Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-06-17

monds. I had intended to take him
into partnership in this affair, but the
knowledge which I gained immedi-
ately afterward that he had swindled
me in the matter of some gold mines
changed my purpose, and [ broke with
him for good.
CHOW the value of my find is prob
lematical. Diamonds have not yet
been found in paying quantity in the
Transvaal. This place may be Sec
ond Kimberley, and shake the De
Beers monopoly. It 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 hold of the map he would
/ forestall me. It is not convenient for
me to go myself just now, as I have
some important business in hand; SO
not to delay obtaining the claims, /
have ordered Howard to peg them out
and register in my name, but he can
do nothing until he has the particu-
lars contained in sthis. Now, do you
understands"
eyes; but how far is Gibson cogniz-
ant of your plans?"
''He has found out that I intend
sending the map immediately to Jo-
hannesburg. This office is watched /;
you will be Swallowed on leaving, and
when they find that you are passen-
ger by the Roman they will conclude
! that you are my messenger. 1t will
be your business to nullify that be-
lief
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 way that these
thieves cannot get hold of it?''
I sat silent few moments thinking
over the situation, then my eyes stray
| ed to some books lying on the table
between us. took up one. It was
clock on Gold," standard work.
81 will do my BEST" I said at
length. ),
! 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
securer hiding place before you go
on board. Goodby, 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 compass as
possible It consisted of two small
portmanteaus which would go under
my bunk, some wraps, and few
novels, with clock on Gold" the
latter obtained from my employer to
sustain my character as mining man
ager, and with it's covers encased In
gray calico. I had joined the ship at
the docks to avoid the crush at Water
loo, 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 I arranged
my belongings at leisure, and then
went on deck as we left the dock to
smoke and view the river and the
miles of wharves and shipping as we
slowly and majestically steamed out
to sea. The ship was nearly empty,
and I passed a quiet twenty-four
hours anticipating the coming duel
which was to take place, and wonder
ing if my simple scheme would be
successful.
The mail bags and passengers came
on board at Plymouth, and a scene of
animation and confusion followed; but
a rough sea and head wind Gained the
exuberance of many of the company,
and the dinner tables in the saloon
that evening showed an abundance OF
! empty seats. Both my cabin mates
succumbed and left them white and
grooming. Fortunately 1 was good
sailor; and, having enjoyed my dinner,
later in the evening found myself in
the smoking room smoking one of
"Jim'' Gibson's cigars and engaged i'll
a chat with that worthy, who was
most friendly and evinced some cur
iosity about myself.
[ told him my tale, which he accept
ed with perhaps suspicious readiness.
Employed by Tring, are yon? Pep
perry fellow; know him well. We
used to be friends; now he hates me
like poison.
He introduced me to his friends,
Spellman, Dunbarton and Vandermit,
who severally expressed themselves
delighted to make my acquaintance
The first two or three days my ad-
versaries only skirmished, tried to
pump me, and dropped broad hints as
| to the advantages which would follow
! if joined them-hmts 1 ignored.
AS, however, they felt pretty sure
that was the bearer of the coveted
map, my portmanteaus were searched
/ more than once, and my spare clothes
when was absent from my cabin 1t
was Spellman who was told off for this
portion of the quest; finding | was not
/ I L. l. r.ka.11 1al-