Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-09-18
CHATTER Ix-tcontinued)

NET was he tempted. not ignobly. but by
i reason OF his love for her. once. years
ago, when his arduous professional studies
were distracted by a momentary infatua-
tion for fair face a woman had proved
fickle when tempted by greater wealth
than he possessed. For long he was a
confirmed misogynist, to his great and
lasting gain as leader of men. But
with more eduable judgment came a fixed
resolution not to marry unless his pros
pective bride cared only for him and not
for his position. To stan Corps officer
even one with a small private income. this
was no unattainable IDEAL Then he met
with his debace In the shame and agony
OF the court-martial. While his soul still
quiyered under the lash of that terrible
downfall. Iris came into his life. He knew
not what might happen II they were res
cued. The time would pass quickly until
the old order was resumed. she to go
back to her position in society, he to be-
come again a dsgraced ex-officer, appar-
entity working out a mere existence before
the mast or handling plates in a saloon.
would II not be a sweet defiance of ad-
verslty were he able, even under such con-
ditions, to win her love. and then dis
close TO her the potentialities OF the island.
Perchance he might fail.
Though rich as Croesus he would still be
under the social ban meted out to a CASH
u
command the gift of coronets. with res
toration to her father and home. gratitude
to her preserver would assuredly remain
hut. alas love might vanish like a mirage
Tnen he would act honorably. Half of the
stored wealth would be hers to do as she
chose with It..
Yes this was a possible alternative. In
case OF accident 10 himself, and her ultimate
escape, he must Immediately write full de-
tails Of his discovery, and intrust the doc
ument to her, to be opened only after his
death or six months after their release
The idea possessed him so thoroughly
that he could brook no delay. He searched
for one of the notebooks taken from the
dead officers of the SIrdar. and scribbIed
the following letter:
Dear Miss Deane: Whether I am liy-
ing or dead when you read these words YOU
will know that love you. Could I repeat
that avowal million times, In as many
varied forms. / should find no better phrase
to express the dream have cherished since
a happy fate permitted me to snatch you
from death. So / simply say I love you
l will continue to love you while life lasts
and II is my dearest hope that in the life be-
yond the grave may still be able to voice
my love for you.
but perhaps 1 am not destined to be
loved by you. Therefore. in the event of
my death before you leave the island. 1
wish 10 give you instructions how to lind
a gold mine OF great value which is hid
den in the rock containing the cave. You
remember the s gn on the piece OF tin which
we could not understand. The figure S2 de-
notes the utmost depth OF the excavation,
and the 1 signifies that one foot below the
surface on reaching the face OF the rock
there is a rich vein OF gold The hollow on
the other side Of the cliff became filled with
anhydrate gas, and this stopped the opera
tions Of the Chinese, who evidently knew Of
the existance OF the mine. This is all the