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 swimming and climbing, and struck the very spot he was looking for. Think of how many generations of his ancestors lived in the jungle."

"I suppose he might live in there for months," said Giles. "Curious race, the negro—what?" No doubt he can find things to eat which we would never think of—what?"

Manning, thinking deeply, had not heard the last few words. Virginia watched him anxiously, hopefully. She had long ago learned to count upon the resource of her brother. Presently Manning looked up, his face relieved, but still doubtful.

"There is but one man to my knowledge who can find Dessalines," he said, "who can find him and bring him out of that place."

"One of your negroes?" asked Giles.

"No," said Virginia quickly. "You mean Leyden!"

"Right!" cried Giles, "why didn't we think of him before!"

"I believe that Leyden could go about that swamp as you would roam around Oxford or Fenwick, Giles," said Manning. "If Dessalines can be found, Leyden is the man to find him. I shall make a simple business proposition of this thing; I am under obligation to this negro and mean to save his life if possible. Leyden's profession is to find things in savage places where other people are either unable or afraid to venture; I mean to wire Leyden to come back here and look for Dessalines."

"Oh, Manning, you wise old darling!" cried Virginia, and threw her arms about her brother's neck. If Manning was ever known to relax from his cool dig- 289