initial commit of ebook 10690HEADmain

14 files changed, 19452 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/10690-0.txt b/10690-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..46ea0bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/10690-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,3114 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10690 ***
+
+A DESPERATE CHANCE:
+
+OR
+
+THE WIZARD TRAMP'S REVELATION,
+
+A Thrilling Narrative.
+
+By OLD SLEUTH.
+
+[Illustration: "He Placed the Ladder of Saplings Across the Abyss."]
+
+1897
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE CAMPFIRE IN THE GULCH--AN ALARM--THE SOLITARY
+FIGURE--UNDER COVER--A WHITE MAN--"HAIL,
+FRIEND!"--A CORDIAL MEETING--A SECOND STRANGE
+CHARACTER.
+
+
+"Well, Desmond, we've taken a desperate chance, and so far appear to be
+losers."
+
+The circumstances under which the words above quoted were spoken were
+weird and strange. A man and a mere youth were sitting by a campfire
+that was blazing and crackling in a narrow gulch far away in the Rocky
+Mountains, days and days travel from civilization.
+
+The circumstances that had brought them there were also very strange and
+unusual. Desmond Dare was the son of a widow who owned a small farm in
+New York State. There had been a mortgage on this farm which was about
+to be foreclosed when Desmond, a brave, vigorous lad, sold his only
+possession, a valuable colt, and determined to enter a walking match for
+the prize. He was on his way to the city where the match was to take
+place when in a belt of woods he heard a cry for help. He ran in the
+direction whence the cry came and found three tramps assailing a fourth
+man. The vigorous youth sprang to the rescue and drove the three tramps
+off, and was later persuaded by the man he had rescued to go with him to
+a rock cavern. There the lad beheld a very beautiful girl of about
+fourteen whose history was enveloped in a dark mystery; he also learned
+that the man he had rescued was known as the wizard tramp. The latter
+was a very strange and peculiar character, a victim of the rum habit,
+which had brought him away down until he became a tramp of the most
+pronounced type. This man, however, was really a very shrewd fellow,
+well educated, not only in book learning, but in the ways of the world,
+and seeing that Desmond had resolved to take a desperate chance, the
+tramp volunteered to land him a winner; he succeeded in so doing. The
+champion of the walking match carried his money to his mother, the tramp
+went upon an extended spree and spent his share. Afterward the tramp and
+Desmond Dare started on the road together. The girl had been placed with
+Mrs. Dare on the farm, and the man and boy proceeded West afoot,
+determined to locate a gold mine. The former discovered each day some
+new quality, and held forth to Desmond that some day he would make a
+very startling revelation. The youth had no idea as to the character of
+the revelation, but knowing that the tramp, named Brooks, was a very
+remarkable man, he anticipated a very startling denouement. After many
+very strange and exciting adventures Brooks, the tramp, and Desmond Dare
+arrived in the Rockies, and in due time started in to find their gold
+mine. The previous history of these two remarkable characters can be
+read in Nos. 90 and 91 of "OLD SLEUTH'S OWN."
+
+At the time we introduce the tramp and Desmond Dare to our readers in
+this narrative, they had been knocking around the mountains in search of
+their mine and had met with failures on every side, and at length one
+night they camped in the gulch as described in our opening paragraphs,
+and Brooks spoke the words with which we open our narrative.
+
+They were sitting beside their fire; both were partly attired as hunters
+and mountaineers, and both were well armed. Brooks, who had practically
+been a bloat had lived a temperate life, had enjoyed plenty of exercise
+in the open air, and had experienced to a certain extent a return of his
+original physical strength and vigor. At the time the whilom tramp made
+the disconsolate remark quoted, Desmond asked:
+
+"What do you propose to do--give it up?"
+
+"I don't know just what to do, lad."
+
+"We've scraped together a little gold dust; possibly we may have money
+enough to engage in some legitimate business, and what we can't get by
+the discovery of a mine, we may acquire in time in speculation. You are
+shrewd and level-headed."
+
+"That would be a good scheme for you, lad, but not for me. I am too far
+advanced in life to earn money by slow labor now. What I propose is that
+you go back, take all the gold we have, and enter into trade; you are
+bright and energetic and may succeed."
+
+"And what will you do?"
+
+"I shall continue my search for a mine, and some day I may strike it."
+
+Brooks was a college graduate, a civil engineer, and a mineralogist, and
+believed he had great advantages in searching for a mine, but, as has
+been indicated, thus far their tramp and search had been a dead failure.
+
+"I'll stick with you," said Desmond.
+
+"No, lad, you must go back."
+
+"I swear I will not; I like this life, and remember, we have gathered
+some wash dust and we may gather more. I don't know the value of what we
+have gathered from the bottom of that stream we struck, but I do know
+that it would take a long time to accumulate as much money in trade.
+Remember, we have been in the mountains only six weeks."
+
+"That is all right, but we might stay here six years and not make a
+find."
+
+At that instant there came a sound which caused Brooks and Desmond to
+bend their ears and listen. Some of the Indians were on the warpath; a
+band of bucks had been making a raid and had been pursued by the United
+States cavalry into the mountains. Indians, as a rule, do not take to
+the mountains, but sometimes when pursued hotly they will separate into
+small bands and scatter through the hills; these fellows are dangerous.
+They would have murdered any white men they might meet for their arms
+alone, without considering the spirit of wantonness or revenge that
+might animate them.
+
+Brooks and Desmond rose from their seats beside the fire and moved
+slowly away. At any moment an arrow or even a rifle shot might come and
+end the life of one or both.
+
+Desmond had become a very expert woodsman; he and Brooks had been
+chased by Indians several times and had exchanged shots with one band.
+They knew a cover in a crevice in the wall of rock which ran up abruptly
+each side of the gulch; from this spot they could survey and also make a
+good fight in an emergency. They had good weapons, plenty of ammunition,
+and what was more, coolness, skill, and courage. Desmond, especially,
+was a very cool-headed chap in times of danger; the use of firearms was
+not new to him, nor was the woodsman life altogether a novelty, for he
+had been raised in a very wild and desolate mountain region.
+
+Quickly they stole to cover, although they believed it possible that
+they might have been seen, for they had absolute proof, well known to
+woodsmen, that if there were foes in the vicinity they had been
+discovered. Once in their covert they lay low, and a few moments passed,
+when they beheld a solitary figure advancing slowly and very cautiously
+up the gulch, and as the figure came in the light of the fire Desmond,
+whose eyesight was very keen, said:
+
+"It's a white man; he looks like a hunter; we will wait a moment or two,
+but I guess it is all right."
+
+The figure, meantime, with rifle poised, advanced very slowly and
+finally stood fully revealed close to the fire, and indeed he was a
+white man of strong and vigorous frame.
+
+"I'll go and meet him," said Desmond; "you lay low here, rifle in hand
+ready to shoot in case he proves an enemy."
+
+"All right, lad, go ahead."
+
+Desmond stepped from his hiding-place and advanced toward the fire. The
+stranger saw him, still held his position ready for offense or defense,
+and permitted Desmond to approach, and soon he discerned that the lad
+was a white man and he called:
+
+"Hail, friend!"
+
+"Hail, to you," replied the lad.
+
+The two men approached and shook hands. The hunter was a splendid
+specimen of physical manhood, and his face indicated honesty and
+good-nature.
+
+"Are you alone here, lad?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Where's your comrade?"
+
+Desmond made a sign, and Brooks stepped forth from the crevice and
+approached the fire.
+
+"Hail, friend," said the stranger hunter.
+
+Brooks answered the salutation, the two men shook hands and the stranger
+said;
+
+"What may be your business out here?"
+
+"We'll talk of that later on; but, stranger, you took great chances."
+
+"I did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"In approaching the fire you were exposed; suppose the fire had been
+kindled by Indians?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"I knew it was not an Indian's fire."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"They don't create such a big blaze. I knew white men were around, and
+men whom I need not fear, but I was on my guard all the same."
+
+"We could have dropped you off."
+
+"Well, yes, but out here we have to take chances, and it was necessary
+for me to do so."
+
+"It was?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"I need food; I have not struck any game lately. The fact is, I've been
+up in the peaks where there is no game. I hope you have a cold snack
+here, my friends, and some tobacco, for I have not had a regular tobacco
+smoke or chew for over a month."
+
+"We were just about to prepare some coffee and make a meal."
+
+"Good enough; did you say coffee? Well, I have struck Elysium; I haven't
+tasted a cup of coffee in a year. You see I was snowbound away up in the
+mountains; fortunately I had plenty of dried meat, and I was compelled
+to wait until I was thawed out."
+
+Brooks commenced making the coffee, and while doing so the woodsman
+asked:
+
+"Are you regular hunters?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Ever in the mountains before?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"You've been taking great chances."
+
+"We have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"The mountains are full of bad Indian fugitives, and they are very ugly.
+Some are parts of a raiding gang of bucks, and others are rascals who
+have made a kick out at the reservation. I've met twenty of them in the
+last ten days; they are in squads of twos and threes, and they are full
+of fight."
+
+"We have met some of them."
+
+"And you managed to escape?"
+
+"We had a fight with one party."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How did you come out?"
+
+"Ahead, I reckon, or we would not be here."
+
+The conversation was between the woodsman and Desmond.
+
+"What brought you into the mountains--are you tourists?"
+
+"No."
+
+"On business?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Surveyors?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I thought not; no use to survey out this way. I suppose you are looking
+for a lost mine."
+
+"Well, we might take in a lost mine or find a new one, it don't matter."
+
+"Ah! I see; well, so far you've been lucky, but you've been taking
+desperate chances."
+
+"Oh! that's a way we have."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A RECOGNITION--THE WOODSMAN'S DISCLOSURES--A
+CHANCE AFTER ALL--THE BIVOUAC--DESMOND'S
+DISCOVERY--SAVAGES GALORE.
+
+
+The coffee was soon prepared and Brooks produced some dried meat and a
+few crackers, and the three men, so strangely met, sat down to enjoy
+their meal. The woodsman was offered the first cup of coffee, and as he
+drank it down, all hot and steaming, he smacked his lips and exclaimed:
+
+"Well, that was good; that cup of coffee makes us friends. I may do you
+a good turn."
+
+"Good enough; we are ready for a good turn. We've had rather hard luck
+so far."
+
+"So you are after a mine, eh?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You are regular prospectors?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You have to strike a surface ledge to make any money. Don't think a
+claim would amount to much out here unless you found a nest of them so
+as to attract a crowd, and a town, and a mill, and all that. According
+to my idea the mines out here all need capital to work 'em in case you
+should strike one."
+
+Regardless of possibilities, as the night was a little chilly, Brooks
+had created quite a blaze, and by the light of the fire he had a fair
+chance to study the woodsman's face, and finally he asked abruptly:
+
+"Stranger, what is your name?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"I thought you'd ask that question."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Well, it's natural that you should, but that ain't the reason I thought
+so."
+
+"It is not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, why did you think so?"
+
+"I was going to ask your name."
+
+"Certainly; my name is Brooks."
+
+"I thought so."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What made you think my name was Brooks?"
+
+"Can't you guess?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Why did you ask my name?"
+
+"As you said, it was a natural question."
+
+"That ain't the reason you asked it."
+
+"It is not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, you may tell me the true reason."
+
+"You've been studying my face."
+
+"I have."
+
+"You think you've seen me before somewhere?"
+
+"Well, you did see me before."
+
+"I did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When and where?"
+
+"Just look sharp and see if you can't place me."
+
+"I can't."
+
+"It was a great many years ago."
+
+"It must have been; but to tell the truth, there is something very
+familiar in your face."
+
+"Yes, and you discovered it at the start, but you don't place me; I
+placed you. I didn't until you mentioned your name."
+
+"You now recall?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Where have we met?"
+
+"Try to remember."
+
+"Tell me your name."
+
+"Oh, certainly, by and by; but in the meantime pay me the compliment of
+remembering who I am."
+
+"You have the advantage."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I told you my name."
+
+"I will tell you mine in good time, but try to remember."
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"You do?"
+
+"I do."
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"We slept together one night."
+
+"We did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When and where?"
+
+"And now you can't recall?"
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"You are a square man, but there has come a change over you."
+
+"Did we meet often?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Were we intimate?"
+
+"Well, yes, for the time being."
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"You don't place me?"
+
+"No."
+
+Again the woodsman laughed and said:
+
+"Do you remember about fifteen years ago a young fellow, tired, wet, and
+hungry, tried to find shelter in a freight car?"
+
+"Hello! you are not Henry Creedon?"
+
+"Yes, I am, and this is the second time you've fed me. You appear to be
+my good angel; I may prove your good angel."
+
+"So you are Henry Creedon?"
+
+"I am," and turning to Desmond, Creedon said:
+
+"Your friend there one night made a fight for me, fed me and found
+shelter for me. He was a tramp then; I was footing it out West here."
+
+"Henry," said Brooks, "what have you been doing all these years?"
+
+"Mine hunting."
+
+"Mine hunting for fifteen years?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And have you found a mine yet?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and Brooks said:
+
+"Desmond, we did indeed take desperate chances, and we've been making a
+fool's chase, I reckon. Here is a man who has been mine hunting for
+fifteen years and has not found one yet. Where do we come in?"
+
+"I'll tell you," said Creedon; "it's luck when you find a mine. More are
+found by chance than are discovered by experts, but I think I've found
+one; I can't tell. You see, I was raised in a factory town, I've had no
+education and I can't tell its value. I know where the find is located,
+however, and some of these days I'll strike a prospecting party who will
+have an engineer with them, and then I will know the value of my find."
+
+"If you take a party in with you they will demand a share."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Do you intend to share with them?"
+
+"I can't do otherwise."
+
+"Yes, that is so; suppose I find an engineer for you?"
+
+"I suppose you will want a rake in."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Well, Brooks, I'll tell you, I don't want to start in on a divide with
+everyone, but I've made up my mind to take you in with me. I know you
+are a kind-hearted and honest man, even though you are a tramp, a
+whisky-loving tramp, and that I remember you emptied my canister that
+night."
+
+"Yes, but I am not drinking now; I've reformed."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"So much the better for you."
+
+"I've something to tell you."
+
+"Go it."
+
+"I am just the man to establish the value of your mine."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"How is that, eh? Have you become an expert after being in the mountains
+six weeks? and I am not in one way, and I've been here for fifteen
+years."
+
+"I was an expert before I came to the mountains."
+
+"You were?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+
+"You don't tell me!"
+
+"That's what I tell you, and I tell you the truth."
+
+"Then you are just the man I want."
+
+"I said I was; I am more than an engineer, I am a mineralogist and a
+geologist."
+
+"Hold on, don't overcome a fellow out here in the mountains; if you are
+a civil engineer that is enough for me. Hang your mineralogy and
+geology; what I want is a man who can estimate. No doubt about the ledge
+I've struck; the question is, how much will it cost to mine it; how much
+is there of it? You see I've had some experience here in the mountains,
+and sometimes we strike what is called a pocket; we might find gold for
+a few feet one way and another, and then strike dead rock and no gold. I
+ain't a mineralogist or geologist or a civil engineer, and I am afraid
+my find won't amount to much, but it is worth investigation, and as you
+are able to estimate we will make a start. To-morrow I will take you to
+my ledge and then we will know whether we are millionaires or
+tramps--eh? mountain tramps--but I am grateful for this food and coffee,
+and now if you'll give me a little tobacco I'll be the most contented
+man in the mountains, whether my mine turns out a hit or a misthrow."
+
+So tobacco was produced; Brooks himself was an inveterate smoker, and
+since being in the mountains Desmond had taken to the weed, and there
+was promise that some day he might become an inveterate.
+
+The three men had a jolly time, but in a quiet way. Creedon was a good
+story teller; he had had many weird experiences in the mountains. He had
+acted as guide to a great many parties, he had engaged in about fifty
+fights with Indians during his residence in the great West, and had met
+a great many very notable characters.
+
+When the men concluded to lie down to sleep for the night they
+extinguished their fire, and each man found a crevice into which he
+crept, and only those who have slept in the open air in a pure climate
+can tell of the exhilarating effects that follow a slumber under the
+conditions described.
+
+Desmond was the first to awake, and he peeped forth from his crevice and
+glanced down toward the point where the fire had been, when he beheld a
+sight that caused his blood to run cold. Five fierce-looking savages
+were grouped around the spot where the campfire had been, and he had a
+chance to study a scene he had never before witnessed. He beheld five
+savages in full war paint; they were dressed in a most grotesque manner,
+part of their attire being fragments of United States uniforms, showing
+that the red men had been in a skirmish, and possibly had come out
+victorious, and had had an opportunity to strip the bodies of the dead.
+
+A great deal has been written about the shrewdness of redmen. They are
+shrewd when their qualities are once fully aroused and they are on the
+scent, but they are given to assumptions, the same as white men. Of
+course Creedon was practically to be credited when he said that the
+Indians assumed there had been a camp there and that the campers had
+departed, but had they made as close observations as when on a trail
+they would have made discoveries that would have suggested the near
+presence of the late campers.
+
+Creedon had as far as possible destroyed all signs when raking out the
+fire of a recent encampment, but an experienced and alert eye can detect
+the truth despite these little tricks.
+
+Desmond saw the Indians: they were a hard-looking lot, the worst
+specimens he had ever beheld, and they were assassins at sight, as he
+determined. He was secure from observation, but it was necessary to warn
+his comrades, who were in different crevices, and at that moment Creedon
+actually snored. He was in the crevice adjoining the one where Desmond
+had taken refuge.
+
+The Indians were too far away to overhear the snore, but it was possible
+the man might awake and step forth; then, as Desmond feared, the fight
+would commence. He did not desire a fight; he might think the chances
+would be with his party, as only two of the Indians had rifles, but then
+if even one of their own party were kicked over it would be a sad
+disaster.
+
+The lad meditated some little time and studied the conditions. He
+crawled into his crevice, and, lo, he saw a lateral breakaway. He might
+gain Creedon's berth, as he called it, without chancing an outside
+steal. Fortune favored him; Creedon's crevice was one of several rents
+in the rock, and he managed to reach the sleeper's foot, and he
+cautiously touched it, fearing at the moment that Creedon in his
+surprise might make an outcry or an inquiry in a loud tone, but here he
+learned a lesson in woodcraft. Creedon did not make an outcry; he awoke
+and cautiously investigated, and soon discovered that Desmond had
+touched him and was seeking to communicate with him. He demanded in a
+whisper:
+
+"What is it, lad?"
+
+"There are Indians in the gulch."
+
+"Aha! where?"
+
+"Down where we were camped last night."
+
+"You keep low and I will take a peep."
+
+Desmond could afford to let Creedon take a peep. The woodsman did peep
+and took in the situation, and he said:
+
+"You are smaller than I am; does the rent where you are run to the berth
+where Brooks is sleeping?"
+
+"It may; I will find out and go slow; we don't want a fight if we can
+help it, but we've got the dead bulge on those redskins if we have to
+fight."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CREEDON'S KNOWLEDGE OF WOODCRAFT--THE REDMEN'S
+DEPARTURE--A LONG TRAIL--ON THE TRAMP--THE
+STRANGEST REFUGE IN THE WORLD--A BRIDGE OF
+RISKS.
+
+
+Desmond crawled forward beyond the rent where Creedon had lodged, and he
+found the space much wider as he progressed, and soon gained the opening
+where the rent terminated in which Brooks had lain all night. Desmond
+glanced in, and, lo, Brooks was inside awake, and had already discovered
+the presence of the Indians, and so far they were all right.
+
+"Have you been able to notify Creedon?" asked Brooks.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What does he say?"
+
+"He bade me arouse you."
+
+"I discovered the rascals as soon as I awoke."
+
+"All right; lay low and I will learn what Creedon advises."
+
+Desmond crawled back and said:
+
+"Brooks is awake and wants to know what we shall do."
+
+"There is only one thing to do: we will lay low, and if the rascals do
+not discover us all right; if they do discover us it will be bad for
+them and all right with us again, that's all. And now you and Brooks
+just keep out of sight and let me run the show."
+
+Word was passed to Brooks, and Desmond with the tramp lay low. As it
+proved there was not much of a show to run, as the Indians moved away
+after a little, but Creedon did not permit his friends to go forth. He
+said:
+
+"You can never tell about these redskins; they might suspect we are
+around, and their going away may be a little trick; they are up to these
+tricks."
+
+Hours passed, and Creedon still kept his friends in hiding, and it was
+near evening when he stole forth, saying he would take an observation.
+After a little he returned and said:
+
+"It's all right; come out."
+
+Creedon said he had discovered evidence that the redskins had really
+gone away.
+
+"Why couldn't you have found that out sooner?"
+
+The woodsman laughed and said:
+
+"They might have found me out then; as it was, according to the tales
+you and Brooks tell, I took a desperate chance."
+
+"Shall we get to work and have a meal?"
+
+"Not much, young man, you will have to control your appetite for awhile.
+Remember, I am captain of this squadron. I'll lead you to a place,
+however, where we can build a fire and camp and eat without fear. I am
+posted around here; I know the safe places."
+
+The party started on the march, and Desmond felt quite irritated; he had
+gone nearly twenty-four hours without eating, and he said:
+
+"I am ready to even fight for a meal."
+
+Creedon laughed and said in reply:
+
+"You may have a stomach full of fighting yet before we find the mine."
+
+"I thought you had located it?"
+
+"Yes, but it's a week's tramp from where we are at present, and we may
+have some lively times before we arrive at the place."
+
+It was nine o'clock at night when the party arrived at one of the most
+peculiar natural retreats Desmond had ever seen. It was a cave, as we
+will call it, in the side wall of a cliff rising from a gulch even more
+wild and rugged than the one where the party had camped the previous
+night. Some mighty convulsion of the mountain had separated the whole
+front of the cliff from the main rock, so that a space of at least
+twenty feet intervened, and between yawned a dark abyss that led down to
+where no man had yet penetrated. Creedon led the way up along a ledge of
+ascent which lined the outer edge of the great mass of detached cliff.
+Once at the top he descended on the inner side. It was night, but he had
+taken advantage of a mask lantern which he carried with him, and which
+he said was the most useful article in his possession. He added:
+
+"These lanterns may belong to the profession of detectives and burglars,
+but I've found them the most useful articles a cliff-climber can own.
+They are different from other lamps and torches; you can control the one
+ray of light and indicate your path without any trouble whatever."
+
+This was true, as the guide demonstrated, and his party walked along
+the narrow ledge without any fear of being precipitated over; all it
+required was a good eye and a steady nerve, and they possessed these
+necessary qualifications.
+
+The guide at length came to a halt, and said:
+
+"You stand here and I'll get my bridge."
+
+He proceeded along alone, but soon returned with two saplings, which he
+had strung together, and of which he had made a rope ladder.
+
+Desmond was greatly interested, and watched the guide as he threw his
+ladder across the intervening abyss, and then he said:
+
+"It will take a little nerve to crawl over, but once over we are all
+safe, and I've got a storehouse over there. I prepared this place with a
+great deal of patience and labor. We can spend two or three days here. I
+know you will enjoy it, and we can take a good long rest. I will go over
+first and then hold the light so you two can follow."
+
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and asked:
+
+"Will you risk it?"
+
+"Yes, I will, lad; I am not the fellow I was about six months ago; I can
+climb a steeple now."
+
+The guide went over, creeping across. The saplings bent under his weight
+and made a downward curve, so that when he attempted so ascend on the
+opposite side it was a climb up, but with the ropes made of woven
+prairie grass and sticks and boughs he easily ascended. He had carried
+his lantern with him, and he flashed its light across his bridge and
+asked, "Who will come next?"
+
+"You go," said Desmond to Brooks.
+
+The tramp did not hesitate, but started to crawl over the oddly
+constructed bridge, and he did so as well as the guide had done. Then
+Desmond crossed and the instant all hands were over the guide took up
+his bridge stowed it away, and said:
+
+"When we cross back it will be in the daytime, and much harder."
+
+"Much harder in the daytime?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I should think it would be easier."
+
+The guide laughed and said:
+
+"It might appear so, but in the daytime you will realize just what you
+are doing. You will see the dark abyss beneath you, and when the bridge
+sways downward your heart will be in your throat, I tell you. At night,
+however, you do not know just what you are doing."
+
+Desmond saw the truth of what the guide said, and observed that the man
+was quite a philosopher.
+
+"Now let me go in advance," said Creedon.
+
+He led the way and soon turned into what he called Creedon Street. It
+was a broad opening with a solid flooring, and walls of rock on either
+side--the most singular and remarkable rock conformation that either
+Brooks or Desmond had ever seen. The guide walked right ahead boldly; he
+evidently knew that there were no rents down which they might plunge.
+
+"Here is Creedon Hall," said the guide, as he turned into a broad
+opening and flashed his light around. The party were in a cave, and yet
+we can hardly call it a cave; it appeared to be merely a huge underline
+in the side of the cliff, as it was open, as the guide said, facing
+Creedon Street.
+
+"I will soon have Creedon Hall illuminated for you," said the guide. He
+secured some wood, and as Desmond followed him he saw that he had
+abundance of it, and the guide said:
+
+"This wood, some of it, has been stowed here for over ten years, and we
+can have a jolly fire in a few minutes, and no fear of attracting
+Indians or any one else. We are as safe here as though we were making a
+grate fire in a big hotel in New York."
+
+Creedon made good his word, and soon Creedon Hall was brilliantly
+illuminated, and Desmond was delighted. He exclaimed in his enthusiasm.
+
+"This is just immense!"
+
+"Well, it is."
+
+Brooks also was delighted; he set to work to make the coffee and prepare
+the meal, and Creedon lay down on his blanket and lit his pipe, while
+Desmond wandered around the cave, as he persisted in calling it. He
+discovered several outlets from Creedon Hall, and he made up his mind
+that as soon as his friends were asleep he would steal the mask lantern
+and go on an exploring expedition. It was a jolly party that sat down to
+coffee, cold dried meat, and crackers. Brooks had been very sparing of
+his crackers, and had at least five pounds of them at the time he and
+Desmond met the guide.
+
+"When did you discover this place?" asked Desmond.
+
+"I did not discover the place; it was revealed to me by an old hunter, a
+Mexican, and how he discovered it he would never tell. The old man had a
+great many secrets, and I have sometimes thought that there was gold
+hidden here somewhere. I've spent days searching for it, but never could
+find anything of the value of a red cent."
+
+"Where is the old Mexican now?"
+
+"That's hard to tell, lad; he died about five years ago, and his body
+was carried to the ruins of an old Spanish church and there buried as he
+had requested long before he died. He was a strange old man; he
+possessed many secrets, but they died with him. It is possible he meant
+to reveal them some day, but death caught him and he went out with his
+mouth closed as far as his secrets were concerned. He was a sort of
+miser in secrets. I did think that some day the old man would reveal
+something of value to me; he pretended to think a great deal of me. I
+saved his life at a critical moment; he was actually bound to the stake,
+and I shot the rascal who was about to light the fire. They intended to
+burn him alive, and the arrival of myself and party was just in time."
+
+"Do the Indians still burn their prisoners at the stake?"
+
+"These were not Indians--they were his own countrymen. They had tried to
+force a confession from him, and because he refused to reveal the
+whereabouts of the gold they thought he had stored away somewhere, they
+were set to murder him in anger and revenge."
+
+"And you saved him?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"And he never revealed his secrets to you?"
+
+"Only the secret of this cave. He often made strange remarks and hinted
+that some day I would receive my reward. We roomed here together all of
+one winter, but he died and never opened his mouth to reveal where his
+gold was, if it is true that he had any. I believe he did, but it will
+never do me any good, and I do want to make a fortune somehow, but I
+suppose I never will. Yes, lad, there are thousands of skeletons of
+gold-seekers hid away in caverns in these mountains, victims of the same
+ambition which is leading us to take such desperate chances."
+
+Desmond was very greatly interested in the story of the old Mexican, and
+he asked a number of questions.
+
+"You never got the least inkling as to where his gold was hidden?"
+
+"I don't know that he had any gold; it is only a suspicion on my part."
+
+"He lived in this cave?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you ever search here?"
+
+"Well, you bet I did."
+
+"And did you explore?"
+
+"You bet I did."
+
+"And you never found anything?"
+
+"I never did."
+
+"Nor secured any indication?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"Possibly you did not look in the right place."
+
+"That is dead certain," came the natural answer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ON AN EXPLORING EXPEDITION--A FIND IN A CAVE--THE
+SEPULCHRAL VOICE--THE EXPLANATION--DESMOND
+GETS SQUARE ON A TRICK--STRANGE LONGINGS--THE
+FINDING OF A NUGGET.
+
+
+It was about midnight when the older men lay down on their blankets to
+sleep. Creedon had a big silver bull's-eye watch, and he said he always
+kept it going.
+
+Desmond pretended to lie down and go to sleep also, but his head was
+filled with visions of the Mexican's hidden gold. He had an idea that
+Creedon's investigations might have been very superficial; he determined
+to make a thorough and systematic search, and he actually believed he
+would find the hidden gold.
+
+Brooks and Creedon were good sleepers; both were very weary and they
+were soon in a sound slumber, and then Desmond arose, stole on tiptoe
+over beside Creedon and secured the mask lantern. A strange, weird scene
+was certainly presented. There had been a big fire; the embers were all
+aglow and illuminated the cave. There lay Brooks and Creedon, looking
+picturesque in their hunting garb, and there was Desmond stealing on
+tiptoe under the glare of the firelight to secure the mask lantern.
+
+Having secured the lantern the lad moved away and made for a crevice
+which promised the best results. He knew enough of rock conformations to
+go forward very carefully, always flashing his light ahead and studying
+the path in advance, and so slowly, carefully, and surely he moved along
+until he had traversed, as he calculated, a distance of two hundred and
+fifty feet, when suddenly his flashlight revealed a solid wall in front
+of him.
+
+"Here we are," he muttered, "and no mistake."
+
+Desmond saw that his explorations in that direction had ended. He
+retraced his steps and selected a second crevice along which he made his
+way, and at length he landed in a pretty good sized inner cave.
+
+"Well, I reckon we've got it here."
+
+The lad proceeded to search around with the care of a detective looking
+for clues. He did find evidences of some one having been in the cave; he
+found the handle of a dirk, a small bit of a deerskin hunting jacket,
+and finally a little bit of pure gold. He examined the latter under his
+lamp, satisfied himself that it was a nugget of real gold in its natural
+state, and his heart beat fast.
+
+"I've got it at last," he muttered; "yes, I thought I knew how to carry
+on this search. Creedon must have done it too hurriedly."
+
+Desmond felt quite proud of his success; he had struck it sure, as he
+believed, and he continued his search, and was intently engaged when
+suddenly he heard a sepulchral groan at the instant he had plunged into
+a sort of pocket and was feeling around; but when he heard that groan he
+started back into the cave and stood as white as a sheet gazing around
+in every direction, and there was a wild terror in his eyes. He stood
+for fully two minutes gazing and listening, and finally he said:
+
+"Great Scott! what was that I heard--a groan?"
+
+Desmond, although brave and vigorous, after all was but a lad of less
+than eighteen. He could have faced a grizzly bear, but when it came to
+the supernatural he was not equal to it. The fact was he was dead
+scared, and, then again he believed he had really struck the hidden
+recess where the old Mexican's gold was secreted.
+
+The young are more susceptible to superstitious fears, as a rule, than
+older people; they are not skeptical.
+
+Desmond listened a long time, and as he did not hear the noise again,
+and feeling an intense desire to find the hidden treasure, he again went
+to the rock pocket and plunged in, but immediately there came again the
+groan, clear, distinct, and unmistakable, and also a voice commanding:
+
+"Go away, go away; do not disturb my gold."
+
+The lad leaped out into the main cave again, and he trembled from head
+to foot. He had never received such a shock in all his life; he had
+never really believed in ghosts--never thought much about them
+indeed--but here he had at least evidence that the dead did watch their
+treasures. Still, the desire to secure the wealth was strong upon him;
+naturally he was, as our readers know, very nervy, and he determined to
+argue with the ghost. He reasoned that the hidden wealth could be of no
+benefit to the spirit where he was, and he thought he might talk him
+into keeping quiet.
+
+It was in a trembling voice that Desmond asked:
+
+"Is the spirit here?"
+
+The answer came:
+
+"I am here."
+
+A more experienced person than Desmond would have gotten on to the fact
+that it was very strange that the spirit should answer him in such good
+English, it being supposed to be the spirit of a Mexican, but spirits
+probably can talk any language. At any rate, Desmond did not stop to
+consider.
+
+"Do you own the gold?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why can't I have it? I've found it."
+
+"You get away as quick as you can or I'll seize you."
+
+Well, well, this was a great state of affairs; Desmond did not ask any
+more questions. He seized his lamp and started to limp from the cave,
+and he was white and trembling. He made his way to Creedon Hall and
+beheld Brooks and Creedon standing over the fire. On the face of Brooks
+there was an amused look, and on Creedon's an expression of real
+jollity.
+
+"Great sakes! Desmond," demanded Brooks, "where have you been? I awoke
+and found you missing, and Creedon and I have been scared almost to
+death."
+
+Desmond tried to assume an indifferent air, and said:
+
+"I wasn't sleepy, so I thought I would go and explore a little."
+
+"You had better be careful how you explore around here."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Well, that's all; I won't say any more, but be careful, or you may be
+suddenly missing."
+
+"What did you find, boy?"
+
+"I'll tell you all about it in the morning."
+
+The men retired to their blankets and Desmond also lay down, after
+having promised that he would not attempt to explore any more that
+night.
+
+He did not sleep, however; the phantom voice, the treasure, and his
+discovery kept him awake, and he lay thinking about ghosts and goblins,
+and he muttered;
+
+"Hang it! I never believed in ghosts;" then as he lay there, there came
+to his mind a recollection of the jolly look that had rested on the face
+of the guide, and there came to his mind a suspicion, and then a
+certainty, that he had been fooled. He was a wonderfully sharp lad, and
+he began to think the whole matter over, and he recalled the fact that
+the ghost had spoken good English.
+
+"Hang me!" he muttered, "if I don't believe I've been made a victim of a
+huge joke, and Brooks and Creedon are both guilty in aiding to give me a
+scare. All right, to-morrow we will see all about it; I'll get square."
+
+Desmond did fall asleep at length, and when he awoke Brooks and Creedon
+were eating their breakfast, and Creedon said as Desmond joined them:
+
+"So you were exploring last night?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What did you find?"
+
+"Gold."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Oh, come off."
+
+"I did."
+
+"You think you did."
+
+"I did, I'll swear I did."
+
+"Where did you find it?"
+
+"In a cave which one of those passages leads to."
+
+"You found gold?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will have to be careful."
+
+"Careful?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"You'll strike the ghost."
+
+"The ghost?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What ghost?"
+
+"The ghost of the old Mexican."
+
+"I did think I heard a groan. Tell me about the old Mexican."
+
+"I've told you all I know about him, and I'll tell you that in my
+opinion it will be dangerous to meddle with his gold, even if you found
+it."
+
+"Could that old Mexican speak English?"
+
+"A little."
+
+"Only a little?" repeated Desmond.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then it's just as I suspected; I tell you I was scared at first, but
+when the old ghost answered me--"
+
+"When the ghost answered you?" demanded Creedon.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you see the ghost?"
+
+"I heard him--that is, I thought I did--and I spoke to him, but he gave
+me back such good English I made up my mind that you didn't know how to
+play a joke. Next time stick to the broken English; you might have
+scared the life out of me then."
