their best chance -of rescue! -</p> - -<p> -He flung a despairing glance at Solomon, which -fetched a chuckle from Krausz, but Solomon merely -stared like a surprised baby and kept silence. -</p> - -<p> -Of course the girl would lead out her men and -make what show of force she could, thought -Hammer, edging around to get a view of the ground -immediately outside the tent. -</p> - -<p> -With fifteen men here, and ten more under -Omar against his fourteen, even the stubborn -Saxon must see that he was outnumbered. An -instant later the American felt dismay tugging at -his heart. -</p> - -<p> -For Sara Helmuth came in alone, with neither -Afghan nor Arab behind her, but with an <i>askaris</i> -and a seaman conducting her. With a glance at -Hammer and Solomon she walked up to Krausz, -who doffed his sun-helmet for a wonder, and opened -fire. -</p> - -<p> -"What does this mean, doctor? Are my friends -your prisoners?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not at all, dear lady," he beamed, putting -forward a camp-chair, which she ignored. "Thiss -Mr. Hammer iss a murderer, and later on Adolf -takes him back to justice, yess! Thiss Mr. Solomon -is an impudent little fat man, who gets turned out -in the jungle to starve—but away from hiss men, -yess, away from hiss men. Not on the seaward side, -you understand!" -</p> - -<p> -He smirked knowingly, and the anger in the -girl flashed out. -</p> - -<p> -"You scoundrel! For a man of your position -to stoop so low as to steal and lie! Oh, I know -the whole story now! You stole those papers -from my father, your friend, as he was dying; -but you didn't steal them all, Dr. Sigurd Krausz! -Poor fool of a thief that you are, not even to know -a fort from a slave barracoon—and yet you call -yourself an archaeologist! Why, you don't even -know what the treasure is yet, the best part of it, nor -where it is, nor where the real fort is! And you -never will know. Now, either send Mr. Hammer -and Mr. Solomon safely out with me, or I'll——" -</p> - -<p> -"Beggin' your pardon, miss, but if so be as I -could smoke it'd be a mortal help!" -</p> - -<p> -The words were a desperate effort on the part of -Solomon to save the situation. So rapidly had the -furious girl poured out her denunciation that before -Hammer realized what she was saying, before any -one could intervene, she had given away the -secret. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon's words, however, and the look that he -flashed her, saved her from letting Krausz know -any more. It was all-important that he should not -know that they had men in the jungle ready to -spring at his throat. -</p> - -<p> -As she realized what she had said she went deadly -pale; but there was no wavering in her eyes, and -Hammer, dismayed though he was, could not but -approve her for it. Krausz, too, caught the meaning -of her words, but more slowly. -</p> - -<p> -As he grasped their import his face changed from -red to white, and a snarl came into his eyes; then -he sank into his camp-chair, gazing steadily at her -as he forced himself into control and tried to read -meaning into her words. -</p> - -<p> -"You know the whole story now—so! And -they were not all stolen, yess? But what iss -thiss—that I do not know a fort from a slave -barracoon—<i>Himmel</i>! That iss why we found nothing! And, -<i>fräulein</i>, you know all these things, yess?" -</p> - -<p> -"I do, and you shall not know them." -</p> - -<p> -"Listen, <i>fräulein</i>!" He leaned forward, sweat -dripping from his face, and earnestness in every -feature, while the ribbon of muscle on his brow -pounded furiously. -</p> - -<p> -"You know thiss, and I do not, <i>hein</i>? What will -you take that you shall tell me? It iss nothing to -you, it iss everything to me!" -</p> - -<p> -"Tell you?" And the scorn in her voice lashed -him like a whip. "Thief and liar that you are! -Tell you? I would sooner tell that man Jenson -there than you!" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, yess! Jenson!" Still he gazed at her, -fighting himself hard. "I have made a mistake, -then? Thiss iss not the fort, but I knew that much -already, <i>fräulein</i>! And this Mr. Hammer iss your -friend—<i>Ach, mein Gott</i>! It wass you who told about -the papers, Jenson!" -</p> - -<p> -The big Saxon whirled in his chair, his hand -shot out, and Jenson, clutched by the shoulder, -was dragged bodily over the table into the group. -The fellow was too frightened even to whimper, -and the blaze in the eyes of Krausz seemed to -paralyse him. -</p> - -<p> -"So, it wass you who told, while you were -away! You told, swine! Listen, <i>fräulein</i>! Tell -me what you know, and we shall be partners, -yess! Tell me, and this Mr. Hammer he shall -take Adolf with him! Perhaps it wass Adolf who -killed Captain Harcourt, after——" -</p> - -<p> -Quick as Jenson was, the scientist was quicker, -his foot shooting out with the swiftness of light. -Hammer fancied that Jenson's wrist was broken -by the kick, for he screamed once, horribly, even -before the knife fell to the ground. Krausz flung -him to the seamen with an order in German, and a -moment later Hammer was seized and his hands -bound before he could resist. -</p> - -<p> -The incident aroused all the brute in Krausz -and he stood glaring around for a moment, Sara -Helmuth instinctively shrinking before him. -</p> - -<p> -"You, <i>fräulein</i>, you know me! Yess, the -papers were stolen, but I did not come to the right -place? Then you shall tell me where that place -it iss. -</p> - -<p> -"I will not," came her firm answer. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz turned and snapped out an order in -German, pointing to Hammer. The American -saw one of the sailors snatch the rhinoceros-hide -whip from the <i>askari</i>, but the girl's face had -gone white. -</p> - -<p> -"Stop!" she almost screamed. "I'll tell—I'll -take you there; but not that!" -</p> - -<p> -"Good," grunted the Saxon, watching her -malevolently. Jenson, bound and writhing -impotently, was laid on the ground, and he took -the whip from the seaman. -</p> - -<p> -"Get up, Jenson." A stroke of the whip and -Jenson rose; what with the whip and his arm, -the man was in agony, and Hammer almost pitied -him. -</p> - -<p> -A few orders from Krausz, and Solomon was -bidden go where he willed—on the landward side -of camp; two <i>askaris</i> forced Jenson and Hammer -along, two more followed, and with Krausz and -Sara Helmuth walking side by side the party -proceeded up the hill toward the jungle and the -ruins beyond, while John Solomon looked after -them for an instant and then incontinently took -to his heels. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap16"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XVI -<br /><br /> -THE PLACE OF SKULLS -</h3> - -<p> -Cyrus Hammer, as he was forced along beside -Jenson, was aware that the crisis had come in -the twinkling of an eye and that he had proven -wanting. Sara Helmuth had met it in his -place—and Krausz had proven victor. -</p> - -<p> -On the surface, at least. But, as he heard -Sara Helmuth telling the scientist the tale of the -real fort, Hammer smiled to himself. She might -reveal the secret of the fort and treasure and all -else—for Krausz had done the very thing which -Hammer had never for an instant dreamed that -he would do in releasing John Solomon. -</p> - -<p> -The American recollected that, to Krausz, -Solomon was no more than a mere pudgy little -man who had shoved himself into the affairs of -others, and for whom a day of wandering in the -jungle would be veritable torture. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz had woven his own net, for the only -man there able to warn him against Solomon was -Jenson, and from Jenson he would receive no -warning. Moreover, Hammer saw that vengeance -was like to be taken from his hands, since Jenson's -punishment was slowly but surely drawing in upon -him. -</p> - -<p> -His exultation did not last long, however. He -soon saw that, short of a murderous volley which -would cut down all four <i>askaris</i> and Krausz with -them, Solomon could not do much to help them -just at present. -</p> - -<p> -The girl was telling Krausz of the treasure now -as they stood among the trenches on the hill, -where tools lay flung about as the natives had -deserted them. