Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-02-04

Ey ed to Ruth, but its message
was to him. John Dorr. Now, he
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-
ton dropped to the table.
AS he hurried out, fat with his news,
a Mexican stole into the room and,
after 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 it, but failed. So
he thrust it into his shirt and stole
away.
Half an hour later the last few lines
Of that letter were in Harry Wilker-
sons hands.
1t was not until he had explained to
Ruth the circumstances under which
he had opened the letter and handed
her the Enclosure that John discovered
that the last portion was missing, the
part that told Of the figures on the
key. Together they sought it in vain.
Well said Ruth cheerfully, 'at
least have the key and now we know
what those figures stand for"
Eyes" he assented, 1.-The latitude and
longitude where the wreck sank. But
don't like the disappearance Of that
last part. It was rank carelessness Of
me. What if it should fall into VIII
kerson's hands?"
Ruth laughed, dangling the key by
its ribbon. I'VE have the master
keyr'
YES" John replied more cheerfully.
''He won't know where the place Is.
anyway. But we must arrange to find
that wreck and get the chest"
"But if the ship sank?" she said.
"Lots of people will remember the
wreck" was the response And with
this accurate position Of where it went
down a diver will be 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 sunken
vessel and find if possible the chest
| and its precious contents.
With Wilkerson safely in the sher-
IFS 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
~ and certainly. With Vigas he laid
scheme for that night When the
details were settled the bandit smiled
crookedly "I'll get the key myself"
he remarked ''It will, be pleasure"
mo roughness," warned Wilkerson.
With LADY," demanded vigas silk.
lily. Never
"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 a
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 mood
II. You'd better wear a jumper and
overalls," be snarled. ANY one can
spot you mile in that daadifed
. Dress
! yigas kissed a dirty hand to the
stars. In honor Of the lady" he said,
with brayado. Never shall it be said
tina Jose vigas was ignorant OF the
/ niceties Of demeanor, senior"
/ Finding his protests useless, Wilker-
son subsidized. vigas departed, appar-
emily for a stroll through the silent
camp. He even stopped for chat
I with a watchful trooper, who readily
believed his casual statement that he
was going on lovers expedition.
! It was just midnight when .vigas
stood over the bed on which Ruth lay
! dSlccp. VI d lUus AOLAcut uc SlcUu
there in his gaudy fnery 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 enc slip Of hts
! knife and looked at bis booty. But
the girls immovabie and lovely face
drew his eyes again to her. With 4
eweep of his arm he lifted bis heavy
/ hat to her and passed out, silent a. .
cat Of his native mountains. -
With the key In his possession VII
kerson became suddenly his own ne9v-
Gus self. He must get away instant
| ~, he knew. Kane would be back In
| the morning with q warrant. Already
be was being watched BY the suspi-
cious troopers. He must escape this
very night.
After a short conversation with VI
gas and the appointment Of q future
! tendeEsuss Hazzx -Mlksrlea aE1el