Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-10-11
CHAPTER XIV.


CHAPTER XIV.
Wherein We Are BeIeasuered In ths
Cave.
= T did not occur 70 us for a single
moment that the savages had any
knowledge OF the treasure and
that they could be after that.
Not for the thousandth part of a sec
ond did dream that the savages were
led by Pimball, Glibby and most Of
fhe other seamen OF the Rose OF Devon.
] did not know then that the Rose OF
Devon had gone ashore in the terrific
storm ! have described, or that there
had been battle with the savages, who
sought 10 plumber the ship. but were
prevented at frfghtful loss TO the island
,ers, who were unable to contend success
fully against the firearms with which
the ship was abundantly provided. A
4means OF communication between the
ship and the shore had been found sub
frequently through one OF the seamen
who had sailed the south seas. The saw
hgeS had been told OF the treasure, OF
which indeed they had some dim tradi-
lions from days gone by: they also
held the cave as one of their most sa-
cred spots. scarcely less sacred than
the great altar on the hillock in the
center Of the island, for what reason l
cannot tell. Some OF this learned aft
erward from our assailants, and much
OF It OWNED on reflection on our voy-
age homeward.
BY some persuasion, l know not
what, Pimbau and Glibby had won
them over. Together they had organ
lied an expedition 10 come and seize
us and take the treasure. The Rose Of
Devon ! guessed was not badly dam
aged and could easily be made sea
worthy.
We sat silent in the cave for long
time. I had not lighted the lantern
we had left there at our last visit, and
some of the light OF the dying day Ill
tered through from the outside cave.
There was nothing that we needed
light for. We sat close together on the
remains OF one OF the chests to protect
us from the damp sand. l always car
ried with me a flask OF spirits. Not
that ] am drinking man; / left and
still leave that practice to the gallants
OF the day, but have often found il
useful in some dire emergency, and as
Mistress Lucy shivered in the chill.
damp air l heartened her and strength
ened her with a dram.
As II was summer and not far from
the line, / had not brought the. boat
cloak with us. / had not even worn
my sailor jacket, but my waistcoat
was heavy and warm, aud l was
thankful that l had it. I took It of
and, despite her protestations. slipped
It on her. In girth it was big enough
TO encircle her twice, which was all
the better for her comfort. I drew II
around 70 cover her breast with a dou-
bic fold, and with a length OF line
had IN my pocket made It fast. We
sat close together and talked in low
whispers, and thrilled at the contact
OF her sweet presence in spite of our
peril
How long we talked or how long
we waited I have no means OF telling.
1t grew dark IN the cave very early,
and when l ventured into the outside
room after what seemed an intermin-
able wait. found night had fallen. /
felt pretty sure that we need appre-
bend no attack that night, and yet It
was necessary 10 keep watch, so l
proposed that one OF US should sleep
while the other listened. Naturally
she was the first 20 take rest. II was
too damp and cold TO lie down on the
sand, so I wedged myself against one
of the least rotted OF the chests, whose
shape had been kept intact by the
pile OF gold and silver bars. and some
what hesitatingly offered her the shell
ter Of my arms.
Madam" I said. with all the for
mality could muster. you must have
sleep. You cannot lie upon this damp
Gand. and IL is bad enough TO sit upon
81. but upon my shoulder and within
the support OF my arms you shall have
rest. I swear TO you
swear not" she replied, coming
closer 10 me. 81 trust you, and II
am 20 sleep know that win be safe
within your arms"
"As my sister. had I one or as my
mother. were she here. will support
you" said /.
Before she closed her eyes she made
her evening prayer for herself and for
me. and then she made me promise
that / would awaken her when I
Judged IL 20 be midnight. and. upon my