Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-01
Hidden Treasure
Continued from pGge 4


nothing was found. But on thinking it over
decided that YOU had a right to know all about
it, especially as might be wrecked or lost IN
some way before reaching the island. So then
| sent for YOU.
The girl stared at him with widening eyes
while deeper color crept into her face.
My plan, continued her guest, was to go
by steamer to Tahiti, which is only about a
thousand miles from this island, and there buy
charter a little schooner,-the smaller the
better,-ship three or four natives, and 60 after
the stuff myself"
But how could your" she cried. What do
you know about navigation"
Enough for that I'm postgraduate
yachtsman and know how to work out a reckon
ing"
The girl stared at him incredulously.
That seems to me to be the best way he
continued. 1t mnimizes the expense. and in
the event of finding anything. you don't have
to divide So if you like, I'll tackle it. But
first. you will be SO good as to apologize for hav
ing called me a theft
I'm do nothing of the Sort" she answered
sullenly;;, you deliberately tried to make me
furious
VERY well. Then it's all off," He drew the
parchment from his pocket and tossed it
on the table, where it lay unheeded. He rose to
his feet. =" / have the honor to wish you good
day"
Proserpine did not answer; but her eyes were
fixed on him intently. Suddenly they brnnmed
with tears. Don't co. said she. Il apollo
gize.'
He bowed and reseated himself. Then
what do you want to do about it? he asked.
If go, you risk nothing l will make copy
of the map. so that if should not succeed in
reaching the island there is great harm
done"
What do you mean by not reaching the
island3
That part of Oceanica is full of uncharted
reefs-and I'm not professional sailorman."
"Of course" said she, looking down, you
shall have share of the treasure.
Not one peso!"
The girl did not at once answer. Then she
said sulkily, :" don't understand Why should
you want all of your fathers money, and then
not take a share of treasure that may be
worth miion?"
Because | don't need it. l do need the
other. can't live my life without it. But |
don't need big fortune. My wants are Just as
limited in direction they pressing in
the other. If | should succeed in getting this
treasure for you, could enjoy my little income
with clear conscience"
Proserpine slowly shook her head. It's all
SO different-it's SO un-American," she said
There's not man know but would have
divided this miserable seven thousand dollars a
year without thought. But almost any man
would naturally want a share in rich treasure
especially if he was going to take all the risk of
getting it for me-
Her companion smiled Its all in the view
point" said he.
Proserpne, her eyes still ON his face nodded
slowly I'm beginning to understand" said
she. m sorry that | acted as l did. Will
you forgive me9"
She reached out her small, prettily shaped
hand, which the man took. pressed gently, and
released.
"Of course" he said Il quite understood"
The girls eyes brimmed over. I'm little
beast" said she, and you've been dear! All
that l thought of you was a mistake. | see it
now You're not soft-and you don't scare
worth a cent! | might easily have shot you,
Richard. l was furious, wild If you'd stirred
a hand | really believe should have pulled the
trigger.
Richard smiled. $50 do I. That's the rea-
son sat still
Weren't you frightened, really?"
He laughed Il wasn't comfortable: but,
honestly. think | was more worried your
account.
ON my accounts!
Yes. 1t flashed across me what an awful
thing it would be for you if you really were to
kill me-
Proserpine shuddered.
ION that account | was almost tempted to
knock under and give you the paper. | may
have had a close call, my dear; but think you
have had closer one. Promise me that YOU
will never do such thing again"
What do you carer"
The color crept into his face. Proserpine.
watching him closely, noticed it, and her own
fresh cheeks famed with a sudden rosy