+
+Brooks and Creedon laughed, and the latter said:
+
+"Well, you are smart, you are; but, lad, let me tell you something:
+don't spend time looking for the Mexican's gold."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I've explored every nook and cranny in this mountain, and there is no
+treasure hidden here."
+
+"But I found some gold."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Creedon and Brooks stared.
+
+"Are you in earnest?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Where did you find it?"
+
+"Well, I am going to consider awhile before I tell."
+
+Brooks looked Desmond straight in the face, and asked:
+
+"Boy, honest, did you really find gold?"
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+The matter began to assume a very serious aspect, for Desmond spoke
+seriously.
+
+"If you found any gold, lad, you've beat me."
+
+"I did find gold."
+
+"On your honor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, here we are on shares; tell us all about it."
+
+Desmond laughed in turn; they had had their laugh and he had his laugh,
+as he said:
+
+"Here is what I found."
+
+The lad produced the little nugget he had picked up and then Creedon
+laughed, and said:
+
+"By George! that is the bit of gold I lost, and I had a good hunt for
+it."
+
+Our hero had been impressed by Creedon's statement that he had examined
+every nook and corner in the mountain, and yet he did feel a sort of
+hankering notion that he could find the gold, and he said:
+
+"I want to explore again."
+
+"All right; it can do no harm, but I will relinquish all claim now to
+any gold that you may find in this cave."
+
+"I'll take you at your word," said Desmond.
+
+Of course the youth had no real hope of ever finding any gold, but it is
+a known fact that such finds have been made, and sometimes the skeletons
+of the owners have been found bleaching beside their gold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+BOY'S DETERMINATION--GOING THROUGH A CREVICE--THE
+MOVABLE ROCK--AID TO DISCOVER--UP THROUGH
+A HOLE--THE GOLDEN HEAP--DESMOND'S GREAT
+TRIUMPH--THE OLD MEXICAN'S SECRET EXPOSED.
+
+
+Desmond was somewhat impressed by the words of Creedon, but still
+insisted that he would like to conduct an exploration.
+
+"You will only go over the ground that I have already gone over."
+
+"I know that, but I propose to look around all the same."
+
+Desmond had been doing considerable thinking. He questioned Creedon
+again and again, and made out that the old Mexican had lived in the cave
+along with Creedon for months at a time, and as he learned, the old man
+had thrown out a great many hints. These hints meant something; and then
+again, if he had hidden his wealth in the cave he had done it so
+securely and well that he had no idea of its ever being discovered until
+such time as he saw fit to disclose the fact. Desmond knew how there
+were some strange conformations in the rocks; the very place they were
+in was a testimony to the strange freaks that nature in its upheavals
+can and does create.
+
+Brooks had nothing to say about the matter, and Creedon did remark
+finally:
+
+"Of course, as I've said, it can do no harm, but be careful you don't
+strike--"
+
+Desmond here interrupted, and said:
+
+"I ain't afraid of ghosts; I've met one and I've got used to them."
+
+"I don't mean a ghost, I mean a crevice; go very slow and carefully, or
+you may become a ghost yourself."
+
+Right here we wish to exchange a few words with our readers in regard to
+these rock conformations. Right in the State of New York, in Ulster
+County, and in what is called the Shawangunk Mountains, there are some
+of the most wonderful caves and crevices, and in some of these caves
+during the winter the snow drifts down, and in the spring becomes a
+solid mass of ice, and the writer remembers upon one occasion after a
+long and weary scramble over rocks under the face of a cliff which
+towers up and overlooks counties, being shown a rock cave where there
+was a solid mass of ice, which, in its contour resembled a ship. The ice
+must have been at least sixty feet in length, twenty feet broad, and
+fully forty feet high, and adjoining it were all manner of caves. These
+caves are within a few miles of several settlements, and possibly at the
+time of the visit of the writer had not been entered by over a dozen
+persons. In these mountains are some very remarkable rock conformations,
+and we merely mention this fact to the lads in the East, who may think
+that these stories of rock caverns are exaggerated. There are probably
+hundreds of caves in the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains that have
+never been entered or explored since the days when the early settlers
+may have found them while bear hunting.
+
+Desmond had been raised, as we have stated, near the mountains, and
+probably had explored many rock caverns, and it is because of this fact
+probably that he was not surprised when led to the cave where he first
+beheld the girl Amy Brooks. That cave still exists and is well known to
+many of the people living in its vicinity, and in our description we
+adhered to almost absolute accuracy.
+
+Creedon was a rough and ready sort of man, but not, the fellow, as
+Desmond argued, who would apply himself to a critical study. It was a
+great thing to have learned the facts concerning the old Mexican, and
+the lad really believed that there was gold secreted somewhere in one of
+the little cavities in that perforated mountain.
+
+Creedon started in to relate to Brooks the facts about the mine he
+believed he had discovered, and Desmond, taking the mask lantern,
+started off to explore.
+
+"You will burn out all my oil, lad; that is the only harm you will do,
+and certainly little good. I cannot replenish the oil when it's burned
+out, and I've been very careful, holding it for only such occasions as
+when we came here across the chasm."
+
+Creedon explained that he had only carried with him one can of oil,
+which had lasted him to date.
+
+Desmond started off and went direct to the crevice he had first entered,
+and Creedon smiled as he saw him go in there, remarking to Brooks:
+
+"The lad will run up against a stone wall sure, but he is enthusiastic;
+it will be a lesson to him."
+
+"Can't tell about that lad," said Brooks, "there is method in his
+enthusiasm."
+
+"That's all right, but I was camped in here one whole winter, and as I
+told you, there is not a nook or cranny that I have not explored."
+
+"But there are others," said Brooks, with an odd smile on his face.
+
+Meantime, Desmond followed the crevice until he came to the stone wall.
+He knew about the same wall, but he was working on a certain theory. He
+was like the Captain Kidd treasure-seekers--the discouragement of others
+did not in any way discourage him, and we will here say that a similar
+persistence in any walk of life, as a rule, leads to great results.
+
+Desmond, as stated, arrived opposite the stone wall, and he commenced a
+calm, steady, determined examination. First appearances would have
+discouraged any man, being faced as he was by a solid, smooth face of
+rock. He stood contemplating the mass before him, and then with the ray
+of light from his lantern he ran all over the rock.
+
+"By ginger!" he muttered at last, "I reckon it's true. There does not
+appear a hole big enough in that rock for a spider to crawl through;
+but, hang me! I've got an impression."
+
+There appeared to be a break in the rock just where it joined with the
+roof of the cave. Desmond rolled a bowlder over against the rock and
+mounted, and ran his finger over the crack. It was not a large crack and
+offered no encouragement, but the lad was determined not to be satisfied
+until he had established facts beyond all dispute. He ran his finger, as
+stated, along the crack, and his knuckle pressed against the roof, and
+to his surprise there appeared to be a loosening. He examined it and he
+saw that there was a uniform crack running along the roof inclosing a
+space about two feet square. The lad instinctively pressed on the center
+between the cracks, and lo, there appeared to be a piece of the roof
+that yielded. He pressed harder and satisfied himself that the piece of
+rock between the cracks in the roof was movable. The discovery caused
+his heart to stand still, and he muttered:
+
+"Great Scott! but I've found it." He flashed the light on the crack and
+thought he could discern where there had been some chiseling. He made
+every effort to shift the rock out of its place, but it was too much for
+him, owing to the fact that he could just about reach it. He did not
+have purchase enough to exert his full strength.
+
+He stepped down on the floor again and commenced to consider, and then
+he determined to return to the main cave and solicit Brooks and Creedon
+to go to his aid.
+
+When he re-entered the main cavern Creedon with a laugh said:
+
+"Well, lad, did you run up against a stone wall?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"I told you it was of no use to search these crevices. I've explored
+every inch."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I think not."
+
+Brooks knew Desmond so well he discerned that the lad had really made a
+discovery, but he said nothing.
+
+"You think not, eh?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"That would hint that you had found something."
+
+"I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"I don't know yet, but I am certain I have found a cranny or nook that
+you never explored."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"Oh, it may be that it's 'tellings,' as the boys say."
+
+Creedon looked at the lad in a curious way.
+
+"It cannot be possible," he said, "that you have found anything?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"Guess."
+
+"It's no time to guess; what have you found?"
+
+"I'll show you what I've found; I want your help."
+
+The lad found a piece of sapling about seven feet in length, and said:
+
+"You gentlemen come with me; I'll show you something."
+
+Animated by great interest and curiosity, Brooks and Creedon followed
+Desmond. He led them to the little rock cave where the crevice abutted
+on the solid wall of rock, and he said:
+
+"Now what do you see?"
+
+"We see the rock."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Look sharp; there is something you have not discovered before."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Look."
+
+"I've looked."
+
+"I reckon when you did look upon the occasion of your former visits you
+did as you are doing now--only _looked_, but you did not search."
+
+"Have you searched?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"And you've found something?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Oh, look."
+
+"I'm done looking."
+
+"Then let me show you."
+
+Desmond took the strong piece of sapling he had brought with him and
+jammed one end with great force against the square piece of roofing, and
+the piece of rock moved.
+
+Creedon gazed aghast and exclaimed:
+
+"By all that's strange and wonderful, but I believe you have unfolded
+the Mexican's secret."
+
+"I think so; and now lend me your strength, both of you, and let's see
+if we can move that loose piece of rock. I'll bet there is an opening
+there."
+
+"You are right--yes, lad, you have indeed raked into the old Mexican's
+treasure den; I can recall now some words he once spoke."
+
+"Don't spend any more time recalling; let's shove that rock aside if we
+can."
+
+The two men lent their aid to Desmond, and sure enough they did raise
+the piece of rock, and by hoisting it they managed to move it aside a
+trifle, enough to reveal the fact that there was a chamber above, and
+that the opening was through the piece of rock.
+
+It was a reward of Desmond's persistence, but after all it was accident
+that had revealed to him the opening.
+
+By hard work the men finally succeeded in moving the rock aside, and
+there was disclosed the opening, and Desmond said:
+
+"Now let me stand on our shoulders with the light and I will tell you
+what it is we have found. There is something there to reveal, I am dead
+sure."
+
+The two men assisted Desmond to their shoulders. He took the lantern and
+shoved his head through the opening, and then flashed the light around,
+and with a joyful shout exclaimed:
+
+"We've got it!"
+
+"This beats me dead," said Creedon.
+
+Both men were greatly excited, for it did appear that they had made a
+great find of hidden treasure.
+
+Meantime, Desmond managed to force himself up and disappeared in the
+cave. He glanced around and beheld a sight that filled him with varying
+emotions.
+
+The chamber was not more than four feet square, but on the floor in one
+corner was a shining heap. It shone under the ray of his lantern as he
+flashed the light upon it. He took a handful of the shining stuff and
+passed it down to Creedon, handing him the lantern at the same time, and
+he said:
+
+"You are a good judge; tell me what that is?"
+
+"It's gold dust," cried Creedon; "how much is there of it?"
+
+"Oh, barrels full, I should say."
+
+"Great ginger! lad, you've struck it."
+
+"Well, it won't run away, I reckon, but give me your hat and I'll fill
+it."
+
+"Is that to be my share?"
+
+"No, we're only giving you the first whack at it, that's all."
+
+Desmond filled Creedon's hat with the dust and then descended, and the
+whole party made their way to the outer cavern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+DISCUSSING THE FIND--A NEW RESOLUTION--GOING TO CREEDON MINE--A
+DISAPPOINTMENT--BETTER INDICATIONS--A NEW MOVE.
+
+
+Once in the outer cavern, Desmond said:
+
+"It's now a matter of business."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"How shall we divide?"
+
+"You are the finder," replied Creedon; "you are to decide."
+
+"You leave it to me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I'll make it an even divide all round."
+
+"Boy, it's a great discovery."
+
+"What do you think of its value?"
+
+"It depends upon the weight, but from your description I should say we
+had a ten-thousand-dollar find."
+
+Desmond's eyes opened wide, and after a moment he asked:
+
+"Does it really belong to us?"
+
+"It does certainly; I am really the appointed heir of the old Mexican,
+but anyway treasure-trove goes to the finder who can establish a right
+to it."
+
+"We can," said Brooks.
+
+"You bet we can, and it is ours, but it's strange how the old Mexican's
+secret has been opened up. Here I've had five years to search for this
+gold and failed to find it, and this lad gets on to it in one day."
+
+"It was a mere chance."
+
+"Well, yes, to a certain extent; but if you had not been so persistent
+you would not have developed the chance and made the find possible."
+
+"How did the old man accumulate this gold?"
+
+"It's plain enough; he has known some stream and has washed it, and
+possibly it took him ten years to gather the heap you found there; but
+how well he did it!"
+
+"He did, sure."
+
+"How shall we make a divide?"
+
+"Easy enough if you will let me make a suggestion."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"We will carry it all out here; we run no risk, no one will ever
+penetrate to this retreat; then when we have it all carted out here we
+will divide it, a coffee cup full at time."
+
+"Good enough; that suits me."
+
+"But wait; I've a better proposition if you will accept it."
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+"Let's leave it where it is, go on to my mine, and if it amounts to
+anything we will have the capital to work it ourselves."
+
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and the man said:
+
+"That is a good proposition."
+
+Brooks was less suspicious than Desmond, but the lad determined to
+accede to the proposition, and it was decided that on the following
+morning they would start for Creedon's mine, and the guide said:
+
+"We will start before daylight."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"We had better cross the chasm in the dark; I am afraid you would hardly
+recross it if you were to behold once what would be underneath you."
+
+It was so decided.
+
+The party made all their preparations and on the following morning,
+before daylight, with the aid of Creedon's ladder the party crossed the
+chasm and proceeded on their way toward the place where Creedon's mine
+was located. They managed to secure enough game which they cooked and
+had for food, and commenced their long march, and it was a long march.
+They had been five days on the tramp, and stopped one night to camp,
+when Creedon said:
+
+"In the morning we will be on the ground."
+
+The place where they were camped was a mountain glen, and our young
+friend Desmond, being in splendid health, was exceedingly happy. The
+life thus far had been one of constant excitement, and therefore at his
+age one of continuous enjoyment, and besides, to crown all, he was
+comparatively rich. As intimated, Creedon had valued the dust at ten
+thousand dollars, and when it should be turned into money Desmond could
+indeed clear his mother's farm and go to school, and then to college,
+and it was his highest ambition to obtain a fine education. He was an
+ambitious lad.
+
+Creedon was restless and excited all the evening; for him a great
+decision was to be rendered. He had come to know that Brooks was indeed
+an expert, and should the latter decide that his claim was of value it
+meant that for which he had been struggling a long time, as he had said,
+for fifteen years.
+
+Creedon did not sleep; much danger would not have kept him awake, but
+the possibilities of the dawning day did cause exceeding restlessness.
+Desmond noticed that the woodsman did not sleep and went over and sat
+near him.
+
+"What's the matter, lad; why don't you sleep?"
+
+"Why don't you sleep?"
+
+"To tell the truth, I can't."
+
+"Neither can I."
+
+"I don't see what keeps you awake."
+
+"The possibilities of the coming day."
+
+Creedon was in a thoughtful mood, and Desmond asked:
+
+"Why are you so anxious to get rich?"
+
+"Lad, I'll tell you: I am thirty-three years old; I started from home
+when I was less than eighteen; my father was a poor man. Living in our
+town was a rich man who had a lovely daughter; she was just fifteen. I
+had known her from the time we were wee little tots, and we fell in love
+with each other, although she was fifteen and I but a little past
+seventeen, but her father was rich; he despised low people, and that
+girl and I agreed that I was to leave home, go into the world and earn a
+fortune, and go back and claim her. We made a solemn agreement, pledged
+ourselves under the stars, she was to wait for me even if I did not
+return until I was a gray-haired man. Boy, she is waiting yet; she is a
+handsome woman now--I have her photograph--and once a year I receive a
+letter from her. She has urged me to return; her father is dead and she
+has a competency in her own right, but I am not willing to go home,
+marry her and live on her money; and besides, I want to get rich--real
+rich. I wish to buy her the finest house in our native town, give her
+horses and carriages; I'll die before I will return poor. The people in
+the town have often and often hurt her feelings by their deridings,
+telling her that I had forgotten her, that if I did succeed in winning a
+fortune I would never return to her, but would marry some one else. They
+told her I was a thriftless vagrant, never would get rich, and through
+all this she has remained true to me, and every time I receive a letter
+from her she urges me to return. I don't know; if my mine turns out all
+right I will return, if it don't I will not return, and here I am just
+about to learn what the chances are. It means to me life, love, and
+happiness, or a return to the endless longing that has inspired me for
+the last fifteen years; but, boy, I will never return unless I have a
+fortune."
+
+"No wonder you are restless, and I am now as much interested in our
+success on your account as I am on my own."
+
+"I have high hopes, lad--yes, high hopes."
+
+On the morning following the dialogue related, all hands were up bright
+and early and they started for the mine, and in two hours were on the
+ground. Creedon was pale as a pictured ghost while pointing out to
+Brooks the indications, and Brooks also was excited as he made his
+study.
+
+We will not bore our readers with an account of the investigations made
+by Brooks, but will state that at the end of the second day he was
+compelled to announce that the mine was valueless.
+
+Desmond thought he had never seen a more disconsolate look on any man's
+face than the one that settled over the face of Creedon when the
+announcement was made.
+
+"Your mine don't amount to anything in itself," said Brooks, "but it
+carries a suggestion; it is a compass that points to where a valuable
+mine may be found. We are not in it yet; to-morrow I will make a survey
+and I may get indications that will carry us to the ledge where the gold
+ores extend in paying quantities--yes, I think I can read the
+indications as plainly as though the road were mapped out."
+
+Brooks spent two days, and then said:
+
+"It's all right; there is a mine somewhere, but I must have the proper
+instruments and testing utensils. I will leave you and Desmond here in
+the mountains and proceed to the nearest settlement and secure what I
+need. Creedon, I can almost promise you that we will find a rich
+digging, and it will be more accessible than this one."
+
+"I have a better plan," said Creedon.
+
+"What is your plan?"
+
+"We will go and get the dust that the lad found; we will carry that to
+the town, dispose of it, get our money, make our deposits in the bank,
+and then start in on the search. Possessing the knowledge that you do,
+we will find a mine. I am not discouraged yet."
+
+It was so agreed, and the party made their way back to where they had
+their store of dust. Creedon had made some deerskin bags so that the
+burden would not fall upon one person. The dust was all secured and they
+made a start for the town.
+
+On the night when they made their last halt before ending their trip in
+the town, Brooks, the wizard tramp, took advantage of an opportunity to
+talk to Desmond alone. He said:
+
+"Lad, to-morrow we will be in the town and we will have money. I have a
+proposition. It will take a year or two to develop matters in case I do
+locate the mine; you cannot afford at your time of life to spend a year.
+I do not need you with me now. I am a man again, thanks to you, and I
+will make a confidant of Creedon. He is a manly, honest fellow, and will
+watch over me. Our joint interest will make him a splendid sentinel. I
+feel that we are sure to win, if not in one direction in another. With
+my scientific knowledge and his practical knowledge we will win, but it
+may be two or three years. This is a fascinating life for you, but you
+cannot afford to lose this valuable time."
+
+"What is it you are about to propose?"
+
+"I can send you home with five thousand dollars and I will still have
+money enough to carry on our purpose. You can clear off the farm and go
+to school; you are ambitious, and in less than a year you will be
+prepared to stand an examination for college, and you can go with a
+cheerful heart, for if my life is spared I will win a fortune for you. I
+have no use for a fortune myself; I am working for you and Amy."
+
+"But suppose something should happen to you? Do you remember you have
+not made your revelation?"
+
+"I propose to provide for that; I will confide to you a document. It is
+not to be opened until you are assured of my death, so living or dead
+you shall in good time learn the great secret that I have held all these
+years."
+
+"I must think this matter over," said Desmond.
+
+"There must be no thinking. I have decided as to what you must do."
+
+"And you do not want me to go back at all?"
+
+"No, I want you to go home to the State of New York; I want you to go to
+clear off the farm and go to school, and I will attend to your affairs
+out here."
+
+"I will decide in the morning."
+
+That night Desmond thought over the whole matter. He had become
+fascinated with the life in the mountains, but when he revolved the
+whole matter in his mind he saw that it was indeed wiser for him to
+return to his home; and under what joyful circumstances he would
+return! He could clear the farm and have money in the bank; he could go
+to school and go to college, and devote his whole attention to study
+without any worry or fear, and in the morning he greeted Brooks with the
+announcement:
+
+"I have decided to obey you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A SAD PARTING--PROPHETIC WORDS--ON THE TRAIN--A
+SENATOR'S SON--LEADING UP TO A TRICK--GENUINE
+FUN AHEAD.
+
+
+There came a sad look to the face of Brooks, and he said:
+
+"I shall miss you, Desmond, but I feel it is for the best. You are a
+youth of great promise. I do not mean to flatter you, I am speaking the
+truth, and it is in your interest that I so warmly advocate your return
+to the East. I desire that you become an educated man, a graduate of
+college; I wish you to secure your degree. And let me tell you now there
+was fate in our meeting, and very remarkable consequences may follow our
+acquaintance begun and maintained under such strange circumstances."
+
+Desmond had never beheld his strange friend, the wizard tramp, under a
+similar mood. There appeared to be a prophetic spell prompting the words
+of the strange man.
+
+"I hope you do not wish to get rid of me."
+
+"No, I am speaking in your interest alone, lad; my life has been a
+wasted one, yours is just commencing. You can be of some use in the
+world, I have been a nuisance. I have a strange tale to tell--yes,
+Desmond, like many others I have encountered a romance in life. I
+deliberately threw myself away, but where I failed you can win; there is
+a chance for you to become a useful man; great honor may await you
+because you possess the qualities that win success. You are brave, firm,
+and persistent, also enterprising; with these qualities, in this land,
+any young man can win a success against the great throng of unambitious
+and careless men like myself."
+
+"Can you trust yourself?"
+
+"I can."
+
+"You are certain?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"You do not need me?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"Remember, your weakness upon several occasions permitted you to fall."
+
+"I have considered everything; I have an object in life now and a
+prospect."
+
+"A prospect?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is there anything you are concealing from me?"
+
+"I am considering your interests alone," was the reply.
+
+"But your revelation?"
+
+"It is not necessary for me to tell you once again that I have provided
+for you to learn the secret of my life in case anything should happen to
+me."
+
+Desmond at once began his arrangements for a return to the East. He had
+been away for many months; he had plenty of money; his return would be
+in great triumph in every way. He purchased fine clothes, which he was
+able to do even in the far Western town where he was stopping, and when
+he arrayed himself in his good clothes even Brooks was surprised at the
+wonderful transformation well-fitting attire made in the youth. Desmond
+was indeed a fine-looking fellow, well educated comparatively, and as is
+not unusually the case, he was naturally capable of adapting himself to
+changed conditions. He did not seem awkward in his good clothes, but
+appeared as though he had worn fine attire all his life.
+
+At length the hour came when Desmond and Brooks were to part company.
+The wizard tramp had a sad look upon his face, although he tried to be
+cheerful and jovial The attempt, however, was a failure. He said:
+
+"I will not go with you to the train, Desmond, we will part here, and
+you can address your letters to me here; I will arrange to have them
+forwarded to me in case I go prospecting again."
+
+"You will go prospecting, I suppose, of course."
+
+"I cannot tell; but remember, if anything happens to me I have arranged
+for you to be communicated with."
+
+There came a look of concern to our hero's face, and the discerning
+Brooks said:
+
+"You have something to say."
+
+"I have an idea."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"There is great peril in the wilderness."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"There have been cases where men have lost their lives and their deaths
+have not become known until many years afterward."
+
+"That is true, lad, and I have calculated for that."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You will know if such an event should occur. In the meantime let me
+tell you if a year should pass and you do not hear from me you will know
+that I am dead."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"Tell Amy."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"She may make a disclosure to you. Remember, I have taken every
+precaution."
+
+"I do not know why you should withhold from me your life secret. No harm
+could come of an immediate revelation, but of course you have your own
+reasons for withholding your story."
+
+"Yes, that is it, I have reasons; no harm might come of an immediate
+revelation, but I have reasons of a very satisfactory character to
+myself. You will understand and appreciate them when they are made known
+to you. Desmond, I am a changed man; you need have no fear concerning me
+now; time has righted a wrong. I am strong now--that is, normally
+strong--all will go well, I believe, if not with me at least with you."
+
+A little later and our hero was on his way across the country to the
+town where he was to take the train, and a better equipped lad for
+adventure never boarded a train, and lo, he encountered several very
+thrilling adventures ere he arrived at the valley farm where kind hearts
+beat to greet him.
+
+Desmond had been on the train but a few minutes really when he observed
+a tall, country-looking young fellow, who fixed his eyes on him. As has
+been demonstrated all through our narrative, Desmond was a very quick,
+discerning chap; in the language of the day, he was "up to snuff," and
+the instant he caught the eye of the country-looking fellow he knew that
+something was up, and he discerned more which will be disclosed as our
+narrative advances.
+
+Desmond had not boarded a through train; he was to go to a large town
+where he would meet a through express. The train he had entered was a
+way train, and he seated himself by the window. No one was in the seat
+with him at first, but soon the country-looking chap took a seat beside
+him. The latter appeared to be a jolly, innocent sort of chap, and he
+addressed the young adventurer with the words:
+
+"Hello!"
+
+There came a merry gleam in Desmond's eyes, as he asked:
+
+"Do you take me for a telephone?"
+
+The stranger arched his eyebrows, and demanded:
+
+"A telephone?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What makes you ask that question?"
+
+"Because you yelled 'hello' in my ear."
+
+"I've heard about telephones, but I never saw one."
+
+"You never did?"
+
+"No; what are they like?"
+
+The question was asked seemingly in the most innocent manner, but the
+keen-witted Desmond's suspicions were at once aroused, and on the
+instant he made a curious discovery. The fellow was a make-up, under a
+disguise, and consequently under immediate suspicion also.
+
+"So you never saw a telephone?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"You _tell_ me that?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Our hero knew he had a long journey before him; he was naturally very
+fond of a joke and excitement, and besides he had instinctive hatred for
+designing men. Our hero was aware that the trains, as a rule, are
+infested with sharps, and the efforts of the railroad companies to
+squelch these nuisances are not altogether successful. Our adventurer
+determined to have a little amusement, and if his suspicions were fully
+verified he was resolved to teach at least one sharp a good lesson. We
+will repeat, Desmond did not look like an athlete or a youth who had
+seen the rough side of life; he could easily be mistaken for an
+ordinarily bright youth who had much to learn.
+
+"So you really never saw a telephone?"
+
+"Never," repeated the man.
+
+Desmond, having determined upon his course of action, assumed a most
+serious air, and with the greatest earnestness graphically described a
+telephone, and the stranger appeared to be all interest and attention,
+and expressed his surprise by innocent ejaculations, as our hero related
+the wonderful possibilities of the telephone.
+
+It was an amusing scene, or would have been to one who was under the
+rose and understood that a game was being played.
+
+When Desmond's description apparently, as stated, told in the most
+earnest manner the sharp, as we shall call him, said:
+
+"Well that beats me, it beats anything I ever heard. See here, stranger,
+you are making a fool of me with a big fish story because I am a green
+Western man, born and raised on the prairie."
+
+"No, I've told you the truth."
+
+"Well, well, you come from the city?"
+
+"No, I am going to the city."
+
+"New York?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is that your home?"
+
+"Well, _New York lies near where_ I live."
+
+"Dear me, what wonderful sights you have seen!"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That New York is a wonderful place."
+
+"You bet it is."
+
+"I am going there some day--yes, I've said I'd see New York some day and
+I will. It must make a man blind for a few days to go around there."
+
+"Well, yes, it is rather dazzling," said Desmond.
+
+So the conversation continued for quite a time and finally the stranger
+rose and went away, saying he would return immediately. Quite a
+respectable-looking man took the vacated seat beside Desmond, and the
+last neighbor asked:
+
+"Do you know that green-looking chap who was just talking to you?"
+
+"No, sir, I never saw him before."
+
+"Then you don't know who he is?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"That is a son of Senator F----, the richest mine owner out in this
+section; he looks like a countryman. You see he was raised in the West,
+but he is one of the most honest and good-hearted fellows in the world,
+liberal to a fault, fond of fun, but a good and true friend to any one."
+
+Desmond studied the man who was giving him this unsolicited information,
+and he concluded that the nice-looking man was sharp number two; he was
+up to this sort of business and perceived the whole game.
+
+"Yes, he appears like a good, honest fellow," said Desmond.
+
+"Honest? why, you could trust him with all you had in the world."
+
+"Yes, he looks that."
+
+"He is one of the kindest-hearted fellows in the world. I tell you if
+you get into trouble he is the man to aid you. He is the best pistol
+shot and rifle shot in the land. Why, that fellow has fought off a whole
+tribe of Indians. The redskins fear him as a white man fears the devil,
+and his father is one of the richest men out in this section, as I told
+you."
+
+"Yes. He don't look like a millionaire's son."
+
+"No, but he is all the same, and he appears to have taken a great fancy
+to you. I was watching him while he talked to you; I tell you no one
+will interfere with you anywhere in this land if they know that he is
+your friend."
+
+"That's good."
+
+"Yes. He is a splendid fellow."
+
+The man who had volunteered all this information walked into a forward
+car, and a few moments later the senator's son, so-called, returned, and
+as frequently occurs in far Western trains, the particular car in which
+Desmond was riding was deserted. Our hero and the countryman had the car
+all to themselves, and after a little further talk the senator's son
+said:
+
+"I wish some greeny would come in here, we'd have some fun."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I'll tell you, I am a regular juggler; I know all the tricks of
+gamblers and I'd fool a fellow."
+
+"Do you know all the tricks of gamblers?"
+
+"Yes, and sometimes I beat the game just for fun. You see I am down on
+gamblers, I just like to beat them. Generally there are one or two of
+those rascals on this train, but they know me; I don't get a chance at
+them any more, so I sometimes amuse myself by astonishing greenhorns. By
+ginger! but it's funny I've never been in New York; I am half a mind to
+go right on to the great city with you."
+
+"Yes, come along," said Desmond, a merry twinkle in his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PLAYING TO CATCH A WEASEL--A SHARP'S
+SCHOLAR--OPENING UP OF THE GAME--TWO
+BIG HANDS--A CRISIS.
+
+
+"I can't go, but I'd like to; but you give me your address, and some day
+you will see me in York. I feel like the man who said, 'See Venice and
+die;' I want to see New York. Say, they tell me there are a great many
+sharpers in that wonderful city."
+
+"Yes, it's full of them."
+
+"Well, wouldn't I have fun beating those fellows, especially on the race
+track, eh? They tell me these sharps are as thick as mosquitoes in
+August down on the race tracks."
+
+"Yes, they hover around there."
+
+"I like you, young fellow."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"So you said."
+
+"You're honest; I like an honest young fellow every time. Are you an
+orphan?"
+
+"A half orphan."
+
+"Your mother dead?"
+
+"No, my father."
+
+"Well, I am just the other way--my mother is dead and my dad, he is away
+up. They say he is a great man. I reckon he is, but I am no shakes; you
+see I care more for fun than lands. Now, see here; I'll teach you some
+tricks. Would you like to learn?"
+
+"Yes, I would."
+
+"Good enough, and when you get back to York you can punish some of those
+sharps there, for my occupation is gone out here; they won't let me play
+against them or I'd beat them every time--yes, I beat their game and
+then give the money away to some poor person who needs it; but they
+don't know you, and before we get to the end of the route some of those
+fellows may get aboard, and as I said, they don't know you, and we'll
+have some great fun; you can beat the game."
+
+"I'd like to do that."
+
+"You would?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I was beaten once."
+
+"You were?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"At what game?"
+
+"Three card monte."
+
+"Well, well! and did they ever come the thimblerig on you?"
+
+"Yes, I had a taste of that also."
+
+"Then you've been through the mill?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, now, see here; I'll teach you the game, and you are the only one
+I ever will teach it to; you are honest. But if I were to teach the game
+to some fellows who claim to be honest they would start in as gamblers
+right away."
+
+"I never will."
+
+"No, I can see that in your eye; you've got an honest face; I like you
+clean through."
+
+"Thank you again."
+
+"Yes, and I am going to learn you a trick or two."
+
+"I'll be glad to learn."
+
+The man produced his cards and said:
+
+"I always carry an outfit with me just for fun."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That's fine."
+
+We cannot in words describe the peculiar tones of our hero or the
+singular expression upon his face, but he was playing for great fun. He
+held in reserve a great surprise for the senator's son, a grand climax
+and tableau was to close the scene, or rather, as Desmond classed it in
+his mind, grand comedy. He did not know just how the fellow intended to
+work his game; he believed the method would be a novel one, but he was
+ready--yes, permitting himself to be led on to the grand climax.
+
+The wizard tramp was an expert gambler and he had taught Desmond a great
+many tricks in order to put the youth on his guard, and also for
+amusement during their lonely hours together. All there was to learn
+about the trick Desmond already knew, but he pretended ignorance, and
+let the sharp go ahead. He proved an apt scholar, however, for the
+senator's son said:
+
+"Jiminy! I don't know but I am doing wrong."
+
+"Doing wrong?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You learn so quick you appear to be a natural gambler."
+
+"I am pretty quick at learning points, I will admit."
+
+"You are great."
+
+Our hero had just about mastered the intricacies of the game when, lo,
+three men entered the car, and the sharp whispered to the lad:
+
+"Great Scott! here are a lot of 'gambs' as sure as you are alive. I
+wonder if they will give me a chance at them; if they do I'll show you
+some fun, if they don't you are up to the trick, you are my pupil, and
+you can show me the fun."
+
+"That's so."
+
+"Lay low, my friend, don't go too fast or these fellows will become
+suspicious. I want to catch them good, and we will if you play it
+right."
+
+Desmond was on to the trick; he saw how the game was to be played, and
+he appreciated that it was indeed a neat little trick. They were working
+to fleece him differently from any little game he had ever seen or had
+read about.
+
+The "gambs," as the sharp had called the newcomers in the car, did not
+betray their game at once. They took a seat a little distance off and
+commenced playing among themselves "only for fun," as they said loud
+enough to be overheard.
+
+"We'll catch them," whispered the sharp.
+
+"I don't know; they do not appear disposed to let us into their game;
+maybe they are acquainted with you."
+
+"Never mind, they will go for you. Let me see, I'll go out of the car,
+see! and then they will make your acquaintance. I'll be at hand in case
+there is a row."
+
+"Yes, I see."
+
+"We must catch these fellows and teach them a lesson."
+
+"We will."
+
+"We will have to blind them. Let me see; have you any money to make a
+bluff on?"
+
+"Yes, plenty."
+
+"Make believe you are making a bet with me and show a roll, then we will
+bait them and they will go for you; and, oh, won't we give 'em a lesson?
+You bet we will; we'll just clean them out and give the money to some
+needy person--that is, you can--and you'll meet many a poor cuss before
+you get to New York."
+
+"You can meet them anywhere."
+
+"Have you got a roll?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A good sized one? for we want to give them a good bait."
+
+Desmond was playing his part of the game well--very well--his whole
+manner was right up to the mark--indeed, he did a fine piece of acting.
+He pulled out a roll of bills, pretended to dispute with the sharp, and
+suddenly exclaimed:
+
+"I'll bet you a hundred."
+
+"No, no, young fellow, I don't bet," said the sharp. "I know I am right,
+I'd only be robbing you."
+
+"I won't let you rob me; I am up to what I say."
