* * * * * * * *
In the meantime, far away in the heart of the jungle, Doris, Dot, and the Marine King had found shelter from the storm in a deserted cabin. For some time their attention was focussed upon the small but rich treasure Dot had brought from the ruins. After that their thoughts wandered elsewhere and they talked of many things; perhaps “of shoes-and-ships—and sealing wax,—of cabbages—and kings.” At any rate the time passed quickly. The storm, though fierce in its intensity, was brief in duration. Midnight found them marching along single file over a narrow path that, lighted by the moon, revealed to all the beauty and the glory of a tropical land after a storm.
In due time they came within sight of the chateau. Standing there, white in the moonlight, it seemed a land of dreams.
“That,” said the King admiringly, “is some barracks!”
“It’s my home,” was Dot’s reply.
“Lucky girl!” The King’s compliment was genuine.
“I AM lucky,” said Dot in a voice that was deep with emotion. “I really don’t need a thing. And just for that I am going to give my whole share of the jewels to a certain king I happen to know that he may build a school for some of his black subjects.”
“That,” said the King, bending low, “will be equal to a month’s leave and passage home.”
CHAPTER XXV
THE MARCH OF TRIUMPH
Johnny and Curlie found no time for talk in the morning. They gulped down cups of hot, black coffee, then dressed as best they might for the triumphal procession that was to accompany them down the mountain. The newly chosen native chief had decided that the passing of the ‘Rope of Gold’ from their midst should be made a memorable occasion.