The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1905-05-24

4 ~ L
&e !
sOh, I sect" he groa0led.
fame Of the lamp fickered while we
were opening up our mine"
ssYes.'
81 was so absorbed in contemplating
our prospective wealth that failed to
pay heed to the true significance Of
that incident. It meant the existence
of an upward current Of air. Now,
where the current goes there must be
q passage, and while was busy this
afternoon among the trees over there
he pointed toward the valley Of
death-'tit came to me like an inspira-
ton that possibly few hours hewing
and delving might open shaft to the
ledge. have been well rewarded for
the effort The stuff in the vault is so
eaten away by wafer that it is no
more solid than hard mud for the most
part. Already have scooped out a
chimney twelve feet high"
1What good can that be-"
..4At present we have only a front
door-up the face Of the rock. When
my work is completed-befope tomor-
row night, I hope-we shall have a
back door also. OF course may en-
counter unforeseen obstacles as I ad-
vance. A twist in, the fault would be
nearly fatal. but I am praying that it
may continue straight to the ledge"
ST still don't see the great advantage
to U.s."
sThe advantages are many, believe
me. The more points Of attack pre-
sented by the enemy the more effective
will be our resistance. I doubt if they
would ever be able to rush the cave
were we to hold it, whereas can so
I'D and down our back staircase when
ever choose. If you don't mind being
left in the dark I will resume work
now by the light Of your lamp"
But Iris protested against this ar
rangement. She felt lonely. The long
10 her. She wanted to talk.
81 agree" said jerks, provided you
do not pin me down to something !
told you month ago.
81 promise. You can tell me as much
or as little as you think fit. The sub
ject for discussion is your court mar
tial."
He could not see the tender light in
her eyes. but the quiet sympathy of
her voice restrained the protest prompt
on his lips. Yet he blurted out after o
slight pause:
That is very unsavory subject.
sIs it? do not think so. / am q
friend. Mr.. jerks. not an cid one. ad-
nit. but during the past six weeks We
have bridged an ordinary acquaintance
ship of as many years. Can you not
trust me?"
Trust her? He laughed softly. Then.
choosing his words with great delibera-
ton. he answered: "Yes. can trust
you. intended to tell you the story
some day. Why not tonight?"
Unseen in the darkness. Iris hand
sought and clasped the gold locket sus-
pended from her neck. She already
knew some portion Of the story he
would tell. The remainder was Of
minor importance.
'.It is odd." he continued. chat you
should have alluded to six years mo-
mcnt ago. 1t is exactly six years al
most to day since the trouble began"
With Lord Ventnor?" The name
slipped out involuntarily.
Yes. was then q staff corps sub
alte1n. and my proficiency in native
languages attracted the attention Of
a friend in Simla. who advised me to
apply for an appointment on the po-
litical side Of the government Of In
dia. I did so. He supported the appli-
cation. and was assured Of the next
vacancy in native state provided that
l got married I was not a marrying
man, Miss Deane, and the requisite
qualification nearly staggered me. But
looked around the station and came
to the conclusion that the commission
er's niece would make a suitable wife.
I regarded her points, so to speak, and
they filed the bill. She was smart,
good looking, lively, understood the
art Of entertaining, was first rate in
sports and had excellent teeth. Indeed.