+
+The youth put an emphasis on his words which the sharp did not notice;
+he thought he had such a sure thing, he was not looking for a false
+"steer." Desmond saw the glitter, however, in the sharp's eyes at the
+sight of the roll, for it looked like a big pile of money, and the sharp
+appeared to feel, as indicated in his face, that the pile was already
+his own.
+
+"By ginger!" he said, "you are a dandy; you can play this game right up,
+but don't be too anxious or you will scare those fellows off; just take
+it easy, let them lead you on."
+
+"Oh, I know how to work; don't you forget I am a Yorker."
+
+"Yes, I see you Yorkers are smart fellows. You know a heap, I can see
+that; but I did learn you some?"
+
+"Yes, and when we get through here, I'll teach you a trick."
+
+The sharp shot a keen glance at Desmond, and the lad saw that he had
+been a little premature, but it was only a fuse that flashed, and the
+sharp said, speaking in a very low tone:
+
+"I'll go in the next car, but I'll be on hand at the right moment. I
+want to enjoy the laugh when you catch these fellows. You are sure you
+are on to the trick?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"You must keep your eyes well open."
+
+"You bet I will."
+
+The sharp left the car, and after a moment one of the confederates came
+over and took a seat alongside of Desmond, and in a jolly, familiar
+tone, he said:
+
+"You bucked the senator's son down, didn't you?"
+
+"Well, yes."
+
+"It takes a good man to buck him down; He's got lots of stuff and sand
+too, but you bucked him."
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"We're having a little game here to pass the time--it's awful dreary
+these long rides. You see, we are salesmen and we've had some of these
+fellows out here trying to rope us in, and we are trying to learn the
+game."
+
+"Don't you know the game?"
+
+"No; do you?"
+
+"Well, I know a little about it."
+
+"Come along and show us what you know."
+
+The party got together; Desmond appeared hale-fellow-well-met with the
+rogues, and the game was played amid a great deal of laughter, until one
+of the party said:
+
+"By Jove! boys, I am on to this thing."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"You daren't bet for fair."
+
+"Yes, I dare."
+
+"Oh, come off."
+
+"I'll bet for fair; I'll give every one of you a chance."
+
+"You will?"
+
+"Yes, I will."
+
+"Come off."
+
+"I am in earnest; who'll go first and bet me?"
+
+"I will," said one man.
+
+"All right."
+
+The cards were thrown and a bet made, and the dealer was beat and lost
+apparently a ten-dollar bill.
+
+"All right; I was beat that time. Who'll take a second hack at it? I've
+got it all right, and I'll catch some of you fellows."
+
+"Will you?"
+
+"I will, by thunder."
+
+The trick was being played in the most bungling manner, simply because
+when properly played the exposure would have shown the game. The second
+man bet and won, and the dealer said:
+
+"I give it up, let's play a little game we know something about."
+
+"What will it be?"
+
+"I'll deal you fellows a little faro; we might as well pass the time
+that way as any other."
+
+A game of faro commenced and Desmond went into the game, and in a little
+time the original sharp came in the car and wanted to take a hand, and
+it was then that the gamblers said:
+
+"No, we won't let you; you are a 'jack' player; we are only amateurs."
+
+The party played faro for a little while and then a regular game of
+poker was proposed. The latter was a game that all hands could play in
+for a trick; even the senator's son was permitted to enter the game, and
+winking in a knowing manner to our hero he did get in the game, and the
+four proceeded up to a crisis where, as usual, two men held hands of
+value, and as it chanced, the original sharp was the man who held a hand
+against Desmond, and he said:
+
+"Here, I'll only make a small bet; I don't want to win your money."
+
+"I'll bet you anything you want," said Desmond.
+
+"Hello! are you in earnest?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"Do you really want to get my money?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Dead sure?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I've a big hand, I'll tell you that before you start in."
+
+"That's all right, I'm betting on my hand."
+
+"Now see here, young fellow, remember this is poker, and on principle I
+always claim when I win, so don't bet high on your hand."
+
+"I'll go as high as you choose."
+
+"And you know what you are doing?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I am in dead earnest."
+
+"So am I."
+
+"Everything is barred?"
+
+"Yes, everything," said Desmond.
+
+"All right; if you will have it so swing out your roll. I'm betting
+heavy on this hand, but I've warned you, remember."
+
+"Yes, but you can't bluff me," said Desmond.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ALMOST A BREAK--A NOVEL GAME TO ROB--OUR HERO'S
+ARTISTIC ACTING--A TABLEAU AND A GRAND SURPRISE.
+
+
+Again the sharp fixed his eyes upon our hero, but it was not a
+give-away; Desmond was playing his game too well. He appeared like an
+excited gambler, an amateur, who apparently believed he had a sure
+thing.
+
+"I'll warn you once more," said the sharp.
+
+"To the dogs with your warning, you daren't bet."
+
+"Oh, yes, I dare bet, but I like you; I've a dead sure hand, you can't
+beat me."
+
+"That's my lookout."
+
+"Then you know just what you are doing?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"These men can bear witness that I want to throw up my hand."
+
+"You needn't."
+
+"And you will really bet?"
+
+"Yes, I will."
+
+"With your eyes open?"
+
+"Dead sure."
+
+"All right; what is your raise?"
+
+Desmond gave a lift and the sharp raised back, and so the play went on
+until the stake was a thousand dollars on the two hands, and the sharp
+said:
+
+"See here, young follow, five hundred is enough for you to lose."
+
+"No, no, I am not losing."
+
+"You ain't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Suppose you are mistaken."
+
+"I can stand it."
+
+"You can?"
+
+"I can."
+
+"All right; no use for me to attempt to stand against a young fellow
+like you. I begin to suspect you've been playing innocent, and I will
+teach you a lesson; I raise you a hundred."
+
+"I see it and go two hundred better."
+
+Each time a bet was made the money was laid on the table, and it was a
+very exciting scene and moment. The sharp looked puzzled; he had laid
+out for a dead sure thing, but there had come a complete change over
+Desmond, and it was the latter fact that scared the sharp. He
+hesitated, but at length, in a slow tone, said:
+
+"I'll see you a call," and he laid down his cards. He held four jacks, a
+great hand, but one that is often beaten, of course, and it was beaten
+on this occasion, for, strange to declare, Desmond held four kings.
+
+Right here let us offer an explanation. Our hero was playing against a
+false deal; the man who was leading him made the fatal mistake that he
+was working with a gudgeon on his hook, consequently he was not
+watchful. The wizard tramp had taught Desmond a great many tricks, and
+the lad's natural discernment and watchfulness had prepared him for the
+hand when the great trick was to be sprung, and unwatched he worked a
+bigger trick. He did not know what the hand was he was pitted against,
+but he had been let in to gamblers' tricks, that is, "snide" gamblers.
+These fellows in making a false deal do not win on the highest hands,
+for they always know the hand against them. The fellow who was seeking
+to rob Desmond thought he knew our hero's hand, but it was right there
+he was fooled. Our hero had worked his own trick, as stated--he stole a
+hand so deftly that the unwatchful robbers did not see him do it, and it
+was there he had them. He was really taking a slight chance, but only a
+slight one, and what followed? Well, it was a case of the biter bitten,
+and when Desmond exposed his hand there came a look upon the sharp's
+face that can never be described, but which might be photographed with a
+snap-shot machine.
+
+There fell a dead stillness in that car for a few seconds, and then the
+defeated sharp said:
+
+"Aha! you are a cheat."
+
+"Am I?"
+
+Desmond was perfectly cool.
+
+"Yes, you are, and that money is mine."
+
+"Is it?"
+
+"Oh, see here, young fellow, don't you attempt to bluff me, or I'll mark
+you."
+
+As intimated, there had come a great change over Desmond. He did not
+look like and he certainly did not act like the same person who a little
+time previously had been learning gambling tricks from the sharp. The
+gambler attempted to rake the money from the seat, and it was at that
+moment the real fun commenced.
+
+"You miserable rascal," cried Desmond, "lay a finger on a bill on that
+seat and I'll pin your hand to the car seat."
+
+Well, there was a scene of consternation around there just at that
+instant, and our hero said:
+
+"I've been carrying out your programme, amusing myself with a sneak
+thief, and now, Mr. Senator's Son, you have evidence that Yorkers do
+know a thing or two, and you get yourself together and get out of this
+car and off the train at the next station, or I'll make a horse-fly net
+of you. Is that plain English? Take your own money, I don't need it. You
+are under cover, but let me give you a pointer--you play the senator's
+son too well altogether to make a success of it."
+
+The group of gamblers stared in silence. They did not dare make a
+hostile move; there was something about Desmond in his transformed
+appearance that froze them--indeed, even his youth was a mystery to
+them, for he acted like a man who had had years of experience.
+
+"You started in, gentlemen, to play a big game of robbery, but ran up
+against a snag. I am letting you off easy--very easy--but you see we
+young fellows from York are not malicious."
+
+The gamblers had indeed gotten off easily, and we will here explain that
+they did not fear Desmond in a scrimage; but they would have feared any
+one who would have made a fight, as they did not wish to draw the
+attention of the train men to their scheme which had been exposed. Had
+they been winners they would have made a fight, but the game they were
+attempting was one of highway robbery, for they had been outwitted in
+the deal, and had no claim upon the money.
+
+The train arrived at a station and the gamblers started to alight. They
+felt bitter, and the self-styled senator's son said to Desmond:
+
+"The train will stop here fifteen minutes. You are a good fellow, I like
+you, I'd like to have you stop off a minute and have a cool drink with
+us."
+
+Desmond well knew the scoundrel's purpose, but being fond of adventure
+he determined to give the rascals a still greater surprise. He was in
+splendid condition, his muscles were developed up to the consistency of
+whit-leather, and with a smile he rose to follow the man who had invited
+him to alight for refreshment. The gambler stepped off the car ahead of
+Desmond; the latter followed, when the former suddenly swung round and
+made a vicious lunge at the youth who had so cleverly outwitted him, and
+once again the scamp was outwitted. A second time he ran up against a
+snag, for our hero dodged the blow that was meant for him and countered
+with a tremendous slugger which landed on his assailant's nose, and over
+the man fell with a swiftness that would have suggested the kick of a
+horse, and when he fell he lay there; but two of the other chaps had in
+the meantime made a rush for Desmond, and they received a rap
+successively--indeed, they had run in on our young walking champion
+where he was at home. He was a wonder in science, strength and agility;
+no two or three ordinary men would have had any show with him at all,
+and the fact was the assailants so determined, for the attack was not
+renewed, and our hero stepped aboard the train, the object of the
+wondering glances of twenty people who had witnessed the assault and
+its culmination.
+
+Desmond sat down in the car as coolly as though he had just gone out for
+a breath of fresh air.
+
+Our hero encountered several other adventures of a minor character, but
+in good time arrived in New York City. He had not announced his return
+to the farm, and consequently spent several days in the all-round
+greatest city in the world. There is no place like old New York; there
+is more life to be seen in the great American metropolis in one day than
+can be seen in any other great capital in two. It is a city peculiar to
+itself, unlike any other, in its situation between two rivers and its
+nose practically putting out to the sea; in its activities and general
+loveliness--indeed, it in a wonderful place, and Desmond enjoyed every
+minute during his sojourn, but at length he took a train up-country and
+in due time arrived at the station from which he was to team it to the
+old farm where his grandfather and father had lived and died.
+
+As stated, Desmond had not announced his return, and when within a mile
+of the farm he alighted from the wagon that had carried him over and
+started afoot. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived in sight of
+the old farm, and he was standing on a rise of ground looking over
+toward his old home, when he espied a girl sitting beneath a tree. One
+glance was sufficient; he recognized Amy, and he determined to steal
+upon her unawares. He managed to gain a clump of bushes located within
+twenty feet of where the girl sat, and he had an opportunity to study
+her unobserved. We will not describe his emotions, but it was a
+beautiful sight that fell under his delighted gaze. The life on the farm
+had been of great advantage to Amy in many ways, and in her white muslin
+dress she appeared so beautiful as to make it seem that she was out of
+place in that wild region. Her form was perfect in its grace, and her
+face--well, we will not go into a description, but let it suffice to say
+that there are few girls in all the world who surpass her in the
+exquisite loveliness of her face.
+
+Desmond studied the girl for a long time and he observed that she
+appeared to be perfectly contented and happy. She had her mandolin with
+her, and after quite a period of abstraction she took up her instrument,
+and soon her splendid voice sounded clear and melodious on the still
+air, for it was an afternoon when nature rested under a spell, as it
+were; not a breath of air appeared to float amid the leaves and flowers.
+
+A moment, and our hero made the most delightful discovery of his life.
+Amy was singing and improvising; she did it readily and charmingly, and
+her hidden auditor was indeed charmed. She was singing to an absent one,
+and she mingled the name of our hero in her song. It was a plea for the
+absent one to return, and the sweetness of the melody was not more
+entrancing than the verses. She appeared to be not only a singer but a
+poetess, possessed of rare talent.
+
+Desmond did not appear inclined to break the spell, but when he saw Amy
+making preparations to depart he stepped from his place of concealment.
+The girl uttered a cry; at the first glance she did not recognize the
+farmer boy, transformed as he was into a gentleman in dress, but when
+she caught sight of his face and heard his merry laugh and pleasant
+salutation, she exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, Desmond, I did not know you at first. How elegant you look!"
+
+"Thank you; how is my mother?"
+
+"She is well, but did not know you were coming home; neither did I."
+
+"Well, no, I thought I would give you a surprise. It's all right, here I
+am, this side up with care."
+
+"Your mother will be delighted."
+
+"And you?"
+
+"I am giddy with delight, and I hope all is well with you and with my--"
+The girl stopped short and said, "Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Yes, when I left him he was all right."
+
+"Did he come with you?"
+
+"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you are
+surprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be more
+surprised did you behold at this moment your--I mean Mr. Brooks."
+
+A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a moment
+later by a bright smile, as she said:
+
+"Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life."
+
+"And what makes you so happy?"
+
+The question was put abruptly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Amy suddenly appeared to realize--well, our readers can guess what. It
+appeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness,
+and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed,
+and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said:
+
+"Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy."
+
+"Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless--"
+Again the girl stopped short.
+
+"Go on," said Desmond.
+
+"Unless I am to be taken away from your mother."
+
+"Do you desire to remain with my mother?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I love your mother."
+
+"You love my mother?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"And who else?"
+
+The question came in a pointed manner; Amy was a girl nearly sixteen.
+
+"My--I mean Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+The girl did not answer.
+
+"Come, Amy, who else do you love?"
+
+"You are real mean."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You know."
+
+"I do?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I don't want to be mean, but tell me who else you love?"
+
+"I won't."
+
+"You won't?"
+
+"No."
+
+There was bantering in the tones of both these young people at that
+moment.
+
+"Shall I tell you who I love?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I love my mother."
+
+"You can't help it."
+
+"I have learned to love Mr. Brooks, your--I mean--well, Mr. Brooks."
+
+In a tantalizing tone the girl asked:
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"Oh, you're real mean," said Desmond, imitating Amy's tone at the
+moment she had made the same remark to him.
+
+"I don't want to be mean."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Will you keep my secret?"
+
+"Yes," came the eager answer.
+
+"Honor bright?"
+
+"Yes, honor bright."
+
+"You won't tell even my mother?"
+
+The girl did not answer.
+
+"Come, promise."
+
+"I promise."
+
+"I've met a girl I love, and I've made you my confidante, but don't tell
+my mother."
+
+Amy had turned desperately pale, and in a pettish, trembling tone, she
+said:
+
+"Yes, I will tell your mother."
+
+"You promised not to do so."
+
+"I don't care, I'll break my promise."
+
+"Oh, Amy, you are real mean."
+
+"I can't help it if I am."
+
+"You can't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I am mad--real mad."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you went and fell in love with a girl; it's ridiculous,
+anyway."
+
+"It is?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"You are only a boy."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What are you, pray? you are only a girl."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"I couldn't fall in love with a mere girl, could I?"
+
+"Yes, you could."
+
+Desmond laughed in a merry manner, and said:
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, I did fall in love with a mere girl. Do you
+want to hear about her?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"I am going to tell you all the same; you are the girl I've fallen in
+love with."
+
+There came a bright, happy look to Amy's beautiful face as she said:
+
+"Oh, you are real mean."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"To tell me that so suddenly."
+
+"Well, who else do you love?"
+
+"I love you."
+
+"All right; go and break your promise and tell my mother," said Desmond
+in a provoking tone, following his advice by encircling Amy's waist and
+imprinting upon her red-hot cheek a kiss.
+
+"You tell your mother yourself," said Amy.
+
+"No, I won't; you said you would."
+
+"Then I will."
+
+"You will?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, well!"
+
+"Your mother will be glad."
+
+"What?" ejaculated Desmond.
+
+"Your mother will be glad."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"She told me so."
+
+That night there was a happy party under the old farmhouse roof. Mrs.
+Dare had met her son with tears of joy in her eyes, and Desmond had told
+the weird tale of his remarkable adventures.
+
+At once our hero set to work to prepare for college. He had talked the
+matter over with his mother and with Amy, and in due time he did enter
+Amherst College, and for a long time his adventures ceased. He heard
+occasionally from Mr. Brooks, who appeared to be doing well and who sent
+money on at intervals, but no explanation. And so the time passed until
+Desmond graduated and returned home. He met his mother and Amy, and a
+moment later there came forth from the house a well-known figure; it was
+Brooks, the whilom wizard tramp.
+
+Again there followed a pleasant evening, and on the following morning
+Desmond was out bright and early to take a walk over the farm. He had
+gone but a short distance when he saw a figure in the grove near the
+house. He advanced and met his old friend the wizard tramp.
+
+"You are out early," said Desmond.
+
+"Yes, I thought I might meet you."
+
+"And you will now tell me how you have succeeded?"
+
+"Yes, Desmond, I will tell you all now, and I owe all to you. We are
+rich--very rich. We found the mine, Creedon and I, and we got
+capitalists interested and developed it. You were our silent partner,
+and to-day you are worth a quarter of a million and I am worth as much
+more, or rather Amy is, for I have been working for my child."
+
+"I have suspected all along that Amy was your daughter. Has she told you
+anything?"
+
+"Yes, she has told me she is to become your wife."
+
+"What do you think of it?"
+
+"It has been the one hope of my life that you would win her love and she
+yours. It was for this reason I insisted upon your returning to the
+East, and the wisdom of my plans is fully confirmed."
+
+"You have a revelation to make to me."
+
+"I have made the revelation--Amy is my own child."
+
+"And is that all you have to reveal? I've known that all along."
+
+"That is my most important revelation, but I have another to make. My
+father was the younger son of an English nobleman; he married a
+beautiful but poor girl, as the world counts riches, and his father
+drove him away, and he came here to America. He never saw his brother
+again; his nephew, my cousin, inherited the estates and title, but
+strange to say, I was the nearest of kin. Five years ago my cousin died;
+he left no estate, but the title which had been maintained in honor by
+my ancestors has descended to me, and when you marry Amy you will marry
+a lord's daughter."
+
+Desmond meditated a moment, and then said:
+
+"I am satisfied to marry the daughter of plain Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Thank you, my son, but I shall clear the estate, and for a season at
+least dwell in the ancient halls of my ancestors. I will remain to
+witness your marriage and shall then go home to England. And now comes
+my last revelation: you and Amy are distantly connected; my remote
+ancestors were yours also. Your grandfather came down from the younger
+line a long time back, but blood as good as any one's flows in your
+veins."
+
+"Yes, from my mother."
+
+"I admit it, _from your mother_."
+
+Our readers know what followed. Amy and Desmond were married, and on
+the night of the wedding he remarked to his father-in-law:
+
+"This time I took no desperate chance."
+
+"Neither did Amy when she intrusted her future happiness to you," came
+the bright and elegant answer.
+
+The whilom wizard tramp did return to England, and it was in the
+ancestral halls that Desmond and Amy spent their delightful honeymoon.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Desperate Chance
+by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10690 ***
diff --git a/10690-h.zip b/10690-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db64464
--- /dev/null
+++ b/10690-h.zip
diff --git a/10690-h/10690-h.htm b/10690-h/10690-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..755bc84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/10690-h/10690-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,4628 @@
+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type"
+    content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of
+    A Desperate Chance: or, The Wizard Tramp's Revelation,
+    by  Old Sleuth.
+</title>
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+   body { margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 4%; }
+   * { font-family:   Times;}
+    P { text-indent:   2em;
+        margin-top:    .75em;
+        font-size:     12pt;
+        text-align:    justify;
+        margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center;
+                   margin-left: 20%;
+                   margin-right: 20%; }
+    H1,H2 { text-align: center; }
+    HR  { width: 33%; }
+    PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; }
+  .figure
+  {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;
+  text-align: center; }
+  .figure img
+  {border: none;}
+    // -->
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's A Desperate Chance, by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Desperate Chance
+       The Wizard Tramp's Revelation, A Thrilling Narrative
+
+Author: Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+Release Date: January 12, 2004 [EBook #10690]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h1>A DESPERATE CHANCE:</h1>
+<h2>
+OR
+</h2>
+<h2>
+THE WIZARD TRAMP'S REVELATION,
+</h2>
+<h3>
+A Thrilling Narrative.
+</h3>
+<h2>
+<b>By OLD SLEUTH. </b>
+</h2>
+
+<p class="figure">
+<a href="sleuth.png">
+<img width="70%" src="sleuth.png"
+alt="'He Placed the Ladder of Saplings Across the Abyss.'" /></a><br />
+<b>"He Placed the Ladder of Saplings Across the Abyss."</b>
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>1897</h3>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER I.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+THE CAMPFIRE IN THE GULCH&mdash;AN ALARM&mdash;THE SOLITARY
+FIGURE&mdash;UNDER COVER&mdash;A WHITE MAN&mdash;"HAIL,
+FRIEND!"&mdash;A CORDIAL MEETING&mdash;A SECOND STRANGE
+CHARACTER.
+</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+"Well, Desmond, we've taken a desperate chance, and so far appear to be
+losers."
+</p>
+<p>
+The circumstances under which the words above quoted were spoken were
+weird and strange. A man and a mere youth were sitting by a campfire
+that was blazing and crackling in a narrow gulch far away in the Rocky
+Mountains, days and days travel from civilization.
+</p>
+<p>
+The circumstances that had brought them there were also very strange and
+unusual. Desmond Dare was the son of a widow who owned a small farm in
+New York State. There had been a mortgage on this farm which was about
+to be foreclosed when Desmond, a brave, vigorous lad, sold his only
+possession, a valuable colt, and determined to enter a walking match for
+the prize. He was on his way to the city where the match was to take
+place when in a belt of woods he heard a cry for help. He ran in the
+direction whence the cry came and found three tramps assailing a fourth
+man. The vigorous youth sprang to the rescue and drove the three tramps
+off, and was later persuaded by the man he had rescued to go with him to
+a rock cavern. There the lad beheld a very beautiful girl of about
+fourteen whose history was enveloped in a dark mystery; he also learned
+that the man he had rescued was known as the wizard tramp. The latter
+was a very strange and peculiar character, a victim of the rum habit,
+which had brought him away down until he became a tramp of the most
+pronounced type. This man, however, was really a very shrewd fellow,
+well educated, not only in book learning, but in the ways of the world,
+and seeing that Desmond had resolved to take a desperate chance, the
+tramp volunteered to land him a winner; he succeeded in so doing. The
+champion of the walking match carried his money to his mother, the tramp
+went upon an extended spree and spent his share. Afterward the tramp and
+Desmond Dare started on the road together. The girl had been placed with
+Mrs. Dare on the farm, and the man and boy proceeded West afoot,
+determined to locate a gold mine. The former discovered each day some
+new quality, and held forth to Desmond that some day he would make a
+very startling revelation. The youth had no idea as to the character of
+the revelation, but knowing that the tramp, named Brooks, was a very
+remarkable man, he anticipated a very startling denouement. After many
+very strange and exciting adventures Brooks, the tramp, and Desmond Dare
+arrived in the Rockies, and in due time started in to find their gold
+mine. The previous history of these two remarkable characters can be
+read in Nos. 90 and 91 of "OLD SLEUTH'S OWN."
+</p>
+<p>
+At the time we introduce the tramp and Desmond Dare to our readers in
+this narrative, they had been knocking around the mountains in search of
+their mine and had met with failures on every side, and at length one
+night they camped in the gulch as described in our opening paragraphs,
+and Brooks spoke the words with which we open our narrative.
+</p>
+<p>
+They were sitting beside their fire; both were partly attired as hunters
+and mountaineers, and both were well armed. Brooks, who had practically
+been a bloat had lived a temperate life, had enjoyed plenty of exercise
+in the open air, and had experienced to a certain extent a return of his
+original physical strength and vigor. At the time the whilom tramp made
+the disconsolate remark quoted, Desmond asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"What do you propose to do&mdash;give it up?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know just what to do, lad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We've scraped together a little gold dust; possibly we may have money
+enough to engage in some legitimate business, and what we can't get by
+the discovery of a mine, we may acquire in time in speculation. You are
+shrewd and level-headed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That would be a good scheme for you, lad, but not for me. I am too far
+advanced in life to earn money by slow labor now. What I propose is that
+you go back, take all the gold we have, and enter into trade; you are
+bright and energetic and may succeed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And what will you do?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I shall continue my search for a mine, and some day I may strike it."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks was a college graduate, a civil engineer, and a mineralogist, and
+believed he had great advantages in searching for a mine, but, as has
+been indicated, thus far their tramp and search had been a dead failure.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll stick with you," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, lad, you must go back."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I swear I will not; I like this life, and remember, we have gathered
+some wash dust and we may gather more. I don't know the value of what we
+have gathered from the bottom of that stream we struck, but I do know
+that it would take a long time to accumulate as much money in trade.
+Remember, we have been in the mountains only six weeks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is all right, but we might stay here six years and not make a
+find."
+</p>
+<p>
+At that instant there came a sound which caused Brooks and Desmond to
+bend their ears and listen. Some of the Indians were on the warpath; a
+band of bucks had been making a raid and had been pursued by the United
+States cavalry into the mountains. Indians, as a rule, do not take to
+the mountains, but sometimes when pursued hotly they will separate into
+small bands and scatter through the hills; these fellows are dangerous.
+They would have murdered any white men they might meet for their arms
+alone, without considering the spirit of wantonness or revenge that
+might animate them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks and Desmond rose from their seats beside the fire and moved
+slowly away. At any moment an arrow or even a rifle shot might come and
+end the life of one or both.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had become a very expert woodsman; he and Brooks had been
+chased by Indians several times and had exchanged shots with one band.
+They knew a cover in a crevice in the wall of rock which ran up abruptly
+each side of the gulch; from this spot they could survey and also make a
+good fight in an emergency. They had good weapons, plenty of ammunition,
+and what was more, coolness, skill, and courage. Desmond, especially,
+was a very cool-headed chap in times of danger; the use of firearms was
+not new to him, nor was the woodsman life altogether a novelty, for he
+had been raised in a very wild and desolate mountain region.
+</p>
+<p>
+Quickly they stole to cover, although they believed it possible that
+they might have been seen, for they had absolute proof, well known to
+woodsmen, that if there were foes in the vicinity they had been
+discovered. Once in their covert they lay low, and a few moments passed,
+when they beheld a solitary figure advancing slowly and very cautiously
+up the gulch, and as the figure came in the light of the fire Desmond,
+whose eyesight was very keen, said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's a white man; he looks like a hunter; we will wait a moment or two,
+but I guess it is all right."
+</p>
+<p>
+The figure, meantime, with rifle poised, advanced very slowly and
+finally stood fully revealed close to the fire, and indeed he was a
+white man of strong and vigorous frame.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll go and meet him," said Desmond; "you lay low here, rifle in hand
+ready to shoot in case he proves an enemy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right, lad, go ahead."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond stepped from his hiding-place and advanced toward the fire. The
+stranger saw him, still held his position ready for offense or defense,
+and permitted Desmond to approach, and soon he discerned that the lad
+was a white man and he called:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hail, friend!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hail, to you," replied the lad.
+</p>
+<p>
+The two men approached and shook hands. The hunter was a splendid
+specimen of physical manhood, and his face indicated honesty and
+good-nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Are you alone here, lad?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where's your comrade?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond made a sign, and Brooks stepped forth from the crevice and
+approached the fire.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hail, friend," said the stranger hunter.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks answered the salutation, the two men shook hands and the stranger
+said;
+</p>
+<p>
+"What may be your business out here?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We'll talk of that later on; but, stranger, you took great chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"In approaching the fire you were exposed; suppose the fire had been
+kindled by Indians?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I knew it was not an Indian's fire."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How is that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"They don't create such a big blaze. I knew white men were around, and
+men whom I need not fear, but I was on my guard all the same."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We could have dropped you off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, but out here we have to take chances, and it was necessary
+for me to do so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It was?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I need food; I have not struck any game lately. The fact is, I've been
+up in the peaks where there is no game. I hope you have a cold snack
+here, my friends, and some tobacco, for I have not had a regular tobacco
+smoke or chew for over a month."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We were just about to prepare some coffee and make a meal."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough; did you say coffee? Well, I have struck Elysium; I haven't
+tasted a cup of coffee in a year. You see I was snowbound away up in the
+mountains; fortunately I had plenty of dried meat, and I was compelled
+to wait until I was thawed out."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks commenced making the coffee, and while doing so the woodsman
+asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Are you regular hunters?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Ever in the mountains before?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You've been taking great chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"The mountains are full of bad Indian fugitives, and they are very ugly.
+Some are parts of a raiding gang of bucks, and others are rascals who
+have made a kick out at the reservation. I've met twenty of them in the
+last ten days; they are in squads of twos and threes, and they are full
+of fight."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We have met some of them."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you managed to escape?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We had a fight with one party."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How did you come out?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Ahead, I reckon, or we would not be here."
+</p>
+<p>
+The conversation was between the woodsman and Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"What brought you into the mountains&mdash;are you tourists?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"On business?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Surveyors?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought not; no use to survey out this way. I suppose you are looking
+for a lost mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, we might take in a lost mine or find a new one, it don't matter."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Ah! I see; well, so far you've been lucky, but you've been taking
+desperate chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh! that's a way we have."
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER II.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+A RECOGNITION&mdash;THE WOODSMAN'S DISCLOSURES&mdash;A
+CHANCE AFTER ALL&mdash;THE BIVOUAC&mdash;DESMOND'S
+DISCOVERY&mdash;SAVAGES GALORE.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+The coffee was soon prepared and Brooks produced some dried meat and a
+few crackers, and the three men, so strangely met, sat down to enjoy
+their meal. The woodsman was offered the first cup of coffee, and as he
+drank it down, all hot and steaming, he smacked his lips and exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, that was good; that cup of coffee makes us friends. I may do you
+a good turn."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough; we are ready for a good turn. We've had rather hard luck
+so far."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you are after a mine, eh?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are regular prospectors?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have to strike a surface ledge to make any money. Don't think a
+claim would amount to much out here unless you found a nest of them so
+as to attract a crowd, and a town, and a mill, and all that. According
+to my idea the mines out here all need capital to work 'em in case you
+should strike one."
+</p>
+<p>
+Regardless of possibilities, as the night was a little chilly, Brooks
+had created quite a blaze, and by the light of the fire he had a fair
+chance to study the woodsman's face, and finally he asked abruptly:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Stranger, what is your name?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought you'd ask that question."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, it's natural that you should, but that ain't the reason I thought
+so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, why did you think so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I was going to ask your name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly; my name is Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What made you think my name was Brooks?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Can't you guess?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why did you ask my name?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"As you said, it was a natural question."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That ain't the reason you asked it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you may tell me the true reason."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You've been studying my face."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You think you've seen me before somewhere?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you did see me before."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"When and where?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Just look sharp and see if you can't place me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It was a great many years ago."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It must have been; but to tell the truth, there is something very
+familiar in your face."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and you discovered it at the start, but you don't place me; I
+placed you. I didn't until you mentioned your name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You now recall?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where have we met?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Try to remember."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Tell me your name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, certainly, by and by; but in the meantime pay me the compliment of
+remembering who I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have the advantage."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I told you my name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will tell you mine in good time, but try to remember."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I give it up."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You do?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"We slept together one night."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"When and where?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"And now you can't recall?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I cannot."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are a square man, but there has come a change over you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did we meet often?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Were we intimate?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, for the time being."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I give it up."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't place me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+Again the woodsman laughed and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you remember about fifteen years ago a young fellow, tired, wet, and
+hungry, tried to find shelter in a freight car?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hello! you are not Henry Creedon?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am, and this is the second time you've fed me. You appear to be
+my good angel; I may prove your good angel."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you are Henry Creedon?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am," and turning to Desmond, Creedon said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your friend there one night made a fight for me, fed me and found
+shelter for me. He was a tramp then; I was footing it out West here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Henry," said Brooks, "what have you been doing all these years?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Mine hunting."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Mine hunting for fifteen years?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And have you found a mine yet?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and Brooks said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Desmond, we did indeed take desperate chances, and we've been making a
+fool's chase, I reckon. Here is a man who has been mine hunting for
+fifteen years and has not found one yet. Where do we come in?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll tell you," said Creedon; "it's luck when you find a mine. More are
+found by chance than are discovered by experts, but I think I've found
+one; I can't tell. You see, I was raised in a factory town, I've had no
+education and I can't tell its value. I know where the find is located,
+however, and some of these days I'll strike a prospecting party who will
+have an engineer with them, and then I will know the value of my find."
+</p>
+<p>
+"If you take a party in with you they will demand a share."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you intend to share with them?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can't do otherwise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, that is so; suppose I find an engineer for you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I suppose you will want a rake in."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, Brooks, I'll tell you, I don't want to start in on a divide with
+everyone, but I've made up my mind to take you in with me. I know you
+are a kind-hearted and honest man, even though you are a tramp, a
+whisky-loving tramp, and that I remember you emptied my canister that
+night."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, but I am not drinking now; I've reformed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So much the better for you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've something to tell you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am just the man to establish the value of your mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How is that, eh? Have you become an expert after being in the mountains
+six weeks? and I am not in one way, and I've been here for fifteen
+years."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I was an expert before I came to the mountains."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You were?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How is that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What's that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't tell me!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's what I tell you, and I tell you the truth."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you are just the man I want."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I said I was; I am more than an engineer, I am a mineralogist and a
+geologist."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hold on, don't overcome a fellow out here in the mountains; if you are
+a civil engineer that is enough for me. Hang your mineralogy and
+geology; what I want is a man who can estimate. No doubt about the ledge
+I've struck; the question is, how much will it cost to mine it; how much
+is there of it? You see I've had some experience here in the mountains,
+and sometimes we strike what is called a pocket; we might find gold for
+a few feet one way and another, and then strike dead rock and no gold. I
+ain't a mineralogist or geologist or a civil engineer, and I am afraid
+my find won't amount to much, but it is worth investigation, and as you
+are able to estimate we will make a start. To-morrow I will take you to
+my ledge and then we will know whether we are millionaires or
+tramps&mdash;eh? mountain tramps&mdash;but I am grateful for this food and coffee,
+and now if you'll give me a little tobacco I'll be the most contented
+man in the mountains, whether my mine turns out a hit or a misthrow."
+</p>
+<p>
+So tobacco was produced; Brooks himself was an inveterate smoker, and
+since being in the mountains Desmond had taken to the weed, and there
+was promise that some day he might become an inveterate.
