Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-02-15

CHAPTER XXXIII.
We must now return to Philip and
Krantz. When the latter retired from the
presence of the Portuguese commandant,
he communicated to Philip what had
taken place, and the fabulous tale which
he had invented to deceive the comman-
dant. II said that you alone knew where
the treasure was concealed" continued
krantz, THAT you might be, sent for, for
in all probability he will keep me as a
hostage; but never mind that, must
take my chance. Do you contrive to es-
cape somehow or other and rejoin Anime"
Not so, rejoincd Philip; "you must
go with me, my friend: feel that, should
1part with you, happiness would no Ion
ger be in store for me-"
"Nonsense-that Is but an idle feeling:
besides, will evade him somehow or an.
other"
II will not show the treasure unless you
go with me-"
"Well-you may try it at all events"
A low tap at the door was heard. Phil
Up rose and opened it for they had retired
to rest), and Pedro came in. Looking
carefully round him, and then shutting
the door softly, he put his finger on his
lips, to enjoin them to silence. He then
in whisper told them what he had over
heard. "Contrive, If possible, that I go
with you," continued he; ~ must leave
you now; he still PAGES his room.' And
Pedro slipped out Of the door, and crawled
stealthily away along the ramparts.
The treacherous little rascal But we
will circumyent him if possible" said
Krantz, in low tone. Eyes. Philip, you
are right, we must both go, for you will
require my assistance. Unjust persuade
him to go himself. I'll think of it-so,
Philip good night"
The next morning Philip and Krantz
were summoned to breakfast; the COM
mandant received them with smilcs and
urbanity. To Philip he was particularly
courteous. AS soon as the repast was over,
he thus communicated to him his inten-
lions and wishes:
"Signor, have been rejecting upon
what your friend told me, and the appear
ance Of the speoter yesterday which created
such confusion; it induced me to behave
with rashness for which must now offer
my most sincere apologies. The refleo-
lions which have made, joined with the
feelings Of devotion which must be in the
heart Of every true Catholic, have deter
mined me, with your assistance, to obtain
this treasure dedicated to the holy church.
1t Is my proposal that you should take a
party of soldiers under your orders, pro-
coed to the island on which it is deposited,
and having obtained 1t, return here.
will detain any vessel which may in the
meantime put into the roadstead, and you
shall then be the bearers of the treasure
and of my letters to Goa. This will give
you an honorable introduction to the au-
thorities, and enable you to pass away
your time there In the mos: agreeable
manner. You will. also, signor, be re.
stored to your wife, whose charms had
such an effect upon me, and for mention
of whose name in the very unceremonioua
manner which did, must excuse my
self upon the ground of total ignorance Of
who she was, or of her being in any way
connected with your honorable person. II
these measures suit you, signor, shall be
most happy to give orders to that effect. +"
LAS q good Catholic myself, replied
Philip, 81 shall be most happy to point
out the spot whore the treasure is conceal
ed, and restore it to the church. Your
apologies relative to my wife accept with
pleasure, being aware that your conduct
proceeded from ignorance of her situation
and rank; but do not exactly SEQ my
way clear. You propose party of SOL
diers. Will they obey mes Are they to
be trusted9 shall have only myself and
friend against them, and will they be ODE.
dient?''
NO fear of that, signor; they are well
disciplined; there is not even occasion for
your friend to go with you. wish to re.
tain him with me, to keep me company
during your absence"
Nay! that must object to-" replied
Philip; 81 will not trust myself alone"
Perhaps may be allowed to give an
opinion on this subjectP" observed Krantz.
~ see no reason, If my friend goes accom-.
panied with a party Of soldiers only, why
I should not 60 with him; but consider
1t would be unadvisable that he proceed
in the way the commandant proposes, Ell.
Their with or without me. You must rec.
ollect, commandant, that it is no trifline
sum which is to be carried away; that II
will be open to view, and will meet the
eyes Of your men; that these men have
been detained many years in this country
and are anxious to return home. When
therefore, they find themselves with only
two strangers with them-away from YOU
authority, and in possession of large sum
of money-will not the temptation be toe
strongS They will only have to run down
the southern channel, gain the port Of
Bantam, and they will be safe, having OBJ
tanned both freedom and wealth. To send
therefore, my friend and me, would be tc
send us to almost certain death; but Il
you were to go, commandant then the
danger would no longer exist. Your pres
ence and your authority would oontro
them; and, whatever their wishes OF
thoughts might be, they would quail be
fore the flash of your eye."
Every true-yery true," replied PhiliI
.-"all this did not occur to me.
Nor had It occurred to the commsndant
but when pointed out, the force Of thes,
suggestions Immediately struck him, ant
long before Krantz had finished speaking
he had resolved to go himself.
"Well, signors," replied he; "I am al
ways ready to accede to your wishes; ant
since you consider my presence necessary
and as do not think there is any chanc,
Of another attack from the Ternate NAOMI,