Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1891-04-25

us make for the hollow oak We can put
the box in that; they II never find it before
help comes.
Has 'ening in the direction together
we managed to raise the box high enough
to reach the hole, and toppled it in 1t
fell with heavy thud; knew 1t was safe.
then told Jane to run TO the Hawthorns,
the nearest house and arouse the people,
and bring some Of the male srvants back
She wanted me to 20 with her, but dast
not leave the neighbohood of the tree, leer
any miserable chance should occur Tor the
burglars finding the treasure. Crouching
among the bushes some yards off, babe
the girl hasten.
Scarcely had she gone when noise
attracted my attention, My flight
with the jewls was discovered. Ny heart
stool still, and the blood in every vein
turned cold. With Jenkins, there were
three of them.
Through the darkness | saw they were
beating and searching the bushes. They
had guessed we could not carry the box
far, and evidently were in hopes of find
ing it before help came.
Twice, thrice. they approached so near
to where | was, that my hair stood on end.
The fourth time it was jenkins himself
| knew him despite is craze Task-that
drew aside the branches and discovered
me.
With a cry endea Jred to fly; but the
burglars instantly secured me. Hardly
can ! describe the scene that followed; 1t
makes my skin now creep with horror.
They looked around for the box, and not
finding it, with awful oaths and threats
babe me say where it was My only re-
ply was to shrek aloud, until they checked
me by blows; and finally by placing a
pistol to roy head; implored mercy, hut ]
remained firm. felt my sense leaving
me; they, too saw it, and by twisting my
arms, to create exquisite torture, aroused
me. At last one exclaimed, 1T won't
do TO fire. lt'll bring others upon us
Gag her and take her along down to the
lake.
TO the lake, What were they going
to do3 Drown mel My brain swan, but
| resolved to remain firm, and save the
diamonds. Reaching the edge of the
water the villains, taking me by the Shout
ders, laid me back in the lake. pressing
my head beneath. My mouth being
gagged could not cry out, and never shall
forget the horrible sensation. Surely |
tasted death theu
Every few seconds they raised me to Dc
mand the whereabouts of the diamonds,
answered by a shake of the head. How
long all this lasted ! cannot tell but
abruptly fearful noise sounded in
my ears--l felt the water was roll
ing over me. and | was conscious no more
The immersion caused the most curious
sensation ever felt in my life before !
became unconscious. My breath went and
came at ftful intervals, and had a pain
full sense of smothering or suffocation,
which paralyzed my brain and deadened
all knowledge of the power of volition.
could not speak for the life of me, neither
was able to offer the slightest resistance
TO my tormentors.
When ! 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 The
help Jane brought arrived just when the
ruffians flung you in the lake; but they are
all captured
1t was a considerable time before | thor
oughly recovered from the nervous fever
that awful night occasioned. One day
Arthur came to me smiling. See dar-
lingl" he said, those villains brought
few threads of silver to your hair; but -
and he held up a magnificent brace
let-"they have put gold on your wrists.
The Baronet asks you to accept this for
your bravery in preserving the Etchin
diamonds.