The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1915-04-22

fully. "zeb White. you done had de
: feelin's every anniversary Of old P
& ter's death Stop havin' 'em. Unde
; standY'
! Zeb nodded and shuffied on to b
( duties in the dining room
Amelia slammed around the kitchen
while Kenny skipped nimbly out {
the way OF the wrathful cook.
"Granny's foot! amt afraid Of NJ
buddyr declared Amelia suddenly.
'FYes'm." muttered Henry nervously
"You got dem sandwiches all made
Hennyr demanded the cook.
"Yes'm. and de cake is ready to b
cut, and
run erlong and help Zeb. He's 81
nittery tonight he dunno whether BIZ
haid's his haid or a hole In de groun'.'
When the first guest arrived Esther
was In the front parlor with her IA
Their.
ITS Duncan Wood. Essie," announc-
ed the captain as he met young Wood
with cordial informality. Coming
early to make sure OF your dances. eh.
Duncan?" he ended playfully.
Yes. Captain Belden, and to make
sure Of something else-perhaps,"
dared the handsome youth as he bent
over Esther's outstretched hand. Dun
can Wood was straight, slender, gal
liant looking figure in his eighteenth
century clothes OF silver gray velvet
There was a touch Of powder In his
dark hair, and his black eyes shone
with a steady purpose. Gossips would
have Informed you that to win Esther
Belden was Duncan Woods sole object
In life.
1t was an object worth winning, any
way, for Esther was radiant In her
grandmother primrose brocade,
with her brown eyes shining and one
black curl over her white shoulder. A
red rose was tucked behind her ear.
Where have ! seen you wear that
frock?" puzzled Duncan. holding her
hand.
Esther pointed at Great-grandmother
Belden's portrait over the mantel
"Therer' she laughed. do not
look like her, Duncan?"
alike as two peas" he admitted
breathlessly. "only ten times more love
ly. Esther. I'm going to ask your ia
Their now, dear"
Before Esther could expostulate Dun |
can had led her to the hearth. where |
Captain Belden stood gazing into the
fire.
Captain Belden. have come to ask
you for your greatest treasure" an
Duncan soberly.
Captain Belden whirled around and
stared down at them-Duncan so brave
IN his finery. Esther so winsome in her
yirlish beauty.
MY greatest treasure. Duncan" he
"She is that. my lad. but
will set task for you If you love
Esther you must win her. Bring me
Uncle Peters treasure box and Esther
$ yours. I" He smiled whimsically.
Father cried Esther sharply
"Ah," breathed Duncan. that is
kin TO a refusal, sir.'
mo. no, lad The treasure is here.
mt | cannot find It Prove your eyes
harper than mine and save the home
tead for us"
rs It as grave as that, captain?"
Eyes: excuse us, Duncan. other
nests are arriving
Esther flashed a long look over her
boulder as she went forward to greet
er guests. and Duncan found a chair
nd sat down. He had often heard
he Beldens speak Of the treasure
hest which Uncle Peter had mention
Il In his will and which had never
cen found since the old mans death,
here had been one rainy afternoon
hen he and Esther had set out to
unit the treasure chest, but their
uest had ended in the library win :
ow seat because Duncan had so much
, tell her about his travels abroad.
And what are treasure chests of !
Iere gold when one can weave
,lden romance In the flrelightf
The evening sped rapidly Duncan c
lnced several times with Esther, and &
e moments were weighted with I'M D
bliss.
There was one nour during winch
uncan talked with Captain Belden o
I'd learned the history OF the treas
e chest with its stores Of gold, jew $
5 and valuable securities, the hoard
g OF Uncle Peters misery lifetime. 9
The clocks were striking the quarter {
,ur before midnight when Duncan
aimed his third dance with Esther q
,lden. y
'Shall we dance or sit In the IL II
ary?' asked Duncan. throwing his "
eight of opinion in favor of the IL =
airy. !, !,
Neither" decided Esther, with dane
: eyes. Duncan. would you really =
g to find the treasure chestY"
Would II" he answered. and she :
ished rosy red. :,
Then let us 30 a-spying for 1t now ~
have thought of Il likely place-the
clock case In the lower corridor, :,
, passage that leads into the old :.
ng of the house. Uncle Peter had -
rooms there" :,
Done" cried Duncan. 1--WE will u
I'll candies" :"
We viii find some down there. -
ielia ALWAYS keeps some candle ue