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz had done a good deal, thought Hammer; -in that week he had found out for himself that -he was on a false scent—and that despite Solomon's -prediction to the contrary. -</p> - -<p> -Behind them the camp lay quiet, smoke curling -up from the fires, the seamen and the four remaining -<i>askaris</i> looking after the party. In front stretched -the jungle, deep green and yellow tangles of vines -and trees and bamboos. The girl turned to -Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know just how to get in there, -Hammer?" she said wearily. "I've promised to -guide the doctor there, and——" -</p> - -<p> -He saw that she was trying not to betray the -secret of the camp from which she had come, but -with Solomon gone to his men, as he plainly was, -there was naught to be feared. -</p> - -<p> -"Lead us by the path you came," he reassured -her, Krausz paying no heed, but searching the -jungle with eager eyes. "The ruins ought to be -straight back from these, about two hundred yards -or so." -</p> - -<p> -She caught the meaning of his words and his -quick smile and, with an answering flash in her eyes, -turned back to Krausz, who still bore the whip -taken from the <i>askari</i>. Though he carried no -gun, Hammer caught a bulge in the coat-pocket -of the big Saxon and knew that he was not unarmed. -</p> - -<p> -Now, without further hesitation, Sara Helmuth -led the way across the half-trenched lines of ruins. -The American saw that when she had come to -the camp that morning out of the jungle-hid fort -it had been with little fear of such a result as -this. -</p> - -<p> -Perhaps trusting in John Solomon or himself, -perhaps determined, if necessary, to force the -doctor's hand by threat of exposure—any one of -a hundred reasons flashed through Hammer's -mind; but the central thought was that she had -borne herself far better than had he. -</p> - -<p> -Bound, helpless, marched at the side of the -staggering, moaning Jenson, he found himself -forced into a narrow path, and the jungle closed -around them. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz was not careless, however. Finding -that the path was actually walled in by trees, -bamboos, and creepers, and doubtless suspicious -at seeing it recently cleared, he sent an <i>askari</i> -ahead, then Sara Helmuth, and followed himself, -with another <i>askari</i> behind, his long whip ready -for action, and ordered Hammer and his guard -immediately behind, while Jenson and the fourth -Masai brought up the rear. -</p> - -<p> -Barely had they got well in shelter of the jungle -than Hammer, with Jenson's moans coming from -behind like the inarticulate cries of a trapped -beast, felt the hand of his guard fumbling with -the cords that bound his wrists. -</p> - -<p> -He half-turned in surprise, when a hand on -his shoulder pressed him about again; with the -fingers of his other hand the Masai tapped gently -on the little silver ring Hammer still wore, and -the latter understood. -</p> - -<p> -This Masai fighting man, brought by Jenson -from Zanzibar to defend Krausz, with the German -eagle on tunic and fez, had recognized the sign -of John Solomon, and had made answer to it! -</p> - -<p> -Almost as the unbelievable thought found its -way into his brain he felt that his bonds were -loosened; a warning hand pressed his wrist again, -and was gone. He comprehended that for the -present he was not to free himself, and though -the impulse was in him to leap on Krausz from -behind, he held it in check and followed blindly. -</p> - -<p> -In one respect at least the scientist seemed -sincere, and that was in his belief, inspired by -Jenson, that Hammer had stabbed Harcourt. -Indeed, in matters foreign to his calling Krausz -was probably all that could be wished. -</p> - -<p> -But he, too, beginning at the comparatively -innocuous point of taking the papers belonging -to the dying Helmuth, had been wound in the -skein of cumulative wrong-doing, reflected -Hammer. He was not weak like Jenson, however; -his wrong-doing was aggressive, determined, positive, -while that of Jenson was decidedly negative. -</p> - -<p> -Where the hiding-place of the relics and papers -was the American himself did not know, though -Solomon and the girl did. Now Krausz knew -as well, or soon would, for Hammer divined Sara's -intention perfectly. -</p> - -<p> -She would give up all in order to appease the -Saxon, depending on Solomon to eventually overpower -the latter, if he did not first prevent the -disclosure of the secret. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer spared no thought on himself. That -he was in any present danger did not occur to -him, since he could not suspect the thoughts -behind the doctor's heavy-lidded eyes and throbbing -band of muscle. -</p> - -<p> -For the jungle smell had entered into the nostrils -of the scientist—and whether it be in jungle or -forest or sand reaches, no man can taste the -loneliness of Nature and hold to his veneer of -man-learning. -</p> - -<p> -It is the same whether he be beside the Mackenzie -or the Mahakkam, under Kilimanjaro or Tacoma. -Once away from his kind, man forgets his kind, -for the despotism of the wild overbears all else. -</p> - -<p> -It was so with Krausz and, to a certain sense, -with Sara Helmuth; it was so with Hammer, -though he did not comprehend it; but if it was -so with John Solomon no man could say. -</p> - -<p> -"We are here," exclaimed the girl dully. -</p> - -<p> -The party halted. Without perceiving it in -the half-gloom of the overhanging masses of -vegetation, they had suddenly come among half-fallen -walls, ruined stone structures that loomed far -up and were held in place by thigh-thick vines. -</p> - -<p> -Through some had pierced old trees and limbs -of trees, yet the walls still held in grotesque -mimicry; no roofs were there, but only walls and -ruins of walls. And over the place brooded silence, -with never a chattering of monkey or parrot's -screech to quiver hollowly up. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer felt a twitch at his arm, but shook -off the hand of the <i>askari</i>. If the man thought -he was going to run for it and leave Sara Helmuth -in the lurch, he was much mistaken. Slowly, -very slowly, the American saw that men had been -here not long before, since in amid the ruins were -evidences of clearing—lopped branches piled up -in places, flickering shadow-gleams of sunlight -that filtered down from somewhere above, and -queer white fragments that strewed the ground -in spots. -</p> - -<p> -If Krausz saw this, however, he paid small -heed, but clambered over a smoothed-out pile -of stones, the others following. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Gott</i>! Truly thiss iss the real place!" -</p> - -<p> -He stood looking around, caressing the handle -of the whip with his fingers. On three sides -towered walls and trees and vines, inextricable -and undefined; where walls ended and trees began -it was impossible to say, for the growth of two -hundred jungle years is not to be lightly set aside -by a few Arabs in a week's time. Jenson sank -down where he stood, cowed into silence by the -silence around. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly, as if the echoes of the doctor's words -had worked through the interstices of the leafy roof, -a great burst of shrill chattering arose somewhere -overhead. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer jumped, startled; at the same instant -two or three white objects shot down from nowhere, -apparently. Two burst into shreds, the other -struck a mossy wall and rebounded to the feet -of Krausz, who leaped back in alarm. -</p> - -<p> -One half-stifled shriek burst from the first -<i>askari</i> and stilled the clamour above. Sara Helmuth -stared at the thing, as did everyone else, her face -very pale; and Hammer knew, at last, that Omar -ibn Kasim had spoken truth indeed—for the object -was a skull. -</p> - -<p> -An oath from Krausz recalled the frightened -<i>askaris</i> to their vigilance. He stood mopping -his brow and staring from the unbroken skull -to the trees above, and, as Hammer glanced up, -he saw one or two dark forms flitting about the -top of the nearest wall and vanishing in the trees. -</p> - -<p> -"Monkeys!" exclaimed Sara Helmuth, her eyes -unnaturally large, but her voice firm. "Are you -afraid of monkeys and skulls, Herr Doctor?" -</p> - -<p> -For answer Krausz snorted and picked up the -skull. He flung it away instantly. -</p> - -<p> -"Pah! It iss mouldy—it hass been the ground -in. Monkeys—pigs of scavengers! Yess, thiss iss -the place." -</p> - -<p> -For a moment he stood silent. Then, for the -gruesome thing must have wakened the depths of -him, he swiftly changed the whip to his left hand, -drew a revolver with the other, and turned on -the group behind him. