Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 4, 1925 — page 20: what you’re looking at

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

810 Captain Emery, on the Sabra. When we told the captain that we wanted to go to Banjarmasin, he bargained to change his route—at a figure, of course. And took us. I wouldn’t have missed it, just as Mr. Barker said.” ‘“* And then?” “You think there’s something odd about it, Philip, don’t you?” ““T don’t know what to think—yet.” ““ Well, we came up the coast after leav- ing Banjarmasin. When we got part way up, Mr. Barker began to tell us about the interior on this side of Borneo. He said that North Borneo is so civilized, and so up-to-date in every way, that a traveler can’t really see any natives who haven’t been changed. But here, up any of the rivers, we’d be able to get a taste of real savage life, he said.” ‘What did the captain say?” “ He didn’t care wnat we did, so long as he got paid for his time. You see, he owns the Sabra. So we went ashore, down at the mouth, and Mr. Barker arranged for our trip. He met Goboh, and Goboh got four praus. Afterward he was able to get four more. It seems that he knows this country well.” “This is Dutch territory. What white men did you see before you started up?” She looked surprised. ‘“‘ Why, none. At least, J didn’t see any. I’m sure uncle did —and Mr. Barker. Should we have seen some Dutch official?” He eyed her squarely. “Yes. And I can’t think how it happened that you didn’t. Also, this Barker has cooked up a cock-and-bull story for you and your uncle. The man he tells you about has never been in trouble of any kind—never been arrested—never set foot on the China coast.” Marcia stared at him, a little startled. “You know all about that man?” she asked. . “J am that man.” “ You, Philip?” She was aghast. “ How do you know he meant you?” ‘“‘ Because I’m the only white man at this kampong. Also, I’m supposed to know Dyaks, and they know the Dyaks like me. You see, since I hit these parts, I’ve studied ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. them pretty closely. And I’ve discovered some things about them — strange things. The strangest of all is that if a man gives them straight, fair, decent treatment, in- stead of planting a poisoned arrow in his back, the way my bunch did back home, these people have a most uncivilized way of returning good for good, affection for kind- ly treatment.” He nodded, smiling. “They’re just like animals, aren’t they?” he concluded. But she was scarcely thinking of what he was telling her. ‘‘ You’re the only white man here,’ she said. ‘“ And Mr. Barker means that you’ve been in trouble—are a self-made exile, as uncle put it.” “More people jumping to conclusions,” he added. ‘One would almost think that there were malefactors enough in the world without tacking the charge against a man who hasn’t done anything but mind his own affairs.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t like what Mr. Barker’s done,’ she declared. ‘“ Suppose I didn’t know you? I’d believe it, wouldn’t I, and not treat you properly? Why, it’s a terribly mean thing! What- ever made him do it?” “That’s the important question, of course,’”’ Lansdell agreed. ‘‘ Perhaps he’s one of those chaps who likes to tell some- thing startling. He’s being dramatic—lots of people are like that, you know. Or may- be a lie comes more naturally to his tongue than the truth. The Bomeo climate, I’ve observed, sometimes plays tricks with the Anglo-Saxon conscience.” “I think I know the reason,” she went on, “‘ and it’s a perfectly silly one. Promise you won’t think I’m throwing bouquets at myself, and I'll tell it to you.” With his left hand, and smilingly, he crossed his heart. ‘‘ Don’t trouble to throw any bouquets at yourself,”’ he rejoined teas- ingly, ‘‘ because these woods are full of first-chop orchids, and I intend to keep you well supplied. You wen’t need any of your own gathering.” She was too much in earnest either to listen or to smile. “I believe Mr. Barker doesn’t want me to think too well of the man he intends to pick up here. It’s’ all very simple, Philip. What lies behind that CONMUG DOO S CO