Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-06-03
COME ASHORE
BY ROBERT BUCHANAN.
CHAPTER TX.
A DISCOVERY


some way connected-firstly, with William
Jones worldly prosperity; secondly, with the
reports current of treasure hidden in times
past among the sandhills or the dangerous
caverns of the sea. Was it possible. after all.
that these reports were true, and that in
some mysterious manner Jones had become
acquainted with the hiding-places It seemed
very improbable for many reasons, one OF
the chief being the mans extreme poverty,
which appeared to touch the very edge of
sheer starvation.
A little inquiry in the neighborhood, how
ever, ELECTED tho information that Jones, de-
spite his abiect penury, was certainly well-to-
do, and had money in tho bank of the neigh
boring market town; that the ruined village
of Aberglyn belonged almost entirely to him.
and that, in short, he was by nature and
habit misery person, who would prefer
boarding up whatever he possessed to pur-
chasing with it the cofnlnonest necassa1ies of
life
An old coastguard, whom Brinlley found
next day on the station, was his chief in
formant.
Don't You believe him, sir, said this old
salt, IF he tells you he's poor. He's shark,
William Jones is, and couldn't own up even
to his own father It's my belief he's got
gold hidden somewheres among them sand
hills, let alone what he's got in the savings
bank. An, he's an artful one, is William
Jones.n
Brinkley had said nothing of his own pri-
vate suspicious, but had merely introduced in
general way the subject of Jones' worldly
position. Further conversation with Tim.
who had made few struggling acquaintance
IN the district, corroborated the other testi-
mony. The young man became more and
more convinced that William Jones was
worth studying.
Matt had not turned UP that morning. In
stead OF looking after her Brinkley took
another stroll toward the vicinity of the
Devils Caldron. He had not gone far before
ne discovered that he was watched again.
The figure of William Jones followed in the
distance, but keeping him well in view.
1t was certainly curious.
He walked over to tho cliffs and looked
down at the scene of yesterdays bathing adj
venture A strong wind was blowing.
and the waves were surging up the rocks
with deafening roar and foamy spume. The
place looked very ugly, particularly near the
Caldron. All the passage was churned To
milky white, and the sound from beneath
was, to quote an old simile, like the roar of
inpumerable chariots.
He glanced over his shoulder and saw tho
head of William Jones eagerly watching. The
body being hidden behind an intervening
rock.
'Strange!" he reflected. s'My predatory
friend can't keep his treasure, if he possesses
any, down in that watery gulf. Yet when
ever l come near it his manner tells me that
| am 'warm,' as they say in the game of hide
and seek.
To test the matter n little further. heset off
on q brisk walk along the cliffs, leaving the
Caldron behind. He found as he had sus-
pected, that he was no longer followed. Re
turning as he came, and reslIming his old
position, he saw William Jones Immediately
reappear.
That day he discovered no clew to the
mystery, nor the next, nor the next again,
though on each day he went through a similar
performance. Strange to say, Matt had not
put IN an appearance, and for reasons of his
own he had thought it better not to seek her.
On the morning of the third day-a dark.
chilly morning, after night of rain-Tim
put his head into the Caravan, where his
master was seated at his easel, and grinned
delightedly.
Mr.. Charlesl Shes come, SCRIP
"Who the deuce has comep' cried Brink
ley.
''The lady, your honor, to have her picture
taken. win show her into the parlorg''
But as he spoke Matt pushed him aside and
entered. She wore her best clothes, but
looked little pale and anxious, Brinkley
thought, greeting her with familiar nod.
$50 you've come at 1astl Tim, get out.
you rascal. / thought you had given me
up"
He assumed a GOODNESS, though he felt it
not, for he had made up his mind not to "en-
courage" the young person.
81 couldn't come before-they wouldn't let
me. But last night William Jones he didn't
come home, and 1 broke open the box and
took out my clothes, and ran straight off
here
Her face fell as she proceeded, for she could
not fail to notice the GOODNESS of the young
mans greeting.
''Wen, since you haze come wen get to
work, said Brinkley. ''It's chilly and damp
outside, so we'll remain here in shelter"
Matt took OFF her hat, and then proceeded
to divest herself of her coarse jacket, reveal
ing for the first time the low-necked silk
dress beneath. Meantime the young man
placed the sketch in position. Turning pres
emily, he beheld MATHS transformation.
Old and shabby as the dress was, torn here
coarse stockings and clumsy boots, it be-
came her wonderfully. As result of much
polishing with soap and water her face shone
again, and her arms and neck were white as
snow. Thus attired, Matt looked no longer a
long, stumbling girl, but a tall, bright, re-
splendent young lady.
1t was no use. Brinkley could not conceal
his admiration. MATHS arms alone were
enough to make painter wild with delight.
''Why, Matt, you look positively magnif-
| cent. had no idea you were SO pretty"
The girl blushed with pleasure.
The young man worked away for a good
hour and half, at the end of which time he
put the finishing touch to the sketch.
"FiniS coropot opllSin he cried ''Look
Mattm
Matt examined the picture with uncon.
cealed delight. 1t was herself, a little ideal
lied, but quite characteristic, and altogether
charming
''May l take it homer she asked, eagerly.
''I'll get you to leave it few days longer
/ must get a frame for it, Matt, and then you
shall have it all complete. Now, let me lool
at you again." he said, taking her by botl
hands and looking up at her sunny face
''Are you pleaseds VIII you take care Of til,
picture for the painters saBeF'
MATS answer was EMBARRASSING. Sni
quietly sat down on his knee, md gave him
smacking kiss.
''Matti Mattm he cried. '-You mustn't
But she put her warm arm round his neck
md rested her cheek against bis shoulder.
81 should like to have pretty dresses AID
| gold bracelets and things, and to go away
from William Jones and to stay with you"
"My DEAR" said Brinkley, laughing, ''you
couldn't. 1t wouldn't be proper"
''Why notT' asked Matt, simply.
''The world is censorious, little one. an
young man; you are young lady. We
shall have to shake hands soon and say good
oy There, there" he continued, seeing hei
eyes fill with tears, "I'm not gone yet
shall stay as long as can, only-really-yo
must look upon me as quite an old fellow.
I'm awfully old, you know, compared to you.
He gently disengaged himself, and Matt sa
Town on o campstool close by. Herface haC
grown very wistful and sad.
''Matt . he said, anxious to change the sub
iect, tell me something more about William
Jones.n
Il hate William Jones. hateeverybody--
but youn
''ReallyF
Eyes, do"
''Wen, 1 feel greatly fatterod But abou
The gentle Jonesa You say he was out all las
uight"
Matt nodded.
He goes out nigh every night" she said