The Monticellonian., 1919-08-29

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.
It's that Indian" whispered the
Hawk to his pal but where is Davis
body" With 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 a great rock. and
scarcely had it landed at their feet
than from cut the opening ii revealed
Davis came crawling. The next in
slant Ethel was in his arms.
"Hell's hounds - gritted Morgan
Did ever a man have such luek?"
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 it
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.
Eye must be starved nigh unto death,
and it needs full stomach to keep
up with divil like him. Come home,
all of ye, for I've the makin's of a
wonderful feast" urged the practical
Bridget. High of spirits, they began
their return
Half way upon their journey, n pc
culiar screen of vines attracted the at
tention of John, and upon his calling
the attention of the others to it, all
dismounted. \ moments investigation
revealed the fact that the vines screen
&c the entrance to another cave. and
pushing them aside all entered The
first thing that met their eyes was Il
small. casket-shaped box labeled "John
Carr" and further exploration reveal
ing the fact that a number of similar
scattered about. Eagerly they gather
ed about their find.
anyway We'll find out what is in
Them laughed Morgan, rs inserting
the end of pick beneath the cover
of one he tore the fastening off With
low cries of wonderment the heholders
shrank back. clutching each other,
their eyes protruding, unable TO be
lieve their senses. 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
drunkard and his eyes were aglow as
his voice arose in a hoarse whisper.
1.-THE mine, The mine AT last we
have got it."
and good quarter of million vel
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:
at is t-wonderful-and / 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
filled 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 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. l 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 Ethels closet OPEN
ed softly and the face of the Hermit
appeared. smiling as he saw her Sleep
ing peacefully. Crossing the room win
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 with
him the final nugget, and with fare
we'll smile at the still sleeping girl he
closed the door and opened ii no more.
Scarcely had he taken his silent
farewell than the Hawk and the Spl-
der. sneaking from the harness room,
tools in hand. opened the cellar door
and crept within. Lighting candle
they began digging at the earth walls
Of the cellar. and in the course OF a
half hour had made a tunnel several
wards in length. The Hawk laid aside
his shovel and addressed his coMpan-
ion in a whisper