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer started at the change in the man. -His great brow was mottled, as were his cheeks, -save for the panting band of muscle that stood -out deep red, and his black eyes gleamed with -something that was near akin to ferocity. Never -had Hammer seen such a face on a man, and now, -for the first time, a strange alarm stirred within -him. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz tried to speak, but could not for a -moment; lips and tongue were dry, and his voice -came in a hoarse growl that betrayed how that -monkey-flung skull had got on his nerves. -</p> - -<p> -"You tricked me, yess!" he cried at length. -"You tricked me, Sigurd Krausz! You, <i>fräulein</i>, -you, and Adolf here! But no more shall you -trick me, no. I——" -</p> - -<p> -He paused quickly, plainly fighting for his lost -self-control, meeting the firm eyes of Sara Helmuth. -Hammer, fearing that the man would break out -into violence, tensed his muscles and measured -the distance between them, but Krausz lowered -his revolver as slow sanity crept back into his -eyes. -</p> - -<p> -The girl still faced him, though she had shrunk -back before that mad outburst, and in reply her -voice came low, but with a note that seemed to -calm his rage, so cold and self-contained was it. -Hammer noted that she made no gesture as for a -weapon; she must have come unarmed, probably -on the impulse of the moment. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, you were tricked, Her Doctor—tricked -by a girl. And you are called the greatest -archaeologist in Europe! Dresden will laugh when it -hears the story, doctor—the story of how you dug -for a week in the ruins of a storehouse, while -the fort you were in search of lay under your nose -here. And then the treasure! -</p> - -<p> -"Now free me and Mr. Hammer there, and I -promise you that this shall never be known in -Europe, Dr. Krausz. If the story came out it -would blast your reputation, and you know it -well." -</p> - -<p> -Krausz looked at her, frowning as if in hard -thought. Hammer saw that the strain was telling -heavily upon her, and breathed a sigh of relief -when the scientist replied: -</p> - -<p> -"Yess, it would my reputation blast, <i>fräulein</i>. -That iss very right—very. But listen. You have -told me that the treasure was in two parts, yess, -and the relics and papers, I do not know where -they are. But you know, <i>fräulein</i>. Now tell -me, take me to thiss place also, then will I free -you and Mr. Hammer and Adolf—yess, you shall -go free with Adolf, both of you!" -</p> - -<p> -As he made this offer, there was something -about the narrowed eyes of the man that Hammer -did not like. Sara Helmuth studied him for a -moment, but she was plainly weakening fast. -</p> - -<p> -Something of the fetid aspect of the place seemed -to be in the face of Krausz, and she palpably -distrusted him; but he forced quietude into his -features and stared stolidly at her, waiting. -</p> - -<p> -Another white object fluttered down from above -with a chattering that floated away amid the -tree-tops, and the girl shuddered as the skull -struck the wall behind her and shivered rottenly. -</p> - -<p> -"How—how if I refuse?" -</p> - -<p> -"If you refuse, <i>fräulein</i>, the whip—and no -promise." -</p> - -<p> -He gestured with his hand toward Hammer. -The girl flung the latter one helpless glance, and -bowed her head as she turned. -</p> - -<p> -"Come." -</p> - -<p> -Krausz, with triumph beaming from his massive -features, motioned the others to fall in line, and -they went as at first, out across the fallen wall. -To the American the place was shapeless, formless, -but Krausz cast quick nodding glances about him, -and Sara Helmuth did not hesitate. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer felt his heart throbbing—the atmosphere -of the jungle-hid ruins was oppressive, stultifying. -The girl led them across fallen walls and past -cleared spaces to a great heap of ruins overgrown -thickly. -</p> - -<p> -Through it led a hard-beaten path, and with -half-darkness about them she paused at what seemed -to be a square hole in the ground, perhaps a dozen -feet across, with trees roofing all in overhead. -Here the path ended. -</p> - -<p> -"It is there," she said simply. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz growled something at the <i>askaris</i>, and -went forward. Hammer, watching, saw him stop -suddenly as though listening. Then, at the edge -of the hole, he laid down revolver and whip and -went to his knees, and so flat on his belly, his hands -gripping roots on either side of him. -</p> - -<p> -Here he stayed motionless for what seemed ages -to the overwrought American. When, at last, -he crawled upright, his hands were shaking tremulously, -his face was ghastly white, and he clutched -at a near-by tree for support. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mein Gott</i>!" he said thickly, staring at the -girl. "<i>Mein Gott</i>! <i>Mein Gott</i>!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap17"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XVII -<br /><br /> -THE PIT OF ADDERS -</h3> - -<p> -Hammer could not understand himself. He -was practically free, he realized fully that this -was the time to act, when Krausz was unarmed, -and yet his brain was dulled and refused to impart -movement to his limbs. He stared at Krausz, -fascinated by the least movement of the man, -utterly unable to do a thing. -</p> - -<p> -Whether it was auto-hypnotism, or whether the -terrible deadening influence that had come upon -him was caused by the noxious jungle bringing -back his fever, the American never knew. -</p> - -<p> -Jenson had ceased to moan, and crouched at -one side by his guard, cowed. The Masai cast -uneasy glances about and at each other, but still -Krausz stared at Sara Helmuth, who seemed to -droop under his gaze. -</p> - -<p> -"You knew, yess?" he muttered finally. -</p> - -<p> -She nodded listlessly. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes. I stayed near here last night. I was here." -</p> - -<p> -The colour flowed back into the face of the -scientist little by little. Turning his back on -the party, he stooped and picked up revolver and -whip, then stood looking down at that which lay -in the blackness of the hole. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer wanted to scream, but he could not, -for some unseen power had paralysed his muscles. -He wondered, idly, what lay in that hole, but he -was more interested in watching the big Saxon. -He had never seen Krausz so completely overcome -before, he thought, and it made him want -to laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey!" He shook himself, conquering -that terrible apathy. "You've got to quit this, -old man, or God knows what'll happen. That -chap is breeding trouble and first thing you know -he'll spring something bad." -</p> - -<p> -Why the thought came to him he could not -tell, but come it did. Krausz turned, with a -nervous glance around at the silent trees, but -there was no danger in his face, save that the -tell-tale ribbon of muscle was pounding madly. -</p> - -<p> -Then once more the scientist went to the brink -of the hole and looked down. It was as if he were -reflecting on something, weighing something over -in his mind before coming to a decision. -</p> - -<p> -A half-sound caught Hammer's attention and he -looked at Sara Helmuth. She had turned partly -aside, her head was down in her two hands, and -her shoulders were shaking softly as she stood. -Overcome by the horror of the place, she had given -way at last, and the sight was too much for Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -As if by magic he felt himself once more, with -all his old quickness of thought and vigour of -action returned to him. Solomon had failed them -and they were alone, and the thought brought -responsibility back to him. -</p> - -<p> -Quietly slipping his hands free of the loosened -cords, he strode over to the girl's side, none -hindering him, and in the face of the jungle horror -about them he put an arm about her shoulders, -drawing her head to his breast. -</p> - -<p> -"Quiet, Sara," and he patted her back in a -clumsy effort to soothe her. "It's all right, -girl—don't cry. We'll get out of this place and -forget about it——" -</p> - -<p> -For several weeks now Sara Helmuth had forced -herself into the position of a man among men, -playing a lone hand in the dark, and while -friendship had come to her in the guise of Solomon -and Hammer, her woman's soul had craved -sympathy as a child craves its mother's arms. -</p> - -<p> -Furthermore, the place in which they stood -mirrored dread into her soul, for only the evening -before she had stood at the edge of that hole and -gazed down while the Arabs held torches aloft -and looked grimly at each other. So, but chiefly -because of Hammer's actions and words, she -smiled once and fainted. -</p> - -<p> -The American felt frightened for a moment, -then relief came to him. The burden had been -put on his shoulders, and, allowing the girl to -slip to the ground, he turned to find Krausz looking -at them and frowning, blackness brooding in -his eyes and an evil twist to his heavy jaw. -</p> - -<p> -"She hass fainted? That iss good." