Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-06-12

SldG him I1k0 q COnuQ1nay cnlQ. > -
''By the way, Matt" he said presently,
syou told me once of treasures being hidden
among tho sanGhills Did anybody ever find
any!"
'sNot that [ know on"
civilian Jones, for instances"
'.No. Leastways don't know"
"Well, what would you say, Matt, if l told
you that I had found one?n
"If you?" M ... .
eyes. wonder if you can keep a secret?
Yes, on reflection, I think you can. Now,
before we go any further, Matt, first you
place your hand in mine, and promise never
to mention until I give you permission what
I am about to confide in you now"
MATHS curiosity was aroused.
Gail right" she replied, eagerly, ~ shan't
tell"
every good" replied Brinkley; 1--WE will
now proceed"
They passed on among the sandhills and
came to the entrance of the cave. BTinkley
removed the stones and sand from the hole
and entered. Breathless with curiosity, Matt
followed. They reached tho bottom. Brink
Icy struck light and pointed out to her all
the wonderful treasures which the cave con-
tanned. 1t was such surprise to the girl
that for time she could do nothing but stare
and stare in speeches. wonder. Whistling
gayly, Brinkley turned about the casks of
rum and brandy and thrust his hands into
the bags and let the cleaning gold slip
through his fingers.
MATHS amazement turned into awe.
sDon't," she said, in fearful whisper; 'tiit
belongs to the fairies.
Brinllley laughed. aH
ssIt belongs to a very substantial fairy,
Matt, but I don't think that to-day I will
mention tl~at fairy s name. Did you ever see
so much money in all your life before, Matt?'
She shook her head, but her eyes were still
fixed upon the gold.
II see,' observed Brinkley, fippantly, ''the
sight Of that gold fascinates you. Well, SO
it did me at first, but you see what use does.
I can regard it now with comparative calm
ness. However, have particular wish to
accustom you to the sight Of wealth; there
fore shall bring you here and show you
this now and again. Come, Matt, tell me
what you would do if you were very rich, if
all this fotsam and jetsam belonged to YOU"
Without the slightest hesitation Matt re-
piled:
II should give it to you-leastways half
of it.n
"Ah, the reply is characteristic, and
clearly shows you are not at present fitted to
become the possessor of riches. But I shall
bring you to the proper state of mind in
time, no doubt. The next time ask you
similar question you will propose to give me
a third, the next an eighth, and SO on, until
you will finally come to proper state of
mind, and decline to give me any at all.
And now that I have made you the sharer of
my secret we will 60"
They left the cave once more and made
their way back across the sandhills, Brinkley
pausing to obhterate their footprints as they
went. When they had proceeded some dis
lance he paused, and took the girls hand.
s'Good-by, Matt" said he. eff it wasn't
for that promised smashing 7 should GER
tainly see you home"
''Then do" returned Matt. IT don't care
if he does smash mer'
'Probably not but do. 1t would be an
episode in your career which it would not be
pleasant to reflect upon-therefore, good-by,
-and-and God bless you, my grill"
He gave her a fatherly salute upon the
forehead; a bright flush overspread her cheek
as she bounded away. Brinkley watched her
until she was out of sight, then he turned and
and strolled quietly on in the direction of the
caravan.
''It's strange game" he said, ''and re-
quires careful waiting. wonder what my
next move ought to be?'
He thought very deeply, but when he
reached the caravan he found he had come to
no definite conclusion as to his plans. He
therefore partook cheerfully of the repast
Which Tim had prepared for him, and after
he had smoked couple Of pipes in the open
air he retired to rest.
The next morning he began bordering
again.
IT have got my trump card" he said to
himself; ''but how to play up to it? have
splendid hand, but it will want skillful man.
aging if I am to win the game. One false
move would do for me, for my opponents are
crafty as foxes, and they are two against one
What is my right move, wondera wish
some good fairy would guide me!''
He took out his pipe, which was his usual
consider, and smoked while he took few
turns on the greensward outside the Caravan.
Suddenly an idea struck him.
IT think I'll pay domiciliary visit to Mr.
Monk" he said. II can meet him now on
pretty equal terms. If I hint a few things to
him, the amiable gentleman may think of be-
coming just"
He called up Tim, and sent him ON some
as he was well out of the way Brinkley en-
tered the caravan, produced some papers
from the inner pocket of his coat, and locked
them up securely in his trunk.
$50 far so good, u he said. s'My amiable
friend may not be in an aniable mood, and I
don't wish him to get any advantage of me!''
He did not even take with him the key of
the box, but having attached to it a small
,,iao Of yyhi
instructions, he hid it in the caravan and
started off upon his journey.
EIt was a dark, gloomy morning, giving
very promise of coming storms. AS he
passed through the wood which surrounded
Monkshurst House the wind whistled softly
among the trees making moan like the
sound of human voices.
GA gloomy place." said Brinkley; "a fit
residence for such as he. Any dark deed
might be committed here, and who would
know?n
The path which he followed was neg
lected carriage drive, strewed with stones,
overgrown with weeds and bordered on
either side by the thick trees Of the forest.
Presently the trees parted and he came in
view of the house.
A large, gloomy-looking building, as
neglected as the woodland in the centre of
which it stood. 1t seemed as if only part
of it was inhabited, and the large garden at
its back was unprotected by any wall, and
full of overgrown fruit trees.
The door was opened by a grim, elderly
woman. He inquired for Mr. Monk, and
was informed that he was at home The
next minute he was standing in lonely
library, where the owner of the house was
busy writing. Monk rose and the two st Hod
face to face.
CHAPTER XII
BURIED! >
1t is not my purpose to describe tie inter
view which took place between my hero and
Mr.. Monk. Suffice it to say that when the
yot ng man again emerged from the gloomy
shadows of the dwelling there was curious
smile upon his face, while Mr.. Monk, who had
followed him to the door and watched his re-
treating figure wore horrible expression of
hatred and fear.
No sooner had he disappeared than Monk
left the house also, and, following footpath
through the woods, made straight for Viii
liam Jones' cottage. Entering unceremoni-
ously, he found that worthy seated beside the
hearth; without a word he rushed upon him,
seized him by the throat, and began pummel-