Morgan County republican., 1910-08-11

sure by rel'ghting lhs pipe, He heard
the chink OF gold pieces and when hs
looket again the two piles Of money
were .lose to the edge OF lis side OF
the tat lie.
That's for you. Captan Plum.
There's just $1,000 In toose two
piles" There was tense eafnestness
now III the old mans face and voice.
i've imposed on you," he continued.
speaking as one who had suddenly
thrown Oh disguise. III II had been
any other man 1t would have been
the same. l want help want an
honest man. want a man whom
can trust. I will give you . thousand
dollars II you will take . package
back to your vessel with you and will
promise to deliver It ~ quickly a.
you can"
"Pll do it!" cried Captain Plum. He
Jumped to his feet and held out his
hand. But the old man sllpped from
mis- chair and darted swiftly out into
the blackness OF the adjoining room.
AS he came back Captain Plum could
I hear his insane chuckling
Business -- business -- business -"
he gurgled. "Eh. Captain Plum? Did
you ever take an oath" He tossed
book on the table. II was the Bible.
Captain Plum understood. He
reached for the book and held It un.
der his left hand. His right he lifted
above his head, while a smile played
about his lips.
Il suppose you want 10 place me
under oath 70 deliver that package"
he said
The old man nodded. His eyes
CLEANED with a feverish glare. A sud
den hectic flush had gathered in his
death-like cheeks. He trembled. His
Repeat" he commanded. ~. Cap.
tain Nathaniel Plum. do solemnly
| swear before God"
A thrilling inspiration ghot into
Captain Plum's brain.
Hold" he cried. He lowered his
hand. With something that was al.
most a snarl the old man sprang back,
his hands clenched. 81 will take this
oath upon one other consideration"
continued Captain Plum Il came to
Beaver Island to see something OF the
life and something OF the people OF
st. James. II you, in turn. will swear
to show me as much as you can to-
night will take the oath"
The old man was beside the table
again in an instant.
Il will show 1t to you-all-all--"
he exclaimed excitedly. I will show
1t to you-yes. and swear to 1t upon
the body OF Christi"
Captain Plum lifted his hand again
and word by word repeated the oath
When II was done the other took his
place.
Your name?" asked Captain Plum.
A change scarcely perceptible swept
over the old mans face.
obadiah Price"
but you are q Mormon. You have
the Bible there?"
Again the old man disappeared into
the adjoining room. When he re-
turned he placed two books side by
side and stood them on edge 80 that
he might clasp both between his bony
fingers. One was the Bible, the other
the Book of the Mormons. In q
cracked, excited voice he repeated the
strenuous oath improvised by Cap
tain Plum.
Now" said Captain Plum. distrib-
uting the gold pieces among his pock-
cts. "l'll take that package"
This time the old man was gone for
several minutes. When he returned
he placed q small package tightly
bound and sealed into his companion's 3
hand.
More precious than your life. more
priceless than gold" he whispered
tensely, yet worthless to all but the
one to whom It Ia to be delivered"
There were no marks on the pack.
age.
And who is that" asked Captain
Plum.
The old man came 40 close that hts
breath fell hot upon the young mans
cheek. He lifted hand as though
to ward sound from the very walls
that closed them In,
Franklin Pierce. president Of the
| United States OF kmerica!"