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, she's fainted: but you'll notice that -she kept her word first." Hammer's anger turned -cold within him, for as he wondered what frightful -thing lay in that hole he remembered the story of -the pit of snakes—and he dreaded snakes as he -dreaded no other thing on earth. -</p> - -<p> -"She's kept her word, Krausz, so I guess it's -up to you to keep yours. You lend me a couple -of these <i>askaris</i> to carry Miss Helmuth and we'll -be going." -</p> - -<p> -"Wait." -</p> - -<p> -The scientist seemed oddly apprehensive, seemed -as if he were trying to say something which could -not find utterance. He looked at Hammer, then -at the <i>askaris</i>, then at the jungle above and around, -and finally beckoned. -</p> - -<p> -"Come—look at thiss thing." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer did not want to look, yet it seemed -as though some force drew him to follow the other -to the edge of that black hole. Now he knew -why the horror had come upon him, the snake-fear -which lies at the bottom of many men's souls -and which is not to be explained or reasoned -away. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mein Gott</i>—look at them!" -</p> - -<p> -The American obeyed with cold chills gripping -his spine. Yet he could see little. The pit was -deep, very deep. As his eyes searched the darkness -of it he guessed that the bottom was twenty feet -away. -</p> - -<p> -Then a soft, slithering sound broke the dead -stillness, and a low "his-s-s" which there was no -mistaking. -</p> - -<p> -"Adders," stated the doctor decidedly. "Puff-adders, -my friend, and a bite it iss death, yess!" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer did not know a puff-adder from a -black snake, but he did know why the other had -gazed so long into that pit of darkness, for there -was a deadly fascination about it that compelled -his eyes despite his loathing. -</p> - -<p> -"If the treasure iss there, it can wait, yess!" -exclaimed the scientist. -</p> - -<p> -The American mentally added that it could -wait until what Sherman said war was froze over, -for all of him; but he still looked down until -gradually the thing took shape before him. -</p> - -<p> -The sides of the pit were straight and well -paved, slimy, mossy, with never a break in the -stones. Far down something scintillated for an -instant, then again, and the slithering noise went -rustling faintly without cessation. Hammer was -aware that Krausz had come to his side and was -pointing down. -</p> - -<p> -"There—look at that. It iss a platform, no?" -</p> - -<p> -With the words the scientist scraped a match -and flung it down. The American got a glimpse -of a small jutting-out stone, some two feet square, -half-way down the pit, and below that a twining, -shuddering mass of something that drove him -reeling back with sickness strong upon him. -</p> - -<p> -"That's enough," he gasped, wiping the cold -sweat from his face. "I'll get out of here and -stay gone, don't worry——" -</p> - -<p> -"Stop!" -</p> - -<p> -There was a new note in the voice of Krausz, -and it brought Hammer around instantly. The -other had followed him back from the hole, and -was glaring at him with such mad eyes that -instinctively the American took a step backward. -</p> - -<p> -"You are not going away," said the big Saxon -slowly, his eyes burning into those of Hammer. -The band of muscle was deep crimson, and it was -pulsating like a wild thing against the man's -white brow. Hammer's foot struck against the -limp form of Sara Helmuth, and the touch restored -him from his panic. -</p> - -<p> -"Eh? What's that?" he exclaimed, unbelieving. -</p> - -<p> -"I say you are not going away—you and Adolf -and Professor Helmuth, yess!" -</p> - -<p> -"What's the matter with you?" demanded -Hammer, thoroughly angry. "You promised that -when——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yess, and my promise I shall keep—but thiss -way." Krausz gestured with his whip toward -the hole. "I promised to set you free, <i>nein</i>?" -</p> - -<p> -Between anger at the man and fear of what lay -behind him, Hammer stared at him astounded. -It had not occurred to him that Krausz would -not perform his part of the agreement—but what -did he mean by "thiss way"? -</p> - -<p> -The big Saxon went on, his jaw pushed forward -aggressively, his eyes fastened banefully on -Hammer: -</p> - -<p> -"Fools! Did you think that I would let you -go, yess, to make of me a joke before all Europe? -<i>Ach</i>, no! Am I, Sigurd Krausz, to be tricked -and made a fool?" -</p> - -<p> -He turned swiftly to the nearest <i>askari</i>—the -same who had freed Hammer. -</p> - -<p> -"Go back to the camp and bring a rope—quick, -you black swine!" -</p> - -<p> -The man saluted, flung Hammer a helpless -look, and disappeared. The other three watched, -leaning on their rifles. -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" began the American, -aghast before the terrible thought that had leaped -into his brain. Krausz flung about on him, -raging. -</p> - -<p> -"Mean? What do I mean? American pig! -Iss my work to be spoiled by thiss <i>fräulein</i>? No! -<i>Ach</i>, but Adolf iss a devil! He betrays everyone, -but he shall not betray Sigurd Krausz. No, nor -you, American. I meant to kill you all, but now -I have a better way, yess, and I shall my promise -keep. Later I will come back, yess, and get the -treasure and give it to the world—my treasure, -my papers, my relics! -</p> - -<p> -"Never hass so great a chance come—and it -iss not to be perilled by you. So I tell you plainly, -American, you shall not play with Sigurd Krausz." -</p> - -<p> -Then, too late, Hammer realized that the look -in the other's eyes was little short of madness. -He cast a look around, but the jungle hedged -them in, silent and merciless, with no sign of -Solomon or aid. -</p> - -<p> -But—what did the madman mean to do? He -was crazed on the subject of his work, that was -plain, and whether the jungle mania had -unbalanced him or not, there was a fury in his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" asked Hammer again. -"Don't think you can get away with any dirty -work, Krausz, or Solomon——" -</p> - -<p> -"Bah! Do not joke with me. Listen—you saw -that platform, American? Then I tell you that -you and Adolf Jenson and Professor Helmuth, -you shall stand there until you get tired. You -shall be free, yess—but you cannot get up, and -when you go down you will not play with Sigurd -Krausz any——" -</p> - -<p> -Hammer saw red and struck. The whole insane -scheme darted clear to his mind, and he drove -his fist home into that mocking face with a furious -curse. Krausz flung up his revolver-hand, but -Hammer dashed it aside and the weapon fell; -he saw Krausz reel back and knew he had crushed -the man's nose with his first blow, but he followed -with relentless fury in his heart. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz tried to fight him off, and he saw the -three <i>askaris</i> closing in on him; then he felt the -whip curl about him, sending a terrible red wale -over his cheek and biting into his body; but time -and again those fists which had won him his name -stabbed into the face of the big Saxon—until the -<i>askaris</i> ground him to the earth by main weight -and tied him. -</p> - -<p> -The American glared up, still raging in his -helplessness. Krausz had dropped his whip and -was clinging to a long vine that trailed down -across the body of Jenson, who had not moved. -</p> - -<p> -The fight had hardly lasted a minute, but -Hammer had learned his trade in a hard school. -The heavy features of Krausz were crushed into -a red mass, for the first blow of Hammer's had -splintered his nose; yet, for all the pain he must -have been suffering, Krausz said no word. -</p> - -<p> -Groping for his handkerchief, he slowly wiped -the blood from his eyes, then stooped and picked -up his pith helmet and put it on, carefully letting -down the mosquito-gauze about his features. -</p> - -<p> -There was something in the action, something -of iron tenacity, that made Hammer hold his -breath, waiting for he knew not what. With that -crimsoned visage masked from sight, Sigurd Krausz -appeared even more formidable. Hammer knew -that his outburst had effected nothing. -</p> - -<p> -Yet it had been half panic. The scientist's -fiendish plan had sent a shudder of abhorrence -through him; the very odour of that pit nauseated -him, and he had lashed out in a frenzy of mingled -fear and rage. Then the memory of that narrow -shelf of rock—— -</p> - -<p> -"By Godfrey!" thought the American desperately, -"if Solomon doesn't show up in a hurry it's -all off! That ledge won't hold more than one -person, that's sure." -</p> - -<p> -Panic-stricken, he watched the Saxon. Krausz -took a step, and stumbled across Jenson, all but -falling. At the same moment the <i>askari</i> who had -been sent to camp returned, panting, carrying a -length of rope. -</p> - -<p> -Krausz seized it from him and bent the end -around under Jenson's arms. From where he -stood Hammer could see how the secretary trembled, -and a moment later he shrank away from Krausz, -scrambling desperately to regain his feet, screaming. