Adventure Magazine, December 10, 1924 — page 36: what you’re looking at

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

14 brought back all his old suspicions. But —— it, he muttered, what’s the motive? As the death of the dumb guide had re- moved the alleged source of friction Tony had, as in duty bound, waited for his part- ner. Bodiker’s greetings had been some- thing in the old suave manner and Sawyer’s so respectful that it was a bit overdone. At Tony’s instructions the boys placed his own and Plessons’ cots in the old bell tent and Bodiker’s and Sawyer’s in the green tent, the more luxurious of the two. Both men went to it without comment. Lunch passed off with spasmodic remarks between Bodiker and Tony; Sawyer wolfed his food as usual with scarcely a word. But a very strong sense of mutual embar- rassment dwelt about them. Afterward Bodiker and his men retired to their tent apparently for a siesta. The former, stir- ring out about two, found Tony stretched under a tree cleaning his revolver, and began to grumble that Plessons seemed a mighty long time. When Tony remarked that it didn’t matter and that anyway he’d prob- ably come back by moonlight Bodiker glanced at him quickly, muttered something to himself and sitting at the bole lighted a cigaret. He fidgeted about for some time, unusually nervous, and then suddenly said tentatively— “Has he always struck you as straight, Tony?” | “Who?” demanded Tony, knowing very well to whom Bodiker referred. “‘Plessons, of course,’ with a frown. “VYes—quite.”’ “Huh! Don’t know so much. After all, we don’t know anything about him— Iwas thinking— Supposing there was something —ir this crazy diamond stuff of yours.” “Well, what about it?” “D’you think if he found it he—he’d be sure to report to us? Remember he’s on a salary. Don’t get a bean out of it.” “Sure he would.” “Huh! I’m not so sure, Tony. If he were a wise skate he’d keep his mouth shut and come back later. Shouldn’t blame him either.”’ “Oh, you wouldn’t, eh?” “Well, would you? He’s not a pal of ours, and he’s human. Don’t do to take any fool chances.” “Oh, well, don’t get rattled,” retorted Tony, smiling at Bodiker. ‘You don’t be- lieve in the yarn anyway. Hullo, here he is!” Adventure Through the trees came Plessons alone. He swung right up to them and without greeting Bodiker said— “T’ve fahnd it, Mr. Westlaike!”’ “Found what!’ exclaimed Bodiker ex- citedly. ‘“‘Fahnd a elephant, Mr. Bodiker, drinkin’ whisky and_ soda,” asserted Plessons gravely. “Now don’t get fresh, Plessons,” began Bodiker. “‘Struth, it’s true! Why, he offered me one and I refused! Nah yer know it ain’t no lie!” “Don’t rot,” said Tony, nearly laughing at Bodiker’s indignation. “Well, gov’nor, it was that thing the pore dumb bloke was talking abaht.”’ “What? The circle and the pebbles?” “Yus. Come along and I’ll show yer. Just on the top of the hill.” “Nonsense,” interposed Bodiker. ‘‘Who ever found diamonds on the top of a hill? Even I know better than that!” “Who was talking abaht di’monds, mister?”’ “What d’you mean then?” “What Mr. Westlaike said. Come along. T’ll show yer. No extra charge.” Plessons” eyes twinkled vividly; he was evidently extremely pleased. Bodiker re- garded him perplexedly and angrily. ‘“‘You’ve been drinking,’ he snapped. “TI ain’t.” “But there isn’t time,” objected Bodiker. “Tomorrow morning—if you’re serious.” “Is there time to make it before sun- down?” inquired Tony, and at a nod from Plessons: “Well, we can come back by moonlight. She rises about nine. Come on, Alick!”’ | Finally Bodiker consented but insisted upon taking a few porters and the smaller tent, arguing with a town man’s fear of discomfort that they might have to stop for the night. Within two hours’ climb the timber gave abruptly to a wild moor, patches of heather and giant ferns among tumbled boulders. About two miles ahead, sprouting as ab- ruptly as a hurdle, was a bamboo forest, and in the comparative open some five miles away was visible the raw summit of an extinct volcano. As the going became harder Bodiker, seconded by his henchman, grumbled. harping upon his unusual knowledge that CoMmiclhook. ) CO 5}