Durant weekly news. (Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 190?-1944, 1915-01-29


r at this message from the
le7;S<1HI dead. True. IL was address
G9EJ ed to Ruth. but It's message
was TO him. John Dorr Now. ne
knew something OF the tremendous
stake for which wilkerson was play.
Ing. So deep In thought was he that
he did not notice that he was being
spied upon. He must see Ruth and tell
her He slipped the letter into his
pocket. not observing that the torn por-
tion dropped to the table.
AS he hurried out, fat with his news,
a Mexican stole into the room and.
after a keen glance around. picked up
the bit OF paper. He had seen the tri.
umphant expression on DORIS face.
That writing must be valuable. He
tried TO decipher Il. but failed. So
he thrust II into his shirt and stole
away.
Half an hour later the last few lines
OF that letter were In Harry wilker-
sons hands.
Ii was not until he had explained to
Ruth the circumstances under which
he had opened the letter and handed
her the inclosure that John discovered
that the last portion was missing. the
part that told of the figures on the
key. Together they sought 1t in vain
We'll" said Ruth cheerfuliy. ''at
least ! have the key and now we know
what those figures stand for"
Yes" he assented. "the latitude and
xx-hn kr
l don't like the disappearance Of that
last part. II was rank carelessness of
me. What II it should fall into VIII.
kerson's handsf"
Ruth laughed. dangling the key by
its ribbon. We have the master
keyr'
YES" John replied more cheerfully.
He won't know where the place is,
anyway. But we must arrange TO flnd
that wreck and get the chest"
but II the ship sank?" she said.
Lots OF people will remember The
wreck" was the response. And with
this accurate position OF where IL went
down a diver will he able TO recover
what we want"
They discussed this for some time
and decided that as soon as Kane re.
turned with the warrant for Wilker.
son they would start out for San Pc
dro and proceed to locate the s,mken
vessel and find If possible the chest
and It's precious contents.
with Wilkerson safely In the sher-
ifrs hands and Kane on the job here
all will be safe" John said finally.
But Wilkerson. with the torn scrap of
paper In his hand, was planning swift
ly and certainly. With vigas he laid
a scheme for that night. When the
details were settled the bandit smiled
crookedly. "lll get the key myself"
he remarked. 1T will be pleasure"
mo roughness," warned Wilkerson.
with lady?" demanded vigas silk.
lily. "Neverr'
"All right" was the response. But
remember these troopers aren't overly
fond Of you"
The Mexican made his preparations
TO get the key that held the secret OF
the treasure with peculiar care. One
would have thought he was going to
ball, so fanciful his dress. so careful
his whole get-up. When he had COM
pleted his arrangements he presented
a striking and gaudy figure. with sill
yer banded sombrero. heavy studded
belt. embroidered shirt and flowing
scarf.
Wilkerson contemplated him moodi-
ly. You'd better wear a jumper and
overalls," he snaried Amy one can
spot you mile In that dandifed
dress"
Vigas kissed a dirty hand to tue
stars. I'm honor of the lady," he said,
with bravado. ''Never shall it be said
tha Jose vigas was ignorant OF the
nicetes OF demeanor. senor."
Finding his protests useless. Wilker-
son subsidized. Vigas departed. appar-
emily for stroll through the silent
camp. He even stopped for a chat
with watchful trooper. who readily
believed his casual statement that he
was going on a lovers expedition.
IL was just midnight when vigas
stood over the bed on which Ruth lay
asleep For long moment he stood
there In his gaudy finery watching her.
He seemed almost on the point of wax
ening her in order to satisfy his over
weening vanity. But the clank of a
bride chain outside warned him that
he stood in great peril With swift
fingers he touched the ribbon, bent
over and gently drew out the key. He
cut the ribbon with one slip OF his |
knife and looked at his booty. But
the girls immovable and lovely face