+</p>
+<p>
+The three men had a jolly time, but in a quiet way. Creedon was a good
+story teller; he had had many weird experiences in the mountains. He had
+acted as guide to a great many parties, he had engaged in about fifty
+fights with Indians during his residence in the great West, and had met
+a great many very notable characters.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the men concluded to lie down to sleep for the night they
+extinguished their fire, and each man found a crevice into which he
+crept, and only those who have slept in the open air in a pure climate
+can tell of the exhilarating effects that follow a slumber under the
+conditions described.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was the first to awake, and he peeped forth from his crevice and
+glanced down toward the point where the fire had been, when he beheld a
+sight that caused his blood to run cold. Five fierce-looking savages
+were grouped around the spot where the campfire had been, and he had a
+chance to study a scene he had never before witnessed. He beheld five
+savages in full war paint; they were dressed in a most grotesque manner,
+part of their attire being fragments of United States uniforms, showing
+that the red men had been in a skirmish, and possibly had come out
+victorious, and had had an opportunity to strip the bodies of the dead.
+</p>
+<p>
+A great deal has been written about the shrewdness of redmen. They are
+shrewd when their qualities are once fully aroused and they are on the
+scent, but they are given to assumptions, the same as white men. Of
+course Creedon was practically to be credited when he said that the
+Indians assumed there had been a camp there and that the campers had
+departed, but had they made as close observations as when on a trail
+they would have made discoveries that would have suggested the near
+presence of the late campers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon had as far as possible destroyed all signs when raking out the
+fire of a recent encampment, but an experienced and alert eye can detect
+the truth despite these little tricks.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond saw the Indians: they were a hard-looking lot, the worst
+specimens he had ever beheld, and they were assassins at sight, as he
+determined. He was secure from observation, but it was necessary to warn
+his comrades, who were in different crevices, and at that moment Creedon
+actually snored. He was in the crevice adjoining the one where Desmond
+had taken refuge.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Indians were too far away to overhear the snore, but it was possible
+the man might awake and step forth; then, as Desmond feared, the fight
+would commence. He did not desire a fight; he might think the chances
+would be with his party, as only two of the Indians had rifles, but then
+if even one of their own party were kicked over it would be a sad
+disaster.
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad meditated some little time and studied the conditions. He
+crawled into his crevice, and, lo, he saw a lateral breakaway. He might
+gain Creedon's berth, as he called it, without chancing an outside
+steal. Fortune favored him; Creedon's crevice was one of several rents
+in the rock, and he managed to reach the sleeper's foot, and he
+cautiously touched it, fearing at the moment that Creedon in his
+surprise might make an outcry or an inquiry in a loud tone, but here he
+learned a lesson in woodcraft. Creedon did not make an outcry; he awoke
+and cautiously investigated, and soon discovered that Desmond had
+touched him and was seeking to communicate with him. He demanded in a
+whisper:
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is it, lad?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"There are Indians in the gulch."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Aha! where?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Down where we were camped last night."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You keep low and I will take a peep."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond could afford to let Creedon take a peep. The woodsman did peep
+and took in the situation, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are smaller than I am; does the rent where you are run to the berth
+where Brooks is sleeping?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It may; I will find out and go slow; we don't want a fight if we can
+help it, but we've got the dead bulge on those redskins if we have to
+fight."
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER III.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+CREEDON'S KNOWLEDGE OF WOODCRAFT&mdash;THE REDMEN'S
+DEPARTURE&mdash;A LONG TRAIL&mdash;ON THE TRAMP&mdash;THE
+STRANGEST REFUGE IN THE WORLD&mdash;A BRIDGE OF
+RISKS.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Desmond crawled forward beyond the rent where Creedon had lodged, and he
+found the space much wider as he progressed, and soon gained the opening
+where the rent terminated in which Brooks had lain all night. Desmond
+glanced in, and, lo, Brooks was inside awake, and had already discovered
+the presence of the Indians, and so far they were all right.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Have you been able to notify Creedon?" asked Brooks.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What does he say?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"He bade me arouse you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I discovered the rascals as soon as I awoke."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; lay low and I will learn what Creedon advises."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond crawled back and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Brooks is awake and wants to know what we shall do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"There is only one thing to do: we will lay low, and if the rascals do
+not discover us all right; if they do discover us it will be bad for
+them and all right with us again, that's all. And now you and Brooks
+just keep out of sight and let me run the show."
+</p>
+<p>
+Word was passed to Brooks, and Desmond with the tramp lay low. As it
+proved there was not much of a show to run, as the Indians moved away
+after a little, but Creedon did not permit his friends to go forth. He
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can never tell about these redskins; they might suspect we are
+around, and their going away may be a little trick; they are up to these
+tricks."
+</p>
+<p>
+Hours passed, and Creedon still kept his friends in hiding, and it was
+near evening when he stole forth, saying he would take an observation.
+After a little he returned and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's all right; come out."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon said he had discovered evidence that the redskins had really
+gone away.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why couldn't you have found that out sooner?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"They might have found me out then; as it was, according to the tales
+you and Brooks tell, I took a desperate chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Shall we get to work and have a meal?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Not much, young man, you will have to control your appetite for awhile.
+Remember, I am captain of this squadron. I'll lead you to a place,
+however, where we can build a fire and camp and eat without fear. I am
+posted around here; I know the safe places."
+</p>
+<p>
+The party started on the march, and Desmond felt quite irritated; he had
+gone nearly twenty-four hours without eating, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am ready to even fight for a meal."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon laughed and said in reply:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You may have a stomach full of fighting yet before we find the mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought you had located it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, but it's a week's tramp from where we are at present, and we may
+have some lively times before we arrive at the place."
+</p>
+<p>
+It was nine o'clock at night when the party arrived at one of the most
+peculiar natural retreats Desmond had ever seen. It was a cave, as we
+will call it, in the side wall of a cliff rising from a gulch even more
+wild and rugged than the one where the party had camped the previous
+night. Some mighty convulsion of the mountain had separated the whole
+front of the cliff from the main rock, so that a space of at least
+twenty feet intervened, and between yawned a dark abyss that led down to
+where no man had yet penetrated. Creedon led the way up along a ledge of
+ascent which lined the outer edge of the great mass of detached cliff.
+Once at the top he descended on the inner side. It was night, but he had
+taken advantage of a mask lantern which he carried with him, and which
+he said was the most useful article in his possession. He added:
+</p>
+<p>
+"These lanterns may belong to the profession of detectives and burglars,
+but I've found them the most useful articles a cliff-climber can own.
+They are different from other lamps and torches; you can control the one
+ray of light and indicate your path without any trouble whatever."
+</p>
+<p>
+This was true, as the guide demonstrated, and his party walked along
+the narrow ledge without any fear of being precipitated over; all it
+required was a good eye and a steady nerve, and they possessed these
+necessary qualifications.
+</p>
+<p>
+The guide at length came to a halt, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You stand here and I'll get my bridge."
+</p>
+<p>
+He proceeded along alone, but soon returned with two saplings, which he
+had strung together, and of which he had made a rope ladder.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was greatly interested, and watched the guide as he threw his
+ladder across the intervening abyss, and then he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It will take a little nerve to crawl over, but once over we are all
+safe, and I've got a storehouse over there. I prepared this place with a
+great deal of patience and labor. We can spend two or three days here. I
+know you will enjoy it, and we can take a good long rest. I will go over
+first and then hold the light so you two can follow."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Will you risk it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will, lad; I am not the fellow I was about six months ago; I can
+climb a steeple now."
+</p>
+<p>
+The guide went over, creeping across. The saplings bent under his weight
+and made a downward curve, so that when he attempted so ascend on the
+opposite side it was a climb up, but with the ropes made of woven
+prairie grass and sticks and boughs he easily ascended. He had carried
+his lantern with him, and he flashed its light across his bridge and
+asked, "Who will come next?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You go," said Desmond to Brooks.
+</p>
+<p>
+The tramp did not hesitate, but started to crawl over the oddly
+constructed bridge, and he did so as well as the guide had done. Then
+Desmond crossed and the instant all hands were over the guide took up
+his bridge stowed it away, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"When we cross back it will be in the daytime, and much harder."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Much harder in the daytime?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I should think it would be easier."
+</p>
+<p>
+The guide laughed and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It might appear so, but in the daytime you will realize just what you
+are doing. You will see the dark abyss beneath you, and when the bridge
+sways downward your heart will be in your throat, I tell you. At night,
+however, you do not know just what you are doing."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond saw the truth of what the guide said, and observed that the man
+was quite a philosopher.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now let me go in advance," said Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+He led the way and soon turned into what he called Creedon Street. It
+was a broad opening with a solid flooring, and walls of rock on either
+side&mdash;the most singular and remarkable rock conformation that either
+Brooks or Desmond had ever seen. The guide walked right ahead boldly; he
+evidently knew that there were no rents down which they might plunge.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here is Creedon Hall," said the guide, as he turned into a broad
+opening and flashed his light around. The party were in a cave, and yet
+we can hardly call it a cave; it appeared to be merely a huge underline
+in the side of the cliff, as it was open, as the guide said, facing
+Creedon Street.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will soon have Creedon Hall illuminated for you," said the guide. He
+secured some wood, and as Desmond followed him he saw that he had
+abundance of it, and the guide said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"This wood, some of it, has been stowed here for over ten years, and we
+can have a jolly fire in a few minutes, and no fear of attracting
+Indians or any one else. We are as safe here as though we were making a
+grate fire in a big hotel in New York."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon made good his word, and soon Creedon Hall was brilliantly
+illuminated, and Desmond was delighted. He exclaimed in his enthusiasm.
+</p>
+<p>
+"This is just immense!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, it is."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks also was delighted; he set to work to make the coffee and prepare
+the meal, and Creedon lay down on his blanket and lit his pipe, while
+Desmond wandered around the cave, as he persisted in calling it. He
+discovered several outlets from Creedon Hall, and he made up his mind
+that as soon as his friends were asleep he would steal the mask lantern
+and go on an exploring expedition. It was a jolly party that sat down to
+coffee, cold dried meat, and crackers. Brooks had been very sparing of
+his crackers, and had at least five pounds of them at the time he and
+Desmond met the guide.
+</p>
+<p>
+"When did you discover this place?" asked Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did not discover the place; it was revealed to me by an old hunter, a
+Mexican, and how he discovered it he would never tell. The old man had a
+great many secrets, and I have sometimes thought that there was gold
+hidden here somewhere. I've spent days searching for it, but never could
+find anything of the value of a red cent."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where is the old Mexican now?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's hard to tell, lad; he died about five years ago, and his body
+was carried to the ruins of an old Spanish church and there buried as he
+had requested long before he died. He was a strange old man; he
+possessed many secrets, but they died with him. It is possible he meant
+to reveal them some day, but death caught him and he went out with his
+mouth closed as far as his secrets were concerned. He was a sort of
+miser in secrets. I did think that some day the old man would reveal
+something of value to me; he pretended to think a great deal of me. I
+saved his life at a critical moment; he was actually bound to the stake,
+and I shot the rascal who was about to light the fire. They intended to
+burn him alive, and the arrival of myself and party was just in time."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do the Indians still burn their prisoners at the stake?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"These were not Indians&mdash;they were his own countrymen. They had tried to
+force a confession from him, and because he refused to reveal the
+whereabouts of the gold they thought he had stored away somewhere, they
+were set to murder him in anger and revenge."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you saved him?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And he never revealed his secrets to you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Only the secret of this cave. He often made strange remarks and hinted
+that some day I would receive my reward. We roomed here together all of
+one winter, but he died and never opened his mouth to reveal where his
+gold was, if it is true that he had any. I believe he did, but it will
+never do me any good, and I do want to make a fortune somehow, but I
+suppose I never will. Yes, lad, there are thousands of skeletons of
+gold-seekers hid away in caverns in these mountains, victims of the same
+ambition which is leading us to take such desperate chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was very greatly interested in the story of the old Mexican, and
+he asked a number of questions.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You never got the least inkling as to where his gold was hidden?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know that he had any gold; it is only a suspicion on my part."
+</p>
+<p>
+"He lived in this cave?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did you ever search here?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you bet I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And did you explore?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you never found anything?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I never did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Nor secured any indication?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Possibly you did not look in the right place."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is dead certain," came the natural answer.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER IV.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+ON AN EXPLORING EXPEDITION&mdash;A FIND IN A CAVE&mdash;THE
+SEPULCHRAL VOICE&mdash;THE EXPLANATION&mdash;DESMOND
+GETS SQUARE ON A TRICK&mdash;STRANGE LONGINGS&mdash;THE
+FINDING OF A NUGGET.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+It was about midnight when the older men lay down on their blankets to
+sleep. Creedon had a big silver bull's-eye watch, and he said he always
+kept it going.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond pretended to lie down and go to sleep also, but his head was
+filled with visions of the Mexican's hidden gold. He had an idea that
+Creedon's investigations might have been very superficial; he determined
+to make a thorough and systematic search, and he actually believed he
+would find the hidden gold.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks and Creedon were good sleepers; both were very weary and they
+were soon in a sound slumber, and then Desmond arose, stole on tiptoe
+over beside Creedon and secured the mask lantern. A strange, weird scene
+was certainly presented. There had been a big fire; the embers were all
+aglow and illuminated the cave. There lay Brooks and Creedon, looking
+picturesque in their hunting garb, and there was Desmond stealing on
+tiptoe under the glare of the firelight to secure the mask lantern.
+</p>
+<p>
+Having secured the lantern the lad moved away and made for a crevice
+which promised the best results. He knew enough of rock conformations to
+go forward very carefully, always flashing his light ahead and studying
+the path in advance, and so slowly, carefully, and surely he moved along
+until he had traversed, as he calculated, a distance of two hundred and
+fifty feet, when suddenly his flashlight revealed a solid wall in front
+of him.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here we are," he muttered, "and no mistake."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond saw that his explorations in that direction had ended. He
+retraced his steps and selected a second crevice along which he made his
+way, and at length he landed in a pretty good sized inner cave.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I reckon we've got it here."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad proceeded to search around with the care of a detective looking
+for clues. He did find evidences of some one having been in the cave; he
+found the handle of a dirk, a small bit of a deerskin hunting jacket,
+and finally a little bit of pure gold. He examined the latter under his
+lamp, satisfied himself that it was a nugget of real gold in its natural
+state, and his heart beat fast.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've got it at last," he muttered; "yes, I thought I knew how to carry
+on this search. Creedon must have done it too hurriedly."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond felt quite proud of his success; he had struck it sure, as he
+believed, and he continued his search, and was intently engaged when
+suddenly he heard a sepulchral groan at the instant he had plunged into
+a sort of pocket and was feeling around; but when he heard that groan he
+started back into the cave and stood as white as a sheet gazing around
+in every direction, and there was a wild terror in his eyes. He stood
+for fully two minutes gazing and listening, and finally he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great Scott! what was that I heard&mdash;a groan?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond, although brave and vigorous, after all was but a lad of less
+than eighteen. He could have faced a grizzly bear, but when it came to
+the supernatural he was not equal to it. The fact was he was dead
+scared, and, then again he believed he had really struck the hidden
+recess where the old Mexican's gold was secreted.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young are more susceptible to superstitious fears, as a rule, than
+older people; they are not skeptical.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond listened a long time, and as he did not hear the noise again,
+and feeling an intense desire to find the hidden treasure, he again went
+to the rock pocket and plunged in, but immediately there came again the
+groan, clear, distinct, and unmistakable, and also a voice commanding:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go away, go away; do not disturb my gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad leaped out into the main cave again, and he trembled from head
+to foot. He had never received such a shock in all his life; he had
+never really believed in ghosts&mdash;never thought much about them
+indeed&mdash;but here he had at least evidence that the dead did watch their
+treasures. Still, the desire to secure the wealth was strong upon him;
+naturally he was, as our readers know, very nervy, and he determined to
+argue with the ghost. He reasoned that the hidden wealth could be of no
+benefit to the spirit where he was, and he thought he might talk him
+into keeping quiet.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was in a trembling voice that Desmond asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is the spirit here?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The answer came:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am here."
+</p>
+<p>
+A more experienced person than Desmond would have gotten on to the fact
+that it was very strange that the spirit should answer him in such good
+English, it being supposed to be the spirit of a Mexican, but spirits
+probably can talk any language. At any rate, Desmond did not stop to
+consider.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you own the gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why can't I have it? I've found it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You get away as quick as you can or I'll seize you."
+</p>
+<p>
+Well, well, this was a great state of affairs; Desmond did not ask any
+more questions. He seized his lamp and started to limp from the cave,
+and he was white and trembling. He made his way to Creedon Hall and
+beheld Brooks and Creedon standing over the fire. On the face of Brooks
+there was an amused look, and on Creedon's an expression of real
+jollity.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great sakes! Desmond," demanded Brooks, "where have you been? I awoke
+and found you missing, and Creedon and I have been scared almost to
+death."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond tried to assume an indifferent air, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I wasn't sleepy, so I thought I would go and explore a little."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You had better be careful how you explore around here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, that's all; I won't say any more, but be careful, or you may be
+suddenly missing."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What did you find, boy?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll tell you all about it in the morning."
+</p>
+<p>
+The men retired to their blankets and Desmond also lay down, after
+having promised that he would not attempt to explore any more that
+night.
+</p>
+<p>
+He did not sleep, however; the phantom voice, the treasure, and his
+discovery kept him awake, and he lay thinking about ghosts and goblins,
+and he muttered;
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hang it! I never believed in ghosts;" then as he lay there, there came
+to his mind a recollection of the jolly look that had rested on the face
+of the guide, and there came to his mind a suspicion, and then a
+certainty, that he had been fooled. He was a wonderfully sharp lad, and
+he began to think the whole matter over, and he recalled the fact that
+the ghost had spoken good English.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hang me!" he muttered, "if I don't believe I've been made a victim of a
+huge joke, and Brooks and Creedon are both guilty in aiding to give me a
+scare. All right, to-morrow we will see all about it; I'll get square."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond did fall asleep at length, and when he awoke Brooks and Creedon
+were eating their breakfast, and Creedon said as Desmond joined them:
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you were exploring last night?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What did you find?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, come off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You think you did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did, I'll swear I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where did you find it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"In a cave which one of those passages leads to."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You found gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will have to be careful."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Careful?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You'll strike the ghost."
+</p>
+<p>
+"The ghost?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What ghost?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"The ghost of the old Mexican."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did think I heard a groan. Tell me about the old Mexican."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've told you all I know about him, and I'll tell you that in my
+opinion it will be dangerous to meddle with his gold, even if you found
+it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Could that old Mexican speak English?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"A little."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Only a little?" repeated Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then it's just as I suspected; I tell you I was scared at first, but
+when the old ghost answered me&mdash;"
+</p>
+<p>
+"When the ghost answered you?" demanded Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did you see the ghost?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I heard him&mdash;that is, I thought I did&mdash;and I spoke to him, but he gave
+me back such good English I made up my mind that you didn't know how to
+play a joke. Next time stick to the broken English; you might have
+scared the life out of me then."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks and Creedon laughed, and the latter said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you are smart, you are; but, lad, let me tell you something:
+don't spend time looking for the Mexican's gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've explored every nook and cranny in this mountain, and there is no
+treasure hidden here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But I found some gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon and Brooks stared.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Are you in earnest?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where did you find it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I am going to consider awhile before I tell."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks looked Desmond straight in the face, and asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Boy, honest, did you really find gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+The matter began to assume a very serious aspect, for Desmond spoke
+seriously.
+</p>
+<p>
+"If you found any gold, lad, you've beat me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did find gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"On your honor?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, here we are on shares; tell us all about it."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond laughed in turn; they had had their laugh and he had his laugh,
+as he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here is what I found."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad produced the little nugget he had picked up and then Creedon
+laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"By George! that is the bit of gold I lost, and I had a good hunt for
+it."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero had been impressed by Creedon's statement that he had examined
+every nook and corner in the mountain, and yet he did feel a sort of
+hankering notion that he could find the gold, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I want to explore again."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; it can do no harm, but I will relinquish all claim now to
+any gold that you may find in this cave."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll take you at your word," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+Of course the youth had no real hope of ever finding any gold, but it is
+a known fact that such finds have been made, and sometimes the skeletons
+of the owners have been found bleaching beside their gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER V.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+BOY'S DETERMINATION&mdash;GOING THROUGH A CREVICE&mdash;THE
+MOVABLE ROCK&mdash;AID TO DISCOVER&mdash;UP THROUGH
+A HOLE&mdash;THE GOLDEN HEAP&mdash;DESMOND'S GREAT
+TRIUMPH&mdash;THE OLD MEXICAN'S SECRET EXPOSED.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was somewhat impressed by the words of Creedon, but still
+insisted that he would like to conduct an exploration.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will only go over the ground that I have already gone over."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I know that, but I propose to look around all the same."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had been doing considerable thinking. He questioned Creedon
+again and again, and made out that the old Mexican had lived in the cave
+along with Creedon for months at a time, and as he learned, the old man
+had thrown out a great many hints. These hints meant something; and then
+again, if he had hidden his wealth in the cave he had done it so
+securely and well that he had no idea of its ever being discovered until
+such time as he saw fit to disclose the fact. Desmond knew how there
+were some strange conformations in the rocks; the very place they were
+in was a testimony to the strange freaks that nature in its upheavals
+can and does create.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks had nothing to say about the matter, and Creedon did remark
+finally:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Of course, as I've said, it can do no harm, but be careful you don't
+strike&mdash;"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond here interrupted, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I ain't afraid of ghosts; I've met one and I've got used to them."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't mean a ghost, I mean a crevice; go very slow and carefully, or
+you may become a ghost yourself."
+</p>
+<p>
+Right here we wish to exchange a few words with our readers in regard to
+these rock conformations. Right in the State of New York, in Ulster
+County, and in what is called the Shawangunk Mountains, there are some
+of the most wonderful caves and crevices, and in some of these caves
+during the winter the snow drifts down, and in the spring becomes a
+solid mass of ice, and the writer remembers upon one occasion after a
+long and weary scramble over rocks under the face of a cliff which
+towers up and overlooks counties, being shown a rock cave where there
+was a solid mass of ice, which, in its contour resembled a ship. The ice
+must have been at least sixty feet in length, twenty feet broad, and
+fully forty feet high, and adjoining it were all manner of caves. These
+caves are within a few miles of several settlements, and possibly at the
+time of the visit of the writer had not been entered by over a dozen
+persons. In these mountains are some very remarkable rock conformations,
+and we merely mention this fact to the lads in the East, who may think
+that these stories of rock caverns are exaggerated. There are probably
+hundreds of caves in the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains that have
+never been entered or explored since the days when the early settlers
+may have found them while bear hunting.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had been raised, as we have stated, near the mountains, and
+probably had explored many rock caverns, and it is because of this fact
+probably that he was not surprised when led to the cave where he first
+beheld the girl Amy Brooks. That cave still exists and is well known to
+many of the people living in its vicinity, and in our description we
+adhered to almost absolute accuracy.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon was a rough and ready sort of man, but not, the fellow, as
+Desmond argued, who would apply himself to a critical study. It was a
+great thing to have learned the facts concerning the old Mexican, and
+the lad really believed that there was gold secreted somewhere in one of
+the little cavities in that perforated mountain.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon started in to relate to Brooks the facts about the mine he
+believed he had discovered, and Desmond, taking the mask lantern,
+started off to explore.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will burn out all my oil, lad; that is the only harm you will do,
+and certainly little good. I cannot replenish the oil when it's burned
+out, and I've been very careful, holding it for only such occasions as
+when we came here across the chasm."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon explained that he had only carried with him one can of oil,
+which had lasted him to date.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond started off and went direct to the crevice he had first entered,
+and Creedon smiled as he saw him go in there, remarking to Brooks:
+</p>
+<p>
+"The lad will run up against a stone wall sure, but he is enthusiastic;
+it will be a lesson to him."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Can't tell about that lad," said Brooks, "there is method in his
+enthusiasm."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's all right, but I was camped in here one whole winter, and as I
+told you, there is not a nook or cranny that I have not explored."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But there are others," said Brooks, with an odd smile on his face.
+</p>
+<p>
+Meantime, Desmond followed the crevice until he came to the stone wall.
+He knew about the same wall, but he was working on a certain theory. He
+was like the Captain Kidd treasure-seekers&mdash;the discouragement of others
+did not in any way discourage him, and we will here say that a similar
+persistence in any walk of life, as a rule, leads to great results.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond, as stated, arrived opposite the stone wall, and he commenced a
+calm, steady, determined examination. First appearances would have
+discouraged any man, being faced as he was by a solid, smooth face of
+rock. He stood contemplating the mass before him, and then with the ray
+of light from his lantern he ran all over the rock.
+</p>
+<p>
+"By ginger!" he muttered at last, "I reckon it's true. There does not
+appear a hole big enough in that rock for a spider to crawl through;
+but, hang me! I've got an impression."
+</p>
+<p>
+There appeared to be a break in the rock just where it joined with the
+roof of the cave. Desmond rolled a bowlder over against the rock and
+mounted, and ran his finger over the crack. It was not a large crack and
+offered no encouragement, but the lad was determined not to be satisfied
+until he had established facts beyond all dispute. He ran his finger, as
+stated, along the crack, and his knuckle pressed against the roof, and
+to his surprise there appeared to be a loosening. He examined it and he
+saw that there was a uniform crack running along the roof inclosing a
+space about two feet square. The lad instinctively pressed on the center
+between the cracks, and lo, there appeared to be a piece of the roof
+that yielded. He pressed harder and satisfied himself that the piece of
+rock between the cracks in the roof was movable. The discovery caused
+his heart to stand still, and he muttered:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great Scott! but I've found it." He flashed the light on the crack and
+thought he could discern where there had been some chiseling. He made
+every effort to shift the rock out of its place, but it was too much for
+him, owing to the fact that he could just about reach it. He did not
+have purchase enough to exert his full strength.
+</p>
+<p>
+He stepped down on the floor again and commenced to consider, and then
+he determined to return to the main cave and solicit Brooks and Creedon
+to go to his aid.
+</p>
+<p>
+When he re-entered the main cavern Creedon with a laugh said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, lad, did you run up against a stone wall?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I told you it was of no use to search these crevices. I've explored
+every inch."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I think not."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks knew Desmond so well he discerned that the lad had really made a
+discovery, but he said nothing.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You think not, eh?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That would hint that you had found something."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know yet, but I am certain I have found a cranny or nook that
+you never explored."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, it may be that it's 'tellings,' as the boys say."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon looked at the lad in a curious way.
+</p>
+<p>
+"It cannot be possible," he said, "that you have found anything?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Guess."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's no time to guess; what have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll show you what I've found; I want your help."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad found a piece of sapling about seven feet in length, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You gentlemen come with me; I'll show you something."
+</p>
+<p>
+Animated by great interest and curiosity, Brooks and Creedon followed
+Desmond. He led them to the little rock cave where the crevice abutted
+on the solid wall of rock, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now what do you see?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We see the rock."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that all?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Look sharp; there is something you have not discovered before."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Look."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've looked."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I reckon when you did look upon the occasion of your former visits you
+did as you are doing now&mdash;only <i>looked</i>, but you did not search."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Have you searched?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you've found something?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, look."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'm done looking."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then let me show you."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond took the strong piece of sapling he had brought with him and
+jammed one end with great force against the square piece of roofing, and
+the piece of rock moved.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon gazed aghast and exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"By all that's strange and wonderful, but I believe you have unfolded
+the Mexican's secret."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I think so; and now lend me your strength, both of you, and let's see
+if we can move that loose piece of rock. I'll bet there is an opening
+there."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are right&mdash;yes, lad, you have indeed raked into the old Mexican's
+treasure den; I can recall now some words he once spoke."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Don't spend any more time recalling; let's shove that rock aside if we
+can."
+</p>
+<p>
+The two men lent their aid to Desmond, and sure enough they did raise
+the piece of rock, and by hoisting it they managed to move it aside a
+trifle, enough to reveal the fact that there was a chamber above, and
+that the opening was through the piece of rock.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was a reward of Desmond's persistence, but after all it was accident
+that had revealed to him the opening.
+</p>
+<p>
+By hard work the men finally succeeded in moving the rock aside, and
+there was disclosed the opening, and Desmond said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now let me stand on our shoulders with the light and I will tell you
+what it is we have found. There is something there to reveal, I am dead
+sure."
+</p>
+<p>
+The two men assisted Desmond to their shoulders. He took the lantern and
+shoved his head through the opening, and then flashed the light around,
+and with a joyful shout exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"We've got it!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"This beats me dead," said Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both men were greatly excited, for it did appear that they had made a
+great find of hidden treasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+Meantime, Desmond managed to force himself up and disappeared in the
+cave. He glanced around and beheld a sight that filled him with varying
+emotions.
+</p>
+<p>
+The chamber was not more than four feet square, but on the floor in one
+corner was a shining heap. It shone under the ray of his lantern as he
+flashed the light upon it. He took a handful of the shining stuff and
+passed it down to Creedon, handing him the lantern at the same time, and
+he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are a good judge; tell me what that is?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's gold dust," cried Creedon; "how much is there of it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, barrels full, I should say."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great ginger! lad, you've struck it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, it won't run away, I reckon, but give me your hat and I'll fill
+it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that to be my share?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, we're only giving you the first whack at it, that's all."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond filled Creedon's hat with the dust and then descended, and the
+whole party made their way to the outer cavern.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER VI.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+DISCUSSING THE FIND&mdash;A NEW RESOLUTION&mdash;GOING TO CREEDON MINE&mdash;A
+DISAPPOINTMENT&mdash;BETTER INDICATIONS&mdash;A NEW MOVE.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Once in the outer cavern, Desmond said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's now a matter of business."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"How shall we divide?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are the finder," replied Creedon; "you are to decide."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You leave it to me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll make it an even divide all round."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Boy, it's a great discovery."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What do you think of its value?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It depends upon the weight, but from your description I should say we
+had a ten-thousand-dollar find."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond's eyes opened wide, and after a moment he asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Does it really belong to us?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It does certainly; I am really the appointed heir of the old Mexican,
+but anyway treasure-trove goes to the finder who can establish a right
+to it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We can," said Brooks.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet we can, and it is ours, but it's strange how the old Mexican's
+secret has been opened up. Here I've had five years to search for this
+gold and failed to find it, and this lad gets on to it in one day."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It was a mere chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, to a certain extent; but if you had not been so persistent
+you would not have developed the chance and made the find possible."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How did the old man accumulate this gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's plain enough; he has known some stream and has washed it, and
+possibly it took him ten years to gather the heap you found there; but
+how well he did it!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"He did, sure."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How shall we make a divide?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Easy enough if you will let me make a suggestion."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will carry it all out here; we run no risk, no one will ever
+penetrate to this retreat; then when we have it all carted out here we
+will divide it, a coffee cup full at time."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough; that suits me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But wait; I've a better proposition if you will accept it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go ahead."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Let's leave it where it is, go on to my mine, and if it amounts to
+anything we will have the capital to work it ourselves."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and the man said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is a good proposition."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks was less suspicious than Desmond, but the lad determined to
+accede to the proposition, and it was decided that on the following
+morning they would start for Creedon's mine, and the guide said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will start before daylight."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We had better cross the chasm in the dark; I am afraid you would hardly
+recross it if you were to behold once what would be underneath you."
+</p>
+<p>
+It was so decided.
+</p>
+<p>
+The party made all their preparations and on the following morning,
+before daylight, with the aid of Creedon's ladder the party crossed the
+chasm and proceeded on their way toward the place where Creedon's mine
+was located. They managed to secure enough game which they cooked and
+had for food, and commenced their long march, and it was a long march.
+They had been five days on the tramp, and stopped one night to camp,
+when Creedon said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"In the morning we will be on the ground."
+</p>
+<p>
+The place where they were camped was a mountain glen, and our young
+friend Desmond, being in splendid health, was exceedingly happy. The
+life thus far had been one of constant excitement, and therefore at his
+age one of continuous enjoyment, and besides, to crown all, he was
+comparatively rich. As intimated, Creedon had valued the dust at ten
+thousand dollars, and when it should be turned into money Desmond could
+indeed clear his mother's farm and go to school, and then to college,
+and it was his highest ambition to obtain a fine education. He was an
+ambitious lad.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon was restless and excited all the evening; for him a great
+decision was to be rendered. He had come to know that Brooks was indeed
+an expert, and should the latter decide that his claim was of value it
+meant that for which he had been struggling a long time, as he had said,
+for fifteen years.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon did not sleep; much danger would not have kept him awake, but
+the possibilities of the dawning day did cause exceeding restlessness.
+Desmond noticed that the woodsman did not sleep and went over and sat
+near him.
+</p>
+<p>
+"What's the matter, lad; why don't you sleep?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why don't you sleep?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"To tell the truth, I can't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Neither can I."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't see what keeps you awake."
+</p>
+<p>
+"The possibilities of the coming day."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon was in a thoughtful mood, and Desmond asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why are you so anxious to get rich?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Lad, I'll tell you: I am thirty-three years old; I started from home
+when I was less than eighteen; my father was a poor man. Living in our
+town was a rich man who had a lovely daughter; she was just fifteen. I
+had known her from the time we were wee little tots, and we fell in love
+with each other, although she was fifteen and I but a little past
+seventeen, but her father was rich; he despised low people, and that
+girl and I agreed that I was to leave home, go into the world and earn a
+fortune, and go back and claim her. We made a solemn agreement, pledged
+ourselves under the stars, she was to wait for me even if I did not
+return until I was a gray-haired man. Boy, she is waiting yet; she is a
+handsome woman now&mdash;I have her photograph&mdash;and once a year I receive a
+letter from her. She has urged me to return; her father is dead and she
+has a competency in her own right, but I am not willing to go home,
+marry her and live on her money; and besides, I want to get rich&mdash;real
+rich. I wish to buy her the finest house in our native town, give her
+horses and carriages; I'll die before I will return poor. The people in
+the town have often and often hurt her feelings by their deridings,
+telling her that I had forgotten her, that if I did succeed in winning a
+fortune I would never return to her, but would marry some one else. They
+told her I was a thriftless vagrant, never would get rich, and through
+all this she has remained true to me, and every time I receive a letter
+from her she urges me to return. I don't know; if my mine turns out all
+right I will return, if it don't I will not return, and here I am just
+about to learn what the chances are. It means to me life, love, and
+happiness, or a return to the endless longing that has inspired me for
+the last fifteen years; but, boy, I will never return unless I have a
+fortune."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No wonder you are restless, and I am now as much interested in our
+success on your account as I am on my own."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have high hopes, lad&mdash;yes, high hopes."
+</p>
+<p>
+On the morning following the dialogue related, all hands were up bright
+and early and they started for the mine, and in two hours were on the
+ground. Creedon was pale as a pictured ghost while pointing out to
+Brooks the indications, and Brooks also was excited as he made his
+study.
