The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-07-11
$4,000 in Pearls
BY SPENCER A. sPENcER
e Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate
WNu Service.

- UT dNditl . DuShtl VI SluQts, u 5tli-
ing mythical oil wells to wIde-eyed
tourists In California. OF medium
height, was Arnold Millurn-suave,
and with face so honest that 1t fooled
astute judges of human nature. Con-
science, he had none, taking the in
surance money of widows with de-
pendent children as readily as he did
the Broadway nlayboy's allowance.
strolling In the environs of Times
Square one late afternoon, he stopped
before shabby bookshop and idly ex-
amined the dusty volumes on the out
side display rack. While CHANGING
through the grimy pages of tattered
expose Of card tricks, his alert eyes
were arrested by sealed envelope
1t was addressed to Mrs Cynthia Rod
| gers In Brooklyn. but bore no stamp
or Sign of postmark. He studied the
envelope furtively. Perhaps 1t con-
tanned something of value. With one
deft movement that defed detection,
he transferred the envelope from the
book to the inside pocket of his coat.
When he was alone In his hotel room
he brought 1t forth for closer inspee-
ton. The envelope which had once
been white was yellow and brittle
| Carefully he tore Off the end and shook
| out the letter. 1t had been written
from Pago-Pago, and was dated July
| II. 1892.
My dear wife Cynthia (the letter
began):
1T seems at this time to be the
will of God that this letter must be
my last My ship Is at anchor here,
undergoing repairs. Upon our arrival
/ was carried ashore suffering from
tropical fever. The port doctor,
worthy man, has advised me to put my
worldly affairs in order.
AT one time, having lost consider
able monies In bank failure, | secret
~ constructed small vault In our
home. 1t Is directly above the carved
figure on the left side Of the mante
In the back parlor. BY pressing the
right eyeball of the figure you will re-
lease a spring which will cause the
door OF the vault to open. Inside you
will find ST. GOO In American gold. and
pearls whose value Is estimated to be
S40,0o0. 1T Is my earnest hope that
these monies and jewels. with Gods
help, will protect you from want all
your remaining days.
1 am sending this message to YOU
by my loyal and trustworthy mate, Mr.
Jack Macdonald.
y our loving and faithful husband,
Captain Peter Rodgers"
Arnold Milurns hands were trem-
bling as he finished reading the letter.
It was evident to him that since GYM
thin Rodgers Ind not received her nus
bands letter the gold and pearls were
still In the vault.
As he TAXED across the long bridge
TO BROOKLYN doubts crept into his
mind Perhaps the house had been
RACED to make room for modern
structure.
All doubts slipped from him. how
ever, when half hour later he found
1t. weatherworn brownstone It was.
In a once fashionable neighborhood
where the streets sloped sharply to-
ward the busy waterfront. lie walked
slowly past the house, then catching
sight of the ROOMS FOR RENT sign
In the window, retraced his steps and
r1nV tln Inprhpi 7 ~
The great, heavy door was opened
by little, white-haired lady whose
lively blue eyes and quick smile |
beamed up at him.
I'm looking for a room.s he said.
Something on The first floor, If you
have It."
The only room | have vacant at
present Is the back parlor.r she ex-
plained, stepping aside for lin to en-
ter. He struggled TO keep this good
news from showing In his face. ''The
pack parlor has q lovely view OF the |
harbor,' the little woman continued. /
My husband was seafarlnv man. |
Captain Of the Silver Swan, he was,
bNi0iN Shf MIS- 1Dsl WIN all flanlS /
aboard" lie had followed her into
the back parlor. Il used to watch for
his ship through these windows. but
that's been d long time ago" AS she
talked he saw nothing but the marble
mantle above the fireplace with the
carved figures on both sides.
How much Is this roor?" he asked
"One hundred dollars a month.
Rooms with view Of the harbor are
scarce. You'll find there's breeze.
even on the hottest nights"
Reluctantly he selected five twentles
from his wallet and gave them to her,
The moment she was gone he hung his
hat over the doorknob, closing the key
hole 10 pryng eyes. Then lie pulled
down the shades Walking to the man
tie he pressed the right eyeball of the
figure on the left. Instantly d small
section Of wall swung outward. With
a moist shaking hand he reached Into
the opening. 1t was empty! No
there was piece ofletter paper inside
lie carried 1t to the window, and pull.
ing back the edge OF the shade, read
My dear Treasure Hunter:
The envelope which you found III.
-. a.