The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1893-09-16

her.
"It is two days since you were here.
Matt said he. II was seriously
thinking of coming to look for you.
Why wouldn't you come before?'
"'Twasn't that!'' said Matt. IL
Couldn't"
couldn't? Why?"
''Why, he wouldn't let me, William;
Jones. He says he'll smash me If
come here and talk to you"
AS Matt spoke her bosom heaved and.
her eyes flashed fire.
''He amt at home to-day she said,
in answer to the young mans query,
concerning the ex-wrecker; she's gone
up to market-town and won't be back
before night
AS Brinkley looked at her a sudden
thought seemed to strike him.
Matt he said, ''you and will go
wreck hunting this afternoon-that u.s., !
if you've no objection. i
She certainly had none; wherever he
went she seemed to be willing to fol-
low. IN very little while the two
started off. 1t was Brinkley who led this
time, Matt walking along beside him
like d confding child.
''By the way, Matt" he said, present.
ly, 'you told me once of treasures being
hidden among the sand hills. Did any
body ever find any,"
mot that know off,
'Willian Jones, for instance?'
'No Leastways don't know
'Well, what would you say, Matt, if
I told you that had found one?''
eff you!''
Eyes. wonder if you can keep
secret? Yes, on reflection, think you
can. Now, before we go on any further,
Matt, first you place your hand in mine
and promise never to mention until I
give you permission what am about
to confde in you now
MATHS curiosity was aroused.
Gail right" she replied, eagerly, Il
shan't tell
every good,'' replied Brinlxley; I'VE
will now proceed"
They passed on among the sand hills
and came to the entrance of the cave.
Brinkley removed the stones and sand
from the hole and entered. Breathless
with curiosity Matt followed. They
reached the bottom Brinlzley struck
a light and pointed out to her ali the
wonderful treasures which the cave
contained. 1t was such surprise to
the girl that for time she could do
nothing but stare and stare in speech
less wonder. Whistling gayly, Brink
ley 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 anazement turned into awe.
"Don't,'' she said, in a fearful whis-
per; cit belongs to the fairies''
Brinkley laughed.
"It belongs to a very substantial
fairy, Matt, but don't think that to-
day will mention that 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, fippant-
~, 1.-THE sight of that gold fascinates
you. Well, so it did me at first, but
you see what use does. can regard it
now with comparative calnness. How
ever, have a particular wish to ac-
custom you to the sight of wealth;
therefore, 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, in fact, belonged to you?''
Without the slightest hesitation Matt
replied:
81 should give it to you--leastways
half of it,
"Ah, the reply is Characteristic, and
clearly shows you are not at present
fitted to become the possessor of riches.
But / shall bring you to tie proper
state of mind in time. no doubt. The
next time l 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 have made you
the sharer of my secret we will CO.
They lett the cave once more and
made their way back across the sand
hills, Brinkley pausing to obliterate
their footprints as they went. When
they had proceeded some distance he
paused and took the gin's hand.
"Good-by. Matt, said he. IF it
wasn't for that promised smashing
shou1d certainly see you home
"Then do, returned Matt. II don't
care if he does smash me!'
Probably not, but do. 1t would DO
an episode in your career which it
would not be pleasant to reflect upon
therefore, good-by, Matt - and-and
God bless you. my girl''
He gave her fatherly salute upon
the forehead; a bright flush overspread
her cheek as she bounded a9a.y.
Brinlzlsy watched her until she was &5
out of sight, then he turned and
strolled quietly On in the direction Of I,
the caravan. axa.s
Its a strange game, . he said, and 81
requires careful waiting. / wondeHslS
what my nextmove ought to b? stsss
lTo be Confirmed. s$s5.SE