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't!" The wail shrilled up. "Don't! -Oh—God——" -</p> - -<p> -Krausz had signalled to the <i>askaris</i>, who shut -off Jenson's screams with grins of delight. It -was not the sort of work they usually did for white -people, but to Masai hearts it was glorious. Hammer -realized that the one friendly man could do nothing -for him, and his cheeks blanched. -</p> - -<p> -He watched Jenson carried to the edge of the -pit and carefully lowered. A jerk or two freed -the rope, and since no sound came forth, Hammer -supposed that the man had reached the ledge -in safety. Krausz turned to where Sara Helmuth -lay, still senseless. -</p> - -<p> -Then the American knew that there was no -hope, that this fiend would actually carry out -his threat, and he felt his flesh creep at the thought. -</p> - -<p> -He pictured to himself that narrow ledge, with -Jenson already there—ready to fight off whomever -came next. -</p> - -<p> -If the girl was sent down alone, unconscious -as she was, what little chance she had would be -gone, while he, Hammer, was whimpering up here! -</p> - -<p> -He slowly got to his feet, the <i>askari</i> who stood -over him pulling him up, and, as Krausz leaned -over the girl with the rope ready, Hammer knew -that he had become himself once more. He might -die, but he would die like a man. -</p> - -<p> -"Put that rope around me, Krausz," he said -calmly. "I'll take her in my arms, if you'll -untie my wrists." -</p> - -<p> -The other straightened up, turning toward him, -and Hammer saw the little dribble of blood that -trickled down the front of his khaki coat from -beneath the helmet-gauze. He noted, too, that -Krausz feared to trust him, and added desperately: -</p> - -<p> -"I'll give you my word, doctor, to make no -trouble. Let's have it over with decency." -</p> - -<p> -"Good!" came the rumbling response, with a -gesture to one of the Masai. The latter cut -Hammer's bonds, and the American strode to the -side of Sara, lifting her in his arms. Then, with -firm step but ghastly face, for the feeling of -revulsion was almost too strong to be endured, he walked -to the brink of the pit, and waited. -</p> - -<p> -"Hurry, for God's sake!" he gasped. -</p> - -<p> -The rope was put around him, under his -shoulders; he did not feel how it cut into him as -his weight came upon it. He knew only that -terrible darkness was rising up at him, that the -nightmare had begun, that slimy mossy stones -were all about him. -</p> - -<p> -He strove for a footing with his hanging feet, -but to no avail. The walls were smooth, fissureless; -he could not look down because of the body -of the girl who lay in his arms. And it was as -well that he could not, for an instant later his -foot struck something soft. -</p> - -<p> -He almost screamed at the touch, having -forgotten Jenson for a moment; then he remembered. -What next happened he could not tell; he felt -himself swinging on the rope, and a great fear -surged into him that the Masai had dropped him. -</p> - -<p> -Then he knew that Jenson was beating against -his legs, trying to drive him off with his -beast-like, wordless whimpers. -</p> - -<p> -He felt that he was kicking out in desperation, -and his foot landed once; then from below came -a single strangled cry, followed by a soft thud, -and an instant later he was afoot on the rock -ledge. -</p> - -<p> -How long he stood there holding Sara Helmuth -he never knew, for he was battling with all his -will-power to get control of the awful horror that -was over him. The snake-fear had gripped him, -and the very rock at his back seemed to be a living -thing that was pressing him forward, trying to -fling him to the things below. This must have -been the rope loosening from him, however, for -presently he had conquered himself and the rope -was gone from about him. -</p> - -<p> -For a little space he did not realize that he was -in any great danger. He was a good ten feet -above the things that crawled down there and as -much below the surface; he thought of Jenson, -but spared no pity on the man; and the remembrance -of his own words regarding the snake-pit and Jenson -even brought the faintest flicker of a smile to his -tense lips. Yet in his bitterest moments he could -not have wished the man such agony as was now -his own. -</p> - -<p> -He listened for some sound from above, but -none came. Had Krausz departed to cure his -own hurts or was he waiting for some word from -his victims? Hammer compressed his lips tighter; -at least, the Saxon would not have the satisfaction -of hearing him whimper, he thought. He was -thankful that the girl showed no signs of wakening -from her swoon. -</p> - -<p> -But how was Solomon to know where they were? -He could not have been watching, or he would -have prevented the terrible deed at all costs; of -that Hammer was assured. -</p> - -<p> -If he did not shout for aid—but what good would -shouting do him? The sound would be lost in -the pit or in the leafy roof above; he could not -have pierced that mass of vegetation if he had had -the lungs of Stentor. -</p> - -<p> -It occurred to him that if he set the girl down -on the ledge at his feet he might be able to get -out in some way. There was only a ten-foot -wall above him, and even the mosses would give -him foothold. -</p> - -<p> -Besides, her weight was beginning to tell on -his arms, and he could not hold her for ever. He -felt gingerly forward with one foot—and cold fear -struck him to the heart. -</p> - -<p> -Now he knew why Jenson had slipped away, -and how. In the darkness of the pit, looking -down from above, the ledge had seemed fairly -wide; as a matter of fact, it jutted straight out -from the wall for a scant foot; then the upper -part of the stone broke and shelved down on all -sides to the under part. -</p> - -<p> -On that foot square of rock it was possible for -one person to stand; it was possible for him to -stand so long as he could hold the girl's weight -in his arms, but there was not foothold for two -persons—and he could not hold Sara Helmuth -much longer. As it was, his arms were tiring -rapidly. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer's face clenched into a grimace of pure -agony as the tremendous temptation swept over -him—all the more powerful because of his inborn -dread of what lay below. The girl was unconscious; -she would never know! Was it not more -merciful, after all, to give her to death now than -to leave her precariously hanging on that -foot-square ledge until she wakened, moved, -and—dropped? -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, God!" he muttered, Jenson's cry on his -lips, and repeated it over and over. How could -he save his own worthless life at the expense of -hers? A terrible convulsion seized him; he -tottered, and only recovered his balance by a -miracle. The danger sickened him, but it also -woke latent words in his brain. -</p> - -<p> -"—I think it will be one of power, not of failure. -I would like to be there——" -</p> - -<p> -He groaned, and it was as if the groan had been -wrenched out of his soul, for he knew that his -great moment had arrived. And he knew that, -despite himself, it would be one of power—nay it -was one of power! -</p> - -<p> -Though half of his soul fought against the other -half, trying to loose his arms, it was in vain; -sophistry was swept aside, and he felt that he -must do his utmost, even though it might be -useless. He would go to join Jenson, and he must -go soon, lest his strength fail. -</p> - -<p> -Feeling about with his feet, he found the last -inch of rock that would hold him up, and slowly -bent downward. Twice he had to shift his position -laboriously because of the wall behind him; once -again he tottered, his foot slipped, and only a -desperate effort recovered him. -</p> - -<p> -After he had laid the girl across that ledge he -could never get upright again without standing -on her body—and, harmless though that might -have been to her, it never came into his head. -</p> - -<p> -He lowered her to his knees, twisting about, -and inch by inch bent downward until she lay -across his feet and ankles in safety. Only his -grip on her body held him on the ledge now, and -the physical torture of his position sent the sweat -running down his face in streams. -</p> - -<p> -His will-power all but failed him in that last -instant. With infinite pains he drew one foot -free, then the other, and went to his knees. But -they slipped on the slant of broken rock-face—and, -bending swiftly, he touched his lips to hers -as he went down. -</p> - -<p> -He seemed to fall for miles and miles through -space. From somewhere above came a dull report, -and a second; then a shock, and he landed feet -first on something soft, and felt great shapes -twining around him. He screamed—and fell -asleep. