The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-02-16


gold were visible.
The skipper was thinking of this as
making some careless excuse, no rose
and, strolling down to the shore, tool
his way along the shadows of the beet
ling lodges, leaving Jack plunged il
rather gloomy meditatious.
Just before reaching Kidd's ledge
which was said to be marked by three
crosses cut in the stone, n mur1nur o.
voices reached his ear
Stopping and crouching low in the
shadow of n great bowldcr, Uncle Sol
peered cautiously out. Two persons.
whose backs were toward him, were
bending over the sand at the foot OF
kidd's ledge, apparently digging with
all their might at the base of the rock.
lesitating Il moment Uncle Sol stole
along to the other side of Kidd's ledge
and softly climbed upward till he
reached the top. Then wormins
himself along to the edge he pccpcc
over
what possessed you to run such 6
tremendous risk. Bradford?" were the
first Ineligible words that reached the
shippers ear.
No great risk about it," coolly re-
turned the other. mo one knew that
Uncle Josh had made will, and as ]
happened TO find it in the tin trunk
with some other papers / slipped il
away and buried it here"
why herc?" asked Mr.. Bclchcrs
who did not seem SO much shocked MS
might have been expected.
II knew the house would be ran.
sacked, and didn't want to carry il
home" was the surly reply.
The skipper, who had listened with
amazement too deep for words, felt his
heart almost stop beating rs the whole
truth of the matter flashed across his
mind.
Dragging himself still farther for.
ward, Uncle Sol crancd his neck until
he could sec what was going on below.
Brad had disinterrcd small square
trunk of Japanned tin, which stood
open on the sand. His father had
taken out one of the papers and, light
ing match, was reading the heading.
Last will and testament of Joshua
Belchers, ESQ.," he read aloud. "Hum,
we'll. hardly know what to do about
this"
1t occurred to Uncle Sol that an hon
est man would know without studying
such question for n moment.
Burn it, of course" terscly respond
ed Brad.
If did," said his father, solemuly.
sit would only be to-er-save you
from the consequences of what you
have done"
Cannon" sneered Brad. You
know you're as ANXIOUS to hold onto
the property rs am. Burn it. l say"
Mr.. Belchcrs pretended to hesitate
Then drawing another match from his
pocket, he struck it on the rock as the
two stood close together.
Uncle Sol opened his mouth to yell,
when suddenly he ovcrbalanccd him
self and down he went. the yell cscap-
ing as he pitched forward Falling
down the steep and slippery ledge, he
struck heavily on MIR. Belcher's head
and Brnd's shoulders, throwing them
both to the sand.
Neither of them stopped here Two
moro frightened individuals never
scrambled from n recumbent posture
and took to their heels without rs
much as casting a glance behind.
I'VE couldn't see 'em for the sand
they kicked up behind EN-" chuck
lingly observed Uncle Sol, as ten min
utes later he displayed to jacks aston
ished eyes the tin trunk containing the
missing will, and told his story with
great gusto.
II knowcd I'd git even with them
two critters, only l didn't think il
would be so soon, said Uncle Soil IAN
now, Jack, don't lose minute, but
hurry up to Lawyer Titcomb's and en-.
ter complaint agin 'em for larcenizin'
a mans will with intent to defraud, or
whatever you call it,
what for?" TRANQUILITY interrupted
Jack.
SOS to have 'em both putin states
prison, of course" returned Uncle Sol,
with Il bewildered STARE.
I'll think about it, Uncle SOL" said
Jack. quietly. And then, taking the tin
trunk. he made his way up town
But instead of stopping at Lawyer
Titcnmbs he kept on till he reached
the old homestead, where Mr.. Bclchers
and Bradford had taken up their abode.
The lawyer and his son, having re-
covered from their fright, were about
to return to the shore when Jack ap-
peared. At the sight of the trunk the
two grew pale rs ashes.
II will trouble You both to leave my
premises" coolly observed Jack. ~
happen to have here the will which you,
Brad. stole and hid away, and you, Mr..
Belchers," turning to the lawyer, sin
tended to burn
What could be said to such an accuse.
ton? Mr.. Belchers stammered some
thing about mistake and hrrriedly
departed.
II suppose now you've got the whip
| hand you'll paw us off incur own coin 81