The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1919-09-26
Book H..
CHAPTER I.

Once More In John Saunders' Snug
gerry.
Need I say that it was a great occa-
sion when l was once more back safe
in John Saunders snuggery, telling my
story to my two friends, John and
Charlie Webster, ell Just as II I had
never stirred from my easy chair. in
stead Of having spent an exciting
month or SO among sharks. dead men.
blood-lapping ghosts, ca~rd-playing
skeletons and such like7
My friends listened to my yarn In
characteristic fashion. John Saunders
eyes like mice peeping out of q cup
board. and Charlie Webster's huge
bulk poised almost threatening, as 1t
were, with the keenness of his atten-
ton. His deep-set kind brown eyes
glOwed like a boys as l went on, but
by their dangerous kindling ut certain
points of the story. those dealing with
our pockmarked friend, Henry p. To
bias, Jr.. I soon realized where. for
him, the chief interest Of the story
lay.
1.-THE - rebel !" he roared out
once or twice, using an adjective pc
culiarly English.
For him my story had but one moral
the treason Of Henry p. Tobias, Jr.
The treasure might as well have had
no existence. so far as he was con-
cerned. and the grim climax In the
cave drew nothing from him but a pre-
occupied nod. And John Saunders
was little more satisfactory. Both Of
them allowed me to end In silence.
They both seemed to be thinking
deeply.
Il must say you two are a great au-
dience." ! said presently. perhaps
rather childishly nettled.
ITS q very serious matter" said
John Saunders. and / realized that 1t
was not my crony but the secretary to
the treasury Of his Britannia males
tvs government at Nassau that was
talking. As he spoke he looked across
at Charlie Webster. almost as II for
getting me. Something should be
done about It, Ell, Charlie?" he con-
tinued.
-" traitor" roared Charlie. once
more employing that British adjective.
And then he turned to me:
"Lo0ls here, old pal, I'll make a bar
gain with you. II you like. suppose
you're keen Tor that other treasure
now, ehr"
II am" said l. rather stifly.
WELL, then. I'll go after 1t with
yOu-on one condition. You a keep
the treasure. II you'll give me Tobias.
It would do my heart good to get him.
as you had the chance Of doing that
afternoon. Whatever ere you doing
to miss him?"
Il proposed to myself the satisfac-
ton Of making good that mistake" /
said, ION next meeting. / feel I
owe 1t to the poor old captain"
"Never mind: hand the captains
rights over to me-and I'll help you
all l know with your treasure. Be
sides, Tobias is q job for an English
man-eh. joint It's a matter Of king
and country with me. With you 1t
would be mere private vengeance.
With me It will be an execution: with
you It would be q murder. Isn't that
20, Johnf'
"Exactly." John nodded.
'tSince You were away" Charlie be-
gan again, 1--WE bought the prettiest
yawl you ever set eyes on-the Fla
mingo-forty-fve owe all. and this
time the very fastest boat In the har-
Dor. Yesi she's faster even than the
Susan b. Now I've q holiday due me
10 about Z fortnight. Say the word.
and the Elamingo's yours for . couple
81 months, md her captain too. I
ueke only that o condition"
AN right, Charlie" ! agreed; hes
voarA..