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap18"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XVIII -<br /><br /> -"THAHABU!" -</h3> - -<p> -"I did, miss." -</p> - -<p> -Who did what? Dull mutters and echoings -pierced into Hammer's brain, as if voices that he -used to know were whispering in the distance. -They swelled and died away and swelled again, -reminding him vaguely of the bells he had heard -one evening in Venice. -</p> - -<p> -There it was again—there—that was the clear -silver of San Giorgio's Campanile, with the deeper -tones of Giovanni e Paolo dipping down through -the silver, then Santa Maria Formosa dropped in -her liquid notes, with, over all, far-flung cadences -drifting faintly down on the sea-wind from the -Frari until the great dome of the Salute spoke -to the sunset, and all the myriad others—— -</p> - -<p> -No, it was nothing but Harcourt talking, talking -to his mother! That was odd: Harcourt was five -miles out at sea, and his mother had been dead -for twenty years, he was quite sure. -</p> - -<p> -Ah, he was wrong after all! It was only John -Solomon and Sara Helmuth talking together. At -that he opened his eyes, caught a faint flicker of -light—and remembered. -</p> - -<p> -A violent nausea swept over him, but he conquered -it, lying with clenched fists. He recalled -what a dying man had once whispered to him -aboard the cattle boat—"I wonder what the other -place is like?"—and he repeated it over and over -in his mind, for it was a good joke. -</p> - -<p> -"I wonder what the other place is like!" -</p> - -<p> -It was his own voice speaking, and he laughed, -a dry cackle of a laugh that struck the other voices -dead. Where was he? -</p> - -<p> -"I'll lay odds that it's hell——" -</p> - -<p> -Something cool touched his brow and he jerked -away sharply, every nerve in his body twinging. -Then he realized that the thing was a hand, and -heard that queer laughter of his ring out again, -though he had not meant to laugh at all. -</p> - -<p> -"Best let 'im be, miss. 'E ought to be waked -by now, but 'e'll come up all right-o. Dang it, -I don't know as I blames 'im much. It was a -mortal bad place." -</p> - -<p> -"Hello, John!" Hammer made a great effort -and forced himself to speak. "What are you -doing on the other side, as the spiritualists say! -Who's that devil got his hand on me? Take -him off, darn it!" -</p> - -<p> -The hand was withdrawn, and he heard Solomon -chuckle. -</p> - -<p> -"'E's come through, miss, but 'e don't know it. -'Ey, you, Mr. 'Ammer! Sit up and take a werry -good look at this 'ere devil 'o yours—beggin' -your pardon, miss." -</p> - -<p> -The startled American felt himself pulled to a -sitting position, and blinked. The flickering -light was from a fire, and he seemed to be -sitting on a cot in a tent; also, the tent looked -oddly like that of Dr. Krausz's. -</p> - -<p> -That was hardly possible, of course, but John -Solomon was standing in front of him and smoking -his vile black tobacco, while it was indubitably -Sara Helmuth at his side. -</p> - -<p> -"Why—why, what's—where—" he stammered -confusedly. Then a cry of mortal agony broke -from him. "Good God, don't play with me like -this!" -</p> - -<p> -He tried to shut out the vision, his hands over -his eyes; as he sank back on the cot he felt other -hands on his, pulling them away, and something -warm and wet splashed on his face. -</p> - -<p> -"Hammer! Don't, please! It's all right, really! -Hammer, dear—oh, John, can't you do something?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ay, miss, if you'll stand aside." -</p> - -<p> -Something struck him, and he heard a cry, -then came more blows that knocked him back; -furious, he struggled up to see the girl forcing the -laughing Solomon back. -</p> - -<p> -"Stop that, John! Don't be cruel——" -</p> - -<p> -"Say, what do you think I am—a punching-bag?" -</p> - -<p> -The angry American leaped up, and instantly -Sara Helmuth was holding to his arms, half-laughing, -half-crying as she looked up at him. -Solomon chuckled. -</p> - -<p> -"I thought as 'ow that'd fetch 'im about, -miss! Sit down, sit down, Mr. 'Ammer. It's -only John Solomon, a-'itting of you flat-'anded. -Sit down, sir." -</p> - -<p> -Hammer obeyed, utterly bewildered, still holding -the girl's hands. The hysterical seizure passed and -and left him very weak. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I'm not dead, Sara?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not as anybody knows on, sir," returned -Solomon cheerfully, and his voice changed suddenly. -"Miss, leave us alone for a minute, if you please." -</p> - -<p> -Obediently, the girl rose, and stepped outside -the tent, Hammer looking after in terror lest it -was all a dream. Solomon came and sat beside -him, gripping his hand. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ere, buck up, sir! I'm sorry there ain't -a drop o' liquor, but there ain't. Now you brace -up ship-shape and proper, Mr. 'Ammer—you 'ear -me? Buck up, I say! You ain't 'urt and you -ain't dead, and if I punches you one in the eye -you'll know it. Beggin' your pardon, sir, but -don't be a——" -</p> - -<p> -And there came a flood of low-pitched but biting -words that effected their purpose. Hammer forced -control over himself with a shudder and gripped -back at Solomon's hand. -</p> - -<p> -"'I'm all right, John," he said shakily. "But—but -it's hard—to realize. Call Sara, will you?" -</p> - -<p> -She must have been listening, for she was at -his side immediately, and when he had her hands -in his again it seemed to Hammer that all was -right with the world. -</p> - -<p> -"Now tell me about it," he said, his flagging -interest reviving before the wonder of it all. -"Didn't the—the adders—puff-adders, Krausz said -they were——" -</p> - -<p> -"No, sir, they didn't," broke in John. "They -didn't, 'cause why, they wasn't nothing of the -sort, sir. I dessay the doctor thought as 'ow -they was puff-adders, and for the matter o' that -so did I till I got down and 'ad a good look at -'em as I was a-slipping of the rope on you——" -</p> - -<p> -"Great Scott!" exclaimed Hammer sharply. -"Do you mean to say you went down in there -after me? And you thought they were adders——" -</p> - -<p> -"Lud!" And for the first and last time in his -life Hammer saw John Solomon blush in the -firelight. "Don't take on so, Mr. 'Ammer—you see, -the Arabs wouldn't do it, so it was werry plain -it 'ad to be done, and——" -</p> - -<p> -The American put out a hand, his voice husky. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you, John," he said simply. "I—I -think you understand." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, sir. And now if you'll be letting me -tell my story, sir—well, it was like this. I got -there too late, what wi' losing some o' me men -and one thing and another, and the doctor 'e -was a-looking down the 'ole, so I knowed where -you was. It fair druv me mad for a bit, sir, and -I ups and lets drive. Werry sorry I am to say -it, but I missed, not 'aving used a gun for a long -time. -</p> - -<p> -"'Owsoever, we potted three o' them danged -<i>askaris</i>, the fourth bein' me own man, but the -doctor's got clean off. It give me quite a turn, -Mr. 