Semi=weekly graphic., 1899-09-06
SUPPOSED TO BE NEEDED IN THE OLD HARDING
 LAKE.
STRANGERS AFTER IT.
Mysterious Proceedings Going on in Pine Bluffs
 Suburbs.

near Eighth aud Missouri streets in this city were considerably aroused when they discovered number of men busily engaged 10 digging hole in the old body of land over which, in years past, was Harding's lake. Late happenings reveal the fact that recently some strangers had leased that land from the owner, Mr. J. E. Estes, for period of five years. tis related that the strangers have a secret of the sinking of 8 richly laden boat in that lake during the Civil war, and they are in quest of the golden mug gets supposed to have been on the boat.
 The diggers are yet hard at work. There are three workers, anG thus tar they have succeeded in digging a hole about twelve feet deep by eight wide. They wield the plck and shovel with steady hand and at the present rate they are making they will soon be in the reighbor- hood of China, should they not soon- ar reach their anticipated fortune. The spot selected for the digging is by the side of an old stump, aud it is under this stump that they were last seen digging. What adds greatly to the mystery ot the affair is the constant presence ct the 'mlne" of a eolored woman who is apparently about about twenty three years of age and who. when anyone glances in her direction, hides her face behind an umbrella. She refuses to answer questions of visitors, when they are propounded to her.
 It can be readily seen by visitor that she is directing the work and is doubtless in possession of the facts regarding the whereabouts of the 'ship Of gold" The man wield- ing the pick is stranger to Pine blufians, as are the other members of the party, whose actions in this vicinity have been very queer and perp.exing to every one. The old man with the pick digs away, but never fails to keep close watch on those who visit the place and give them a few gruff answers. He is about 66 years of age aod gives all curiosity-seekers a short and in- complete response, while they labor unsucessfuIly to pump him. The two well-dressed gentlemen whom, we judge, are putting up and have the cash in the enterprise, refused to give their names or answer any questions whatever wheE approach ed by Graphic represent atiye and the Associate Press correspondent Saturday afternoon. They are very careful when anyone is present and do not talk to each other.
 Visitors at the place have been so numerous here of late, that the prospectors have put up sign which warns all to remain away from the place. Two prominent newspaper people of this city were ordered from the place Sat urday afternoon, when it was learn ed that they had in their possession 'snap shot" ready for action. they refused to gJ, at first thinking the matter a joke. out when the men in charge produced six shooters to make their orders more emphatic the two pencil pushers did not wait for another request, but quickly "got."
 A prominent citizen of Pine Bluff who has lived here all his life yes terday visited the scene and kindly proffered the old man, who was quietly digging and saying nothing. some early history connected with Harding's Lake, however before the citlzen had related much he was ad-