Year: 1875

0C6fOT " OUJAlu u 8uOl ~ boluc OlAul
which were flying to and fro near q little
streamlet which flowed to the sea, evident
ly proceeding from some springs in the
rocks above. They found the bed of the
river, for a river it seemed to be in wet
weather, somewhat dry, and walked along
Its course for a considerable distance before
being able to obtain a shot at ths birds.


Werner finally fired, and bird fell some
little distance from where he stood.


Percy and Raymond saw him 90 around
boulder to pick up the game, when loud
cry caused them to hasten to the spot
where he vas


There he was down on his knees eagerly
looking at the dried up pebbly water course
before him.


What is it a. quired Percy.


''GOld p said Werner. Don't you see
it Y he asked excitedly as he took up a
handful Of the pebbles


His two companions hurried forward ex-
citedly.


There it was, gold, sure enough. Among
the pebbles and pieces Of rock we're bright
shining nuggets, ranging in size from the
head of pin to large pea. There was
no mistaklng it, and Percy's experience
readily discerned the presence of the real
metal.


For few moments all thoughts of their
isolated condition and the circumstances
by which they were surrounded, were en-
tirely forgotten. The three men were
down upon their hands and knees eagerly
searching for the precious ore. In the
present realization Of their good fortune
they little rocked, that the very gold at
their command was to them worth no more
than 50 much iron, in view Of the fact Of
their never being rescued from the island.
They scrambled, and dug, and picked un-
til a buckskin bag which had been pro-
duced by Werner having done service as
tobacco pouch previous to the wreck upon
the island, was made the recipient of fully
four ounces Of the little nuggets which here
seemed to abound.


''Our good luck has come at last, said
Percy cheerily "Who would have thought
OF finding nuggets here | tell you what
my friend, | wouldn't be surprised if this
entire valley has beds Of gold dust just
like this one"


Let us keep on walking" said Werner
whose eagerness to possess the gold was
most intense.


There is plenty of time" said Percy.
"We must be prudent and sensible about
this. Do not exhaust your strength, for
we may need it should an attack be made
upon us tonight. We will 90 to the camp
and seek rest. Tomorrow we will llOrganize
our operations more perfectly and see
what the claim will develop"


But our claim may be discovered in the
meantime, suggested Werner.


by whom n


by our enemy"


The savage n


yes"


''lt is probable that there is about one
other person on this island except our
selves, if he has not left. We leave him
only to fear. He has evidently been here
longer than we have. 1t is not possible
that he may find out our secret


They repaired to their camp as the con
cluded their conversation, and in their
restless dreams that night the thoughts Of
the gold they had discovered drove every
other idea out Of their minds. A way for
wealth was open to them all and with
fevered fancy they slumbered restlessly.


They called the island Golden Isle, and
long before day break were preparing their
breakfast, eager to again resume their
search for gold. The claim had not been
disturbed by any one and they proceeded
at once to search for the yellow nuggets 50
plentiful in the valley, and which were
found in 80 great Profuson in this island
Of the ocean, where they had been wrecked.
Their thoughts were all occupied by the
auriferous wealth they had found, and the
morning was spent in an eager search for
the coveted treasure


(TO be continued merit lCeek)