Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1897-10-07

without doubt be robbed OF 1t between
Capetown and johannesburg. No;
when the boat reaches Capetowa, they
must be under the impression that you
are not the bearer"
when am to leave London?"
1.-THE Roman leaves the docks to-
morrow and Plymouth on Saturday.
Your berth is booked; Gibson is also u
passenger, and several OF his following.
But perhaps l had better explain why
this map is so important.
Gibson, like myself, is an old Kim
berley man. We both did very well
there, and lately, like me, he has been
dealing in Transvaal mining property.
We have often gone partners in various
undertakings. In the autumn of '04,
being then in Johanncsburg-about six
months ago-and feeling the want of u
holiday, | determined to go on a shoot
ing expedition through the Transyaal
towards the sea. Accompanied by two
Zulus, l carried out my intention, and
after some weeks travelling we found
ourselves in the low country bordering
IN Switzerland. Here quite by chance
| made a remarkable discovery. In the
rir-iedup. channel of what had been Il
river came upon traces of diamonds.
The find to my eyes was most promis-
ing; but before could pursue my in
designations further, one of my Zulus,
dispatched to get food from a neighbour
ing kraal, came hot-foot with the news
shat the Swazis were up in arms. Irri-
lated by some act of Boer oppression.
hey seemed inclined to wreak their
'engeance on me, and so we fed forth
With for our very lives. Before leaving,
drew up plan of the place, so that it
ould be found again.
After various adventures l reached
Durham, and took ship for England.
.leeting Gibson in London, l acquainted
aim in general terms with my dis
overy, stating that in the course of my
ourneying had found diamonds. l had
Intended to take him into partnership
!, this affair, but the knowledge which
gained Immediately afterwards that
he had swindled me in the matter OF
some gold mines changed my purpose,
and l broke with him for good.
"Now the value of my find is prob
lematical. Diamonds have not yet been
found in paying quantity in the Trans
vaal. This place may be second Kim
berley, and shake the De Beers monopo-
ly. 1t is quite possible. Therefore l
want the ground pegged out in the
usual way, and to register myself as the
owner; but if Gibson could get hold of
the map he would forestall me. 1t is
not convenient for me to go myself just
now, as l have some important bust
ness in hand; so not to delay obtaining
the claims, 1 have ordered Howard to
peg them out and register in my name,
but he can do nothing until he has the
particulars contained in this. Now, do
you understand"
Eyes; but how far is Gibson cog
infant of your plans?"
Gle has found out that intend send
ing the map Immediately to Johannes
burg. This Office is watched; you will
be Swallowed on leaving, and when they
find that you are passenger by the
Roman they will conclude that you
are my messenger. twill be your bust
ness to nullify that belief"
81 see."
"You had better pretend to be new
submanager sent out by me to repre-
sent my interests in Johannesburg.
Now, can you, do you think, conceal the
map in such a way that these thieves
cannot get hold of it?"
I sat silent few moments thinking
over the situation, then my eyes strayed
TO some books lying on the table be-
tween us. 1 took up one. 1t was Lock
on Cold" a standard work.
81 will do my best" said at length.
Trust no one" concluded my en-
ployer, giving me money for my jour-
ney and the boat ticket. Rely on your
self alone. Put the map in your breast
pocket for the present, but find q Sc
curer hiding place before you go on
board. Gocd-by, and good luck to YOU"
My preparations were soon made,
and the following morning found me
on board the Roman" I had reduced
my luggage to as small a compass as
possible. 1t consisted of two small
portmanteaus which would go under
my bunk, some wraps, and few novels,