The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1915-05-28

L 2
dead. True, 1t was address
ESkXES 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,
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 1t into his shirt and stole
away.
Half an hour later the last few lines
of that letter were in Harry WiIker
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"
Yes" he assented. 1.-The latitude and
longitude where the wreck sank. But
| don't like the disappearance Of that
last part. 1t was rank carelessness of
me- What If it should fall into Will
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"
AHCJ NloN uooCu ILLS lOl SOL1G
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
ly and certainly. With Vigas be laid
scheme for that night When the
details were settled the bandit smiled
crookedly. "I'll get the key myself"
he remarked. 1T will be pleasure"
mo rOughness," warned Wilkerson
With a ladyY" 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 Il
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.
WtlkersOn contemplated him moOdi-
". You'd better wear IA jumper and
OveralIs," he snarlcd ANY one can
| spot you mile in that danditied
dress"
Vigas kissed a dirty hand to the
stars I'm honor of the lady" he said,
with bravadO. Never shall it he 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
with watchful trooper. who readily
believed his casual statement that he
was going Oh Il lovers expedition.
1t was just midnight when Vlgas
stood over the bed OH which Ruth lay
asleep. For II 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
drew his eyes again To her. With a
sweep OF his arm he lifted his heavy
hat to her and passed out. silent as "A
eat of his native mountains
With the key In his possession Will
kerSon became suddenly his own nerv
GUS self. He must get away Instant
~, he knew. Kane would be back in
the morning with warrant. Already
he was being watched by the suspi-
cious troopers. He must escape this
very night.