The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1906-01-13

threw open the door. Into the tunnel
trooped dozen smoke-begrimed
men. heavily weighted down with
sacks. which afterward turned out TO
be filled with greenbacks and gold,
George Wilson led the party.
When Wilson saw Denver, he utter
ed an exclamation OF agreeable sur
prise. "Of all men In the woEld--Jlm
Denverl" and he threw down his load
and grasped the band OF that worthy.
Il said that I would be here on the
right time. and ami" was all Denver
said.
There is plenty more gold where
this came from" said Wilson, "and as
| had to blow up part OF the treasury
10 get az H. think we had all better
return for what is left. before the
hounds get on to our game"
During the excitement OF the first
surprise. we are safe enough" said
Jim, but when the misguided citi-
zens find out that they are fighting for
nothing and that we are carrying OF
their wealth. they will combine to
make a rescue. | think we cannot
make our haul any too quick for safe
ty."
Right you are" said Hanchett,
whose palm was itching 10 handle the
yellow dust.
Then Hanchett." said Denver. II
| leave you and your men to handle the
bags as fast as they are brought TO
this point. Take particular care OF
| Mrs. Lang and see that no harm
comes TO her. no matter what happens
| 10 us. | will lead the party. | feel
kind OF uneasy about Lang. and must
satisfy myself that the brave man is
in no danger. would advise you to
get your troops ready TO march In
stantly you get the word" Then Jim
took the lead. with Wilson. for a re-
turn 10 the treasury.
when the conspirators. led by Den
YER arrived at the place where the
firearms were found by Lang. every
thing was quiet. So quiet, In fact
that Jim Denver. who had always
been noted for his foresight. stopped
before the door was opened. and eau
toned his men TO be prepared for a
surprise.
The part OF the tunnel where the
Wilson and Denver parties stood. as
has been said before, was about TWEEN
~ feet square, and was the mouth OF
the tunnel proper From the door. II
was necessary TO pass along a mar
row ledge in zig-zag fashion between
rocks on one side and the running
river on the other. Wilson, 70 facili-
tate matters. and TO avoid being com
PEELED to have his men tread In single
file. going around the ledge, had
blown open one side OF the treasury,
and thrown an improvlsed bridge over
The narrow stream. The hole. and
bridge, consequently we're directly in
front OF the tunnel door,
Jim, In his character OF a careful
man. and not knowing what might
have taken place on the other side OF
the door and In the treasury, drew up
his men in line against the walls so
that when the doors swung back. none
would be in direct line with a fire
from any gang who might be In pos
session OF the vault All would be
protected but the man who would
have to spring the lock. as the door
swung back toward the inside.
AS Jim Denver never asked an as
slstant TO do anything that he was
afraid 10 do himself. he sprang the
lock. and swung back the door. Into
the darkness OF the tunnel poured
ray OF brilliant light. For moment
Jim was blinded with the food. and
he stood motionless upon the thresh-
old. when he became accustomed TO
the light. he saw before him several
armed men, and standing side by side
IN the doorway OF the treasure stood
King Schiller and Jack Regain!
Denver stood In the doorway, seem.
lngly alone. His entrance was a sur
prise to all alike. Regan, who was on
guard. while his companions were to
rob the vault. was the first to regain
his composure. He threw out his
hand containing revolver. and point
ing II directly at Jim's heart. said:
Throw up your hands, Jim Den
verl" He had recognized his enemy
at a single glance. ,,s
Ito be continued)
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