The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1897-07-02

dealing in Transvaal mining property.
We have often gone partners in various
undertakings. In the autumn of '94,
being then in Johannesburg about
six months ago-and feeling the want
Of a holiday, | determined to go on a
shooting expedition through the Trans
vaal towards the sea. Accompanied
by two Zulus, | carried out my inten-
ton, and, after some weeks travelling,
we found ourselves in the low country
bordering on Swaziland. Here, quite
10y chance, | made a remarkable dis
covery. In the dried-up channel of
what had been river l came upon
traces of diamonds. The find, to my
eyes, was most promising; but, before
| pursued my Investigations further,
one of my Zulus, despatched to get
food from neighboring kraal, came
hot foot with the news that the Swazis
were up in arms. Irritated by some
act of Boer oppression, they seemed
inclined to wreak their vengence on me,
and so we fed forthwith for our very
lives. Before leaving, | drew up a
plan Of the place, so that it could be
found again.
'After various adventures reached
Durham, and took ship for England.
Meeting Gibson in London, acquaint-
ed him in general terms with my dis
covery, stating that in the course Of
my journey l had found diamonds. l
had intended to take him into partner
ship in this affair, but the knowledge
which l gained Immediately afterwards
that he had swindled me in the matter
of some gold mines changed my pur-
pose, and | broke with him for good
| Now the value of my find is profile
matical. Diamonds have not yet been
found in paying quantity in the Trans
vaal. This place may be a second Kim
berley, and shake the De Beers monop-
oily. 1t is quite possible. Therefore
| want the ground pegged out in the
usual way, and to register myself as
the owner; but, if Gibson could get
| mold of this map, he would forestall me.
1t is not convenient for me to 90 my
self just now, as | have some impor-
| tant business on hand; so, not to de-
lay obtaining the claims, | have order
ed Howard to peg them out and regis
ter in my name, but he can do nothing
until he has the particulars contained
in this. Now, do you understands
YES; but how far is Gibson cogni-
zant Of your plans?"
"He has found out that | intend
sending the map Immediately to Jo-
hannesburg. This office is watched;
you will be shadowed on leaving, and,
when they find that you are a passen-
| ger 10y the Romnn, they will conclude
that you are my messenger. 1t will
be your business to nullity that belief"
| 81 see.''
"You had better pretend to be new
sub-manager sent out 10y 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?'
| sat silent a few moments thinking
over the situation; then my eyes stray
ed to some books lying on the table be-
tween us. took up one. 1t was Loci.
on GolH, a standard work
~ 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
yourself alone. Put the map in your
breast-pocket for the present, but find
a securer hiding place before you 90
on board. Goodbye, and good luck
to you"
My preparations were soon made,
and the following morning found me
on board the Roman. | had reduced
my luggage to as small compass as
possible. 1t consisted of two small
portmanteaus which would go under
my bunk, some wraps, and a few n )vels
with Lock on Gold, the latter obtained
from my employer to sustain my char
acter as mining manager, and with
its cover encased in gray calico. had
joined the ship at the docks to avoid
the crush at Waterloo, and to see the
mouth of the Thames. There were
two other men in my cabin,-for the
ship was full, every berth being taken
but they had not yet come on board;
so | arranged my belongings at leisure
and then went Oh deck, as we left the
dock, to smoke and view the river and
the miles on wharves and shipping as
, we slow V and majestically steamed
out to sea. The ship was nearly emp
ty, and passed quiet twenty -four
hours anticipating the coming duel
which was to take place, and wonder
ing if my simple scheme would be sue
ccsstul.
! The mail-bags and passengers came
on board at Plymoth, and scene OF
animation and confusion followed; but
Il rough sea and headwind calmed the
eNuberance of many of the company
and the dinncr-tables in the saloon that
evening showed an abundance ofempty
| SpatS Both nv cabin mates Succumh