'Ammer, it did that, when I come to the -edge o' that there 'ole and looked down. -The two Afghans was after the doctor, and the -Arabs wouldn't go down, so I 'ad to. -</p> - -<p> -"We got the missus up first-off, but when I -went down again for you, sir, it near give me the -jumps to see you a laying across Jenson's body——" -</p> - -<p> -"What!" broke in Hammer. "Jenson dead? -I thought you said they weren't——" -</p> - -<p> -"So I did, sir; so I did; and quite right they -weren't. Near as we could figure it out, sir, -Jenson died o' fright, and a good job, I says. -So we got you up, and wi' that I went for the doctor -and druv him clean into the jungle, I was that -worked up. Werry sorry I am to say it, but where -'e is I don't know, and what's more, I don't -care. We made a good job o' them <i>askaris</i>, though, -and took two o' them Dutchmen alive. So there -you be, Mr. 'Ammer, all ship-shape and proper." Silence -settled inside the tent, broken only by -the choking bubble of Solomon's ancient pipe. -Hammer realized that it had all taken place that -afternoon, and this was evening; but the snakes -were not deadly after all—— -</p> - -<p> -"I made a blessed fool of myself, then!" He -looked up and caught his words, wondering if -they knew, by any chance. Well, since the girl -had been unconscious and Jenson dead, they -didn't. "However, no matter about——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Hammer, it does matter." Sara spoke -gravely, her eyes glistening. "You see, after -we brought you here you were out of your head, -like you were back there at the plantation, and -you went over and over that horrible scene—oh, -Hammer dear!" There was a catch in her voice. -"Didn't—didn't I tell you once upon a time that -when the great moment came——" -</p> - -<p> -"Don't, Sara!" begged Hammer earnestly, trying -to smile and failing dismally. "Yes, you were -right, and it doesn't matter whether I made a -fool of myself or not. I——" -</p> - -<p> -"Beggin' your pardon, sir and miss," broke in -Solomon hastily, as he rose, "I'd better see as -them Arabs put out a guard in case——" -</p> - -<p> -But neither of them heard him, for they were -looking into each other's eyes, and Hammer -suddenly found that words would not come to him. -</p> - -<p> -"Sara, I—I'm afraid—I love you." -</p> - -<p> -He dared not move, for he had blurted the words -out before he thought, and now fear nestled in -his heart. Then a soft hand touched the red -whip-wale on his cheek, and—— -</p> - -<p> -"Hammer, dear, I—I'm glad, I love you!" -</p> - -<p> -But, as John Solomon remarked to the Southern -Cross—having forgotten what he went out to do—"Dang -it! 'Uman nature is 'uman nature, I says. -If so be as a man 'as a 'eart like gold there ain't -no woman too good for 'im, as the old gent said -to the actress lady." -</p> - -<p> -Which, taking it by and large, may be accepted -as a true statement of fact. -</p> - -<p> -Now, it is commonly said of novelists and magazines -that a man in the first transports of requited -love feels forgiveness for all his enemies; nay, -the hero, in the magnanimity caused by owning -the earth and the seven heavens, all too frequently -sends his deadliest foe packing with the confident -trust that he, the foe, will go and sin no more. -</p> - -<p> -That makes good Sabbath-day reading, but -it makes nothing else. A man strong enough to -have a great enemy may be strong enough to forgive -that enemy, but it is much more likely that he -is not, has no desire to be, and would not if he -could. -</p> - -<p> -Cyrus Hammer expressed himself to this effect -at breakfast the next morning. Sara Helmuth was -still sleeping, and he and Solomon, with Omar -and the two Afghans, discussed the probable -future of Dr. Sigurd Krausz, archaeologist. -</p> - -<p> -"He's dangerous," declared Hammer with decision. -"I'd say, send out all the men after him, -John, and if he comes willingly, then all right. -If not, fetch him, anyway. The poor devil must -be in bad shape, what with that nose of his; but -after yesterday I'll be blessed if I'm not set on -giving him the limit!" -</p> - -<p> -Solomon looked at the Afghans. Akhbar Khan -exchanged glances with his cousin, and the two -men rose, bowed in a silent salaam, and stalked -off with their rifles under their arms. -</p> - -<p> -Solomon looked at Omar, and the Arab's teeth -flashed out as he followed. And so, for the present, -Hammer forgot his enemy, for Sara Helmuth had -emerged from the other tent and now joined them. -</p> - -<p> -"There's summat as Mr. 'Ammer don't know -about yet," remarked Solomon complacently as -the girl sipped her coffee, and she flashed a smile -at him. Save for the circles about her eyes, sleep -had removed all traces of her weariness. "When -so be as you're ready, miss, we might 'ave a look -at it." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," she nodded, then her eyes steadied. -"But first, John, I want it thoroughly understood -that I waive all claim to it. By right it belongs to -you and to Hammer—by right of suffering and toil -and——" -</p> - -<p> -"What is it you're talking about?" demanded -the American, frowning. -</p> - -<p> -"The treasure," she said, and explained. As -she had rightly told Krausz, that part of the treasure -which contained the papers, relics, and gifts from -the Viceroy to the King of Portugal, had been placed -in the pit of snakes, and in all likelihood would -have remained there had not Solomon been forced -to descend, and so discovered that the snakes were -harmless. -</p> - -<p> -It had been hauled out and left amid the ruins. -The more intrinsically valuable portions of the -treasure were buried underground in another -place, but the girl had by now given up all hopes -of ever getting it. -</p> - -<p> -"We know where it is," she concluded with a -shiver, "but it would take time, and I wouldn't -stay here a minute longer than necessary, money -or no money. You and John, Hammer, can divide——" -</p> - -<p> -"Hold on there!" exclaimed the American. -"I'm not in on this treasure stunt. It belongs to -you, Sara——" -</p> - -<p> -"Just a minute sir and miss," and Solomon leaned -forward earnestly, waving his empty pipe as he -spoke. "O' course, I 'as to go back wi' you to -Mombasa and straighten up this 'ere mess wi' the -governor; but if so as you don't want to wait, -I'll come back and dig up the stuff on me own. I'll -chance it if you will, miss; and you Mr. 'Ammer -to take what there is 'ere, me to take what's left." -</p> - -<p> -"That's fair enough, Sara," put in Hammer -quickly. "Only, I've no right to——" -</p> - -<p> -"You have!" cried the girl indignantly. "The -idea—after all you've gone through for me! Well, -let's have it as John proposes, then; you and I, -Hammer, take the papers and relics, and John can -take the gold for his share. If you don't say yes, -I'll—I'll give the whole business to Potbelly!" -</p> - -<p> -"All right," laughed the American, who, to -tell the truth, had no great faith in the entire treasure -story. "All ready?" -</p> - -<p> -As only two of the Arabs had remained in camp, -Solomon summoned them with axes, and the five -started for the ruins. Hammer could not enter the -tangle of jungle without a shudder, and would -greatly have preferred staying away altogether; -but once in for it he patted the revolver given him by -Solomon and determined to see the thing through. -</p> - -<p> -Fortunately for his peace of mind it appeared -that Solomon had left the treasure in one of the clear -spaces of the fort itself, for which Hammer was -devoutly thankful; he sorely doubted his ability -to visit that pit again, for his nerves were still -badly shaken. -</p> - -<p> -They reached the clearing, and in spite of his -scepticism, Hammer felt a thrill at sight of the -two coffin-like lead cases that lay beside the -bush-strewn ruins of a wall. Without delay the two Arabs -fell to work with their axes, ripping open one of the -cases; and after half an hour's labour a second case, -of heavy wood, was laid out. -</p> - -<p> -"Teak," grunted Solomon. "Give that ax 'ere." -</p> - -<p> -With some care he attacked the locks that rimmed -the iron-bound case, smashing them one after -another. When the last had gone he paused, and -beckoned Sara forward. -</p> - -<p> -"Open it, miss." -</p> - -<p> -The girl obeyed eagerly. Stooping over, she -managed to raise and tip back the heavy top, and -with it a mass of camphor-smelling cloth that had -lain beneath. A gleam of yellow shot up, and -Hammer found himself staring down at a magnificent -gold-wrought reliquary. One of the Arabs gave an -exclamation in Kiswahili. