The National tribune., 1882-02-04
THE TREASURE AT GRAN QUlVIRA.
CHAPTER ".


The second night passed away as quietly as the
first had done; the sun rose over the waterless
plains and aaesas as brilliantly as ever. Despite
of the disagreeable tidings Of the previous even
ing, the spirits of the party rose high with the
bright morning and its balmy breeze. Gerald
and another had ascended the highest mesa-no
great height it is true, as the low mound only
rose some fifty feet above the surrounding plain
and from its summit had carefully swept the
country around with powerful field glasses, with
out discerning living object no, not even their
water-wagon, which ought by this time to have
been in sight upon its return journey. There
was as yet no pressing want of water; but any
thing like delay in this supply would be awk-
ward, and if sustained, would be fatal to the en-
terprise.
Annie and her lady friend made themselves
very useful by preparing the meals in more in
viting manner than had hitherto been done; yet
the Senorita found time to ascend more than once
the mesa on which the lookout was now con-
stantly kept. Although Gerald was as hard at
work as any one of the party, he asked Annie and
her friend to take an hours ride over the plains
in which he would accompany them; but the
the proposal an unusual thing with her, NO.
Mr. Elkley," she said; II must not. You must
not ride out to-day. No one should leave the
camp singly: no one should leave it at all except
with fighting party"
"But Annie Miss Tate"-Gerald corrected
himself; bat the slip brought little color back
to the girls face" all is safe, all is quiet; no
living thing is in sight"
In sight l do not fear any living thing if
it is in sight" exclaimed the girl. But | am
morally certain that near to us-perhaps within
rife-shot-there are those who would be only too
ready to thin your numbers, did you venture
near the ambush. do not speak in fear of my
self; yet know that in revenge for what my
presence here has told them, l should be their
first victim. Be on your guard, Mr. Elkley,
against treachery within, as well as against foes
without. Jose has warned you"
"Yes: Jose had intimated suspicion, but it was
suspicion only; and while Elkley resolved to use
the utmost vigilance, he yet saw no reason for the
alarm under which the whole of the party from
Blue Creek evidently labored. But no argu-
ment could induce any of them to leave the camp;
and the day wore On unmarked by any feature
of interest, beyond the sustained digging and
probing, save that the water-wagon did not ar
rive There was only enough water for another
days consumption; therefore it was decided that
if the wagon were not in sight at sunrise, party
should at once set out for the springs to procure
a supply as well as to learn what had become of
the men.
Somewhat more of depression was visible in
the camp this evening than before; and none of
A. 70 foly ho ctr yuhi ch
have been so refreshing, so pleasantly conducive
to chatting, so enjoyable for smoking after the
labors of the day; but lounged about moodily,
OF gazed wistfully from the mesa top in the
direction of the expected wagon. Darkness
closed in; the sentinels duly placed, and all
was silence and gloom on the vast plain. Again
the night passed without disturbance: and when
the sun rose, every man arose also and climbed
the mesa to look for the expected water-supply.
No wagon was in sight.
This was unaccountable, and, in addition, very
serious; indeed, they could not hold out beyond
that day without supply. council was call
ed, at which, while some urged the carrying out
the proposal of overnight, to set out at once,
others argued that if any accident had detained
the men, involving the repair of the wagon, they
fore it would be better to wait yet few hours;
and this view was adopted. 1t was finally de-
cided that they should wait until noon; and
then if no trace of the wagon could be discovered
an expedition should start, which would reach
the springs that night, and return in the morn
ing Even this involved the diminuton of the
usual allowance to one half As there was reason
to fear that the first wagon had been attacked it
was determined that stronger party should now
go out so six men were picked for the duty
two of the prospectors, two white " helps, and
two Mexicans. 1t was hoped that so strong
party, especially with no valuables in charge
would not be molested. -.
The digging proceeded with less spirit on this
day, partly from the mysterious failure of the
water, and partly because the greater part of the
supposed chapel area had been tested without
result. 1t was true that they could easily have
been mistaken in their selection of the spot but
ifso, it became disheartening TO look round and