Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1912-03-15

MI. Donovan alone remained in nor
NAL state of mind. Twas all faradid.
Ole, this talk Of finding treasures. The
OLD Frenchman had been only half
baked. He dumped his tools into his
bag and with the wisdom OF his kind
departed. There would he another job
tomorrow, putting the bricks hack.
The others. however. were for the
time but children. and like children
they all talked at once. aud there was
laughter and humping of fists and
ciapping Of hands. The admiral had
new plan every FIVE minutes. he
would do this or be would do that,
and Fitzgerald would shake his head
or Breltmann would point out the IN.
feasibility Of the plan. Above all, be
urged. there must be no publicity
with fash toward Fitzgerald. The
world must know nothing till the
treasure was In their hands. Other
wise there would surely be piracy on
the high seas. Two million francs was
prize. even In these days. There
were plenty Of men and plenty Of
tramp ships. Even when they found
the gold secrecy would be best. There
might be some difficulty with France.
Close lips, then. till they returned to
America. After that Mr.. Fitzgerald
would become famous as the teller Of
the exploit.
u confess that for all my excite
ment," said Fitzgerald. II am some.
what skeptical. Still, your sugges.
ton. Mr.. Breitmann. is good
do you mean TO say you doubt the
existence Of the treasurer cried the
admiral, something impatient.
"Oh. no doubt it once existed. But
seventy-6ve or eighty years! There
were others besides this refugee
Frenchman. Who knows into what
hands similar documents may have
fallen"
And the unknown man who worked
in the chimney" put in the girl quietly
THAT simply proves what | say.
he knows that this treasure once ex-
listed. but not where. Now, it is per
fectly logical that some other man
years ago might have discovered the
same key as we have. He may have
got away with 1t. The man might
have plausibly declared that he had
made the money somewhere. The
sum is not so large as to create any
wide comment"
"Ah. my boy. your father had more
enthusiasm than that" The admiral
looked reproachful.
MY dear admiral" Fitzgerald
laughed in that light hearted way Of
his-"l would 60 into the heart of
China on a treasure hunt for the mere
fun of it. Enthusiasm. Nothing
would crafty me- more than to strike
a shovel into the spot where this
treasure-this pot of gOld-is supposed
to lie 1t will be great sport; nothing
like it. | was merely suppOsing. |
have never heard of or come into con
tact with Il man who has found a hid.
den treasure. / am putting up these
doubts because we are never sure of
anything. Why. Mr.. Breitmann
knows Isn't it more fun to find a
dollar in an Old suit of clothes than to
know you have ten in the suit you are
wearing: It's not how much, it's the
finding that gives the pleasure"
That is true" echoed Breitmann
generously. He fingered the papers
with a touch that was almost a caress.
"a pity that you will 20 to the arctic
instead"
Il am not quite sure that | shall
60" replied Fitzgerald. That this
man had deliberately lied to him rem
dered him indecisive. For the pres
ent he could not do or say anything,
but he had a great desire to be on
hand 10 watch.
You are not your fathers son if you
refuse TO 20 with us" And the admir-
al sent home this charge with fist
against palm.
"'PieceS Of eight! Pieces of eighth "
parroted the girl drolly. You will 60,
Mr. Fitzgerald"
do you really want me to-" cleverly
putting the decision with her.
"Yes" There was no coQuetry In
voice or eyes.
when do you expect to go?" Fitz-
gerald put this question to the admiral.
"As soon as we can coal up and pro-
vision"
But crossing in the yacht" hesitat-
ed Fitzgerald. He wished to sound
this man Breitmann. If he suggested
obstacles and difficulties ii would be
a confirmation of the telegram and
his own singular doubts.
1T is likely to be rough passage
said Breitmann experimentally.
HE doesn't want me TO 60" Fitz-
gerald stroked his chin syly.
I'VE have crossed the Atlantic twice
In the yacht" Laura affirmed with
a bit of pride-"Once in March too,
and heavy sea half the way"
ENTER me as cabin boy or super
cargo" said Fitzgerald IF you don't
you'll find a stOwaway before two days
out"
That's the spirit" The admiral
drew strongly on his cigar. He had
really navnr haan sn aYpitod since hia