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Thahabu</i>! Gold!" -</p> - -<p> -At the same instant Hammer's eyes darted up to -the bush-strewn wall. The others had heard nothing, -absorbed in the sight of the treasure, but Hammer -caught a dull tan-hued form amid the bushes, and -snatched at his revolver. He perceived a glint of -steel, and fired through his coat pocket. -</p> - -<p> -"Yess, it iss gold," came a mumble, piercing -through the startled cry of Sara, and the misshapen -face of Sigurd Krausz rose amid the bushes. -</p> - -<p> -A tongue of flame spat back at Hammer, who -tried to fire again but could not. Slowly, yet -before the echoes of Krausz's shot had flung back -from the jungle around, the American slipped and -went to his knees. -</p> - -<p> -He looked up in surprise at Sara Helmuth; -then, as her fingers went out to his, he choked and -fell sideways, both hands clutching at his throat. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a id="chap19"></a></p> - -<h3> -CHAPTER XIX -<br /><br /> -THE "DAPHNE" AGAIN -</h3> - -<p> -"Er—'pon my word, Mr. Hammer, I'm—er—glad -to be able to apologize!" -</p> - -<p> -"Nonsense, commissioner! Then it's all right -with Nairobi?" -</p> - -<p> -"Perfectly, my dear chap, perfectly! Had a -bit of a ragging from the Germans, but Krausz -had misrepresented things fearfully, you know, -and that <i>askari</i> business—er—put the governor in a -perfectly beastly rage, I'm told. He gave 'em -the man's body with his compliments. Ripping -morning, isn't it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Couldn't be better," grinned Hammer cheerfully. -He was sitting in a deck-chair beneath -the <i>Daphne's</i> awning, Sara Helmuth on one side -and Commissioner Smith on the other. His -throat was swathed in bandages, and he had lost -his healthy tan, but he was undeniably happy, -and showed it. -</p> - -<p> -"That yarn—er—reminded me of your American -tales," went on Smith rather heavily, as the -figure of Solomon appeared coming to join the -group. "Two bad men, don't you know—er—shooting -across a bar, and all that kind of thing. -Each one plugs the other—er—double funeral. -Rather exciting thing out here, though, 'pon my -word! Very usual in America, I understand." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, very," returned Hammer gravely. -"Hello, John! Can I smoke yet?" -</p> - -<p> -"Werry sorry, sir, but against orders. Your -servant, Mr. Smith and I 'opes as you're quite -well?" -</p> - -<p> -The Commissioner flushed slightly as he shook -hands. -</p> - -<p> -"Quite, thanks, very much. Er—narrow escape -Mr. Hammer had, by Jove!" -</p> - -<p> -"Quite so, sir. Missed the jugular by a matter -of 'airbreadths, the doctor said. Prowidence is a -werry mysterious thing, sir, as the old gent said -when the 'ousemaid saw a mouse." -</p> - -<p> -"We might show Mr. Smith that reliquary, -John," smiled Sara Helmuth, and her hand stole -quite shamelessly over the arm of the deck-chair -to Hammer's. -</p> - -<p> -The <i>Daphne</i> lay anchored off Melindi. The -commissioner's launch lay at the ladder, its crew -of two spruce policemen chatting in Kiswahili -with the Arabs above, while the oily ground-swell -lifted the yacht at her anchor. -</p> - -<p> -It was two weeks since Hammer had left the -jungle behind for ever, as he devoutly hoped, and -with the commissioner's visit the last weight had -been lifted from his mind. -</p> - -<p> -Not only had he been entirely absolved from -any complicity in Harcourt's death, but Nairobi -had been graciously pleased to overlook entirely -the death of Dr. Krausz, and to waive all claims -to the treasure in hand—after the cathedral at -Mombasa had been presented with the relics. -</p> - -<p> -Hammer had little use for relics, but he had -been very careful to say nothing about the -reliquaries. Of these, the finest was that containing -the reputed hand of St. Thomas—indeed, Commissioner -Smith declared it, rather vaguely, to be -"perfectly ripping—top hole, don't you know, -in such things!" -</p> - -<p> -His judgement proved ultimately to be entirely -correct, while the records, historical and -otherwise, contained in the cases, were declared by -Sara Helmuth to be worth a good round sum to -any library in Europe. -</p> - -<p> -As Hammer was not particularly imbued with -a love for art, he sold the three smaller reliquaries -to Solomon; and also agreed to carry that individual -back to Port Said on the yacht. -</p> - -<p> -As Solomon said, the gold had waited two -hundred years, and it could wait another few -months very well, while he had important business -at Port Said. A crew of sorts had been shipped at -Mombasa, and with Hammer's recovery the voyage -home would begin. -</p> - -<p> -"You'd better stick around, commissioner," -smiled the American as his visitor rose. "About -a week from now the American Consul is coming -up from Mombasa, and there's going to be some -doings, as we say in America." -</p> - -<p> -"Eh?" Mr. Smith looked blank for a moment, -until Sara Helmuth's blushes proclaimed themselves. -Whereupon, being a very observant young -man, his face brightened up, and he seized the -American's hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Er—by Jove, old chap—I congratulate you -both, 'pon my word I do! I say, do let me bring -my assistant and the lieutenant, eh what?" -</p> - -<p> -"Bring your whole constabulary force," grinned -Hammer, "and we'll do the thing up in style! -And come out for dinner Sunday night, Smith." -</p> - -<p> -Quite excited, the commissioner departed. Hand -in hand, Hammer and Sara Helmuth watched his -launch puff away toward the green-hilled shore, -until Solomon cleared his throat nosily, and they -saw two Arabs approaching bearing a bulky -package. -</p> - -<p> -"Beggin' your pardon, sir and miss," announced -Solomon, "but this 'ere's a bit o' summat as -aren't to be shown at the weddin', so to speak. -If I may make so bold, miss, as to be a giving -of a weddin' present before the 'appy moment——" -</p> - -<p> -A cry of delight broke from the girl, for as the -package fell apart there was displayed that same -fawn-coloured rug, with the blue, white, and gold -dragon of five claws, which Hammer had seen -when first he wakened in Solomon's house. -</p> - -<p> -"It's a rug as you might not care for, first-off," -explained Solomon apologetically, "but it ain't -to be bought for money, miss. Where I got it -I 'adn't ought to say, but it 'ad best be kept under -cover till you get out o' these 'ere waters. That's -the imperial dragon o' China, Mr. 'Ammer, and -rugs like them ain't made for sale——" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, it's beautiful!" cried the delighted Sara, -Hammer nodding with appreciative eyes, for he -knew that John Solomon's words were strictly -true. -</p> - -<p> -As he looked about, however, he saw the pudgy -little man bending over his little red notebook, -writing very carefully with his fountain pen, and -forbore to interrupt. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you glad, girl?" he turned to Sara very -soberly, motioning the Arabs to take away the -rug as he did so. -</p> - -<p> -"Hammer, dear," she whispered, "I'm happy!" -</p> - -<p> -His face had lost the old lines of hardness -and bitterness, and as he met her eyes and smiled -into them with perfect understanding, he -remembered something. -</p> - -<p> -"But—my name isn't Hammer, dear! You'll -have to be Mrs. Cyrus Murray——" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, but you'll be just Hammer, to me!" -</p> - -<p> -"There!" and Solomon clapped his notebook -shut with a very complacent air. "I'd been and -overlooked that 'ere account wi' Dr. Krausz; -but it's all ship-shape and proper now to file -away and 'ave done with." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, your account!" laughed the American. -"That's the one you presented to him, eh? Do -you always keep your accounts, John?" -</p> - -<p> -"Werry good plan, sir. They come in 'andy, -like, mortal often, even if they're filed away. -Howsoever, sir and miss, business is all werry -well in its place, but its place ain't between two -young 'earts, I says—and since this 'ere account -is closed, I'll just file it away." -</p> - -<p> -And as he shuffled off in his carpet-slippers -toward his own cabin, the two who sat side by -side gazed after him for a moment, smiling, and -then turned to each other. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t3"> -THE END -</p> - -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="t4"> -PRINTED BY FISHER, KNIGHT & CO., LTD., LONDON & HARPENDEN -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN SOLOMON--SUPERCARGO ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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