+</p>
+<p>
+We will not bore our readers with an account of the investigations made
+by Brooks, but will state that at the end of the second day he was
+compelled to announce that the mine was valueless.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond thought he had never seen a more disconsolate look on any man's
+face than the one that settled over the face of Creedon when the
+announcement was made.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mine don't amount to anything in itself," said Brooks, "but it
+carries a suggestion; it is a compass that points to where a valuable
+mine may be found. We are not in it yet; to-morrow I will make a survey
+and I may get indications that will carry us to the ledge where the gold
+ores extend in paying quantities&mdash;yes, I think I can read the
+indications as plainly as though the road were mapped out."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks spent two days, and then said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's all right; there is a mine somewhere, but I must have the proper
+instruments and testing utensils. I will leave you and Desmond here in
+the mountains and proceed to the nearest settlement and secure what I
+need. Creedon, I can almost promise you that we will find a rich
+digging, and it will be more accessible than this one."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have a better plan," said Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is your plan?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will go and get the dust that the lad found; we will carry that to
+the town, dispose of it, get our money, make our deposits in the bank,
+and then start in on the search. Possessing the knowledge that you do,
+we will find a mine. I am not discouraged yet."
+</p>
+<p>
+It was so agreed, and the party made their way back to where they had
+their store of dust. Creedon had made some deerskin bags so that the
+burden would not fall upon one person. The dust was all secured and they
+made a start for the town.
+</p>
+<p>
+On the night when they made their last halt before ending their trip in
+the town, Brooks, the wizard tramp, took advantage of an opportunity to
+talk to Desmond alone. He said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Lad, to-morrow we will be in the town and we will have money. I have a
+proposition. It will take a year or two to develop matters in case I do
+locate the mine; you cannot afford at your time of life to spend a year.
+I do not need you with me now. I am a man again, thanks to you, and I
+will make a confidant of Creedon. He is a manly, honest fellow, and will
+watch over me. Our joint interest will make him a splendid sentinel. I
+feel that we are sure to win, if not in one direction in another. With
+my scientific knowledge and his practical knowledge we will win, but it
+may be two or three years. This is a fascinating life for you, but you
+cannot afford to lose this valuable time."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is it you are about to propose?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can send you home with five thousand dollars and I will still have
+money enough to carry on our purpose. You can clear off the farm and go
+to school; you are ambitious, and in less than a year you will be
+prepared to stand an examination for college, and you can go with a
+cheerful heart, for if my life is spared I will win a fortune for you. I
+have no use for a fortune myself; I am working for you and Amy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But suppose something should happen to you? Do you remember you have
+not made your revelation?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I propose to provide for that; I will confide to you a document. It is
+not to be opened until you are assured of my death, so living or dead
+you shall in good time learn the great secret that I have held all these
+years."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I must think this matter over," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"There must be no thinking. I have decided as to what you must do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you do not want me to go back at all?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I want you to go home to the State of New York; I want you to go to
+clear off the farm and go to school, and I will attend to your affairs
+out here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will decide in the morning."
+</p>
+<p>
+That night Desmond thought over the whole matter. He had become
+fascinated with the life in the mountains, but when he revolved the
+whole matter in his mind he saw that it was indeed wiser for him to
+return to his home; and under what joyful circumstances he would
+return! He could clear the farm and have money in the bank; he could go
+to school and go to college, and devote his whole attention to study
+without any worry or fear, and in the morning he greeted Brooks with the
+announcement:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have decided to obey you."
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER VII.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+A SAD PARTING&mdash;PROPHETIC WORDS&mdash;ON THE TRAIN&mdash;A
+SENATOR'S SON&mdash;LEADING UP TO A TRICK&mdash;GENUINE
+FUN AHEAD.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+There came a sad look to the face of Brooks, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I shall miss you, Desmond, but I feel it is for the best. You are a
+youth of great promise. I do not mean to flatter you, I am speaking the
+truth, and it is in your interest that I so warmly advocate your return
+to the East. I desire that you become an educated man, a graduate of
+college; I wish you to secure your degree. And let me tell you now there
+was fate in our meeting, and very remarkable consequences may follow our
+acquaintance begun and maintained under such strange circumstances."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had never beheld his strange friend, the wizard tramp, under a
+similar mood. There appeared to be a prophetic spell prompting the words
+of the strange man.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I hope you do not wish to get rid of me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I am speaking in your interest alone, lad; my life has been a
+wasted one, yours is just commencing. You can be of some use in the
+world, I have been a nuisance. I have a strange tale to tell&mdash;yes,
+Desmond, like many others I have encountered a romance in life. I
+deliberately threw myself away, but where I failed you can win; there is
+a chance for you to become a useful man; great honor may await you
+because you possess the qualities that win success. You are brave, firm,
+and persistent, also enterprising; with these qualities, in this land,
+any young man can win a success against the great throng of unambitious
+and careless men like myself."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Can you trust yourself?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are certain?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You do not need me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do not."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Remember, your weakness upon several occasions permitted you to fall."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have considered everything; I have an object in life now and a
+prospect."
+</p>
+<p>
+"A prospect?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is there anything you are concealing from me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am considering your interests alone," was the reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+"But your revelation?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is not necessary for me to tell you once again that I have provided
+for you to learn the secret of my life in case anything should happen to
+me."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond at once began his arrangements for a return to the East. He had
+been away for many months; he had plenty of money; his return would be
+in great triumph in every way. He purchased fine clothes, which he was
+able to do even in the far Western town where he was stopping, and when
+he arrayed himself in his good clothes even Brooks was surprised at the
+wonderful transformation well-fitting attire made in the youth. Desmond
+was indeed a fine-looking fellow, well educated comparatively, and as is
+not unusually the case, he was naturally capable of adapting himself to
+changed conditions. He did not seem awkward in his good clothes, but
+appeared as though he had worn fine attire all his life.
+</p>
+<p>
+At length the hour came when Desmond and Brooks were to part company.
+The wizard tramp had a sad look upon his face, although he tried to be
+cheerful and jovial The attempt, however, was a failure. He said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will not go with you to the train, Desmond, we will part here, and
+you can address your letters to me here; I will arrange to have them
+forwarded to me in case I go prospecting again."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will go prospecting, I suppose, of course."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I cannot tell; but remember, if anything happens to me I have arranged
+for you to be communicated with."
+</p>
+<p>
+There came a look of concern to our hero's face, and the discerning
+Brooks said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have something to say."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have an idea."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"There is great peril in the wilderness."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"There have been cases where men have lost their lives and their deaths
+have not become known until many years afterward."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is true, lad, and I have calculated for that."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will know if such an event should occur. In the meantime let me
+tell you if a year should pass and you do not hear from me you will know
+that I am dead."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And then?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Tell Amy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And then?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"She may make a disclosure to you. Remember, I have taken every
+precaution."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do not know why you should withhold from me your life secret. No harm
+could come of an immediate revelation, but of course you have your own
+reasons for withholding your story."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, that is it, I have reasons; no harm might come of an immediate
+revelation, but I have reasons of a very satisfactory character to
+myself. You will understand and appreciate them when they are made known
+to you. Desmond, I am a changed man; you need have no fear concerning me
+now; time has righted a wrong. I am strong now&mdash;that is, normally
+strong&mdash;all will go well, I believe, if not with me at least with you."
+</p>
+<p>
+A little later and our hero was on his way across the country to the
+town where he was to take the train, and a better equipped lad for
+adventure never boarded a train, and lo, he encountered several very
+thrilling adventures ere he arrived at the valley farm where kind hearts
+beat to greet him.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had been on the train but a few minutes really when he observed
+a tall, country-looking young fellow, who fixed his eyes on him. As has
+been demonstrated all through our narrative, Desmond was a very quick,
+discerning chap; in the language of the day, he was "up to snuff," and
+the instant he caught the eye of the country-looking fellow he knew that
+something was up, and he discerned more which will be disclosed as our
+narrative advances.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had not boarded a through train; he was to go to a large town
+where he would meet a through express. The train he had entered was a
+way train, and he seated himself by the window. No one was in the seat
+with him at first, but soon the country-looking chap took a seat beside
+him. The latter appeared to be a jolly, innocent sort of chap, and he
+addressed the young adventurer with the words:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hello!"
+</p>
+<p>
+There came a merry gleam in Desmond's eyes, as he asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you take me for a telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The stranger arched his eyebrows, and demanded:
+</p>
+<p>
+"A telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What makes you ask that question?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Because you yelled 'hello' in my ear."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've heard about telephones, but I never saw one."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You never did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No; what are they like?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The question was asked seemingly in the most innocent manner, but the
+keen-witted Desmond's suspicions were at once aroused, and on the
+instant he made a curious discovery. The fellow was a make-up, under a
+disguise, and consequently under immediate suspicion also.
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you never saw a telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You <i>tell</i> me that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero knew he had a long journey before him; he was naturally very
+fond of a joke and excitement, and besides he had instinctive hatred for
+designing men. Our hero was aware that the trains, as a rule, are
+infested with sharps, and the efforts of the railroad companies to
+squelch these nuisances are not altogether successful. Our adventurer
+determined to have a little amusement, and if his suspicions were fully
+verified he was resolved to teach at least one sharp a good lesson. We
+will repeat, Desmond did not look like an athlete or a youth who had
+seen the rough side of life; he could easily be mistaken for an
+ordinarily bright youth who had much to learn.
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you really never saw a telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never," repeated the man.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond, having determined upon his course of action, assumed a most
+serious air, and with the greatest earnestness graphically described a
+telephone, and the stranger appeared to be all interest and attention,
+and expressed his surprise by innocent ejaculations, as our hero related
+the wonderful possibilities of the telephone.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was an amusing scene, or would have been to one who was under the
+rose and understood that a game was being played.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Desmond's description apparently, as stated, told in the most
+earnest manner the sharp, as we shall call him, said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well that beats me, it beats anything I ever heard. See here, stranger,
+you are making a fool of me with a big fish story because I am a green
+Western man, born and raised on the prairie."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I've told you the truth."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, well, you come from the city?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I am going to the city."
+</p>
+<p>
+"New York?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that your home?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, <i>New York lies near where</i> I live."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Dear me, what wonderful sights you have seen!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, sir."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That New York is a wonderful place."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet it is."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am going there some day&mdash;yes, I've said I'd see New York some day and
+I will. It must make a man blind for a few days to go around there."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, it is rather dazzling," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+So the conversation continued for quite a time and finally the stranger
+rose and went away, saying he would return immediately. Quite a
+respectable-looking man took the vacated seat beside Desmond, and the
+last neighbor asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you know that green-looking chap who was just talking to you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, sir, I never saw him before."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you don't know who he is?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, sir."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is a son of Senator F&mdash;&mdash;, the richest mine owner out in this
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond studied the man who was giving him this unsolicited information,
+and he concluded that the nice-looking man was sharp number two; he was
+up to this sort of business and perceived the whole game.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, he appears like a good, honest fellow," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Honest? why, you could trust him with all you had in the world."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, he looks that."
+</p>
+<p>
+"He is one of the kindest-hearted fellows in the world. I tell you if
+you get into trouble he is the man to aid you. He is the best pistol
+shot and rifle shot in the land. Why, that fellow has fought off a whole
+tribe of Indians. The redskins fear him as a white man fears the devil,
+and his father is one of the richest men out in this section, as I told
+you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes. He don't look like a millionaire's son."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, but he is all the same, and he appears to have taken a great fancy
+to you. I was watching him while he talked to you; I tell you no one
+will interfere with you anywhere in this land if they know that he is
+your friend."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's good."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes. He is a splendid fellow."
+</p>
+<p>
+The man who had volunteered all this information walked into a forward
+car, and a few moments later the senator's son, so-called, returned, and
+as frequently occurs in far Western trains, the particular car in which
+Desmond was riding was deserted. Our hero and the countryman had the car
+all to themselves, and after a little further talk the senator's son
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I wish some greeny would come in here, we'd have some fun."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll tell you, I am a regular juggler; I know all the tricks of
+gamblers and I'd fool a fellow."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you know all the tricks of gamblers?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and sometimes I beat the game just for fun. You see I am down on
+gamblers, I just like to beat them. Generally there are one or two of
+those rascals on this train, but they know me; I don't get a chance at
+them any more, so I sometimes amuse myself by astonishing greenhorns. By
+ginger! but it's funny I've never been in New York; I am half a mind to
+go right on to the great city with you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, come along," said Desmond, a merry twinkle in his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER VIII.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+PLAYING TO CATCH A WEASEL&mdash;A SHARP'S
+SCHOLAR&mdash;OPENING UP OF THE GAME&mdash;TWO
+BIG HANDS&mdash;A CRISIS.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+"I can't go, but I'd like to; but you give me your address, and some day
+you will see me in York. I feel like the man who said, 'See Venice and
+die;' I want to see New York. Say, they tell me there are a great many
+sharpers in that wonderful city."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, it's full of them."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, wouldn't I have fun beating those fellows, especially on the race
+track, eh? They tell me these sharps are as thick as mosquitoes in
+August down on the race tracks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, they hover around there."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I like you, young fellow."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you said."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You're honest; I like an honest young fellow every time. Are you an
+orphan?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"A half orphan."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother dead?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, my father."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I am just the other way&mdash;my mother is dead and my dad, he is away
+up. They say he is a great man. I reckon he is, but I am no shakes; you
+see I care more for fun than lands. Now, see here; I'll teach you some
+tricks. Would you like to learn?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I would."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough, and when you get back to York you can punish some of those
+sharps there, for my occupation is gone out here; they won't let me play
+against them or I'd beat them every time&mdash;yes, I beat their game and
+then give the money away to some poor person who needs it; but they
+don't know you, and before we get to the end of the route some of those
+fellows may get aboard, and as I said, they don't know you, and we'll
+have some great fun; you can beat the game."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'd like to do that."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You would?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I was beaten once."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You were?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"At what game?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Three card monte."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, well! and did they ever come the thimblerig on you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I had a taste of that also."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you've been through the mill?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, now, see here; I'll teach you the game, and you are the only one
+I ever will teach it to; you are honest. But if I were to teach the game
+to some fellows who claim to be honest they would start in as gamblers
+right away."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I never will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I can see that in your eye; you've got an honest face; I like you
+clean through."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you again."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and I am going to learn you a trick or two."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll be glad to learn."
+</p>
+<p>
+The man produced his cards and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I always carry an outfit with me just for fun."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's fine."
+</p>
+<p>
+We cannot in words describe the peculiar tones of our hero or the
+singular expression upon his face, but he was playing for great fun. He
+held in reserve a great surprise for the senator's son, a grand climax
+and tableau was to close the scene, or rather, as Desmond classed it in
+his mind, grand comedy. He did not know just how the fellow intended to
+work his game; he believed the method would be a novel one, but he was
+ready&mdash;yes, permitting himself to be led on to the grand climax.
+</p>
+<p>
+The wizard tramp was an expert gambler and he had taught Desmond a great
+many tricks in order to put the youth on his guard, and also for
+amusement during their lonely hours together. All there was to learn
+about the trick Desmond already knew, but he pretended ignorance, and
+let the sharp go ahead. He proved an apt scholar, however, for the
+senator's son said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Jiminy! I don't know but I am doing wrong."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Doing wrong?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You learn so quick you appear to be a natural gambler."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am pretty quick at learning points, I will admit."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are great."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero had just about mastered the intricacies of the game when, lo,
+three men entered the car, and the sharp whispered to the lad:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great Scott! here are a lot of 'gambs' as sure as you are alive. I
+wonder if they will give me a chance at them; if they do I'll show you
+some fun, if they don't you are up to the trick, you are my pupil, and
+you can show me the fun."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Lay low, my friend, don't go too fast or these fellows will become
+suspicious. I want to catch them good, and we will if you play it
+right."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was on to the trick; he saw how the game was to be played, and
+he appreciated that it was indeed a neat little trick. They were working
+to fleece him differently from any little game he had ever seen or had
+read about.
+</p>
+<p>
+The "gambs," as the sharp had called the newcomers in the car, did not
+betray their game at once. They took a seat a little distance off and
+commenced playing among themselves "only for fun," as they said loud
+enough to be overheard.
+</p>
+<p>
+"We'll catch them," whispered the sharp.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know; they do not appear disposed to let us into their game;
+maybe they are acquainted with you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never mind, they will go for you. Let me see, I'll go out of the car,
+see! and then they will make your acquaintance. I'll be at hand in case
+there is a row."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I see."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We must catch these fellows and teach them a lesson."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will have to blind them. Let me see; have you any money to make a
+bluff on?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, plenty."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Make believe you are making a bet with me and show a roll, then we will
+bait them and they will go for you; and, oh, won't we give 'em a lesson?
+You bet we will; we'll just clean them out and give the money to some
+needy person&mdash;that is, you can&mdash;and you'll meet many a poor cuss before
+you get to New York."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can meet them anywhere."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Have you got a roll?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"A good sized one? for we want to give them a good bait."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was playing his part of the game well&mdash;very well&mdash;his whole
+manner was right up to the mark&mdash;indeed, he did a fine piece of acting.
+He pulled out a roll of bills, pretended to dispute with the sharp, and
+suddenly exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll bet you a hundred."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, no, young fellow, I don't bet," said the sharp. "I know I am right,
+I'd only be robbing you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I won't let you rob me; I am up to what I say."
+</p>
+<p>
+The youth put an emphasis on his words which the sharp did not notice;
+he thought he had such a sure thing, he was not looking for a false
+"steer." Desmond saw the glitter, however, in the sharp's eyes at the
+sight of the roll, for it looked like a big pile of money, and the sharp
+appeared to feel, as indicated in his face, that the pile was already
+his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+"By ginger!" he said, "you are a dandy; you can play this game right up,
+but don't be too anxious or you will scare those fellows off; just take
+it easy, let them lead you on."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, I know how to work; don't you forget I am a Yorker."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I see you Yorkers are smart fellows. You know a heap, I can see
+that; but I did learn you some?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and when we get through here, I'll teach you a trick."
+</p>
+<p>
+The sharp shot a keen glance at Desmond, and the lad saw that he had
+been a little premature, but it was only a fuse that flashed, and the
+sharp said, speaking in a very low tone:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll go in the next car, but I'll be on hand at the right moment. I
+want to enjoy the laugh when you catch these fellows. You are sure you
+are on to the trick?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You must keep your eyes well open."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+The sharp left the car, and after a moment one of the confederates came
+over and took a seat alongside of Desmond, and in a jolly, familiar
+tone, he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bucked the senator's son down, didn't you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It takes a good man to buck him down; He's got lots of stuff and sand
+too, but you bucked him."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We're having a little game here to pass the time&mdash;it's awful dreary
+these long rides. You see, we are salesmen and we've had some of these
+fellows out here trying to rope us in, and we are trying to learn the
+game."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Don't you know the game?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No; do you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I know a little about it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come along and show us what you know."
+</p>
+<p>
+The party got together; Desmond appeared hale-fellow-well-met with the
+rogues, and the game was played amid a great deal of laughter, until one
+of the party said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"By Jove! boys, I am on to this thing."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You daren't bet for fair."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I dare."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, come off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll bet for fair; I'll give every one of you a chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am in earnest; who'll go first and bet me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will," said one man.
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right."
+</p>
+<p>
+The cards were thrown and a bet made, and the dealer was beat and lost
+apparently a ten-dollar bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; I was beat that time. Who'll take a second hack at it? I've
+got it all right, and I'll catch some of you fellows."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Will you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will, by thunder."
+</p>
+<p>
+The trick was being played in the most bungling manner, simply because
+when properly played the exposure would have shown the game. The second
+man bet and won, and the dealer said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I give it up, let's play a little game we know something about."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What will it be?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll deal you fellows a little faro; we might as well pass the time
+that way as any other."
+</p>
+<p>
+A game of faro commenced and Desmond went into the game, and in a little
+time the original sharp came in the car and wanted to take a hand, and
+it was then that the gamblers said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, we won't let you; you are a 'jack' player; we are only amateurs."
+</p>
+<p>
+The party played faro for a little while and then a regular game of
+poker was proposed. The latter was a game that all hands could play in
+for a trick; even the senator's son was permitted to enter the game, and
+winking in a knowing manner to our hero he did get in the game, and the
+four proceeded up to a crisis where, as usual, two men held hands of
+value, and as it chanced, the original sharp was the man who held a hand
+against Desmond, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here, I'll only make a small bet; I don't want to win your money."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll bet you anything you want," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hello! are you in earnest?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you really want to get my money?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Dead sure?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've a big hand, I'll tell you that before you start in."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's all right, I'm betting on my hand."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now see here, young fellow, remember this is poker, and on principle I
+always claim when I win, so don't bet high on your hand."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll go as high as you choose."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you know what you are doing?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am in dead earnest."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So am I."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Everything is barred?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, everything," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; if you will have it so swing out your roll. I'm betting
+heavy on this hand, but I've warned you, remember."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, but you can't bluff me," said Desmond.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER IX.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+ALMOST A BREAK&mdash;A NOVEL GAME TO ROB&mdash;OUR HERO'S
+ARTISTIC ACTING&mdash;A TABLEAU AND A GRAND SURPRISE.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Again the sharp fixed his eyes upon our hero, but it was not a
+give-away; Desmond was playing his game too well. He appeared like an
+excited gambler, an amateur, who apparently believed he had a sure
+thing.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll warn you once more," said the sharp.
+</p>
+<p>
+"To the dogs with your warning, you daren't bet."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, yes, I dare bet, but I like you; I've a dead sure hand, you can't
+beat me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's my lookout."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you know just what you are doing?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"These men can bear witness that I want to throw up my hand."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You needn't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you will really bet?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"With your eyes open?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Dead sure."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; what is your raise?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond gave a lift and the sharp raised back, and so the play went on
+until the stake was a thousand dollars on the two hands, and the sharp
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"See here, young follow, five hundred is enough for you to lose."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, no, I am not losing."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You ain't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Suppose you are mistaken."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can stand it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; no use for me to attempt to stand against a young fellow
+like you. I begin to suspect you've been playing innocent, and I will
+teach you a lesson; I raise you a hundred."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I see it and go two hundred better."
+</p>
+<p>
+Each time a bet was made the money was laid on the table, and it was a
+very exciting scene and moment. The sharp looked puzzled; he had laid
+out for a dead sure thing, but there had come a complete change over
+Desmond, and it was the latter fact that scared the sharp. He
+hesitated, but at length, in a slow tone, said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll see you a call," and he laid down his cards. He held four jacks, a
+great hand, but one that is often beaten, of course, and it was beaten
+on this occasion, for, strange to declare, Desmond held four kings.
+</p>
+<p>
+Right here let us offer an explanation. Our hero was playing against a
+false deal; the man who was leading him made the fatal mistake that he
+was working with a gudgeon on his hook, consequently he was not
+watchful. The wizard tramp had taught Desmond a great many tricks, and
+the lad's natural discernment and watchfulness had prepared him for the
+hand when the great trick was to be sprung, and unwatched he worked a
+bigger trick. He did not know what the hand was he was pitted against,
+but he had been let in to gamblers' tricks, that is, "snide" gamblers.
+These fellows in making a false deal do not win on the highest hands,
+for they always know the hand against them. The fellow who was seeking
+to rob Desmond thought he knew our hero's hand, but it was right there
+he was fooled. Our hero had worked his own trick, as stated&mdash;he stole a
+hand so deftly that the unwatchful robbers did not see him do it, and it
+was there he had them. He was really taking a slight chance, but only a
+slight one, and what followed? Well, it was a case of the biter bitten,
+and when Desmond exposed his hand there came a look upon the sharp's
+face that can never be described, but which might be photographed with a
+snap-shot machine.
+</p>
+<p>
+There fell a dead stillness in that car for a few seconds, and then the
+defeated sharp said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Aha! you are a cheat."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Am I?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was perfectly cool.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, you are, and that money is mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, see here, young fellow, don't you attempt to bluff me, or I'll mark
+you."
+</p>
+<p>
+As intimated, there had come a great change over Desmond. He did not
+look like and he certainly did not act like the same person who a little
+time previously had been learning gambling tricks from the sharp. The
+gambler attempted to rake the money from the seat, and it was at that
+moment the real fun commenced.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You miserable rascal," cried Desmond, "lay a finger on a bill on that
+seat and I'll pin your hand to the car seat."
+</p>
+<p>
+Well, there was a scene of consternation around there just at that
+instant, and our hero said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've been carrying out your programme, amusing myself with a sneak
+thief, and now, Mr. Senator's Son, you have evidence that Yorkers do
+know a thing or two, and you get yourself together and get out of this
+car and off the train at the next station, or I'll make a horse-fly net
+of you. Is that plain English? Take your own money, I don't need it. You
+are under cover, but let me give you a pointer&mdash;you play the senator's
+son too well altogether to make a success of it."
+</p>
+<p>
+The group of gamblers stared in silence. They did not dare make a
+hostile move; there was something about Desmond in his transformed
+appearance that froze them&mdash;indeed, even his youth was a mystery to
+them, for he acted like a man who had had years of experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You started in, gentlemen, to play a big game of robbery, but ran up
+against a snag. I am letting you off easy&mdash;very easy&mdash;but you see we
+young fellows from York are not malicious."
+</p>
+<p>
+The gamblers had indeed gotten off easily, and we will here explain that
+they did not fear Desmond in a scrimage; but they would have feared any
+one who would have made a fight, as they did not wish to draw the
+attention of the train men to their scheme which had been exposed. Had
+they been winners they would have made a fight, but the game they were
+attempting was one of highway robbery, for they had been outwitted in
+the deal, and had no claim upon the money.
+</p>
+<p>
+The train arrived at a station and the gamblers started to alight. They
+felt bitter, and the self-styled senator's son said to Desmond:
+</p>
+<p>
+"The train will stop here fifteen minutes. You are a good fellow, I like
+you, I'd like to have you stop off a minute and have a cool drink with
+us."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond well knew the scoundrel's purpose, but being fond of adventure
+he determined to give the rascals a still greater surprise. He was in
+splendid condition, his muscles were developed up to the consistency of
+whit-leather, and with a smile he rose to follow the man who had invited
+him to alight for refreshment. The gambler stepped off the car ahead of
+Desmond; the latter followed, when the former suddenly swung round and
+made a vicious lunge at the youth who had so cleverly outwitted him, and
+once again the scamp was outwitted. A second time he ran up against a
+snag, for our hero dodged the blow that was meant for him and countered
+with a tremendous slugger which landed on his assailant's nose, and over
+the man fell with a swiftness that would have suggested the kick of a
+horse, and when he fell he lay there; but two of the other chaps had in
+the meantime made a rush for Desmond, and they received a rap
+successively&mdash;indeed, they had run in on our young walking champion
+where he was at home. He was a wonder in science, strength and agility;
+no two or three ordinary men would have had any show with him at all,
+and the fact was the assailants so determined, for the attack was not
+renewed, and our hero stepped aboard the train, the object of the
+wondering glances of twenty people who had witnessed the assault and
+its culmination.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond sat down in the car as coolly as though he had just gone out for
+a breath of fresh air.
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero encountered several other adventures of a minor character, but
+in good time arrived in New York City. He had not announced his return
+to the farm, and consequently spent several days in the all-round
+greatest city in the world. There is no place like old New York; there
+is more life to be seen in the great American metropolis in one day than
+can be seen in any other great capital in two. It is a city peculiar to
+itself, unlike any other, in its situation between two rivers and its
+nose practically putting out to the sea; in its activities and general
+loveliness&mdash;indeed, it in a wonderful place, and Desmond enjoyed every
+minute during his sojourn, but at length he took a train up-country and
+in due time arrived at the station from which he was to team it to the
+old farm where his grandfather and father had lived and died.
+</p>
+<p>
+As stated, Desmond had not announced his return, and when within a mile
+of the farm he alighted from the wagon that had carried him over and
+started afoot. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived in sight of
+the old farm, and he was standing on a rise of ground looking over
+toward his old home, when he espied a girl sitting beneath a tree. One
+glance was sufficient; he recognized Amy, and he determined to steal
+upon her unawares. He managed to gain a clump of bushes located within
+twenty feet of where the girl sat, and he had an opportunity to study
+her unobserved. We will not describe his emotions, but it was a
+beautiful sight that fell under his delighted gaze. The life on the farm
+had been of great advantage to Amy in many ways, and in her white muslin
+dress she appeared so beautiful as to make it seem that she was out of
+place in that wild region. Her form was perfect in its grace, and her
+face&mdash;well, we will not go into a description, but let it suffice to say
+that there are few girls in all the world who surpass her in the
+exquisite loveliness of her face.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond studied the girl for a long time and he observed that she
+appeared to be perfectly contented and happy. She had her mandolin with
+her, and after quite a period of abstraction she took up her instrument,
+and soon her splendid voice sounded clear and melodious on the still
+air, for it was an afternoon when nature rested under a spell, as it
+were; not a breath of air appeared to float amid the leaves and flowers.
+</p>
+<p>
+A moment, and our hero made the most delightful discovery of his life.
+Amy was singing and improvising; she did it readily and charmingly, and
+her hidden auditor was indeed charmed. She was singing to an absent one,
+and she mingled the name of our hero in her song. It was a plea for the
+absent one to return, and the sweetness of the melody was not more
+entrancing than the verses. She appeared to be not only a singer but a
+poetess, possessed of rare talent.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond did not appear inclined to break the spell, but when he saw Amy
+making preparations to depart he stepped from his place of concealment.
+The girl uttered a cry; at the first glance she did not recognize the
+farmer boy, transformed as he was into a gentleman in dress, but when
+she caught sight of his face and heard his merry laugh and pleasant
+salutation, she exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, Desmond, I did not know you at first. How elegant you look!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you; how is my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"She is well, but did not know you were coming home; neither did I."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, no, I thought I would give you a surprise. It's all right, here I
+am, this side up with care."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother will be delighted."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am giddy with delight, and I hope all is well with you and with my&mdash;"
+The girl stopped short and said, "Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, when I left him he was all right."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did he come with you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you are
+surprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be more
+surprised did you behold at this moment your&mdash;I mean Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a moment
+later by a bright smile, as she said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And what makes you so happy?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The question was put abruptly.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER X.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+	CONCLUSION.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>
+Amy suddenly appeared to realize&mdash;well, our readers can guess what. It
+appeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness,
+and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed,
+and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless&mdash;"
+Again the girl stopped short.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go on," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Unless I am to be taken away from your mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you desire to remain with my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I love your mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You love my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And who else?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The question came in a pointed manner; Amy was a girl nearly sixteen.
+</p>
+<p>
+"My&mdash;I mean Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Who else?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The girl did not answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come, Amy, who else do you love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are real mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You know."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't want to be mean, but tell me who else you love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I won't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You won't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+There was bantering in the tones of both these young people at that
+moment.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Shall I tell you who I love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I love my mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can't help it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have learned to love Mr. Brooks, your&mdash;I mean&mdash;well, Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+In a tantalizing tone the girl asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Who else?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, you're real mean," said Desmond, imitating Amy's tone at the
+moment she had made the same remark to him.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't want to be mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Will you keep my secret?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes," came the eager answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Honor bright?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, honor bright."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You won't tell even my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The girl did not answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come, promise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I promise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've met a girl I love, and I've made you my confidante, but don't tell
+my mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+Amy had turned desperately pale, and in a pettish, trembling tone, she
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will tell your mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You promised not to do so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't care, I'll break my promise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, Amy, you are real mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can't help it if I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am mad&mdash;real mad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Because you went and fell in love with a girl; it's ridiculous,
+anyway."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are only a boy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What are you, pray? you are only a girl."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I know it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I couldn't fall in love with a mere girl, could I?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, you could."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond laughed in a merry manner, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, to tell the truth, I did fall in love with a mere girl. Do you
+want to hear about her?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I don't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am going to tell you all the same; you are the girl I've fallen in
+love with."
+</p>
+<p>
+There came a bright, happy look to Amy's beautiful face as she said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, you are real mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"To tell me that so suddenly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, who else do you love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I love you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; go and break your promise and tell my mother," said Desmond
+in a provoking tone, following his advice by encircling Amy's waist and
+imprinting upon her red-hot cheek a kiss.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You tell your mother yourself," said Amy.
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I won't; you said you would."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, well!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother will be glad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What?" ejaculated Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother will be glad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How do you know?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"She told me so."
+</p>
+<p>
+That night there was a happy party under the old farmhouse roof. Mrs.
+Dare had met her son with tears of joy in her eyes, and Desmond had told
+the weird tale of his remarkable adventures.
+</p>
+<p>
+At once our hero set to work to prepare for college. He had talked the
+matter over with his mother and with Amy, and in due time he did enter
+Amherst College, and for a long time his adventures ceased. He heard
+occasionally from Mr. Brooks, who appeared to be doing well and who sent
+money on at intervals, but no explanation. And so the time passed until
+Desmond graduated and returned home. He met his mother and Amy, and a
+moment later there came forth from the house a well-known figure; it was
+Brooks, the whilom wizard tramp.
+</p>
+<p>
+Again there followed a pleasant evening, and on the following morning
+Desmond was out bright and early to take a walk over the farm. He had
+gone but a short distance when he saw a figure in the grove near the
+house. He advanced and met his old friend the wizard tramp.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are out early," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I thought I might meet you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you will now tell me how you have succeeded?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, Desmond, I will tell you all now, and I owe all to you. We are
+rich&mdash;very rich. We found the mine, Creedon and I, and we got
+capitalists interested and developed it. You were our silent partner,
+and to-day you are worth a quarter of a million and I am worth as much
+more, or rather Amy is, for I have been working for my child."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have suspected all along that Amy was your daughter. Has she told you
+anything?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, she has told me she is to become your wife."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What do you think of it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It has been the one hope of my life that you would win her love and she
+yours. It was for this reason I insisted upon your returning to the
+East, and the wisdom of my plans is fully confirmed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have a revelation to make to me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have made the revelation&mdash;Amy is my own child."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And is that all you have to reveal? I've known that all along."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is my most important revelation, but I have another to make. My
+father was the younger son of an English nobleman; he married a
+beautiful but poor girl, as the world counts riches, and his father
+drove him away, and he came here to America. He never saw his brother
+again; his nephew, my cousin, inherited the estates and title, but
+strange to say, I was the nearest of kin. Five years ago my cousin died;
+he left no estate, but the title which had been maintained in honor by
+my ancestors has descended to me, and when you marry Amy you will marry
+a lord's daughter."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond meditated a moment, and then said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am satisfied to marry the daughter of plain Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you, my son, but I shall clear the estate, and for a season at
+least dwell in the ancient halls of my ancestors. I will remain to
+witness your marriage and shall then go home to England. And now comes
+my last revelation: you and Amy are distantly connected; my remote
+ancestors were yours also. Your grandfather came down from the younger
+line a long time back, but blood as good as any one's flows in your
+veins."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, from my mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I admit it, <i>from your mother</i>."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our readers know what followed. Amy and Desmond were married, and on
+the night of the wedding he remarked to his father-in-law:
+</p>
+<p>
+"This time I took no desperate chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Neither did Amy when she intrusted her future happiness to you," came
+the bright and elegant answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+The whilom wizard tramp did return to England, and it was in the
+ancestral halls that Desmond and Amy spent their delightful honeymoon.
+</p>
+<center>
+THE END.
+</center>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Desperate Chance
+by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 10690-h.htm or 10690-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/6/9/10690/
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS," WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
+
+
+
diff --git a/10690-h/sleuth.png b/10690-h/sleuth.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..caf8b35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/10690-h/sleuth.png
diff --git a/10690.txt b/10690.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..174458c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/10690.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,3533 @@
+Project Gutenberg's A Desperate Chance, by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Desperate Chance
+       The Wizard Tramp's Revelation, A Thrilling Narrative
+
+Author: Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+Release Date: January 12, 2004 [EBook #10690]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+A DESPERATE CHANCE:
+
+OR
+
+THE WIZARD TRAMP'S REVELATION,
+
+A Thrilling Narrative.
