Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-01-12

covered, merely formed a passage to
walk about the four sides.
Ihis place the colonel had CON
structed where a dressing-room used
to be- said Mr.. Critic; and his voice
sounded peculiar, being repeated in
whispers from the wall in a hollow,
metallic ring that Was oppressive as it
was strange.
Why, the place is like vault with
tomb in it, said Arts, an impatient
tone in his voice.
1t is vault, Mr.. Arts" said the
old lawyer--"a vault in which is a
tomb This" he continued, sis all OF
enormous strength, blocks of stone
and concrete being beneath us, and the
walls and roof are of immense thick
ness. The space to be blocked UP is
six feet through"
"Humph! Highly interesting, Mr..
Snowman, muttered Arts; and then,
at look from Katrine, he became at
tentiye.
Colonel Capel," continued the old
lawyer, had his own peculiar ideas,
and being an enormously wealthy
|
sldered he had right to follow out
his views. | more than once pointed
out to him, when he made me his con-
fidant, that the proceedings he pro-
posed might meet with opposition
from the authorities; but he replied
| calmly that the place was his own
freehold, and that everything was to
be carried out privately, but at the
same time he would give as little ex-
Guse as possible for interference with
his plans. Besides, he said, once
get the matter over and it would be
| forgotten in a week.
But in the name of common sense"
| broke out Arts, why"
will you kindly retain your obser-
vations, Mr.. Arts, until we have re-
turned to the drawing ROOM" said the
lawyer.
! Arts was about to reply. but Paul
Capel saw that look from Katrine
restrained him, and a jealous pang
shot through his heart.
Balm came for the wound directly
as katrine raised her eyes to his, let
| them rest there for a few moments.
and then yelled them as she gazed
upon the floor.
Colonel Capel," continued the Old
lawyer, with his words whispering
about the stone walls, had double
Intention in having this place CON
structed. 1t was for his mausoleum
after death, for his strong room dur
ing life. Within this iron room or
chamber, which would defy any burg
lars tools, is a chest of steel, con
| Strncted from the colonels own de-
signs, to contain his enormous for
tune; and when that has been taken
out at twelve o'clock tomorrow, 1t is
to be replaced by the coffin that lies In
| the next room by us who are present
| now; to be closed up and locked: the
iron chamber is to be also closed: then
the iron door; and lastly, we are to
see that portal completely walled up,
as nave already told you, and--tor-
gotten
But" said Arts. quickly, is the
large sum in notes herein this
! place."
Yes, sir"
And the diamonds pearls."
said Katrine.
Yes, my dear young lady, all are
here"
And you have the keys?"
i, and Ramo. the deceased's trusted
servant"
But is"
Arts was about to continue, at safe
to trust that man." but, as he spoke
, he glanced at Ramo, who was watch
| ing him.
My guide is the series of rules writ
ten by Colonel Capel, sir" said Mr.
Critic. coldly.
Can we see the JEWELS" said
katrine
Yes, you can show lis the treasure"
cried Artls, with a half laugh "As we
TWO are to have nothing. we might be
INDUCED with a peep"
The treasure Is Mr.. Paul Capel's
sir. said the old lawyer; but, even
| If he expressed a wish, ! could not de
part from my instructions. Tomor-
row. at noon, bid you all to meet me
ut the door of Colonel Capels room"
Tomorrow" said Arts. TODAY"
The old lawyer glanced at his
watch.
Yes he said; today. had for.
gotten that it was so late. VIII you
kindly accompany me to the drawing
room?"
The Indian went first and drew
back the curtain, and they passed up
into che bedroom where the old of
iicer lay in state. There they paused
as Ramo drew back the iron door and
turned the key, when the bolts shot
into their sockets and the curtain was
drawn.
Then, glancing at the bed, they
passed out of the room. Ramo locking
the door, listening sharply, with his
ears twitching, as he caught faint
creaking noise made by a lock in the
lower part OF the house.
How strange that bronze figure
looks!" said Mr. Girtle, glancing nm,
at the great centaur looming indIs-
p-t ha