The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-08-31
CHAPTER VI
a panaerous Secret

II WIS Nu& until EAFf Ntfh W
sight OF Vancouver Island that the
three partners talked over their
failure TO any great extent
Jimmy was for handing tho chest
OF bogus gold over to the under
writer's. Bu. Bcthune Immediately
pointed out that this would give
their secret away He was all for
going back IN the spring
What most encourages me to so
on" he explained. il that there
we're several different cousiEn.
ments OF gold sent hy the steamer
and Insured. and cag't take II
for granted that all the shippers
were in the conspiracy. There's
no reason 70 suspect the contents
OF the remaining cases"
"You hadn't made out the marks
when | last asked you about them. "
Jimmy broke In.
mo: they're hardly distinguish
able: but now think have n clue.
I'm inclined To believe the case was
shipped by man named Osborne.
His names in the vessels manifest.
and no has been associated With
her owner for long time. found
that out when | was considering
the salvage scheme
Jimmy started.
"Tlis Christian namef"
Henry. understand he has a
house on the shore Of Puget Sound.
You look as II You knew him"
Jimmy said nothing for few
moments. tho he saw that the
others were watching him curious.
~.
Il do know him: that II, met
him on our last voyage. But you're
mistaken he said firmly.
ITS possible" Bethune admitted.
do you feel inclined to tell me
y hat you know about Osborne?
Il only know that you're on the
wrong track. He isn't the man 10
join in a conspiracy OF the kind
you're hinting at"
Bethune did not reply. and
Jimmy felt tempted TO abandon the
search for the gold. but he reflect.
ed that he vas bound 10 his com
rades and could not persuade them
to let the matter drop. Besides, IL
by any chance Bethune's suspicion
prove correct. he might be OF some
service to Miss Osborne. No matter
what discovery might he made. she
should not suffer. Jimmy was re
solved on that.
Reaching Vancouver. they had
some trouble finding work. because
the approach OF winter had driven
down general iahorers and railroad
construction gangs from the high
inland ranges 20 the sheltered coast
Al last. however. Jimmy and his
friends succeeded In hiring them
selves 20 n contractor. who was
clearing land.
II was not an occupation they
would have taken up from choice.
but as their pockets were empty
they could not be particular. The
frs the choppers felled we're great
i'm girth, and az Moran was the
only member OF the party who could
use the ak, the others were set TO
work saving up the massive logs
with n big crosscut.
They had only been at II few
weeks, however when the foreman
called Jimmy to him one day.
Wen not want you and your
partner after tonight" he said
abruptly.
Jimmy looked at him in surprise,
AS you haven't found any fault
with us. might one ask the rea-
SOM"
You might; but ! cant tell you
There 1t is--you're fired. I've got
my orders"
The Canadian Is often laconic,
and Jimmy nodded.
Very we'll" he said: wen go
now. This isn't a luxurious job.
Bethune and Jimmy crossed the
clearing to where Moran was at
work. He showed no great surprise
when he heard their news.
Well" he said, "Tll finish the
week here and then follow you to
the city Well need the money"
AN right" Bethune agreed. III
you get the chance Of staying; but
that's doubtful. You know where
to find u.s."
They went back TO the sleeping
shack 10 get their clothes.
What did you mean when you
said he might not have the chance7"
Jimmy asked.
II have a suspicion that Hank
viii get his time IN the next day or
two. The boss wouldn't want to
make the thing too obvious, and
Hanks a good chopper"
But why should they want to
a 4 IL Ii