Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-01

What that!
"A big continent which was between Africa
and South America. 1t IS said to have been
DESTROYED and sunk INTO the sea-
What a lot you know!
knowledge is relative
You mean by that that am so ignorant!'
she flashed out
No; uninstructed. But to get back to the
subject 1t is possible that there was one of
these sphinxlike figures on this island, which
cur friend here labeled SPHINX and used as
point of departure in locating his treasure.
DROSERPINE was silent for moment; then
slowly the crimson color suffused her face.
Il believe" she began stammeringly. that
IL would-that will she paused
81 should like to reconsider your offer"
Il am sorry but it's too late now
WHAT"
1.-THE offer is closed. You had your oppor-
tunity and used it only to insult me-
You mean that you will not give me the
money!"
He nodded.
why not?" Her face hardened.
Because if this treasure is there you will
have enough without it. If it is not, | shall re-
consider my offer"
But | can't go and look for it without
money"
Very true; but can go and look for it for
yeu."
"Oh!" she cried. Can you indeed? Then
let me tell you that you will do nothing OF the
sort III sell this ranch and go look for 1t my
self"
That would be very foolish, because if you
failed to find it YOU would be destitute except
for what allowed you. Also if you did find it,
you would have to divide with others. Treas
ure hunting is not woman's work. 1t IS much
better for me to go. | don't care for wild adj
venture a rule: but this thing appeals 10 my
sense of the romantic
She threw him glance full of suspicion Il
don't doubt it; but | prefer to run this show
myself"
For answer he picked up the paper and put
to me.
Proserpine sprang to her feet with blazing
eyes Give me that paper" she cried. 1t
is minel Give it to mel Do you hear?"
Il will do nothing of the sort. You would
make mess of the whole thing
GIVE it to me'' She leaned across the table.
eyes flaming. lips almost white, small, strong
hands clenched. You thief This house and
everything in it is minei Mine do you hear!
Ny stepfather gave it to my mother as a we'd
ding present You are not satisfied with taking
all the money; but now you must 60 and get
this treasure tool But no you don't! You've
got Western ranchwoman to deal with
Quick as thought she snatched open the
drawer of the table, and the next instant the
man looking into the black muzze of
long A. Over the shining barrel was the
girls furious face, her eyes as hard as two pieces
of Jade, the pupils contracted, and her white,
even teeth SitdlillilS DetWSeI Iiei didWh
lips.
Now then said she in a strained voice,
hand over that paper, and be quick about it y
The mans face pale; but his eyes met
hers with cool stare. Don't be meodrama-
tic said he. 1t won't do any good"
You fool You don't know what you're up
against Hand over that paper, do you hear?
If you don't, | swear III shoot, There's not
court in the State but would back me up
Fire away! Then you'll be at least of
the seven thousand year"
| A SPASM swept across the girls face The
man ripple under the fine white skin
of her round forearm and felt for instant
that his life hung in the balance Then the long
barrel began to WAIVER fell, and the girl flung
the weapon back into the drawer dropped to
her chair, and throwing her arms on the table.
rested her face them while her body
shaken by short, racking sobs.
For moments they sat in silence
broken only by Proserpine's convulsive breath
ing Suddenly she sat up and stared at the
man opposite with an expression that he was
| quite unable to interpret
You horned toad" she said huskily
You II never know how you came to your
| fnishl
My finish has never impressed me any
thing to dread"
IF you'd been a man, I'd have shot
No. you wouldn't. As it IS you are going
to apologize When you stop to think. you will
see that you have made bit of fool of your