The Washington herald., 1912-06-09


curity Of the province. The people were
enthusiastic. Troops rapidly gathered
at Boston. and the American people pre-
pared to smite the power of Great Brit
ain with all the strength which they
possessed
The warships of Lord Dunmore,
meanwhile, lay sullenly before the town,
and, although they no longer threw
shells into the streets, the black cannon
pointed menacingly at the quiet, little
seaport, in which the Virginia Rangers
patrolled the pavement and fired in
cessantly at any British head which
showed itself within proper range
Il believe that It is well for me to
retire beyond the confines of the war
zone" said Mr. Dodridge to Jack, upon
the morning after the discovery of the
treasure, for ! see no chance to carry
on any further business, and It becomes
important that / should take my daugh-
ter to a place of safety As my SYM
pathies are with the Colonists / see
nothing better to do than to myself en-
list in the service of Virginia"
| Perhaps you can do something for
me, frs" replied the young adventures" !"
for ! have not told you yet of the secret
of those sacks which Flintlock and
placed in your cellar, early this morn-
I ing. They contain treasure-how much
have not counted-which, ! believe,
belongs to the trapper and myself by
right of discovery. j would greatly
! like to have you care for this until a
more settled state of affairs, and then,
we can divide the spoils and settle down
to a peaceful existence"
The good merchants eyes were wide
open with astonishment
What? You found treasured" he
stammered.
"Yes-some months ago | discovered
an old inscription upon a yellow parch-
ment, in cave, way up in the Shenan-
doah range. II was evident that this
had been carried there by some Indians
who had brought it from the seacoast.
The manuscript directed one to dig in
certain place near Norfolk-which /
have done-and did not say what would
be the result, but it was apparent that
some treasure, or other matter, would
turn up. We hunted up the spot, last
night, and filled seven sacks with dub
looms, jeweled daggers. and other ma
terial of value. As it is necessary that
we get 1t into a place of safety, | Sug-
gest that you take il to France and de-
post it in some bank of well-known sta
bility. until the pending war is con-
cluded."
Mr.. Doddridge was quite overcome
by the proposal, and he seated himself
heavily in a char.
How much do you think is there"
he replied.
About SI5oooo!"
Good Gracious"
"Yes, perhaps a trife more. But, you
must be quick; pack it securely in a
chest; take along a trusty man; and let
no one know a word of this thing until
the money IS safely in the bank"
where's Flintlock?"
Guarding the treasure in the cellar"
Can you let me see it?
Certainly"
Then. let us go below, for ! do not
know whether to believe you or not"
Jack smiled, and, as he walked to the |
inside cellar door he whistled a tune |
In a moment he had it open and had !
proceeded into the darkened vault with |
a quick and elastic step. while the mer-
chant followed him quite Slowly, for he !
saw badly in the gloom. /
Good gracious" came the voice of
the young hunter, as Mr.. Doddridge |
reached the bottom of the steps. The |
treasure has Disappeared
And Flintlocl"
Gone. too.%
Mr. Doddridge chuckled.
You are sure that you had it," he
asked.
Sure; I'm as sure as I stand here.
Great heavens! Is this not the bitter
est misfortune that ever befell a per-
son. And, seating himself upon the
damp floor. Jack burst into tears.
Come. cheer up. boy said the mer-
chant. laying a large hand upon his
shoulder "If what you say is truth. of
course, you have had terrible mishap.
But, perhaps it is for the best after all,
for such a sum of money would be
sad temptation to 4 young man like
yourself, and I fear that your head
would be turned at its possession"
But Jack would not be comforfCsi,
and blubbered like a child of FIVE. whilh
Mr. Doddridge. in spite of his human
heart. could not help laughing.
Come, get up. boy" he said, and
we will have something TO eat, for I
know that you must be hungry from
your long trip" After much per-
suasion, the disconsolate Jack was fin
ally lifted to his feet, and was ooaxed
up stairs again.
Did you ever in your life know such
luck he began, after long silence,
for / had it in my very grasp"
As he spoke the knocker raped upon
he front door. ..--..
Message for Mr.. Jack Loughboro,"
said a shrill voice, as Mr. Doddridge
opened it, and saw, standing on the
threshold. small, ragged boy.
But Jack had run to the doorway.
ind, seizing the long piece of paper
hat was handed him, hastily opened it,
o read:
81 am after them. Get Doddridge,
i've Rangers, and be reddy to come
When / send you another message
"FLINTLOCK."
Seems to write correctly, although
le can't talk so" said the merchant,
ooling over Jacks shoulder What
10 you think he is doing?"
But Jack did not answer
Boy where did you get this?" he
sked the messenger
at was handed to me down by East
mans wharf by tall, thin man in a
uclslIin sui"
Did he give you anything else?"
well, guess said the urchin. ex-
ibiting silver coin in his grimy fist
Jack went inside and sat heavily in