Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-02-01

the distant exit, she heard him hcwing
manfully ut the rock for couple OF
hours. At last he emerged grimy with
dust and perSpration, Just in time to
pay last visit to Summit rock before
the sun sank TO rest. He asked the
girl to delay somewhat the prepare
tons for their evening meal. as he
wished to take Il bath; so it was cutie
dark when they sat down TO eat.
Iris had long recovered her usual
state Of high spirits.
why were you burrowing in the
cavern again?" she inquired. Are yoE
IN a hurry to get rich?"
Il was following an air shaft, not a
lode" he replied. II am occasionally
troubled with after wit. and this is an
instance. Do you remember how the
flame of the lamp flickered while we
were opening up our mineT
Yes
Il was so absorbed in contemplating
our prospective wealth that l failed to
pay heed to the true significance OF
that incident. 1t meant the existence
where the current goes there must be
a passage, and while | was busy this
afternoon among the trees over there"
he pointed toward the valley of
death-'it came to Inc like an inspira
ton that possibly few hours hewing
and delving might open a shaft to the
| ledge. I have been well rewarded for
the effort The stuff in the vault is so
eaten away by water that it is no
more solid than hard mud for the most
part. Already have scooped out a
chimney twelve feet high"
What good can that beg
AT present we have only front
door-up the face of the rock. When
my work is completed tomor-
row night, ! hope-we shall have a
back door also. OF course ! may en-
counter unforeseen obstacles as | ad-
vance a twist in the fault would be
nearly fatal, but / am praying that IT
may continue straight to the ledge"
Il still don't see the great advantage
to us
THE advantages are many, believe
me. The more points of attack pre-
| scented by the enemy the more effective
! will be our resistance. ! doubt if they
would ever be able to rush the cave
were we to hold it, whereas l can go
up and down our back staircase when
ever choose If you don't mind being
left in the dark | will resume work
now by the light Of your lamp"
But Iris protested against this ar
rangement. She felt lonely The long
hours of silence had been distasteful
to her. She wanted to talk.
81 agree" said jerks, provided you
told yon month ago
Il promise. You can tell me as much
or as little as yOu think fit. The sub
iect 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 u
slight pause:
That is a very unsavorv subject
is it? do not think so. / am a
friend, Mr.. jerks. not an old one, ad-
nit, but during tine past six weeks we
have bridged an ordinary acquaintance
ship of as many years Can you not
trust me?'
Trust her? lie laughed softly. Then,
choosing his words with great delibera-
ton. he answered: Yes, | can trust
you, l 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.
at Is odd" lie continued, that you
should have alluded to six years mo-
ment ago. 1t is exactly six years al
most to day since the trouble began"
with Lord Ventnor" The name
slipped out involuntarily.
Eyes. l was then a STAFF corps sub