Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1878-11-21

the box, bade her lower it to me, after
| had descended by the trellis.
She did as directed, then joining me,
we carried the box between us as we ian
from the house.
We had not gone dozen yards before
the dread of pursuit and having the dia-
monds wrested from US possessed me.
"Jane," said, 'this will never do.
Let us make for the hollow oak. We
can put the box in that; they'll never
| find it before help comes"
Fastening in the direction together, we
managed to rise tho box high enough to
reach the hole, and I toppled 1t in. It
| fell with heavy thud. I knew it was
safe. then told Jane to return to Haw-
thornes, the nearest house, arouse tho
people, and bring some of the male serv-
ants back. She wanted me to 60 with her,
but dared not leave the neighborhood
of the tree, least any miserable chance
should occur of the burglars finding the
treasure. Crouching among the bushes
some yards of, babe the girl hasten.
Scrcely had she gone than noise at
the house attracted my attention. M
flight with the jewels was discovered.
My heart stood still, and the blood in
every vein turned cold. With Jenkins
there were three of them. Though the
| darkness could they were beating and
searching the bushes. They guessed we
could not carry the box far, and evident
| ly were in hopes of finding it before help
came.
Twice, thrice, they approached so near
to where I was that my hair stood on
end. The fourth time it was Jenkins
himself knew him, despite his Grape
mask-that drew aside the branches and
discovered me.
With cry endeavored to fly, but the
burglars instantly secured me. Hardly
can describe the scene that followed. It
makes my flesh now creep with terror.
They looked around for the box, and not
| finding it, with awful oaths and threats
bade Inc say where it was. My only re
ply was to shrek aloud, until they check.
ed me by blows, and finally by placing a
revolver at my head. implored mercy :;
but remained firm. l felt my senses
leaving me; they, too, saw il, and by
twisting my arms to create exquisite tor
ture, aroused me. At last one exclaimed ::
at won't do to fire. It'll bring others
upon US. Gag her and take her along to
the lakew
To the lake! What were they going
to do2 Drown met MY brain swan !;
but resolved to remain firm, and save
the diamonds. Reaching the edge of the
water, the Williams, taking me by the
shoulders, laid me back in the lake, press
| ing my head beneath the water. My
mouth being gagged could not cry out,
and never shall forget the horrible SEN
sation. Surely felt death then!
Every few seconds they raised me to
demand the whereabouts of the dia-
monds. answered by shake of the
head. How long all this lasted cannot
tell; but abruptly fearful noise sound
ed in my ears. felt the water was roll
ing over me, and l was conscious no
| more.
The immersion caused the most curl
Gus sensation ever felt in all my life be-
fore l became conscious. My breath
came and went at fitfuI intervals, and l
had painful sense of smothering or suf
location with paralyzed my brain and
dcadened all power of volition. could
net speak for the life of me, neither was
l able to offer the slightest resistance to
my would-be murkerers.
When I came to, was in my own
room. Arthur was near me, and the first
words he said were:
"My brave Nellie! You have saved the
Etchin diamonds. Thehelp Jane brought
arrived just when the rCfhans flung you
into the lake; but thew are all captured ]"
1t was a considerable time before l
thoroughly recovered from the nervous
fever that awful night uccasioned.
One day Arthur came to me smiling
and said:
''See, darling!" he said, "those Williams
brought few threads of silver to your
hair, but"-and he held up magnificent
bracelet-"they have put gold on. your
wrists. The baronet asks you to accept
this for your bravery in preserving the
Etchin diamonds"