Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-01-30
The AdventurerS
 Dy H. E. MARRIOTT WATSON COPYRIGHT. BY HARPER C. BRoTHER ERs
SWereQ mOOQlIy.

thing still about the Gwent, and we've got to run 1t down. l think from what you say, you surprised them by your Hitting with the vicar, It is evi- dent that they wished to keep you a little longer no doubt until they had disposed of the treasure under our | noSes.'
 You are right, believe" I replied. "Why did they want to keep Elc? Not because they had not the treasure, but to prevent an alarm. And yet the mo tive was not strong enough that they dared risk misunderstanding with Morgan. Yes; you've hit it. Sheppard. 1 But the Gwent is wide enough, heaven knows
 Come, we have reached one point" said Sheppard. Perhaps we can dc more on reflection. Don't let Us give it up. Is this treasure likely to be any where about the inn:'
 "There is the barn." said I, "and the stable lofts, and there are the cellars" "Oh. Ned. there is everywhere!" groaned Sheppard. eve might watch. if they haven't got it away" suggested l l L was not often that he intervened in our counsels, but his intervention was now to the point.
 "Good!" said Sheppard. smacking him on the shoulder.
 Watch is the word. We've hitherto kept our watches in the battlements. We must now merely transfer them to where the treasure has gone.''
 Where is that"' I asked.
 Let us say the Woodman," replied Sheppard, smiling.
 "A very much more dangerous duty" l said slowly.
 Dangerous. We thrive on danger" said Sheppard gayly. Anyhow, let us break up the conference and take an airing There's nothing to keep Us now in the castle. and hence we are in no need of drawbridges. It is we who are the assailants."
 That reminds me-" 1 put in. "I found the drawbrdge down when came in just now"
 Sheppard winked. My dear boy, if you'd had to answer all the awkward questions l have had to during the last three days you would have let down the drawbridge in despair" Is "Jones:' I queried
 ..Jones it is, the majesty of the law, and an internally suspicious law it is.' It Was yet early ill the afternoon, and there might be time to put point up on our resolutions. This thought ran in our heads as, all three, we turned down the road that led to the Wood man.
 Sercombe was stunning himself be- fore the door of the inn, seated in a comfortable chair beneath the swing ing sign. AS we came abreast of him he looked up and greeted us.
 Good day, gentlemen" he said cheerfully. "I'm glad to see you back, MT. Greatorex. We heard that you had disappeared, and were beginning to be anxious about you"
 The amazing impudence of the man took away my breath, but managed to recover and say:
 "YeS; l have been taking little hol- iday; private business, you know. cap- tain"
 
 wish l had the time. But l find holi- days must look after themselves. I've too much on hand"
 Il sympathize with you. Captain Ser combe," said Sheppard. "For myself, I never could abide business. But think understand to what you refer bad business, very bad business"
 Sercombe studied him attentively. You seem to know great deal my dear sir" he replied.
 II know, and you know that know, that you have the heaviest team to drive uphill that ever man undertook" said Sheppard, watching him.
 Maybe" said the captain after a pause. "Life's not all beer and slSit ties, gentlemen. Perhaps you're right 1 don't say you're wrong. But the fact is that IweI, it's a pity we couldn't have fixed an arrangement together earlier"
 He spoke so freely that inferred he was not any longer in the fear of Hood, which meant fer us that Hood was ab- Eent
 Was he absent, looking after the treasure? Upon consideration I decid ed that this was unlikely; otherwise 5crcombe would not be resting so com fortably in his chair. The two scoun- lrels dared not trust one another. In that ease the odds were that the treas Ire lay in the Woodman, and here was Sercombe, and as likely as not q Greek or two, keeping guard upon it. This was all wanted to know, and, having gained this information. 1 deemed it time to retire. You will think me rash In my conjectures, but you must con- celve that in the game we were playing it was necessary to come to a conclu sion quickly, and had learned to come to conclusion on the slightest evi dence. Anyhow, gave the signal for retreat, and back we went to the castle by circuitous route, so as to avoid