The National tribune., 1901-05-02

titious of them shook their heads and de-
clared that | should shave known better
than to have stayed in the place.
As for myself, | could offer no solu-
tion TO the mystery, and it was with
sad and despairing heart that left the
scene of my misfortune y and followed the
train eastward.
Since that day l. have travelled over
the Old Trail more than once, but | never
look upon this cabin without realizing
keealy new sense of my loss. | have
never made another llucky strike III the
mines, though have tried time and again.
Perhaps never SHALL for my misfortune
has discouraged and disheartened me
more than / can tell"
The story of the old plainsman made
decided impression on me, and L SAT
pCndering over the strange details long
after the narrator had fallen asleep.
The moon had risen and was throwing
a ghostly light over the cabin, and through
the open window ! could see the black
shadows of the stunted cottOnwoods dane
ing in grotesque shapes, as the night
wind moaned dismally through the sway
ing branches. 1t was no wonder that az
that moment thoughts of the murdered
fancy shadowy forms stole in and out or
the thicket along the stream.
As l glanced at Higgins | perceived
that he was still sleeping, though he moved
uneasily now and then, mutterIng lnco'
herently. Presently he arose suddenly,
curious, vacant stare in his wlde'
open eyes. l spoke to him, but he made
no reply He turned and walked slowly
about the cabin, the same vacant look IN
his eyes | was about to call to him
again, beginning to feel alarmed at his
conduct when sudden thought came to
me. He was walking in his sleep! rms
thought quickly merged into a convlctlon,
and ] watched him, vaguely wondering
what he meant to do. Crossing the room,
he came TO the wall where-much to my
amazement-he began to climb upward,
thrusting his hands and feet into the
cracks between the logs. / watched hlm
in wOnderment, sudden fear that ms
troubles had deprived him of reason tax
ing possession of me.
Drawinp himself up on one of the joists,
he bent forward and thrust his hand into
a small crevice between the top log and
the roof. He drew something out, helu
il for a moment in his hand; then thrust
it back in its place. moment later he
descended to the floor, and without SEEM
ing conscious of my presence he returned
to his blankets.
His mysterious conduct set my mind
running in a strange channel, and the
truth came to me in q sudden revelation.
l was convinced that l had solved the
mystery of the lost treasure at last.
With wildly beating heart l quickly
drew myself up on the joist, and thrusting
nv hand into the crack under the broken
roof, | drew forth bag of some heavy
substance. A glance at the contents told
me that it was gold! / could have shout
ed aloud in delight, and for moment L
half believed that was dreaming.
There were three bags in all, and re-
moving them thrust them into my pocket
and dropped back to- the floor. | threw
some sticks on the fire, and bright blaze
lighted the cabin. Then with nervous
haste and trembling all over with excite
ment l fairly yelled to Higgins, shaking
him by the shoulder and acting like one
bereft of reason.
He started up, grasped his pistol, and
was on the alert in a moment. What is
it-Indians?' he cried.
mo; something q great deal better than
that" l cried. II have made great dis
covery. But first, tell me, do you ever
walk in your sleep?" | asked.
why, yes he replied. Il used to-, but
don't think / have for n long time"
THAT is Just where you are mistaken,
/ said, excitedly. Then l told him Of
what had taken place and Of my discov-
cry. When | had done this l drew forth
the bags of gold and laid them before
him.
For a moment he was too amazed TO
speak. Then with glad cry he threw
his arms about me- while tears of joy ran
down his cheeks.
"You have brought back my lost for
tuner he cried with emotion. Il see it
all now. / must have hidden 1t while
walking in my sleep. and found it again
while in the same state"
'"That is just what you have done," I
replied.
''Thank Godr' he said; "and, my dear
boy, you shall have a share in it with me,
and we will go back home and enjoy it
together"
And he hugged me again and again in
an ecstasy of joy. We sat down together