The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-12-12

Hilda W
"No 1t is the story of lost treas
ure.
Sir Graham heaved sigh, and Cyril
looked somewhat curiously at the girl. But
she needed neither Her eyes were fixed
on the glowing mass of wood which, assid-
uously stocked and stirred and poked, began
to crack and rive in all directions. One
long crevice extended right down the cen
tire of the log, and it seemed as if the fierce
heat would part it in two. With her eyes
anxiousiy upon it, Hilda commenced in the
good old fashion of the fairy tales.
"Once upon time there lived in this
very hall knight named Sir Philip Rix-
tom A tremor of interest ran through
her audience. Father and son looked at
each other apprehensively. She went on.
"He was rich in land, but richer in
Jewels, since his grandfather, having been
in the New World, had brought from there
much treasure. When his son Walter was
condemned for rebelling against King
James Ii, pardon was offered to him on
condition that the jewels were given to the
Crown, which then wanted money. Sir
Philip would have surrendered the jewels
which were said to be worth ESQ, 600, tor
the sake of his son, but in an interview
with his father the young man forbade him
to do so. Hewas seriously wounded, and
could not hope to live long; and, unwill-
ing that his family should be ruined, he de-
clared that he would rather be hanged
than bought off by the jewels. Sir Philip
refused the Kings offer, and Walter Rix
ton was hanged on the oak tree, which is
now burning on the hearth
"My DEAR demonstrated her uncle,
1--WE have heard all this. 1t is a twice
told tale
'sIt is one that has never been ended,
and intend to finish it now, said Hilda,
quietly. Il do not know if my ending is
a true one, since | have invented it only
on the slightest of evidence. Still think
it is, as you shall judge. On the des .tth Of
his son. she continued Sir Philip, APP
prehee1e.ssiiTTe that the jewels would be VIC
lently seized by James, determined to con-
ceal them. He chose the trunk of the
oak for the purpose. Here the eyes Of
all were fixed on the yule log. Eyes, in
that very trunk he cut a hole, and placed
the Jewels in it, filling it up afterwards.
Then. as he died before his second son re-
turned, he did not care to tell any one what
he had done lest the jewels should be sto
len. He therefore left clue to the place
in rhyme; and in his will stated that
when the Rixtons were in danger of losing
the estates, the oak should be cut down
and burnt as yule log, when the jewels
| would be discovered in the ashes
"TIildar' cried Sir Graham, much agi
tated, s'this cannot be true Your story
is not credible
"All the same, Sir Graham, believe
it is. | thought that cryptogram was
concealed in those foolish rhymes, and
have been working all the week trying to
find the key. Today l did find it, as [
will show you. But to prove its truth,
order yonder log to be split, and no doubt
you will find the jewels within-that
is, if my belief is true one
ave will try at once, cried Cyril,
jumping up. "Here! Get crowbars and
wedges The log is cracked and charred,
so it will not be difficult to rive it asunder.
Quick! Quick!'
At least dozen were eager to carry out
this command and speedily returned with
wedges and hammers The wedges were
placed in the crack which extended down
the log, and the hammers were welded
with right good will. In the meantime
the rest of the company, headed by Sir
Graham and his son, crowded round Hilda
at the table, greatly excited and anxious
for her explanation. HiIda produced the
rhyme which Cyril had written out, and a
paper on which was some writing Of hel
own.
cit is very simple said She You
take the initial letters of each word, and
put them together. [ guessed this because
every word commenced in the most unusu
al manner with capital letter. Take the
first and second lines and half the third:
when Ill-luck Names For Rixton' Oak
Mad Loss Of Grange And Lands,
In Grimmest Hour Take
Now take the initial letter, Cyril, and set
the sentences they make
Cyril did so, writing them down with ;
hand shaking from excitement, and rea(
out: ''They make line:
win, from log alight-' -
"That is correct said Hilda, taking
up her own writing. 1.-THE whole of thu
secret verse can be worked out in the SANE
way. It's plain enough. Listen" An'
she read:
'"Win, from log alight,
Gems to make right. -
Hardly had the last word dropped iron
her mouth when loud cracking was heard
which drew every one round the fire
Parted by the wedges, and charred beneatl
by the fierce fire which was eating its heart
the log split asunder with furry of sparks