+
+By OLD SLEUTH.
+
+[Illustration: "He Placed the Ladder of Saplings Across the Abyss."]
+
+1897
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE CAMPFIRE IN THE GULCH--AN ALARM--THE SOLITARY
+FIGURE--UNDER COVER--A WHITE MAN--"HAIL,
+FRIEND!"--A CORDIAL MEETING--A SECOND STRANGE
+CHARACTER.
+
+
+"Well, Desmond, we've taken a desperate chance, and so far appear to be
+losers."
+
+The circumstances under which the words above quoted were spoken were
+weird and strange. A man and a mere youth were sitting by a campfire
+that was blazing and crackling in a narrow gulch far away in the Rocky
+Mountains, days and days travel from civilization.
+
+The circumstances that had brought them there were also very strange and
+unusual. Desmond Dare was the son of a widow who owned a small farm in
+New York State. There had been a mortgage on this farm which was about
+to be foreclosed when Desmond, a brave, vigorous lad, sold his only
+possession, a valuable colt, and determined to enter a walking match for
+the prize. He was on his way to the city where the match was to take
+place when in a belt of woods he heard a cry for help. He ran in the
+direction whence the cry came and found three tramps assailing a fourth
+man. The vigorous youth sprang to the rescue and drove the three tramps
+off, and was later persuaded by the man he had rescued to go with him to
+a rock cavern. There the lad beheld a very beautiful girl of about
+fourteen whose history was enveloped in a dark mystery; he also learned
+that the man he had rescued was known as the wizard tramp. The latter
+was a very strange and peculiar character, a victim of the rum habit,
+which had brought him away down until he became a tramp of the most
+pronounced type. This man, however, was really a very shrewd fellow,
+well educated, not only in book learning, but in the ways of the world,
+and seeing that Desmond had resolved to take a desperate chance, the
+tramp volunteered to land him a winner; he succeeded in so doing. The
+champion of the walking match carried his money to his mother, the tramp
+went upon an extended spree and spent his share. Afterward the tramp and
+Desmond Dare started on the road together. The girl had been placed with
+Mrs. Dare on the farm, and the man and boy proceeded West afoot,
+determined to locate a gold mine. The former discovered each day some
+new quality, and held forth to Desmond that some day he would make a
+very startling revelation. The youth had no idea as to the character of
+the revelation, but knowing that the tramp, named Brooks, was a very
+remarkable man, he anticipated a very startling denouement. After many
+very strange and exciting adventures Brooks, the tramp, and Desmond Dare
+arrived in the Rockies, and in due time started in to find their gold
+mine. The previous history of these two remarkable characters can be
+read in Nos. 90 and 91 of "OLD SLEUTH'S OWN."
+
+At the time we introduce the tramp and Desmond Dare to our readers in
+this narrative, they had been knocking around the mountains in search of
+their mine and had met with failures on every side, and at length one
+night they camped in the gulch as described in our opening paragraphs,
+and Brooks spoke the words with which we open our narrative.
+
+They were sitting beside their fire; both were partly attired as hunters
+and mountaineers, and both were well armed. Brooks, who had practically
+been a bloat had lived a temperate life, had enjoyed plenty of exercise
+in the open air, and had experienced to a certain extent a return of his
+original physical strength and vigor. At the time the whilom tramp made
+the disconsolate remark quoted, Desmond asked:
+
+"What do you propose to do--give it up?"
+
+"I don't know just what to do, lad."
+
+"We've scraped together a little gold dust; possibly we may have money
+enough to engage in some legitimate business, and what we can't get by
+the discovery of a mine, we may acquire in time in speculation. You are
+shrewd and level-headed."
+
+"That would be a good scheme for you, lad, but not for me. I am too far
+advanced in life to earn money by slow labor now. What I propose is that
+you go back, take all the gold we have, and enter into trade; you are
+bright and energetic and may succeed."
+
+"And what will you do?"
+
+"I shall continue my search for a mine, and some day I may strike it."
+
+Brooks was a college graduate, a civil engineer, and a mineralogist, and
+believed he had great advantages in searching for a mine, but, as has
+been indicated, thus far their tramp and search had been a dead failure.
+
+"I'll stick with you," said Desmond.
+
+"No, lad, you must go back."
+
+"I swear I will not; I like this life, and remember, we have gathered
+some wash dust and we may gather more. I don't know the value of what we
+have gathered from the bottom of that stream we struck, but I do know
+that it would take a long time to accumulate as much money in trade.
+Remember, we have been in the mountains only six weeks."
+
+"That is all right, but we might stay here six years and not make a
+find."
+
+At that instant there came a sound which caused Brooks and Desmond to
+bend their ears and listen. Some of the Indians were on the warpath; a
+band of bucks had been making a raid and had been pursued by the United
+States cavalry into the mountains. Indians, as a rule, do not take to
+the mountains, but sometimes when pursued hotly they will separate into
+small bands and scatter through the hills; these fellows are dangerous.
+They would have murdered any white men they might meet for their arms
+alone, without considering the spirit of wantonness or revenge that
+might animate them.
+
+Brooks and Desmond rose from their seats beside the fire and moved
+slowly away. At any moment an arrow or even a rifle shot might come and
+end the life of one or both.
+
+Desmond had become a very expert woodsman; he and Brooks had been
+chased by Indians several times and had exchanged shots with one band.
+They knew a cover in a crevice in the wall of rock which ran up abruptly
+each side of the gulch; from this spot they could survey and also make a
+good fight in an emergency. They had good weapons, plenty of ammunition,
+and what was more, coolness, skill, and courage. Desmond, especially,
+was a very cool-headed chap in times of danger; the use of firearms was
+not new to him, nor was the woodsman life altogether a novelty, for he
+had been raised in a very wild and desolate mountain region.
+
+Quickly they stole to cover, although they believed it possible that
+they might have been seen, for they had absolute proof, well known to
+woodsmen, that if there were foes in the vicinity they had been
+discovered. Once in their covert they lay low, and a few moments passed,
+when they beheld a solitary figure advancing slowly and very cautiously
+up the gulch, and as the figure came in the light of the fire Desmond,
+whose eyesight was very keen, said:
+
+"It's a white man; he looks like a hunter; we will wait a moment or two,
+but I guess it is all right."
+
+The figure, meantime, with rifle poised, advanced very slowly and
+finally stood fully revealed close to the fire, and indeed he was a
+white man of strong and vigorous frame.
+
+"I'll go and meet him," said Desmond; "you lay low here, rifle in hand
+ready to shoot in case he proves an enemy."
+
+"All right, lad, go ahead."
+
+Desmond stepped from his hiding-place and advanced toward the fire. The
+stranger saw him, still held his position ready for offense or defense,
+and permitted Desmond to approach, and soon he discerned that the lad
+was a white man and he called:
+
+"Hail, friend!"
+
+"Hail, to you," replied the lad.
+
+The two men approached and shook hands. The hunter was a splendid
+specimen of physical manhood, and his face indicated honesty and
+good-nature.
+
+"Are you alone here, lad?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Where's your comrade?"
+
+Desmond made a sign, and Brooks stepped forth from the crevice and
+approached the fire.
+
+"Hail, friend," said the stranger hunter.
+
+Brooks answered the salutation, the two men shook hands and the stranger
+said;
+
+"What may be your business out here?"
+
+"We'll talk of that later on; but, stranger, you took great chances."
+
+"I did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"In approaching the fire you were exposed; suppose the fire had been
+kindled by Indians?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"I knew it was not an Indian's fire."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"They don't create such a big blaze. I knew white men were around, and
+men whom I need not fear, but I was on my guard all the same."
+
+"We could have dropped you off."
+
+"Well, yes, but out here we have to take chances, and it was necessary
+for me to do so."
+
+"It was?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"I need food; I have not struck any game lately. The fact is, I've been
+up in the peaks where there is no game. I hope you have a cold snack
+here, my friends, and some tobacco, for I have not had a regular tobacco
+smoke or chew for over a month."
+
+"We were just about to prepare some coffee and make a meal."
+
+"Good enough; did you say coffee? Well, I have struck Elysium; I haven't
+tasted a cup of coffee in a year. You see I was snowbound away up in the
+mountains; fortunately I had plenty of dried meat, and I was compelled
+to wait until I was thawed out."
+
+Brooks commenced making the coffee, and while doing so the woodsman
+asked:
+
+"Are you regular hunters?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Ever in the mountains before?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"You've been taking great chances."
+
+"We have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"The mountains are full of bad Indian fugitives, and they are very ugly.
+Some are parts of a raiding gang of bucks, and others are rascals who
+have made a kick out at the reservation. I've met twenty of them in the
+last ten days; they are in squads of twos and threes, and they are full
+of fight."
+
+"We have met some of them."
+
+"And you managed to escape?"
+
+"We had a fight with one party."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How did you come out?"
+
+"Ahead, I reckon, or we would not be here."
+
+The conversation was between the woodsman and Desmond.
+
+"What brought you into the mountains--are you tourists?"
+
+"No."
+
+"On business?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Surveyors?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I thought not; no use to survey out this way. I suppose you are looking
+for a lost mine."
+
+"Well, we might take in a lost mine or find a new one, it don't matter."
+
+"Ah! I see; well, so far you've been lucky, but you've been taking
+desperate chances."
+
+"Oh! that's a way we have."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A RECOGNITION--THE WOODSMAN'S DISCLOSURES--A
+CHANCE AFTER ALL--THE BIVOUAC--DESMOND'S
+DISCOVERY--SAVAGES GALORE.
+
+
+The coffee was soon prepared and Brooks produced some dried meat and a
+few crackers, and the three men, so strangely met, sat down to enjoy
+their meal. The woodsman was offered the first cup of coffee, and as he
+drank it down, all hot and steaming, he smacked his lips and exclaimed:
+
+"Well, that was good; that cup of coffee makes us friends. I may do you
+a good turn."
+
+"Good enough; we are ready for a good turn. We've had rather hard luck
+so far."
+
+"So you are after a mine, eh?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You are regular prospectors?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You have to strike a surface ledge to make any money. Don't think a
+claim would amount to much out here unless you found a nest of them so
+as to attract a crowd, and a town, and a mill, and all that. According
+to my idea the mines out here all need capital to work 'em in case you
+should strike one."
+
+Regardless of possibilities, as the night was a little chilly, Brooks
+had created quite a blaze, and by the light of the fire he had a fair
+chance to study the woodsman's face, and finally he asked abruptly:
+
+"Stranger, what is your name?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"I thought you'd ask that question."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Well, it's natural that you should, but that ain't the reason I thought
+so."
+
+"It is not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, why did you think so?"
+
+"I was going to ask your name."
+
+"Certainly; my name is Brooks."
+
+"I thought so."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What made you think my name was Brooks?"
+
+"Can't you guess?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Why did you ask my name?"
+
+"As you said, it was a natural question."
+
+"That ain't the reason you asked it."
+
+"It is not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, you may tell me the true reason."
+
+"You've been studying my face."
+
+"I have."
+
+"You think you've seen me before somewhere?"
+
+"Well, you did see me before."
+
+"I did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When and where?"
+
+"Just look sharp and see if you can't place me."
+
+"I can't."
+
+"It was a great many years ago."
+
+"It must have been; but to tell the truth, there is something very
+familiar in your face."
+
+"Yes, and you discovered it at the start, but you don't place me; I
+placed you. I didn't until you mentioned your name."
+
+"You now recall?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Where have we met?"
+
+"Try to remember."
+
+"Tell me your name."
+
+"Oh, certainly, by and by; but in the meantime pay me the compliment of
+remembering who I am."
+
+"You have the advantage."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I told you my name."
+
+"I will tell you mine in good time, but try to remember."
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"You do?"
+
+"I do."
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"We slept together one night."
+
+"We did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When and where?"
+
+"And now you can't recall?"
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"You are a square man, but there has come a change over you."
+
+"Did we meet often?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Were we intimate?"
+
+"Well, yes, for the time being."
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"You don't place me?"
+
+"No."
+
+Again the woodsman laughed and said:
+
+"Do you remember about fifteen years ago a young fellow, tired, wet, and
+hungry, tried to find shelter in a freight car?"
+
+"Hello! you are not Henry Creedon?"
+
+"Yes, I am, and this is the second time you've fed me. You appear to be
+my good angel; I may prove your good angel."
+
+"So you are Henry Creedon?"
+
+"I am," and turning to Desmond, Creedon said:
+
+"Your friend there one night made a fight for me, fed me and found
+shelter for me. He was a tramp then; I was footing it out West here."
+
+"Henry," said Brooks, "what have you been doing all these years?"
+
+"Mine hunting."
+
+"Mine hunting for fifteen years?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And have you found a mine yet?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and Brooks said:
+
+"Desmond, we did indeed take desperate chances, and we've been making a
+fool's chase, I reckon. Here is a man who has been mine hunting for
+fifteen years and has not found one yet. Where do we come in?"
+
+"I'll tell you," said Creedon; "it's luck when you find a mine. More are
+found by chance than are discovered by experts, but I think I've found
+one; I can't tell. You see, I was raised in a factory town, I've had no
+education and I can't tell its value. I know where the find is located,
+however, and some of these days I'll strike a prospecting party who will
+have an engineer with them, and then I will know the value of my find."
+
+"If you take a party in with you they will demand a share."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Do you intend to share with them?"
+
+"I can't do otherwise."
+
+"Yes, that is so; suppose I find an engineer for you?"
+
+"I suppose you will want a rake in."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Well, Brooks, I'll tell you, I don't want to start in on a divide with
+everyone, but I've made up my mind to take you in with me. I know you
+are a kind-hearted and honest man, even though you are a tramp, a
+whisky-loving tramp, and that I remember you emptied my canister that
+night."
+
+"Yes, but I am not drinking now; I've reformed."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"So much the better for you."
+
+"I've something to tell you."
+
+"Go it."
+
+"I am just the man to establish the value of your mine."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"How is that, eh? Have you become an expert after being in the mountains
+six weeks? and I am not in one way, and I've been here for fifteen
+years."
+
+"I was an expert before I came to the mountains."
+
+"You were?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+
+"You don't tell me!"
+
+"That's what I tell you, and I tell you the truth."
+
+"Then you are just the man I want."
+
+"I said I was; I am more than an engineer, I am a mineralogist and a
+geologist."
+
+"Hold on, don't overcome a fellow out here in the mountains; if you are
+a civil engineer that is enough for me. Hang your mineralogy and
+geology; what I want is a man who can estimate. No doubt about the ledge
+I've struck; the question is, how much will it cost to mine it; how much
+is there of it? You see I've had some experience here in the mountains,
+and sometimes we strike what is called a pocket; we might find gold for
+a few feet one way and another, and then strike dead rock and no gold. I
+ain't a mineralogist or geologist or a civil engineer, and I am afraid
+my find won't amount to much, but it is worth investigation, and as you
+are able to estimate we will make a start. To-morrow I will take you to
+my ledge and then we will know whether we are millionaires or
+tramps--eh? mountain tramps--but I am grateful for this food and coffee,
+and now if you'll give me a little tobacco I'll be the most contented
+man in the mountains, whether my mine turns out a hit or a misthrow."
+
+So tobacco was produced; Brooks himself was an inveterate smoker, and
+since being in the mountains Desmond had taken to the weed, and there
+was promise that some day he might become an inveterate.
+
+The three men had a jolly time, but in a quiet way. Creedon was a good
+story teller; he had had many weird experiences in the mountains. He had
+acted as guide to a great many parties, he had engaged in about fifty
+fights with Indians during his residence in the great West, and had met
+a great many very notable characters.
+
+When the men concluded to lie down to sleep for the night they
+extinguished their fire, and each man found a crevice into which he
+crept, and only those who have slept in the open air in a pure climate
+can tell of the exhilarating effects that follow a slumber under the
+conditions described.
+
+Desmond was the first to awake, and he peeped forth from his crevice and
+glanced down toward the point where the fire had been, when he beheld a
+sight that caused his blood to run cold. Five fierce-looking savages
+were grouped around the spot where the campfire had been, and he had a
+chance to study a scene he had never before witnessed. He beheld five
+savages in full war paint; they were dressed in a most grotesque manner,
+part of their attire being fragments of United States uniforms, showing
+that the red men had been in a skirmish, and possibly had come out
+victorious, and had had an opportunity to strip the bodies of the dead.
+
+A great deal has been written about the shrewdness of redmen. They are
+shrewd when their qualities are once fully aroused and they are on the
+scent, but they are given to assumptions, the same as white men. Of
+course Creedon was practically to be credited when he said that the
+Indians assumed there had been a camp there and that the campers had
+departed, but had they made as close observations as when on a trail
+they would have made discoveries that would have suggested the near
+presence of the late campers.
+
+Creedon had as far as possible destroyed all signs when raking out the
+fire of a recent encampment, but an experienced and alert eye can detect
+the truth despite these little tricks.
+
+Desmond saw the Indians: they were a hard-looking lot, the worst
+specimens he had ever beheld, and they were assassins at sight, as he
+determined. He was secure from observation, but it was necessary to warn
+his comrades, who were in different crevices, and at that moment Creedon
+actually snored. He was in the crevice adjoining the one where Desmond
+had taken refuge.
+
+The Indians were too far away to overhear the snore, but it was possible
+the man might awake and step forth; then, as Desmond feared, the fight
+would commence. He did not desire a fight; he might think the chances
+would be with his party, as only two of the Indians had rifles, but then
+if even one of their own party were kicked over it would be a sad
+disaster.
+
+The lad meditated some little time and studied the conditions. He
+crawled into his crevice, and, lo, he saw a lateral breakaway. He might
+gain Creedon's berth, as he called it, without chancing an outside
+steal. Fortune favored him; Creedon's crevice was one of several rents
+in the rock, and he managed to reach the sleeper's foot, and he
+cautiously touched it, fearing at the moment that Creedon in his
+surprise might make an outcry or an inquiry in a loud tone, but here he
+learned a lesson in woodcraft. Creedon did not make an outcry; he awoke
+and cautiously investigated, and soon discovered that Desmond had
+touched him and was seeking to communicate with him. He demanded in a
+whisper:
+
+"What is it, lad?"
+
+"There are Indians in the gulch."
+
+"Aha! where?"
+
+"Down where we were camped last night."
+
+"You keep low and I will take a peep."
+
+Desmond could afford to let Creedon take a peep. The woodsman did peep
+and took in the situation, and he said:
+
+"You are smaller than I am; does the rent where you are run to the berth
+where Brooks is sleeping?"
+
+"It may; I will find out and go slow; we don't want a fight if we can
+help it, but we've got the dead bulge on those redskins if we have to
+fight."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CREEDON'S KNOWLEDGE OF WOODCRAFT--THE REDMEN'S
+DEPARTURE--A LONG TRAIL--ON THE TRAMP--THE
+STRANGEST REFUGE IN THE WORLD--A BRIDGE OF
+RISKS.
+
+
+Desmond crawled forward beyond the rent where Creedon had lodged, and he
+found the space much wider as he progressed, and soon gained the opening
+where the rent terminated in which Brooks had lain all night. Desmond
+glanced in, and, lo, Brooks was inside awake, and had already discovered
+the presence of the Indians, and so far they were all right.
+
+"Have you been able to notify Creedon?" asked Brooks.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What does he say?"
+
+"He bade me arouse you."
+
+"I discovered the rascals as soon as I awoke."
+
+"All right; lay low and I will learn what Creedon advises."
+
+Desmond crawled back and said:
+
+"Brooks is awake and wants to know what we shall do."
+
+"There is only one thing to do: we will lay low, and if the rascals do
+not discover us all right; if they do discover us it will be bad for
+them and all right with us again, that's all. And now you and Brooks
+just keep out of sight and let me run the show."
+
+Word was passed to Brooks, and Desmond with the tramp lay low. As it
+proved there was not much of a show to run, as the Indians moved away
+after a little, but Creedon did not permit his friends to go forth. He
+said:
+
+"You can never tell about these redskins; they might suspect we are
+around, and their going away may be a little trick; they are up to these
+tricks."
+
+Hours passed, and Creedon still kept his friends in hiding, and it was
+near evening when he stole forth, saying he would take an observation.
+After a little he returned and said:
+
+"It's all right; come out."
+
+Creedon said he had discovered evidence that the redskins had really
+gone away.
+
+"Why couldn't you have found that out sooner?"
+
+The woodsman laughed and said:
+
+"They might have found me out then; as it was, according to the tales
+you and Brooks tell, I took a desperate chance."
+
+"Shall we get to work and have a meal?"
+
+"Not much, young man, you will have to control your appetite for awhile.
+Remember, I am captain of this squadron. I'll lead you to a place,
+however, where we can build a fire and camp and eat without fear. I am
+posted around here; I know the safe places."
+
+The party started on the march, and Desmond felt quite irritated; he had
+gone nearly twenty-four hours without eating, and he said:
+
+"I am ready to even fight for a meal."
+
+Creedon laughed and said in reply:
+
+"You may have a stomach full of fighting yet before we find the mine."
+
+"I thought you had located it?"
+
+"Yes, but it's a week's tramp from where we are at present, and we may
+have some lively times before we arrive at the place."
+
+It was nine o'clock at night when the party arrived at one of the most
+peculiar natural retreats Desmond had ever seen. It was a cave, as we
+will call it, in the side wall of a cliff rising from a gulch even more
+wild and rugged than the one where the party had camped the previous
+night. Some mighty convulsion of the mountain had separated the whole
+front of the cliff from the main rock, so that a space of at least
+twenty feet intervened, and between yawned a dark abyss that led down to
+where no man had yet penetrated. Creedon led the way up along a ledge of
+ascent which lined the outer edge of the great mass of detached cliff.
+Once at the top he descended on the inner side. It was night, but he had
+taken advantage of a mask lantern which he carried with him, and which
+he said was the most useful article in his possession. He added:
+
+"These lanterns may belong to the profession of detectives and burglars,
+but I've found them the most useful articles a cliff-climber can own.
+They are different from other lamps and torches; you can control the one
+ray of light and indicate your path without any trouble whatever."
+
+This was true, as the guide demonstrated, and his party walked along
+the narrow ledge without any fear of being precipitated over; all it
+required was a good eye and a steady nerve, and they possessed these
+necessary qualifications.
+
+The guide at length came to a halt, and said:
+
+"You stand here and I'll get my bridge."
+
+He proceeded along alone, but soon returned with two saplings, which he
+had strung together, and of which he had made a rope ladder.
+
+Desmond was greatly interested, and watched the guide as he threw his
+ladder across the intervening abyss, and then he said:
+
+"It will take a little nerve to crawl over, but once over we are all
+safe, and I've got a storehouse over there. I prepared this place with a
+great deal of patience and labor. We can spend two or three days here. I
+know you will enjoy it, and we can take a good long rest. I will go over
+first and then hold the light so you two can follow."
+
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and asked:
+
+"Will you risk it?"
+
+"Yes, I will, lad; I am not the fellow I was about six months ago; I can
+climb a steeple now."
+
+The guide went over, creeping across. The saplings bent under his weight
+and made a downward curve, so that when he attempted so ascend on the
+opposite side it was a climb up, but with the ropes made of woven
+prairie grass and sticks and boughs he easily ascended. He had carried
+his lantern with him, and he flashed its light across his bridge and
+asked, "Who will come next?"
+
+"You go," said Desmond to Brooks.
+
+The tramp did not hesitate, but started to crawl over the oddly
+constructed bridge, and he did so as well as the guide had done. Then
+Desmond crossed and the instant all hands were over the guide took up
+his bridge stowed it away, and said:
+
+"When we cross back it will be in the daytime, and much harder."
+
+"Much harder in the daytime?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I should think it would be easier."
+
+The guide laughed and said:
+
+"It might appear so, but in the daytime you will realize just what you
+are doing. You will see the dark abyss beneath you, and when the bridge
+sways downward your heart will be in your throat, I tell you. At night,
+however, you do not know just what you are doing."
+
+Desmond saw the truth of what the guide said, and observed that the man
+was quite a philosopher.
+
+"Now let me go in advance," said Creedon.
+
+He led the way and soon turned into what he called Creedon Street. It
+was a broad opening with a solid flooring, and walls of rock on either
+side--the most singular and remarkable rock conformation that either
+Brooks or Desmond had ever seen. The guide walked right ahead boldly; he
+evidently knew that there were no rents down which they might plunge.
+
+"Here is Creedon Hall," said the guide, as he turned into a broad
+opening and flashed his light around. The party were in a cave, and yet
+we can hardly call it a cave; it appeared to be merely a huge underline
+in the side of the cliff, as it was open, as the guide said, facing
+Creedon Street.
+
+"I will soon have Creedon Hall illuminated for you," said the guide. He
+secured some wood, and as Desmond followed him he saw that he had
+abundance of it, and the guide said:
+
+"This wood, some of it, has been stowed here for over ten years, and we
+can have a jolly fire in a few minutes, and no fear of attracting
+Indians or any one else. We are as safe here as though we were making a
+grate fire in a big hotel in New York."
+
+Creedon made good his word, and soon Creedon Hall was brilliantly
+illuminated, and Desmond was delighted. He exclaimed in his enthusiasm.
+
+"This is just immense!"
+
+"Well, it is."
+
+Brooks also was delighted; he set to work to make the coffee and prepare
+the meal, and Creedon lay down on his blanket and lit his pipe, while
+Desmond wandered around the cave, as he persisted in calling it. He
+discovered several outlets from Creedon Hall, and he made up his mind
+that as soon as his friends were asleep he would steal the mask lantern
+and go on an exploring expedition. It was a jolly party that sat down to
+coffee, cold dried meat, and crackers. Brooks had been very sparing of
+his crackers, and had at least five pounds of them at the time he and
+Desmond met the guide.
+
+"When did you discover this place?" asked Desmond.
+
+"I did not discover the place; it was revealed to me by an old hunter, a
+Mexican, and how he discovered it he would never tell. The old man had a
+great many secrets, and I have sometimes thought that there was gold
+hidden here somewhere. I've spent days searching for it, but never could
+find anything of the value of a red cent."
+
+"Where is the old Mexican now?"
+
+"That's hard to tell, lad; he died about five years ago, and his body
+was carried to the ruins of an old Spanish church and there buried as he
+had requested long before he died. He was a strange old man; he
+possessed many secrets, but they died with him. It is possible he meant
+to reveal them some day, but death caught him and he went out with his
+mouth closed as far as his secrets were concerned. He was a sort of
+miser in secrets. I did think that some day the old man would reveal
+something of value to me; he pretended to think a great deal of me. I
+saved his life at a critical moment; he was actually bound to the stake,
+and I shot the rascal who was about to light the fire. They intended to
+burn him alive, and the arrival of myself and party was just in time."
+
+"Do the Indians still burn their prisoners at the stake?"
+
+"These were not Indians--they were his own countrymen. They had tried to
+force a confession from him, and because he refused to reveal the
+whereabouts of the gold they thought he had stored away somewhere, they
+were set to murder him in anger and revenge."
+
+"And you saved him?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"And he never revealed his secrets to you?"
+
+"Only the secret of this cave. He often made strange remarks and hinted
+that some day I would receive my reward. We roomed here together all of
+one winter, but he died and never opened his mouth to reveal where his
+gold was, if it is true that he had any. I believe he did, but it will
+never do me any good, and I do want to make a fortune somehow, but I
+suppose I never will. Yes, lad, there are thousands of skeletons of
+gold-seekers hid away in caverns in these mountains, victims of the same
+ambition which is leading us to take such desperate chances."
+
+Desmond was very greatly interested in the story of the old Mexican, and
+he asked a number of questions.
+
+"You never got the least inkling as to where his gold was hidden?"
+
+"I don't know that he had any gold; it is only a suspicion on my part."
+
+"He lived in this cave?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you ever search here?"
+
+"Well, you bet I did."
+
+"And did you explore?"
+
+"You bet I did."
+
+"And you never found anything?"
+
+"I never did."
+
+"Nor secured any indication?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"Possibly you did not look in the right place."
+
+"That is dead certain," came the natural answer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ON AN EXPLORING EXPEDITION--A FIND IN A CAVE--THE
+SEPULCHRAL VOICE--THE EXPLANATION--DESMOND
+GETS SQUARE ON A TRICK--STRANGE LONGINGS--THE
+FINDING OF A NUGGET.
+
+
+It was about midnight when the older men lay down on their blankets to
+sleep. Creedon had a big silver bull's-eye watch, and he said he always
+kept it going.
+
+Desmond pretended to lie down and go to sleep also, but his head was
+filled with visions of the Mexican's hidden gold. He had an idea that
+Creedon's investigations might have been very superficial; he determined
+to make a thorough and systematic search, and he actually believed he
+would find the hidden gold.
+
+Brooks and Creedon were good sleepers; both were very weary and they
+were soon in a sound slumber, and then Desmond arose, stole on tiptoe
+over beside Creedon and secured the mask lantern. A strange, weird scene
+was certainly presented. There had been a big fire; the embers were all
+aglow and illuminated the cave. There lay Brooks and Creedon, looking
+picturesque in their hunting garb, and there was Desmond stealing on
+tiptoe under the glare of the firelight to secure the mask lantern.
+
+Having secured the lantern the lad moved away and made for a crevice
+which promised the best results. He knew enough of rock conformations to
+go forward very carefully, always flashing his light ahead and studying
+the path in advance, and so slowly, carefully, and surely he moved along
+until he had traversed, as he calculated, a distance of two hundred and
+fifty feet, when suddenly his flashlight revealed a solid wall in front
+of him.
+
+"Here we are," he muttered, "and no mistake."
+
+Desmond saw that his explorations in that direction had ended. He
+retraced his steps and selected a second crevice along which he made his
+way, and at length he landed in a pretty good sized inner cave.
+
+"Well, I reckon we've got it here."
+
+The lad proceeded to search around with the care of a detective looking
+for clues. He did find evidences of some one having been in the cave; he
+found the handle of a dirk, a small bit of a deerskin hunting jacket,
+and finally a little bit of pure gold. He examined the latter under his
+lamp, satisfied himself that it was a nugget of real gold in its natural
+state, and his heart beat fast.
+
+"I've got it at last," he muttered; "yes, I thought I knew how to carry
+on this search. Creedon must have done it too hurriedly."
+
+Desmond felt quite proud of his success; he had struck it sure, as he
+believed, and he continued his search, and was intently engaged when
+suddenly he heard a sepulchral groan at the instant he had plunged into
+a sort of pocket and was feeling around; but when he heard that groan he
+started back into the cave and stood as white as a sheet gazing around
+in every direction, and there was a wild terror in his eyes. He stood
+for fully two minutes gazing and listening, and finally he said:
+
+"Great Scott! what was that I heard--a groan?"
+
+Desmond, although brave and vigorous, after all was but a lad of less
+than eighteen. He could have faced a grizzly bear, but when it came to
+the supernatural he was not equal to it. The fact was he was dead
+scared, and, then again he believed he had really struck the hidden
+recess where the old Mexican's gold was secreted.
+
+The young are more susceptible to superstitious fears, as a rule, than
+older people; they are not skeptical.
+
+Desmond listened a long time, and as he did not hear the noise again,
+and feeling an intense desire to find the hidden treasure, he again went
+to the rock pocket and plunged in, but immediately there came again the
+groan, clear, distinct, and unmistakable, and also a voice commanding:
+
+"Go away, go away; do not disturb my gold."
+
+The lad leaped out into the main cave again, and he trembled from head
+to foot. He had never received such a shock in all his life; he had
+never really believed in ghosts--never thought much about them
+indeed--but here he had at least evidence that the dead did watch their
+treasures. Still, the desire to secure the wealth was strong upon him;
+naturally he was, as our readers know, very nervy, and he determined to
+argue with the ghost. He reasoned that the hidden wealth could be of no
+benefit to the spirit where he was, and he thought he might talk him
+into keeping quiet.
+
+It was in a trembling voice that Desmond asked:
+
+"Is the spirit here?"
+
+The answer came:
+
+"I am here."
+
+A more experienced person than Desmond would have gotten on to the fact
+that it was very strange that the spirit should answer him in such good
+English, it being supposed to be the spirit of a Mexican, but spirits
+probably can talk any language. At any rate, Desmond did not stop to
+consider.
+
+"Do you own the gold?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why can't I have it? I've found it."
+
+"You get away as quick as you can or I'll seize you."
+
+Well, well, this was a great state of affairs; Desmond did not ask any
+more questions. He seized his lamp and started to limp from the cave,
+and he was white and trembling. He made his way to Creedon Hall and
+beheld Brooks and Creedon standing over the fire. On the face of Brooks
+there was an amused look, and on Creedon's an expression of real
+jollity.
+
+"Great sakes! Desmond," demanded Brooks, "where have you been? I awoke
+and found you missing, and Creedon and I have been scared almost to
+death."
+
+Desmond tried to assume an indifferent air, and said:
+
+"I wasn't sleepy, so I thought I would go and explore a little."
+
+"You had better be careful how you explore around here."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Well, that's all; I won't say any more, but be careful, or you may be
+suddenly missing."
+
+"What did you find, boy?"
+
+"I'll tell you all about it in the morning."
+
+The men retired to their blankets and Desmond also lay down, after
+having promised that he would not attempt to explore any more that
+night.
+
+He did not sleep, however; the phantom voice, the treasure, and his
+discovery kept him awake, and he lay thinking about ghosts and goblins,
+and he muttered;
+
+"Hang it! I never believed in ghosts;" then as he lay there, there came
+to his mind a recollection of the jolly look that had rested on the face
+of the guide, and there came to his mind a suspicion, and then a
+certainty, that he had been fooled. He was a wonderfully sharp lad, and
+he began to think the whole matter over, and he recalled the fact that
+the ghost had spoken good English.
+
+"Hang me!" he muttered, "if I don't believe I've been made a victim of a
+huge joke, and Brooks and Creedon are both guilty in aiding to give me a
+scare. All right, to-morrow we will see all about it; I'll get square."
+
+Desmond did fall asleep at length, and when he awoke Brooks and Creedon
+were eating their breakfast, and Creedon said as Desmond joined them:
+
+"So you were exploring last night?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What did you find?"
+
+"Gold."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Oh, come off."
+
+"I did."
+
+"You think you did."
+
+"I did, I'll swear I did."
+
+"Where did you find it?"
+
+"In a cave which one of those passages leads to."
+
+"You found gold?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will have to be careful."
+
+"Careful?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"You'll strike the ghost."
+
+"The ghost?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What ghost?"
+
+"The ghost of the old Mexican."
+
+"I did think I heard a groan. Tell me about the old Mexican."
+
+"I've told you all I know about him, and I'll tell you that in my
+opinion it will be dangerous to meddle with his gold, even if you found
+it."
+
+"Could that old Mexican speak English?"
+
+"A little."
+
+"Only a little?" repeated Desmond.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then it's just as I suspected; I tell you I was scared at first, but
+when the old ghost answered me--"
+
+"When the ghost answered you?" demanded Creedon.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you see the ghost?"
+
+"I heard him--that is, I thought I did--and I spoke to him, but he gave
+me back such good English I made up my mind that you didn't know how to
+play a joke. Next time stick to the broken English; you might have
+scared the life out of me then."
+
+Brooks and Creedon laughed, and the latter said:
+
+"Well, you are smart, you are; but, lad, let me tell you something:
+don't spend time looking for the Mexican's gold."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I've explored every nook and cranny in this mountain, and there is no
+treasure hidden here."
+
+"But I found some gold."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Creedon and Brooks stared.
