Rejtő, Jenő: The three musketeers in Africa; Q 19045

14 out a trace

. If he /Hick/ is the same M, Thorze who was Francis's friend, she begs him to write to her what he knows about her poor brother. Where i^ this man Francis Barré, they wonder. Levin volunteers the information. Why, in Igori, on the Congo, the very place he, Levin, is headed for. He was together with Barre in Colomb-Béchar field punishment camp. By then the fellow was a psychical wreck; since then he steadily broke up under his troubles. And when he lost his rifle, he was sentenced to two years traveaux force

s at Igori. He did write him from there, but it was no use since he, Levin, cannot read! Barré

«s letter is among his effects in his bag in the regimental store. The three friends decide that they should break into the store. Upon their release they contrive an ingenious trick to prove their alibi, and carry out the break-in at midnight. They remove Levin's and Barré's bags from the store. Among Barré's effects they find £he photograph of a beautiful girl, with "Yvonne" written on the reverse side. Levin's bag contains 200 menu-cards bound in leather, with the coloured lettering: "To the great Levin, from his grateful disciples. Two Hundred Dream Recipes." On the inside cover is a puzzling photógraph, taken l6 years back: it shows th6 Master sitting on a chair, surrounded by 20 disciples. All are wearing white cook's aprons and hats — and striped trousers