The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1919-07-31
M0uE1 LIED FROM VITAGRAPH PHOTO PLAY

face were accomplishing herculean
work in their efforts to free them
selves. Suddenly the four ceased their
efforts and stood looking at each other
in wonderment, for apparently coming
from within the wall Of rock they
heard rhythmical tap, tap, tap that
could scarcely have been made by
other than human hands.
Its that Indian" whispered the
Hawk to his pal. 'But where is Davis
body" With a wild tide Of hope rush
ing to her heart, Ethel picked up
crowbar and began digging frenziedly,
while urged to effort by her importuni-
ties Morgan and Bellas again fell to
laboring at her side. Five minutes
later they tore down great rock, and
scarcely had it landed at their feet
than from out the opening it revealed
Davis came crawling. The next in
stant Ethel was in his arms.
"Hell's hounds" gritted Morgan.
did ever a man have such luck"
The Spider gave him vicious nudge.
"Shut up, you fool, or you'll give US
both away. "Join in the merrymaking
now, and take it out Of his hide later"
Swallowing his anger Morgan seized
the escaped ones hand and .wrung 1t
warmly as he congratulated him upon
his miraculous deliverance.
! "More work Of that Mysterious
stranger, suppose. But one Of these
days We'll get him." said Davis.
; "Ye must be starved nigh unto death.
and it needs a full stomach to keep
up with a divil like him. Come home,
all Of ye, for I've the makin's Of
wonderful feast" urged the practical
Bridget. High of spirits, they began
their return.
Half way upon their journey, a Pc
culiar screen Of vines attracted the at
tention Of John. and upon his calling
the attention Of the others to it, all
dismounted. A moments investigation
revealed the fact that the vines screen
ed the entrance to another cave, and
pushing them aside all entered. The
first thing that met their eyes was
small, casket-shaped box labeled John
Carr" and further exploration reveal
ing the fact that a number of similar
boxes labeled in the same way were
scattered about. Eagerly they gather
<,3 about fhoir find
anyway we'll find out what is In
them" laughed Morgan, as inserting
the end of pick beneath the cover
of one he tore the fastening off. With
low cries of wonderment the beholders
shrank back, clutching each other,
their eyes protruding, unable to be-
lieve their sehses. For from bottom
to cover the box was filled with rudely
melted but solid ingots Of pure gold.
The Hawk dropped upon his knees
before it, running his hands through
the yellow metal. clinking ingot against
ingot.. His face held the flush Of a
drunkard and his eyes were aglow as
his voice arose in a hoarse whisper.
"The mine! The mine! At last we
have got it."
"And a good quarter of million yel-
low boys must be in those boxes, too,
croaked the Spider, no less avaricious-
ly than his chief" Davis, putting his
arm around Ethel, spoke:
"It is observation-disclosures hope
with the finding of it our dangers have
come to an end. But we had best be
getting it out Of here. The cabin is
the place for it tonight where we can
guard it."
"Right-o," sang Morgan, as he leap
ed to his feet. Hastily improvising
saddle bags from coats, blankets and
whatever came handiest, they dump
ed the precious metal into its new re-
ceptacles and loaded it upon their
horses. Then walking at the heads Of
their animals they continued their way
filed with suppressed excitement.
That night, praying for peaceful
slumbers, they placed the treasure In
Ethel's room intending to decide upon
Its disposition in the morning.
With the Hawk and the Spider gone
to their rest in the harness room, Bird
get asleep and Rainface curled up be-
fore the fireplace, Ethel raised her
lips to Johns in a good night caress.
Softly her arm stole about his neck.
"God has been good to US, John'
dear. he has saved you and me from
many perils. I am going to thank
Him. Good night"
"Good night, dearest" ;" he whispered,
kissing her many times.
The moon had arisen and the still
ness Of midnight lowered over the
place. The door of Ethel's closet open.
ed softly and the face Of the Hermit
appeared, smiling as he saw her Sleep
ing peacefully. Crossing the room With
noiseless steps he raised two of the
gold-glutted bags in his arms and re-
entering the closet disappeared through
the trap. Three times more he re-
peated this, the last time bearing W1tp
him the final nugget, and with a fare
we'll smile at the still sleeping girl he