+
+"Are you in earnest?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Where did you find it?"
+
+"Well, I am going to consider awhile before I tell."
+
+Brooks looked Desmond straight in the face, and asked:
+
+"Boy, honest, did you really find gold?"
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+The matter began to assume a very serious aspect, for Desmond spoke
+seriously.
+
+"If you found any gold, lad, you've beat me."
+
+"I did find gold."
+
+"On your honor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, here we are on shares; tell us all about it."
+
+Desmond laughed in turn; they had had their laugh and he had his laugh,
+as he said:
+
+"Here is what I found."
+
+The lad produced the little nugget he had picked up and then Creedon
+laughed, and said:
+
+"By George! that is the bit of gold I lost, and I had a good hunt for
+it."
+
+Our hero had been impressed by Creedon's statement that he had examined
+every nook and corner in the mountain, and yet he did feel a sort of
+hankering notion that he could find the gold, and he said:
+
+"I want to explore again."
+
+"All right; it can do no harm, but I will relinquish all claim now to
+any gold that you may find in this cave."
+
+"I'll take you at your word," said Desmond.
+
+Of course the youth had no real hope of ever finding any gold, but it is
+a known fact that such finds have been made, and sometimes the skeletons
+of the owners have been found bleaching beside their gold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+BOY'S DETERMINATION--GOING THROUGH A CREVICE--THE
+MOVABLE ROCK--AID TO DISCOVER--UP THROUGH
+A HOLE--THE GOLDEN HEAP--DESMOND'S GREAT
+TRIUMPH--THE OLD MEXICAN'S SECRET EXPOSED.
+
+
+Desmond was somewhat impressed by the words of Creedon, but still
+insisted that he would like to conduct an exploration.
+
+"You will only go over the ground that I have already gone over."
+
+"I know that, but I propose to look around all the same."
+
+Desmond had been doing considerable thinking. He questioned Creedon
+again and again, and made out that the old Mexican had lived in the cave
+along with Creedon for months at a time, and as he learned, the old man
+had thrown out a great many hints. These hints meant something; and then
+again, if he had hidden his wealth in the cave he had done it so
+securely and well that he had no idea of its ever being discovered until
+such time as he saw fit to disclose the fact. Desmond knew how there
+were some strange conformations in the rocks; the very place they were
+in was a testimony to the strange freaks that nature in its upheavals
+can and does create.
+
+Brooks had nothing to say about the matter, and Creedon did remark
+finally:
+
+"Of course, as I've said, it can do no harm, but be careful you don't
+strike--"
+
+Desmond here interrupted, and said:
+
+"I ain't afraid of ghosts; I've met one and I've got used to them."
+
+"I don't mean a ghost, I mean a crevice; go very slow and carefully, or
+you may become a ghost yourself."
+
+Right here we wish to exchange a few words with our readers in regard to
+these rock conformations. Right in the State of New York, in Ulster
+County, and in what is called the Shawangunk Mountains, there are some
+of the most wonderful caves and crevices, and in some of these caves
+during the winter the snow drifts down, and in the spring becomes a
+solid mass of ice, and the writer remembers upon one occasion after a
+long and weary scramble over rocks under the face of a cliff which
+towers up and overlooks counties, being shown a rock cave where there
+was a solid mass of ice, which, in its contour resembled a ship. The ice
+must have been at least sixty feet in length, twenty feet broad, and
+fully forty feet high, and adjoining it were all manner of caves. These
+caves are within a few miles of several settlements, and possibly at the
+time of the visit of the writer had not been entered by over a dozen
+persons. In these mountains are some very remarkable rock conformations,
+and we merely mention this fact to the lads in the East, who may think
+that these stories of rock caverns are exaggerated. There are probably
+hundreds of caves in the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains that have
+never been entered or explored since the days when the early settlers
+may have found them while bear hunting.
+
+Desmond had been raised, as we have stated, near the mountains, and
+probably had explored many rock caverns, and it is because of this fact
+probably that he was not surprised when led to the cave where he first
+beheld the girl Amy Brooks. That cave still exists and is well known to
+many of the people living in its vicinity, and in our description we
+adhered to almost absolute accuracy.
+
+Creedon was a rough and ready sort of man, but not, the fellow, as
+Desmond argued, who would apply himself to a critical study. It was a
+great thing to have learned the facts concerning the old Mexican, and
+the lad really believed that there was gold secreted somewhere in one of
+the little cavities in that perforated mountain.
+
+Creedon started in to relate to Brooks the facts about the mine he
+believed he had discovered, and Desmond, taking the mask lantern,
+started off to explore.
+
+"You will burn out all my oil, lad; that is the only harm you will do,
+and certainly little good. I cannot replenish the oil when it's burned
+out, and I've been very careful, holding it for only such occasions as
+when we came here across the chasm."
+
+Creedon explained that he had only carried with him one can of oil,
+which had lasted him to date.
+
+Desmond started off and went direct to the crevice he had first entered,
+and Creedon smiled as he saw him go in there, remarking to Brooks:
+
+"The lad will run up against a stone wall sure, but he is enthusiastic;
+it will be a lesson to him."
+
+"Can't tell about that lad," said Brooks, "there is method in his
+enthusiasm."
+
+"That's all right, but I was camped in here one whole winter, and as I
+told you, there is not a nook or cranny that I have not explored."
+
+"But there are others," said Brooks, with an odd smile on his face.
+
+Meantime, Desmond followed the crevice until he came to the stone wall.
+He knew about the same wall, but he was working on a certain theory. He
+was like the Captain Kidd treasure-seekers--the discouragement of others
+did not in any way discourage him, and we will here say that a similar
+persistence in any walk of life, as a rule, leads to great results.
+
+Desmond, as stated, arrived opposite the stone wall, and he commenced a
+calm, steady, determined examination. First appearances would have
+discouraged any man, being faced as he was by a solid, smooth face of
+rock. He stood contemplating the mass before him, and then with the ray
+of light from his lantern he ran all over the rock.
+
+"By ginger!" he muttered at last, "I reckon it's true. There does not
+appear a hole big enough in that rock for a spider to crawl through;
+but, hang me! I've got an impression."
+
+There appeared to be a break in the rock just where it joined with the
+roof of the cave. Desmond rolled a bowlder over against the rock and
+mounted, and ran his finger over the crack. It was not a large crack and
+offered no encouragement, but the lad was determined not to be satisfied
+until he had established facts beyond all dispute. He ran his finger, as
+stated, along the crack, and his knuckle pressed against the roof, and
+to his surprise there appeared to be a loosening. He examined it and he
+saw that there was a uniform crack running along the roof inclosing a
+space about two feet square. The lad instinctively pressed on the center
+between the cracks, and lo, there appeared to be a piece of the roof
+that yielded. He pressed harder and satisfied himself that the piece of
+rock between the cracks in the roof was movable. The discovery caused
+his heart to stand still, and he muttered:
+
+"Great Scott! but I've found it." He flashed the light on the crack and
+thought he could discern where there had been some chiseling. He made
+every effort to shift the rock out of its place, but it was too much for
+him, owing to the fact that he could just about reach it. He did not
+have purchase enough to exert his full strength.
+
+He stepped down on the floor again and commenced to consider, and then
+he determined to return to the main cave and solicit Brooks and Creedon
+to go to his aid.
+
+When he re-entered the main cavern Creedon with a laugh said:
+
+"Well, lad, did you run up against a stone wall?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"I told you it was of no use to search these crevices. I've explored
+every inch."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I think not."
+
+Brooks knew Desmond so well he discerned that the lad had really made a
+discovery, but he said nothing.
+
+"You think not, eh?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"That would hint that you had found something."
+
+"I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"I don't know yet, but I am certain I have found a cranny or nook that
+you never explored."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"Oh, it may be that it's 'tellings,' as the boys say."
+
+Creedon looked at the lad in a curious way.
+
+"It cannot be possible," he said, "that you have found anything?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"Guess."
+
+"It's no time to guess; what have you found?"
+
+"I'll show you what I've found; I want your help."
+
+The lad found a piece of sapling about seven feet in length, and said:
+
+"You gentlemen come with me; I'll show you something."
+
+Animated by great interest and curiosity, Brooks and Creedon followed
+Desmond. He led them to the little rock cave where the crevice abutted
+on the solid wall of rock, and he said:
+
+"Now what do you see?"
+
+"We see the rock."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Look sharp; there is something you have not discovered before."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Look."
+
+"I've looked."
+
+"I reckon when you did look upon the occasion of your former visits you
+did as you are doing now--only _looked_, but you did not search."
+
+"Have you searched?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"And you've found something?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Oh, look."
+
+"I'm done looking."
+
+"Then let me show you."
+
+Desmond took the strong piece of sapling he had brought with him and
+jammed one end with great force against the square piece of roofing, and
+the piece of rock moved.
+
+Creedon gazed aghast and exclaimed:
+
+"By all that's strange and wonderful, but I believe you have unfolded
+the Mexican's secret."
+
+"I think so; and now lend me your strength, both of you, and let's see
+if we can move that loose piece of rock. I'll bet there is an opening
+there."
+
+"You are right--yes, lad, you have indeed raked into the old Mexican's
+treasure den; I can recall now some words he once spoke."
+
+"Don't spend any more time recalling; let's shove that rock aside if we
+can."
+
+The two men lent their aid to Desmond, and sure enough they did raise
+the piece of rock, and by hoisting it they managed to move it aside a
+trifle, enough to reveal the fact that there was a chamber above, and
+that the opening was through the piece of rock.
+
+It was a reward of Desmond's persistence, but after all it was accident
+that had revealed to him the opening.
+
+By hard work the men finally succeeded in moving the rock aside, and
+there was disclosed the opening, and Desmond said:
+
+"Now let me stand on our shoulders with the light and I will tell you
+what it is we have found. There is something there to reveal, I am dead
+sure."
+
+The two men assisted Desmond to their shoulders. He took the lantern and
+shoved his head through the opening, and then flashed the light around,
+and with a joyful shout exclaimed:
+
+"We've got it!"
+
+"This beats me dead," said Creedon.
+
+Both men were greatly excited, for it did appear that they had made a
+great find of hidden treasure.
+
+Meantime, Desmond managed to force himself up and disappeared in the
+cave. He glanced around and beheld a sight that filled him with varying
+emotions.
+
+The chamber was not more than four feet square, but on the floor in one
+corner was a shining heap. It shone under the ray of his lantern as he
+flashed the light upon it. He took a handful of the shining stuff and
+passed it down to Creedon, handing him the lantern at the same time, and
+he said:
+
+"You are a good judge; tell me what that is?"
+
+"It's gold dust," cried Creedon; "how much is there of it?"
+
+"Oh, barrels full, I should say."
+
+"Great ginger! lad, you've struck it."
+
+"Well, it won't run away, I reckon, but give me your hat and I'll fill
+it."
+
+"Is that to be my share?"
+
+"No, we're only giving you the first whack at it, that's all."
+
+Desmond filled Creedon's hat with the dust and then descended, and the
+whole party made their way to the outer cavern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+DISCUSSING THE FIND--A NEW RESOLUTION--GOING TO CREEDON MINE--A
+DISAPPOINTMENT--BETTER INDICATIONS--A NEW MOVE.
+
+
+Once in the outer cavern, Desmond said:
+
+"It's now a matter of business."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"How shall we divide?"
+
+"You are the finder," replied Creedon; "you are to decide."
+
+"You leave it to me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I'll make it an even divide all round."
+
+"Boy, it's a great discovery."
+
+"What do you think of its value?"
+
+"It depends upon the weight, but from your description I should say we
+had a ten-thousand-dollar find."
+
+Desmond's eyes opened wide, and after a moment he asked:
+
+"Does it really belong to us?"
+
+"It does certainly; I am really the appointed heir of the old Mexican,
+but anyway treasure-trove goes to the finder who can establish a right
+to it."
+
+"We can," said Brooks.
+
+"You bet we can, and it is ours, but it's strange how the old Mexican's
+secret has been opened up. Here I've had five years to search for this
+gold and failed to find it, and this lad gets on to it in one day."
+
+"It was a mere chance."
+
+"Well, yes, to a certain extent; but if you had not been so persistent
+you would not have developed the chance and made the find possible."
+
+"How did the old man accumulate this gold?"
+
+"It's plain enough; he has known some stream and has washed it, and
+possibly it took him ten years to gather the heap you found there; but
+how well he did it!"
+
+"He did, sure."
+
+"How shall we make a divide?"
+
+"Easy enough if you will let me make a suggestion."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"We will carry it all out here; we run no risk, no one will ever
+penetrate to this retreat; then when we have it all carted out here we
+will divide it, a coffee cup full at time."
+
+"Good enough; that suits me."
+
+"But wait; I've a better proposition if you will accept it."
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+"Let's leave it where it is, go on to my mine, and if it amounts to
+anything we will have the capital to work it ourselves."
+
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and the man said:
+
+"That is a good proposition."
+
+Brooks was less suspicious than Desmond, but the lad determined to
+accede to the proposition, and it was decided that on the following
+morning they would start for Creedon's mine, and the guide said:
+
+"We will start before daylight."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"We had better cross the chasm in the dark; I am afraid you would hardly
+recross it if you were to behold once what would be underneath you."
+
+It was so decided.
+
+The party made all their preparations and on the following morning,
+before daylight, with the aid of Creedon's ladder the party crossed the
+chasm and proceeded on their way toward the place where Creedon's mine
+was located. They managed to secure enough game which they cooked and
+had for food, and commenced their long march, and it was a long march.
+They had been five days on the tramp, and stopped one night to camp,
+when Creedon said:
+
+"In the morning we will be on the ground."
+
+The place where they were camped was a mountain glen, and our young
+friend Desmond, being in splendid health, was exceedingly happy. The
+life thus far had been one of constant excitement, and therefore at his
+age one of continuous enjoyment, and besides, to crown all, he was
+comparatively rich. As intimated, Creedon had valued the dust at ten
+thousand dollars, and when it should be turned into money Desmond could
+indeed clear his mother's farm and go to school, and then to college,
+and it was his highest ambition to obtain a fine education. He was an
+ambitious lad.
+
+Creedon was restless and excited all the evening; for him a great
+decision was to be rendered. He had come to know that Brooks was indeed
+an expert, and should the latter decide that his claim was of value it
+meant that for which he had been struggling a long time, as he had said,
+for fifteen years.
+
+Creedon did not sleep; much danger would not have kept him awake, but
+the possibilities of the dawning day did cause exceeding restlessness.
+Desmond noticed that the woodsman did not sleep and went over and sat
+near him.
+
+"What's the matter, lad; why don't you sleep?"
+
+"Why don't you sleep?"
+
+"To tell the truth, I can't."
+
+"Neither can I."
+
+"I don't see what keeps you awake."
+
+"The possibilities of the coming day."
+
+Creedon was in a thoughtful mood, and Desmond asked:
+
+"Why are you so anxious to get rich?"
+
+"Lad, I'll tell you: I am thirty-three years old; I started from home
+when I was less than eighteen; my father was a poor man. Living in our
+town was a rich man who had a lovely daughter; she was just fifteen. I
+had known her from the time we were wee little tots, and we fell in love
+with each other, although she was fifteen and I but a little past
+seventeen, but her father was rich; he despised low people, and that
+girl and I agreed that I was to leave home, go into the world and earn a
+fortune, and go back and claim her. We made a solemn agreement, pledged
+ourselves under the stars, she was to wait for me even if I did not
+return until I was a gray-haired man. Boy, she is waiting yet; she is a
+handsome woman now--I have her photograph--and once a year I receive a
+letter from her. She has urged me to return; her father is dead and she
+has a competency in her own right, but I am not willing to go home,
+marry her and live on her money; and besides, I want to get rich--real
+rich. I wish to buy her the finest house in our native town, give her
+horses and carriages; I'll die before I will return poor. The people in
+the town have often and often hurt her feelings by their deridings,
+telling her that I had forgotten her, that if I did succeed in winning a
+fortune I would never return to her, but would marry some one else. They
+told her I was a thriftless vagrant, never would get rich, and through
+all this she has remained true to me, and every time I receive a letter
+from her she urges me to return. I don't know; if my mine turns out all
+right I will return, if it don't I will not return, and here I am just
+about to learn what the chances are. It means to me life, love, and
+happiness, or a return to the endless longing that has inspired me for
+the last fifteen years; but, boy, I will never return unless I have a
+fortune."
+
+"No wonder you are restless, and I am now as much interested in our
+success on your account as I am on my own."
+
+"I have high hopes, lad--yes, high hopes."
+
+On the morning following the dialogue related, all hands were up bright
+and early and they started for the mine, and in two hours were on the
+ground. Creedon was pale as a pictured ghost while pointing out to
+Brooks the indications, and Brooks also was excited as he made his
+study.
+
+We will not bore our readers with an account of the investigations made
+by Brooks, but will state that at the end of the second day he was
+compelled to announce that the mine was valueless.
+
+Desmond thought he had never seen a more disconsolate look on any man's
+face than the one that settled over the face of Creedon when the
+announcement was made.
+
+"Your mine don't amount to anything in itself," said Brooks, "but it
+carries a suggestion; it is a compass that points to where a valuable
+mine may be found. We are not in it yet; to-morrow I will make a survey
+and I may get indications that will carry us to the ledge where the gold
+ores extend in paying quantities--yes, I think I can read the
+indications as plainly as though the road were mapped out."
+
+Brooks spent two days, and then said:
+
+"It's all right; there is a mine somewhere, but I must have the proper
+instruments and testing utensils. I will leave you and Desmond here in
+the mountains and proceed to the nearest settlement and secure what I
+need. Creedon, I can almost promise you that we will find a rich
+digging, and it will be more accessible than this one."
+
+"I have a better plan," said Creedon.
+
+"What is your plan?"
+
+"We will go and get the dust that the lad found; we will carry that to
+the town, dispose of it, get our money, make our deposits in the bank,
+and then start in on the search. Possessing the knowledge that you do,
+we will find a mine. I am not discouraged yet."
+
+It was so agreed, and the party made their way back to where they had
+their store of dust. Creedon had made some deerskin bags so that the
+burden would not fall upon one person. The dust was all secured and they
+made a start for the town.
+
+On the night when they made their last halt before ending their trip in
+the town, Brooks, the wizard tramp, took advantage of an opportunity to
+talk to Desmond alone. He said:
+
+"Lad, to-morrow we will be in the town and we will have money. I have a
+proposition. It will take a year or two to develop matters in case I do
+locate the mine; you cannot afford at your time of life to spend a year.
+I do not need you with me now. I am a man again, thanks to you, and I
+will make a confidant of Creedon. He is a manly, honest fellow, and will
+watch over me. Our joint interest will make him a splendid sentinel. I
+feel that we are sure to win, if not in one direction in another. With
+my scientific knowledge and his practical knowledge we will win, but it
+may be two or three years. This is a fascinating life for you, but you
+cannot afford to lose this valuable time."
+
+"What is it you are about to propose?"
+
+"I can send you home with five thousand dollars and I will still have
+money enough to carry on our purpose. You can clear off the farm and go
+to school; you are ambitious, and in less than a year you will be
+prepared to stand an examination for college, and you can go with a
+cheerful heart, for if my life is spared I will win a fortune for you. I
+have no use for a fortune myself; I am working for you and Amy."
+
+"But suppose something should happen to you? Do you remember you have
+not made your revelation?"
+
+"I propose to provide for that; I will confide to you a document. It is
+not to be opened until you are assured of my death, so living or dead
+you shall in good time learn the great secret that I have held all these
+years."
+
+"I must think this matter over," said Desmond.
+
+"There must be no thinking. I have decided as to what you must do."
+
+"And you do not want me to go back at all?"
+
+"No, I want you to go home to the State of New York; I want you to go to
+clear off the farm and go to school, and I will attend to your affairs
+out here."
+
+"I will decide in the morning."
+
+That night Desmond thought over the whole matter. He had become
+fascinated with the life in the mountains, but when he revolved the
+whole matter in his mind he saw that it was indeed wiser for him to
+return to his home; and under what joyful circumstances he would
+return! He could clear the farm and have money in the bank; he could go
+to school and go to college, and devote his whole attention to study
+without any worry or fear, and in the morning he greeted Brooks with the
+announcement:
+
+"I have decided to obey you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A SAD PARTING--PROPHETIC WORDS--ON THE TRAIN--A
+SENATOR'S SON--LEADING UP TO A TRICK--GENUINE
+FUN AHEAD.
+
+
+There came a sad look to the face of Brooks, and he said:
+
+"I shall miss you, Desmond, but I feel it is for the best. You are a
+youth of great promise. I do not mean to flatter you, I am speaking the
+truth, and it is in your interest that I so warmly advocate your return
+to the East. I desire that you become an educated man, a graduate of
+college; I wish you to secure your degree. And let me tell you now there
+was fate in our meeting, and very remarkable consequences may follow our
+acquaintance begun and maintained under such strange circumstances."
+
+Desmond had never beheld his strange friend, the wizard tramp, under a
+similar mood. There appeared to be a prophetic spell prompting the words
+of the strange man.
+
+"I hope you do not wish to get rid of me."
+
+"No, I am speaking in your interest alone, lad; my life has been a
+wasted one, yours is just commencing. You can be of some use in the
+world, I have been a nuisance. I have a strange tale to tell--yes,
+Desmond, like many others I have encountered a romance in life. I
+deliberately threw myself away, but where I failed you can win; there is
+a chance for you to become a useful man; great honor may await you
+because you possess the qualities that win success. You are brave, firm,
+and persistent, also enterprising; with these qualities, in this land,
+any young man can win a success against the great throng of unambitious
+and careless men like myself."
+
+"Can you trust yourself?"
+
+"I can."
+
+"You are certain?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"You do not need me?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"Remember, your weakness upon several occasions permitted you to fall."
+
+"I have considered everything; I have an object in life now and a
+prospect."
+
+"A prospect?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is there anything you are concealing from me?"
+
+"I am considering your interests alone," was the reply.
+
+"But your revelation?"
+
+"It is not necessary for me to tell you once again that I have provided
+for you to learn the secret of my life in case anything should happen to
+me."
+
+Desmond at once began his arrangements for a return to the East. He had
+been away for many months; he had plenty of money; his return would be
+in great triumph in every way. He purchased fine clothes, which he was
+able to do even in the far Western town where he was stopping, and when
+he arrayed himself in his good clothes even Brooks was surprised at the
+wonderful transformation well-fitting attire made in the youth. Desmond
+was indeed a fine-looking fellow, well educated comparatively, and as is
+not unusually the case, he was naturally capable of adapting himself to
+changed conditions. He did not seem awkward in his good clothes, but
+appeared as though he had worn fine attire all his life.
+
+At length the hour came when Desmond and Brooks were to part company.
+The wizard tramp had a sad look upon his face, although he tried to be
+cheerful and jovial The attempt, however, was a failure. He said:
+
+"I will not go with you to the train, Desmond, we will part here, and
+you can address your letters to me here; I will arrange to have them
+forwarded to me in case I go prospecting again."
+
+"You will go prospecting, I suppose, of course."
+
+"I cannot tell; but remember, if anything happens to me I have arranged
+for you to be communicated with."
+
+There came a look of concern to our hero's face, and the discerning
+Brooks said:
+
+"You have something to say."
+
+"I have an idea."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"There is great peril in the wilderness."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"There have been cases where men have lost their lives and their deaths
+have not become known until many years afterward."
+
+"That is true, lad, and I have calculated for that."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You will know if such an event should occur. In the meantime let me
+tell you if a year should pass and you do not hear from me you will know
+that I am dead."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"Tell Amy."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"She may make a disclosure to you. Remember, I have taken every
+precaution."
+
+"I do not know why you should withhold from me your life secret. No harm
+could come of an immediate revelation, but of course you have your own
+reasons for withholding your story."
+
+"Yes, that is it, I have reasons; no harm might come of an immediate
+revelation, but I have reasons of a very satisfactory character to
+myself. You will understand and appreciate them when they are made known
+to you. Desmond, I am a changed man; you need have no fear concerning me
+now; time has righted a wrong. I am strong now--that is, normally
+strong--all will go well, I believe, if not with me at least with you."
+
+A little later and our hero was on his way across the country to the
+town where he was to take the train, and a better equipped lad for
+adventure never boarded a train, and lo, he encountered several very
+thrilling adventures ere he arrived at the valley farm where kind hearts
+beat to greet him.
+
+Desmond had been on the train but a few minutes really when he observed
+a tall, country-looking young fellow, who fixed his eyes on him. As has
+been demonstrated all through our narrative, Desmond was a very quick,
+discerning chap; in the language of the day, he was "up to snuff," and
+the instant he caught the eye of the country-looking fellow he knew that
+something was up, and he discerned more which will be disclosed as our
+narrative advances.
+
+Desmond had not boarded a through train; he was to go to a large town
+where he would meet a through express. The train he had entered was a
+way train, and he seated himself by the window. No one was in the seat
+with him at first, but soon the country-looking chap took a seat beside
+him. The latter appeared to be a jolly, innocent sort of chap, and he
+addressed the young adventurer with the words:
+
+"Hello!"
+
+There came a merry gleam in Desmond's eyes, as he asked:
+
+"Do you take me for a telephone?"
+
+The stranger arched his eyebrows, and demanded:
+
+"A telephone?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What makes you ask that question?"
+
+"Because you yelled 'hello' in my ear."
+
+"I've heard about telephones, but I never saw one."
+
+"You never did?"
+
+"No; what are they like?"
+
+The question was asked seemingly in the most innocent manner, but the
+keen-witted Desmond's suspicions were at once aroused, and on the
+instant he made a curious discovery. The fellow was a make-up, under a
+disguise, and consequently under immediate suspicion also.
+
+"So you never saw a telephone?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"You _tell_ me that?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Our hero knew he had a long journey before him; he was naturally very
+fond of a joke and excitement, and besides he had instinctive hatred for
+designing men. Our hero was aware that the trains, as a rule, are
+infested with sharps, and the efforts of the railroad companies to
+squelch these nuisances are not altogether successful. Our adventurer
+determined to have a little amusement, and if his suspicions were fully
+verified he was resolved to teach at least one sharp a good lesson. We
+will repeat, Desmond did not look like an athlete or a youth who had
+seen the rough side of life; he could easily be mistaken for an
+ordinarily bright youth who had much to learn.
+
+"So you really never saw a telephone?"
+
+"Never," repeated the man.
+
+Desmond, having determined upon his course of action, assumed a most
+serious air, and with the greatest earnestness graphically described a
+telephone, and the stranger appeared to be all interest and attention,
+and expressed his surprise by innocent ejaculations, as our hero related
+the wonderful possibilities of the telephone.
+
+It was an amusing scene, or would have been to one who was under the
+rose and understood that a game was being played.
+
+When Desmond's description apparently, as stated, told in the most
+earnest manner the sharp, as we shall call him, said:
+
+"Well that beats me, it beats anything I ever heard. See here, stranger,
+you are making a fool of me with a big fish story because I am a green
+Western man, born and raised on the prairie."
+
+"No, I've told you the truth."
+
+"Well, well, you come from the city?"
+
+"No, I am going to the city."
+
+"New York?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is that your home?"
+
+"Well, _New York lies near where_ I live."
+
+"Dear me, what wonderful sights you have seen!"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That New York is a wonderful place."
+
+"You bet it is."
+
+"I am going there some day--yes, I've said I'd see New York some day and
+I will. It must make a man blind for a few days to go around there."
+
+"Well, yes, it is rather dazzling," said Desmond.
+
+So the conversation continued for quite a time and finally the stranger
+rose and went away, saying he would return immediately. Quite a
+respectable-looking man took the vacated seat beside Desmond, and the
+last neighbor asked:
+
+"Do you know that green-looking chap who was just talking to you?"
+
+"No, sir, I never saw him before."
+
+"Then you don't know who he is?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"That is a son of Senator F----, the richest mine owner out in this
+section; he looks like a countryman. You see he was raised in the West,
+but he is one of the most honest and good-hearted fellows in the world,
+liberal to a fault, fond of fun, but a good and true friend to any one."
+
+Desmond studied the man who was giving him this unsolicited information,
+and he concluded that the nice-looking man was sharp number two; he was
+up to this sort of business and perceived the whole game.
+
+"Yes, he appears like a good, honest fellow," said Desmond.
+
+"Honest? why, you could trust him with all you had in the world."
+
+"Yes, he looks that."
+
+"He is one of the kindest-hearted fellows in the world. I tell you if
+you get into trouble he is the man to aid you. He is the best pistol
+shot and rifle shot in the land. Why, that fellow has fought off a whole
+tribe of Indians. The redskins fear him as a white man fears the devil,
+and his father is one of the richest men out in this section, as I told
+you."
+
+"Yes. He don't look like a millionaire's son."
+
+"No, but he is all the same, and he appears to have taken a great fancy
+to you. I was watching him while he talked to you; I tell you no one
+will interfere with you anywhere in this land if they know that he is
+your friend."
+
+"That's good."
+
+"Yes. He is a splendid fellow."
+
+The man who had volunteered all this information walked into a forward
+car, and a few moments later the senator's son, so-called, returned, and
+as frequently occurs in far Western trains, the particular car in which
+Desmond was riding was deserted. Our hero and the countryman had the car
+all to themselves, and after a little further talk the senator's son
+said:
+
+"I wish some greeny would come in here, we'd have some fun."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I'll tell you, I am a regular juggler; I know all the tricks of
+gamblers and I'd fool a fellow."
+
+"Do you know all the tricks of gamblers?"
+
+"Yes, and sometimes I beat the game just for fun. You see I am down on
+gamblers, I just like to beat them. Generally there are one or two of
+those rascals on this train, but they know me; I don't get a chance at
+them any more, so I sometimes amuse myself by astonishing greenhorns. By
+ginger! but it's funny I've never been in New York; I am half a mind to
+go right on to the great city with you."
+
+"Yes, come along," said Desmond, a merry twinkle in his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PLAYING TO CATCH A WEASEL--A SHARP'S
+SCHOLAR--OPENING UP OF THE GAME--TWO
+BIG HANDS--A CRISIS.
+
+
+"I can't go, but I'd like to; but you give me your address, and some day
+you will see me in York. I feel like the man who said, 'See Venice and
+die;' I want to see New York. Say, they tell me there are a great many
+sharpers in that wonderful city."
+
+"Yes, it's full of them."
+
+"Well, wouldn't I have fun beating those fellows, especially on the race
+track, eh? They tell me these sharps are as thick as mosquitoes in
+August down on the race tracks."
+
+"Yes, they hover around there."
+
+"I like you, young fellow."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"So you said."
+
+"You're honest; I like an honest young fellow every time. Are you an
+orphan?"
+
+"A half orphan."
+
+"Your mother dead?"
+
+"No, my father."
+
+"Well, I am just the other way--my mother is dead and my dad, he is away
+up. They say he is a great man. I reckon he is, but I am no shakes; you
+see I care more for fun than lands. Now, see here; I'll teach you some
+tricks. Would you like to learn?"
+
+"Yes, I would."
+
+"Good enough, and when you get back to York you can punish some of those
+sharps there, for my occupation is gone out here; they won't let me play
+against them or I'd beat them every time--yes, I beat their game and
+then give the money away to some poor person who needs it; but they
+don't know you, and before we get to the end of the route some of those
+fellows may get aboard, and as I said, they don't know you, and we'll
+have some great fun; you can beat the game."
+
+"I'd like to do that."
+
+"You would?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I was beaten once."
+
+"You were?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"At what game?"
+
+"Three card monte."
+
+"Well, well! and did they ever come the thimblerig on you?"
+
+"Yes, I had a taste of that also."
+
+"Then you've been through the mill?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, now, see here; I'll teach you the game, and you are the only one
+I ever will teach it to; you are honest. But if I were to teach the game
+to some fellows who claim to be honest they would start in as gamblers
+right away."
+
+"I never will."
+
+"No, I can see that in your eye; you've got an honest face; I like you
+clean through."
+
+"Thank you again."
+
+"Yes, and I am going to learn you a trick or two."
+
+"I'll be glad to learn."
+
+The man produced his cards and said:
+
+"I always carry an outfit with me just for fun."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That's fine."
+
+We cannot in words describe the peculiar tones of our hero or the
+singular expression upon his face, but he was playing for great fun. He
+held in reserve a great surprise for the senator's son, a grand climax
+and tableau was to close the scene, or rather, as Desmond classed it in
+his mind, grand comedy. He did not know just how the fellow intended to
+work his game; he believed the method would be a novel one, but he was
+ready--yes, permitting himself to be led on to the grand climax.
+
+The wizard tramp was an expert gambler and he had taught Desmond a great
+many tricks in order to put the youth on his guard, and also for
+amusement during their lonely hours together. All there was to learn
+about the trick Desmond already knew, but he pretended ignorance, and
+let the sharp go ahead. He proved an apt scholar, however, for the
+senator's son said:
+
+"Jiminy! I don't know but I am doing wrong."
+
+"Doing wrong?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You learn so quick you appear to be a natural gambler."
+
+"I am pretty quick at learning points, I will admit."
+
+"You are great."
+
+Our hero had just about mastered the intricacies of the game when, lo,
+three men entered the car, and the sharp whispered to the lad:
+
+"Great Scott! here are a lot of 'gambs' as sure as you are alive. I
+wonder if they will give me a chance at them; if they do I'll show you
+some fun, if they don't you are up to the trick, you are my pupil, and
+you can show me the fun."
+
+"That's so."
+
+"Lay low, my friend, don't go too fast or these fellows will become
+suspicious. I want to catch them good, and we will if you play it
+right."
+
+Desmond was on to the trick; he saw how the game was to be played, and
+he appreciated that it was indeed a neat little trick. They were working
+to fleece him differently from any little game he had ever seen or had
+read about.
+
+The "gambs," as the sharp had called the newcomers in the car, did not
+betray their game at once. They took a seat a little distance off and
+commenced playing among themselves "only for fun," as they said loud
+enough to be overheard.
+
+"We'll catch them," whispered the sharp.
+
+"I don't know; they do not appear disposed to let us into their game;
+maybe they are acquainted with you."
+
+"Never mind, they will go for you. Let me see, I'll go out of the car,
+see! and then they will make your acquaintance. I'll be at hand in case
+there is a row."
+
+"Yes, I see."
+
+"We must catch these fellows and teach them a lesson."
+
+"We will."
+
+"We will have to blind them. Let me see; have you any money to make a
+bluff on?"
+
+"Yes, plenty."
+
+"Make believe you are making a bet with me and show a roll, then we will
+bait them and they will go for you; and, oh, won't we give 'em a lesson?
+You bet we will; we'll just clean them out and give the money to some
+needy person--that is, you can--and you'll meet many a poor cuss before
+you get to New York."
+
+"You can meet them anywhere."
+
+"Have you got a roll?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A good sized one? for we want to give them a good bait."
+
+Desmond was playing his part of the game well--very well--his whole
+manner was right up to the mark--indeed, he did a fine piece of acting.
+He pulled out a roll of bills, pretended to dispute with the sharp, and
+suddenly exclaimed:
+
+"I'll bet you a hundred."
+
+"No, no, young fellow, I don't bet," said the sharp. "I know I am right,
+I'd only be robbing you."
+
+"I won't let you rob me; I am up to what I say."
+
+The youth put an emphasis on his words which the sharp did not notice;
+he thought he had such a sure thing, he was not looking for a false
+"steer." Desmond saw the glitter, however, in the sharp's eyes at the
+sight of the roll, for it looked like a big pile of money, and the sharp
+appeared to feel, as indicated in his face, that the pile was already
+his own.
