Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-04-05

home at this sort OF work, avoiding
rolling stones as if by instinct.
In order 10 reach the cave he must
pass close TO the tents, and as he drew
near them he redoubled his caution, for
his only hope of success lay in stealth.
Nearer and nearer he crept until he
could hear the heavy breathing of the
occupants, and for fully five minutes he
stood motionless, every sense on the
alert.
Apparently the entire party was
asleep, and with noiseless step he stole
past the two tents and fixed his eyes on
the opening to the cave. Twice since his
arrival he had managed TO peep inside
unobserved, and only that morning he
had seen the pile of fat canvas bags on
the ground 10 the left. He had also 10
ticed that the boughs and blankets
upon which Avery and his daughter
slept were on the opposite side.
Now he was within ten feet of the
entrance, and after last swift glance
at the tents behind him he dropped 10
his knees and crawled deliberately up
TO il.
Again he paused.
Yes, they were both asleep. He could
hear the long-drawn breathing at the
right, and plainly distinguish that of
the father from his daughter.
Then. like some huge black spider, he
crawled into the inky darkness, and
was lost TO view.
Inch by inch he advanced, guiding
himself by the glimpses he had fixed in
his mind Of the place, until his hand
rested on the treasure. The bags were
heavy. and he moved them with diff
Guilty in his rocumbent position, but he
had come prepared.
Thrusting his hand into his bosom, he
produced a short, thick thong, with
which he fastened Two Of the largest
together pausiug often TO be certain
he had not disturbed the slecpcrS.
When this was done he hung them
over his neck i'm such a manner that
they swung clear from the floor. His
next move was 20 stuff two small bags
into his shirt, Then. with infinite pa
thence. he worked his way back TO the
door and through H.
His breath came hard as hc reached
the open air. for the strain had been
tremendous Detection meant almost
certain death. ana even I'- IRON nerve
had not been proof against TIE sItua-
tion.
When hc bad some what recovered. he
cfcpi Slowly I\ tine ''h's, unit, satis-
fled That all Immediate danger was
past lhen Dc rose jo his feet aud
hurried Gown I'VE bed Of the old brook
unit. hD reached the top of the wider.
]. Was the work OF moment TO fas-
ten his p'Waer To rope and lower il
down atthe same time Whispering loud
~ 10 his confederate:
Are YOU there. Rlder'
this?
Gold, You fool" Kissed Bowers.
Lash it on one Of the critters. quick"
For a moment he hesitatcd Should
he join his partner and make good his
escape?
Apparently cupidity won the day, for
he began TO retrace his steps toward the
cave. His first success had made him
more confident. and he was well aware
that he had not secured half the bags
he had just touched
Again he reached the entrance with
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