Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-02-20

fT6Ine :hat must have been rather oyeracting my delight, and that she de- tected hollow ring in my congratula' tions, for saw her eyebrows rise a little. and she glanced at mo cautiously.
 If I have it," said she, II owe it to you"
 "No, no, answered, mot to me, but to my friend Sherlock Holmes With all tho will in the world could never have followed up clew which has taxed even his analytical genius As it was, we very nearly loct 1t at the last moment Pray, sit down and tell mo all about | 1t, Dr Watson" said she. narrated briefly what had occurred since I had seen her last-Holmcs' new method of search, the discovery of tho | Aurora, the appearance of Athelney Jones, l our expedition in the evening and the wild chase down the Thames. Shc listened with parted lips and shining eyes to my recital of our adventures When spoke | of tho dart which had so narrowly missed us, she turned so white that feared she was about to faint.
 It is nothing," she snid as hastcncd to pour hcr out some water. II nm all right again It was a shock to mo to hear that had placed my friends In such hor rible peril.
 
 nothing, will tell you no more gloomy details. Let us turn to something bright CT There is the treasure. What could be brighter than that? got leave to bring | 1t with me, thinking that it would inter est you to be the first to sec 1t"
 1t would be of the greatest interest to me" she said. There was no eagcrness in her voice, however It struck her doubt less that it might seem ungracious upon -Is -1,a a.l, had cost so much to win.
 What pretty box!' she said, stepping g over it This is Indian work, 1 sup posc?'
 Yes, 1t Is Bcnarcs metal work.
 And 50 hCavyr' she exclaimed, trying to raise it Tho box alone must be ot somo value Where is the key?"
 Small threw it into the Thames, answered T must borrow Mrs. Forres ter's poker. There was in the front a thick and broad hasp, wought in the image of a sitting Buddha. Under this thrust the end of the poker and twisted it outward as a lever. Tho hasp sprang open with a loud snap. With trembling fingers l flung hack the lid We both stood gazing in astonishmCnt The box was empty
 l No wonder that 1t was heavy. The iron work was two,thirds of an inch thick all round It was massive, well made and solid, like A chest constructed to carry things Cf great price, but not one shred ol crurnb of metal or jcwelry lay within 1t It was absolutely and completely empty.
 "Thr treasure is lost" said Miss Nor stan calmly
 As listened Ia tho words and realized what they meant great shadow seemed to pass from my soul did not know how this Agra trrasure had weighed ma down until now that 1t was finally re moved, IL was selfish, no doubt, disloyal wrong. but could realize nothing say, that tho golden barrier was gOno from be tween Us. Thank GodN' 1 cjaculateC from my very heart
 Shc looked at me with quick, ques tioninS smile Why do you say that?' she asked.
 Because you arc within my reacl again." said. taking her hand. Shc diC not withdraw il Because I love you Mary, as truly aS ever a man loved wom an Because this treasure, these riches sealed my lips Now that they arc gone can tell you how lovc you That is wh. said, Thank God""
 Then SHY Thank God! too. " sh whispered ,.s drew her to my side Who over had lost atrrasurc, knew that nigh that had gained one.