Adventure Magazine, April 10, 1924 — page 140: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

138 “No. But one should keep up the ways of white men,” Doucet concluded. THAT night found them camping p 4ea@ several miles from Tari’s village, sae) yp-stream. Across the way, the re- flection of Carlotti’s fires trembled on the stream. Doucet had stated that he in- tended to follow parallel to the Italian’s line of march, in the hope that the captain would make a false move that would result in his capture. Throughout the night, Doucet’s sentries were on the lookout, and Peller, followed by Bo Diare, made short trips up and down the shore. The sergeant thought a French party might pass by, as he had probably been reported missing at both outposts. But nothing came. At dawn a canoe was seized by Doucet’s men, bringing down a cargo of fish for Tari’s village, the paddlers having crowded the Belgian shore in the darkness to avoid Carlotti, whose seizure of the canoes had become known within the brief delay. Peller regarded the craft. It was too small to carry his men and himself. And before he could gain the far side, the fire of the Belgians would take effect. Peller knew that a casualty among his firailleurs would tell heavily against him. Doucet came down to examine the canoe. He appeared perturbed, undecided. Peller im- mediately surmised the reason for his interest. The sergeant gave Bo Diare a few curt instructions. Bo Diare nodded. The Belgian came to Peller’s side. “T’ve been thinking—” he began. “Decided to let me go?”’ Peller asked. “No, no!” the other returned impatiently. ‘“‘Are you sure about the Baobab?”’ “What Baobab?” Peller inquired. ‘The Baobab you spoke about yesterday.” “Oh, yes, I remember. Bo Diare, here, saw it also. He agrees that it is a Baobab, though peculiar.”’ “May I ask him? Not that I doubt. But you understand “Of course.” Bo Diare, questioned, replied as elo- quently as his French would allow, illus- trated with broad gestures, the curving branches of the trees, the limbs taking root in the soil. “T see one like that before,” he added. ‘Near Sokolo.” Adventure “low long would it take me to reach it, should I go?”’ Doucet asked. “Two, at the most, three hours. . But is it safe, with Carlotti on the far shore?” Peller asked. ‘His men are gathered. They probably are afraid to go too far inland.” Doucet pondered. “Tf I went without weapons, as a scien- tist, with your men, wouldn’t it be all right?” he suggested. Peller shrugged. “T can not prevent you, although I am strongly against it. After all, the tree may not be a Baobab.” This but excited Doucet’s interest. “But if it were, with this curious forma- tion!’’ ‘“What’s so interesting in a, crooked tree?”’ Peller asked. “T admit it has no specific value. I would like a photograph.” The major smiled in embarrassment. His inner con- flict was evident. “I'll take a chance if you'll give me your parole.” “Given, major. In any case, I could do nothing against all your men.” “T—I won’t inform them of my errand,” Doucet explained lamely. Bo Diare——”’ “Certainly.” “T have your parole?’ “T will not move without your per- mission.” Doucet glanced at the canoe. “Tt can hold four men; your corporal, myself and two paddlers,” he said. ‘“Chat’s all I need. Tl get my camera and note- book.” He was about to leave, but on second thoughts turned to Bo Diare and requested him to come with him. Bo Diare followed obediently. Soon Doucet returned with his men. “Better keep close to shore until out of But Carlotti’s sight,’’ Peller advised. “Be Diare, take care of the major.” “Yassah!”’ The canoe slid off into the shade of the overhanging mangroves. ¥) IN TWO hours, the canoe was back, is a with the two paddlers and a note SSI from Major Doucet. Peller smiled as he read the Beigian’s indignant protest. The carefully prepared bait had worked. Doucet was Bo Diare’s COMICOOCKKS. EGO “Tf I can take 5}