+
+"By ginger!" he said, "you are a dandy; you can play this game right up,
+but don't be too anxious or you will scare those fellows off; just take
+it easy, let them lead you on."
+
+"Oh, I know how to work; don't you forget I am a Yorker."
+
+"Yes, I see you Yorkers are smart fellows. You know a heap, I can see
+that; but I did learn you some?"
+
+"Yes, and when we get through here, I'll teach you a trick."
+
+The sharp shot a keen glance at Desmond, and the lad saw that he had
+been a little premature, but it was only a fuse that flashed, and the
+sharp said, speaking in a very low tone:
+
+"I'll go in the next car, but I'll be on hand at the right moment. I
+want to enjoy the laugh when you catch these fellows. You are sure you
+are on to the trick?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"You must keep your eyes well open."
+
+"You bet I will."
+
+The sharp left the car, and after a moment one of the confederates came
+over and took a seat alongside of Desmond, and in a jolly, familiar
+tone, he said:
+
+"You bucked the senator's son down, didn't you?"
+
+"Well, yes."
+
+"It takes a good man to buck him down; He's got lots of stuff and sand
+too, but you bucked him."
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"We're having a little game here to pass the time--it's awful dreary
+these long rides. You see, we are salesmen and we've had some of these
+fellows out here trying to rope us in, and we are trying to learn the
+game."
+
+"Don't you know the game?"
+
+"No; do you?"
+
+"Well, I know a little about it."
+
+"Come along and show us what you know."
+
+The party got together; Desmond appeared hale-fellow-well-met with the
+rogues, and the game was played amid a great deal of laughter, until one
+of the party said:
+
+"By Jove! boys, I am on to this thing."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"You daren't bet for fair."
+
+"Yes, I dare."
+
+"Oh, come off."
+
+"I'll bet for fair; I'll give every one of you a chance."
+
+"You will?"
+
+"Yes, I will."
+
+"Come off."
+
+"I am in earnest; who'll go first and bet me?"
+
+"I will," said one man.
+
+"All right."
+
+The cards were thrown and a bet made, and the dealer was beat and lost
+apparently a ten-dollar bill.
+
+"All right; I was beat that time. Who'll take a second hack at it? I've
+got it all right, and I'll catch some of you fellows."
+
+"Will you?"
+
+"I will, by thunder."
+
+The trick was being played in the most bungling manner, simply because
+when properly played the exposure would have shown the game. The second
+man bet and won, and the dealer said:
+
+"I give it up, let's play a little game we know something about."
+
+"What will it be?"
+
+"I'll deal you fellows a little faro; we might as well pass the time
+that way as any other."
+
+A game of faro commenced and Desmond went into the game, and in a little
+time the original sharp came in the car and wanted to take a hand, and
+it was then that the gamblers said:
+
+"No, we won't let you; you are a 'jack' player; we are only amateurs."
+
+The party played faro for a little while and then a regular game of
+poker was proposed. The latter was a game that all hands could play in
+for a trick; even the senator's son was permitted to enter the game, and
+winking in a knowing manner to our hero he did get in the game, and the
+four proceeded up to a crisis where, as usual, two men held hands of
+value, and as it chanced, the original sharp was the man who held a hand
+against Desmond, and he said:
+
+"Here, I'll only make a small bet; I don't want to win your money."
+
+"I'll bet you anything you want," said Desmond.
+
+"Hello! are you in earnest?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"Do you really want to get my money?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Dead sure?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I've a big hand, I'll tell you that before you start in."
+
+"That's all right, I'm betting on my hand."
+
+"Now see here, young fellow, remember this is poker, and on principle I
+always claim when I win, so don't bet high on your hand."
+
+"I'll go as high as you choose."
+
+"And you know what you are doing?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I am in dead earnest."
+
+"So am I."
+
+"Everything is barred?"
+
+"Yes, everything," said Desmond.
+
+"All right; if you will have it so swing out your roll. I'm betting
+heavy on this hand, but I've warned you, remember."
+
+"Yes, but you can't bluff me," said Desmond.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ALMOST A BREAK--A NOVEL GAME TO ROB--OUR HERO'S
+ARTISTIC ACTING--A TABLEAU AND A GRAND SURPRISE.
+
+
+Again the sharp fixed his eyes upon our hero, but it was not a
+give-away; Desmond was playing his game too well. He appeared like an
+excited gambler, an amateur, who apparently believed he had a sure
+thing.
+
+"I'll warn you once more," said the sharp.
+
+"To the dogs with your warning, you daren't bet."
+
+"Oh, yes, I dare bet, but I like you; I've a dead sure hand, you can't
+beat me."
+
+"That's my lookout."
+
+"Then you know just what you are doing?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"These men can bear witness that I want to throw up my hand."
+
+"You needn't."
+
+"And you will really bet?"
+
+"Yes, I will."
+
+"With your eyes open?"
+
+"Dead sure."
+
+"All right; what is your raise?"
+
+Desmond gave a lift and the sharp raised back, and so the play went on
+until the stake was a thousand dollars on the two hands, and the sharp
+said:
+
+"See here, young follow, five hundred is enough for you to lose."
+
+"No, no, I am not losing."
+
+"You ain't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Suppose you are mistaken."
+
+"I can stand it."
+
+"You can?"
+
+"I can."
+
+"All right; no use for me to attempt to stand against a young fellow
+like you. I begin to suspect you've been playing innocent, and I will
+teach you a lesson; I raise you a hundred."
+
+"I see it and go two hundred better."
+
+Each time a bet was made the money was laid on the table, and it was a
+very exciting scene and moment. The sharp looked puzzled; he had laid
+out for a dead sure thing, but there had come a complete change over
+Desmond, and it was the latter fact that scared the sharp. He
+hesitated, but at length, in a slow tone, said:
+
+"I'll see you a call," and he laid down his cards. He held four jacks, a
+great hand, but one that is often beaten, of course, and it was beaten
+on this occasion, for, strange to declare, Desmond held four kings.
+
+Right here let us offer an explanation. Our hero was playing against a
+false deal; the man who was leading him made the fatal mistake that he
+was working with a gudgeon on his hook, consequently he was not
+watchful. The wizard tramp had taught Desmond a great many tricks, and
+the lad's natural discernment and watchfulness had prepared him for the
+hand when the great trick was to be sprung, and unwatched he worked a
+bigger trick. He did not know what the hand was he was pitted against,
+but he had been let in to gamblers' tricks, that is, "snide" gamblers.
+These fellows in making a false deal do not win on the highest hands,
+for they always know the hand against them. The fellow who was seeking
+to rob Desmond thought he knew our hero's hand, but it was right there
+he was fooled. Our hero had worked his own trick, as stated--he stole a
+hand so deftly that the unwatchful robbers did not see him do it, and it
+was there he had them. He was really taking a slight chance, but only a
+slight one, and what followed? Well, it was a case of the biter bitten,
+and when Desmond exposed his hand there came a look upon the sharp's
+face that can never be described, but which might be photographed with a
+snap-shot machine.
+
+There fell a dead stillness in that car for a few seconds, and then the
+defeated sharp said:
+
+"Aha! you are a cheat."
+
+"Am I?"
+
+Desmond was perfectly cool.
+
+"Yes, you are, and that money is mine."
+
+"Is it?"
+
+"Oh, see here, young fellow, don't you attempt to bluff me, or I'll mark
+you."
+
+As intimated, there had come a great change over Desmond. He did not
+look like and he certainly did not act like the same person who a little
+time previously had been learning gambling tricks from the sharp. The
+gambler attempted to rake the money from the seat, and it was at that
+moment the real fun commenced.
+
+"You miserable rascal," cried Desmond, "lay a finger on a bill on that
+seat and I'll pin your hand to the car seat."
+
+Well, there was a scene of consternation around there just at that
+instant, and our hero said:
+
+"I've been carrying out your programme, amusing myself with a sneak
+thief, and now, Mr. Senator's Son, you have evidence that Yorkers do
+know a thing or two, and you get yourself together and get out of this
+car and off the train at the next station, or I'll make a horse-fly net
+of you. Is that plain English? Take your own money, I don't need it. You
+are under cover, but let me give you a pointer--you play the senator's
+son too well altogether to make a success of it."
+
+The group of gamblers stared in silence. They did not dare make a
+hostile move; there was something about Desmond in his transformed
+appearance that froze them--indeed, even his youth was a mystery to
+them, for he acted like a man who had had years of experience.
+
+"You started in, gentlemen, to play a big game of robbery, but ran up
+against a snag. I am letting you off easy--very easy--but you see we
+young fellows from York are not malicious."
+
+The gamblers had indeed gotten off easily, and we will here explain that
+they did not fear Desmond in a scrimage; but they would have feared any
+one who would have made a fight, as they did not wish to draw the
+attention of the train men to their scheme which had been exposed. Had
+they been winners they would have made a fight, but the game they were
+attempting was one of highway robbery, for they had been outwitted in
+the deal, and had no claim upon the money.
+
+The train arrived at a station and the gamblers started to alight. They
+felt bitter, and the self-styled senator's son said to Desmond:
+
+"The train will stop here fifteen minutes. You are a good fellow, I like
+you, I'd like to have you stop off a minute and have a cool drink with
+us."
+
+Desmond well knew the scoundrel's purpose, but being fond of adventure
+he determined to give the rascals a still greater surprise. He was in
+splendid condition, his muscles were developed up to the consistency of
+whit-leather, and with a smile he rose to follow the man who had invited
+him to alight for refreshment. The gambler stepped off the car ahead of
+Desmond; the latter followed, when the former suddenly swung round and
+made a vicious lunge at the youth who had so cleverly outwitted him, and
+once again the scamp was outwitted. A second time he ran up against a
+snag, for our hero dodged the blow that was meant for him and countered
+with a tremendous slugger which landed on his assailant's nose, and over
+the man fell with a swiftness that would have suggested the kick of a
+horse, and when he fell he lay there; but two of the other chaps had in
+the meantime made a rush for Desmond, and they received a rap
+successively--indeed, they had run in on our young walking champion
+where he was at home. He was a wonder in science, strength and agility;
+no two or three ordinary men would have had any show with him at all,
+and the fact was the assailants so determined, for the attack was not
+renewed, and our hero stepped aboard the train, the object of the
+wondering glances of twenty people who had witnessed the assault and
+its culmination.
+
+Desmond sat down in the car as coolly as though he had just gone out for
+a breath of fresh air.
+
+Our hero encountered several other adventures of a minor character, but
+in good time arrived in New York City. He had not announced his return
+to the farm, and consequently spent several days in the all-round
+greatest city in the world. There is no place like old New York; there
+is more life to be seen in the great American metropolis in one day than
+can be seen in any other great capital in two. It is a city peculiar to
+itself, unlike any other, in its situation between two rivers and its
+nose practically putting out to the sea; in its activities and general
+loveliness--indeed, it in a wonderful place, and Desmond enjoyed every
+minute during his sojourn, but at length he took a train up-country and
+in due time arrived at the station from which he was to team it to the
+old farm where his grandfather and father had lived and died.
+
+As stated, Desmond had not announced his return, and when within a mile
+of the farm he alighted from the wagon that had carried him over and
+started afoot. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived in sight of
+the old farm, and he was standing on a rise of ground looking over
+toward his old home, when he espied a girl sitting beneath a tree. One
+glance was sufficient; he recognized Amy, and he determined to steal
+upon her unawares. He managed to gain a clump of bushes located within
+twenty feet of where the girl sat, and he had an opportunity to study
+her unobserved. We will not describe his emotions, but it was a
+beautiful sight that fell under his delighted gaze. The life on the farm
+had been of great advantage to Amy in many ways, and in her white muslin
+dress she appeared so beautiful as to make it seem that she was out of
+place in that wild region. Her form was perfect in its grace, and her
+face--well, we will not go into a description, but let it suffice to say
+that there are few girls in all the world who surpass her in the
+exquisite loveliness of her face.
+
+Desmond studied the girl for a long time and he observed that she
+appeared to be perfectly contented and happy. She had her mandolin with
+her, and after quite a period of abstraction she took up her instrument,
+and soon her splendid voice sounded clear and melodious on the still
+air, for it was an afternoon when nature rested under a spell, as it
+were; not a breath of air appeared to float amid the leaves and flowers.
+
+A moment, and our hero made the most delightful discovery of his life.
+Amy was singing and improvising; she did it readily and charmingly, and
+her hidden auditor was indeed charmed. She was singing to an absent one,
+and she mingled the name of our hero in her song. It was a plea for the
+absent one to return, and the sweetness of the melody was not more
+entrancing than the verses. She appeared to be not only a singer but a
+poetess, possessed of rare talent.
+
+Desmond did not appear inclined to break the spell, but when he saw Amy
+making preparations to depart he stepped from his place of concealment.
+The girl uttered a cry; at the first glance she did not recognize the
+farmer boy, transformed as he was into a gentleman in dress, but when
+she caught sight of his face and heard his merry laugh and pleasant
+salutation, she exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, Desmond, I did not know you at first. How elegant you look!"
+
+"Thank you; how is my mother?"
+
+"She is well, but did not know you were coming home; neither did I."
+
+"Well, no, I thought I would give you a surprise. It's all right, here I
+am, this side up with care."
+
+"Your mother will be delighted."
+
+"And you?"
+
+"I am giddy with delight, and I hope all is well with you and with my--"
+The girl stopped short and said, "Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Yes, when I left him he was all right."
+
+"Did he come with you?"
+
+"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you are
+surprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be more
+surprised did you behold at this moment your--I mean Mr. Brooks."
+
+A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a moment
+later by a bright smile, as she said:
+
+"Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life."
+
+"And what makes you so happy?"
+
+The question was put abruptly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Amy suddenly appeared to realize--well, our readers can guess what. It
+appeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness,
+and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed,
+and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said:
+
+"Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy."
+
+"Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless--"
+Again the girl stopped short.
+
+"Go on," said Desmond.
+
+"Unless I am to be taken away from your mother."
+
+"Do you desire to remain with my mother?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I love your mother."
+
+"You love my mother?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"And who else?"
+
+The question came in a pointed manner; Amy was a girl nearly sixteen.
+
+"My--I mean Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+The girl did not answer.
+
+"Come, Amy, who else do you love?"
+
+"You are real mean."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You know."
+
+"I do?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I don't want to be mean, but tell me who else you love?"
+
+"I won't."
+
+"You won't?"
+
+"No."
+
+There was bantering in the tones of both these young people at that
+moment.
+
+"Shall I tell you who I love?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I love my mother."
+
+"You can't help it."
+
+"I have learned to love Mr. Brooks, your--I mean--well, Mr. Brooks."
+
+In a tantalizing tone the girl asked:
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"Oh, you're real mean," said Desmond, imitating Amy's tone at the
+moment she had made the same remark to him.
+
+"I don't want to be mean."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Will you keep my secret?"
+
+"Yes," came the eager answer.
+
+"Honor bright?"
+
+"Yes, honor bright."
+
+"You won't tell even my mother?"
+
+The girl did not answer.
+
+"Come, promise."
+
+"I promise."
+
+"I've met a girl I love, and I've made you my confidante, but don't tell
+my mother."
+
+Amy had turned desperately pale, and in a pettish, trembling tone, she
+said:
+
+"Yes, I will tell your mother."
+
+"You promised not to do so."
+
+"I don't care, I'll break my promise."
+
+"Oh, Amy, you are real mean."
+
+"I can't help it if I am."
+
+"You can't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I am mad--real mad."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you went and fell in love with a girl; it's ridiculous,
+anyway."
+
+"It is?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"You are only a boy."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What are you, pray? you are only a girl."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"I couldn't fall in love with a mere girl, could I?"
+
+"Yes, you could."
+
+Desmond laughed in a merry manner, and said:
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, I did fall in love with a mere girl. Do you
+want to hear about her?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"I am going to tell you all the same; you are the girl I've fallen in
+love with."
+
+There came a bright, happy look to Amy's beautiful face as she said:
+
+"Oh, you are real mean."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"To tell me that so suddenly."
+
+"Well, who else do you love?"
+
+"I love you."
+
+"All right; go and break your promise and tell my mother," said Desmond
+in a provoking tone, following his advice by encircling Amy's waist and
+imprinting upon her red-hot cheek a kiss.
+
+"You tell your mother yourself," said Amy.
+
+"No, I won't; you said you would."
+
+"Then I will."
+
+"You will?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, well!"
+
+"Your mother will be glad."
+
+"What?" ejaculated Desmond.
+
+"Your mother will be glad."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"She told me so."
+
+That night there was a happy party under the old farmhouse roof. Mrs.
+Dare had met her son with tears of joy in her eyes, and Desmond had told
+the weird tale of his remarkable adventures.
+
+At once our hero set to work to prepare for college. He had talked the
+matter over with his mother and with Amy, and in due time he did enter
+Amherst College, and for a long time his adventures ceased. He heard
+occasionally from Mr. Brooks, who appeared to be doing well and who sent
+money on at intervals, but no explanation. And so the time passed until
+Desmond graduated and returned home. He met his mother and Amy, and a
+moment later there came forth from the house a well-known figure; it was
+Brooks, the whilom wizard tramp.
+
+Again there followed a pleasant evening, and on the following morning
+Desmond was out bright and early to take a walk over the farm. He had
+gone but a short distance when he saw a figure in the grove near the
+house. He advanced and met his old friend the wizard tramp.
+
+"You are out early," said Desmond.
+
+"Yes, I thought I might meet you."
+
+"And you will now tell me how you have succeeded?"
+
+"Yes, Desmond, I will tell you all now, and I owe all to you. We are
+rich--very rich. We found the mine, Creedon and I, and we got
+capitalists interested and developed it. You were our silent partner,
+and to-day you are worth a quarter of a million and I am worth as much
+more, or rather Amy is, for I have been working for my child."
+
+"I have suspected all along that Amy was your daughter. Has she told you
+anything?"
+
+"Yes, she has told me she is to become your wife."
+
+"What do you think of it?"
+
+"It has been the one hope of my life that you would win her love and she
+yours. It was for this reason I insisted upon your returning to the
+East, and the wisdom of my plans is fully confirmed."
+
+"You have a revelation to make to me."
+
+"I have made the revelation--Amy is my own child."
+
+"And is that all you have to reveal? I've known that all along."
+
+"That is my most important revelation, but I have another to make. My
+father was the younger son of an English nobleman; he married a
+beautiful but poor girl, as the world counts riches, and his father
+drove him away, and he came here to America. He never saw his brother
+again; his nephew, my cousin, inherited the estates and title, but
+strange to say, I was the nearest of kin. Five years ago my cousin died;
+he left no estate, but the title which had been maintained in honor by
+my ancestors has descended to me, and when you marry Amy you will marry
+a lord's daughter."
+
+Desmond meditated a moment, and then said:
+
+"I am satisfied to marry the daughter of plain Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Thank you, my son, but I shall clear the estate, and for a season at
+least dwell in the ancient halls of my ancestors. I will remain to
+witness your marriage and shall then go home to England. And now comes
+my last revelation: you and Amy are distantly connected; my remote
+ancestors were yours also. Your grandfather came down from the younger
+line a long time back, but blood as good as any one's flows in your
+veins."
+
+"Yes, from my mother."
+
+"I admit it, _from your mother_."
+
+Our readers know what followed. Amy and Desmond were married, and on
+the night of the wedding he remarked to his father-in-law:
+
+"This time I took no desperate chance."
+
+"Neither did Amy when she intrusted her future happiness to you," came
+the bright and elegant answer.
+
+The whilom wizard tramp did return to England, and it was in the
+ancestral halls that Desmond and Amy spent their delightful honeymoon.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Desperate Chance
+by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 10690.txt or 10690.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/6/9/10690/
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS," WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL
+
+
diff --git a/10690.zip b/10690.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d4b47c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/10690.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..212a4dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #10690 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10690)
diff --git a/old/10690-h.zip b/old/10690-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db64464
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/10690-h.zip
diff --git a/old/10690-h/10690-h.htm b/old/10690-h/10690-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..755bc84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/10690-h/10690-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,4628 @@
+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type"
+    content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of
+    A Desperate Chance: or, The Wizard Tramp's Revelation,
+    by  Old Sleuth.
+</title>
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+   body { margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 4%; }
+   * { font-family:   Times;}
+    P { text-indent:   2em;
+        margin-top:    .75em;
+        font-size:     12pt;
+        text-align:    justify;
+        margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center;
+                   margin-left: 20%;
+                   margin-right: 20%; }
+    H1,H2 { text-align: center; }
+    HR  { width: 33%; }
+    PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; }
+  .figure
+  {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;
+  text-align: center; }
+  .figure img
+  {border: none;}
+    // -->
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's A Desperate Chance, by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Desperate Chance
+       The Wizard Tramp's Revelation, A Thrilling Narrative
+
+Author: Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+Release Date: January 12, 2004 [EBook #10690]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h1>A DESPERATE CHANCE:</h1>
+<h2>
+OR
+</h2>
+<h2>
+THE WIZARD TRAMP'S REVELATION,
+</h2>
+<h3>
+A Thrilling Narrative.
+</h3>
+<h2>
+<b>By OLD SLEUTH. </b>
+</h2>
+
+<p class="figure">
+<a href="sleuth.png">
+<img width="70%" src="sleuth.png"
+alt="'He Placed the Ladder of Saplings Across the Abyss.'" /></a><br />
+<b>"He Placed the Ladder of Saplings Across the Abyss."</b>
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>1897</h3>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER I.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+THE CAMPFIRE IN THE GULCH&mdash;AN ALARM&mdash;THE SOLITARY
+FIGURE&mdash;UNDER COVER&mdash;A WHITE MAN&mdash;"HAIL,
+FRIEND!"&mdash;A CORDIAL MEETING&mdash;A SECOND STRANGE
+CHARACTER.
+</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+"Well, Desmond, we've taken a desperate chance, and so far appear to be
+losers."
+</p>
+<p>
+The circumstances under which the words above quoted were spoken were
+weird and strange. A man and a mere youth were sitting by a campfire
+that was blazing and crackling in a narrow gulch far away in the Rocky
+Mountains, days and days travel from civilization.
+</p>
+<p>
+The circumstances that had brought them there were also very strange and
+unusual. Desmond Dare was the son of a widow who owned a small farm in
+New York State. There had been a mortgage on this farm which was about
+to be foreclosed when Desmond, a brave, vigorous lad, sold his only
+possession, a valuable colt, and determined to enter a walking match for
+the prize. He was on his way to the city where the match was to take
+place when in a belt of woods he heard a cry for help. He ran in the
+direction whence the cry came and found three tramps assailing a fourth
+man. The vigorous youth sprang to the rescue and drove the three tramps
+off, and was later persuaded by the man he had rescued to go with him to
+a rock cavern. There the lad beheld a very beautiful girl of about
+fourteen whose history was enveloped in a dark mystery; he also learned
+that the man he had rescued was known as the wizard tramp. The latter
+was a very strange and peculiar character, a victim of the rum habit,
+which had brought him away down until he became a tramp of the most
+pronounced type. This man, however, was really a very shrewd fellow,
+well educated, not only in book learning, but in the ways of the world,
+and seeing that Desmond had resolved to take a desperate chance, the
+tramp volunteered to land him a winner; he succeeded in so doing. The
+champion of the walking match carried his money to his mother, the tramp
+went upon an extended spree and spent his share. Afterward the tramp and
+Desmond Dare started on the road together. The girl had been placed with
+Mrs. Dare on the farm, and the man and boy proceeded West afoot,
+determined to locate a gold mine. The former discovered each day some
+new quality, and held forth to Desmond that some day he would make a
+very startling revelation. The youth had no idea as to the character of
+the revelation, but knowing that the tramp, named Brooks, was a very
+remarkable man, he anticipated a very startling denouement. After many
+very strange and exciting adventures Brooks, the tramp, and Desmond Dare
+arrived in the Rockies, and in due time started in to find their gold
+mine. The previous history of these two remarkable characters can be
+read in Nos. 90 and 91 of "OLD SLEUTH'S OWN."
+</p>
+<p>
+At the time we introduce the tramp and Desmond Dare to our readers in
+this narrative, they had been knocking around the mountains in search of
+their mine and had met with failures on every side, and at length one
+night they camped in the gulch as described in our opening paragraphs,
+and Brooks spoke the words with which we open our narrative.
+</p>
+<p>
+They were sitting beside their fire; both were partly attired as hunters
+and mountaineers, and both were well armed. Brooks, who had practically
+been a bloat had lived a temperate life, had enjoyed plenty of exercise
+in the open air, and had experienced to a certain extent a return of his
+original physical strength and vigor. At the time the whilom tramp made
+the disconsolate remark quoted, Desmond asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"What do you propose to do&mdash;give it up?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know just what to do, lad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We've scraped together a little gold dust; possibly we may have money
+enough to engage in some legitimate business, and what we can't get by
+the discovery of a mine, we may acquire in time in speculation. You are
+shrewd and level-headed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That would be a good scheme for you, lad, but not for me. I am too far
+advanced in life to earn money by slow labor now. What I propose is that
+you go back, take all the gold we have, and enter into trade; you are
+bright and energetic and may succeed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And what will you do?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I shall continue my search for a mine, and some day I may strike it."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks was a college graduate, a civil engineer, and a mineralogist, and
+believed he had great advantages in searching for a mine, but, as has
+been indicated, thus far their tramp and search had been a dead failure.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll stick with you," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, lad, you must go back."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I swear I will not; I like this life, and remember, we have gathered
+some wash dust and we may gather more. I don't know the value of what we
+have gathered from the bottom of that stream we struck, but I do know
+that it would take a long time to accumulate as much money in trade.
+Remember, we have been in the mountains only six weeks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is all right, but we might stay here six years and not make a
+find."
+</p>
+<p>
+At that instant there came a sound which caused Brooks and Desmond to
+bend their ears and listen. Some of the Indians were on the warpath; a
+band of bucks had been making a raid and had been pursued by the United
+States cavalry into the mountains. Indians, as a rule, do not take to
+the mountains, but sometimes when pursued hotly they will separate into
+small bands and scatter through the hills; these fellows are dangerous.
+They would have murdered any white men they might meet for their arms
+alone, without considering the spirit of wantonness or revenge that
+might animate them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks and Desmond rose from their seats beside the fire and moved
+slowly away. At any moment an arrow or even a rifle shot might come and
+end the life of one or both.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had become a very expert woodsman; he and Brooks had been
+chased by Indians several times and had exchanged shots with one band.
+They knew a cover in a crevice in the wall of rock which ran up abruptly
+each side of the gulch; from this spot they could survey and also make a
+good fight in an emergency. They had good weapons, plenty of ammunition,
+and what was more, coolness, skill, and courage. Desmond, especially,
+was a very cool-headed chap in times of danger; the use of firearms was
+not new to him, nor was the woodsman life altogether a novelty, for he
+had been raised in a very wild and desolate mountain region.
+</p>
+<p>
+Quickly they stole to cover, although they believed it possible that
+they might have been seen, for they had absolute proof, well known to
+woodsmen, that if there were foes in the vicinity they had been
+discovered. Once in their covert they lay low, and a few moments passed,
+when they beheld a solitary figure advancing slowly and very cautiously
+up the gulch, and as the figure came in the light of the fire Desmond,
+whose eyesight was very keen, said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's a white man; he looks like a hunter; we will wait a moment or two,
+but I guess it is all right."
+</p>
+<p>
+The figure, meantime, with rifle poised, advanced very slowly and
+finally stood fully revealed close to the fire, and indeed he was a
+white man of strong and vigorous frame.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll go and meet him," said Desmond; "you lay low here, rifle in hand
+ready to shoot in case he proves an enemy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right, lad, go ahead."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond stepped from his hiding-place and advanced toward the fire. The
+stranger saw him, still held his position ready for offense or defense,
+and permitted Desmond to approach, and soon he discerned that the lad
+was a white man and he called:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hail, friend!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hail, to you," replied the lad.
+</p>
+<p>
+The two men approached and shook hands. The hunter was a splendid
+specimen of physical manhood, and his face indicated honesty and
+good-nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Are you alone here, lad?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where's your comrade?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond made a sign, and Brooks stepped forth from the crevice and
+approached the fire.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hail, friend," said the stranger hunter.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks answered the salutation, the two men shook hands and the stranger
+said;
+</p>
+<p>
+"What may be your business out here?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We'll talk of that later on; but, stranger, you took great chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"In approaching the fire you were exposed; suppose the fire had been
+kindled by Indians?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I knew it was not an Indian's fire."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How is that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"They don't create such a big blaze. I knew white men were around, and
+men whom I need not fear, but I was on my guard all the same."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We could have dropped you off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, but out here we have to take chances, and it was necessary
+for me to do so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It was?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I need food; I have not struck any game lately. The fact is, I've been
+up in the peaks where there is no game. I hope you have a cold snack
+here, my friends, and some tobacco, for I have not had a regular tobacco
+smoke or chew for over a month."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We were just about to prepare some coffee and make a meal."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough; did you say coffee? Well, I have struck Elysium; I haven't
+tasted a cup of coffee in a year. You see I was snowbound away up in the
+mountains; fortunately I had plenty of dried meat, and I was compelled
+to wait until I was thawed out."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks commenced making the coffee, and while doing so the woodsman
+asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Are you regular hunters?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Ever in the mountains before?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You've been taking great chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"The mountains are full of bad Indian fugitives, and they are very ugly.
+Some are parts of a raiding gang of bucks, and others are rascals who
+have made a kick out at the reservation. I've met twenty of them in the
+last ten days; they are in squads of twos and threes, and they are full
+of fight."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We have met some of them."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you managed to escape?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We had a fight with one party."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How did you come out?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Ahead, I reckon, or we would not be here."
+</p>
+<p>
+The conversation was between the woodsman and Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"What brought you into the mountains&mdash;are you tourists?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"On business?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Surveyors?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought not; no use to survey out this way. I suppose you are looking
+for a lost mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, we might take in a lost mine or find a new one, it don't matter."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Ah! I see; well, so far you've been lucky, but you've been taking
+desperate chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh! that's a way we have."
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER II.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+A RECOGNITION&mdash;THE WOODSMAN'S DISCLOSURES&mdash;A
+CHANCE AFTER ALL&mdash;THE BIVOUAC&mdash;DESMOND'S
+DISCOVERY&mdash;SAVAGES GALORE.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+The coffee was soon prepared and Brooks produced some dried meat and a
+few crackers, and the three men, so strangely met, sat down to enjoy
+their meal. The woodsman was offered the first cup of coffee, and as he
+drank it down, all hot and steaming, he smacked his lips and exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, that was good; that cup of coffee makes us friends. I may do you
+a good turn."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough; we are ready for a good turn. We've had rather hard luck
+so far."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you are after a mine, eh?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are regular prospectors?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have to strike a surface ledge to make any money. Don't think a
+claim would amount to much out here unless you found a nest of them so
+as to attract a crowd, and a town, and a mill, and all that. According
+to my idea the mines out here all need capital to work 'em in case you
+should strike one."
+</p>
+<p>
+Regardless of possibilities, as the night was a little chilly, Brooks
+had created quite a blaze, and by the light of the fire he had a fair
+chance to study the woodsman's face, and finally he asked abruptly:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Stranger, what is your name?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought you'd ask that question."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, it's natural that you should, but that ain't the reason I thought
+so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, why did you think so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I was going to ask your name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly; my name is Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What made you think my name was Brooks?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Can't you guess?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why did you ask my name?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"As you said, it was a natural question."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That ain't the reason you asked it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you may tell me the true reason."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You've been studying my face."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You think you've seen me before somewhere?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you did see me before."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"When and where?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Just look sharp and see if you can't place me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It was a great many years ago."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It must have been; but to tell the truth, there is something very
+familiar in your face."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and you discovered it at the start, but you don't place me; I
+placed you. I didn't until you mentioned your name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You now recall?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where have we met?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Try to remember."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Tell me your name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, certainly, by and by; but in the meantime pay me the compliment of
+remembering who I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have the advantage."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I told you my name."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will tell you mine in good time, but try to remember."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I give it up."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You do?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"We slept together one night."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"When and where?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"And now you can't recall?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I cannot."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are a square man, but there has come a change over you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did we meet often?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Were we intimate?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, for the time being."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I give it up."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't place me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+Again the woodsman laughed and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you remember about fifteen years ago a young fellow, tired, wet, and
+hungry, tried to find shelter in a freight car?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hello! you are not Henry Creedon?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am, and this is the second time you've fed me. You appear to be
+my good angel; I may prove your good angel."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you are Henry Creedon?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am," and turning to Desmond, Creedon said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your friend there one night made a fight for me, fed me and found
+shelter for me. He was a tramp then; I was footing it out West here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Henry," said Brooks, "what have you been doing all these years?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Mine hunting."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Mine hunting for fifteen years?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And have you found a mine yet?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed, and Brooks said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Desmond, we did indeed take desperate chances, and we've been making a
+fool's chase, I reckon. Here is a man who has been mine hunting for
+fifteen years and has not found one yet. Where do we come in?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll tell you," said Creedon; "it's luck when you find a mine. More are
+found by chance than are discovered by experts, but I think I've found
+one; I can't tell. You see, I was raised in a factory town, I've had no
+education and I can't tell its value. I know where the find is located,
+however, and some of these days I'll strike a prospecting party who will
+have an engineer with them, and then I will know the value of my find."
+</p>
+<p>
+"If you take a party in with you they will demand a share."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you intend to share with them?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can't do otherwise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, that is so; suppose I find an engineer for you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I suppose you will want a rake in."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, Brooks, I'll tell you, I don't want to start in on a divide with
+everyone, but I've made up my mind to take you in with me. I know you
+are a kind-hearted and honest man, even though you are a tramp, a
+whisky-loving tramp, and that I remember you emptied my canister that
+night."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, but I am not drinking now; I've reformed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So much the better for you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've something to tell you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am just the man to establish the value of your mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How is that, eh? Have you become an expert after being in the mountains
+six weeks? and I am not in one way, and I've been here for fifteen
+years."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I was an expert before I came to the mountains."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You were?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How is that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What's that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't tell me!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's what I tell you, and I tell you the truth."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you are just the man I want."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I said I was; I am more than an engineer, I am a mineralogist and a
+geologist."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hold on, don't overcome a fellow out here in the mountains; if you are
+a civil engineer that is enough for me. Hang your mineralogy and
+geology; what I want is a man who can estimate. No doubt about the ledge
+I've struck; the question is, how much will it cost to mine it; how much
+is there of it? You see I've had some experience here in the mountains,
+and sometimes we strike what is called a pocket; we might find gold for
+a few feet one way and another, and then strike dead rock and no gold. I
+ain't a mineralogist or geologist or a civil engineer, and I am afraid
+my find won't amount to much, but it is worth investigation, and as you
+are able to estimate we will make a start. To-morrow I will take you to
+my ledge and then we will know whether we are millionaires or
+tramps&mdash;eh? mountain tramps&mdash;but I am grateful for this food and coffee,
+and now if you'll give me a little tobacco I'll be the most contented
+man in the mountains, whether my mine turns out a hit or a misthrow."
+</p>
+<p>
+So tobacco was produced; Brooks himself was an inveterate smoker, and
+since being in the mountains Desmond had taken to the weed, and there
+was promise that some day he might become an inveterate.
+</p>
+<p>
+The three men had a jolly time, but in a quiet way. Creedon was a good
+story teller; he had had many weird experiences in the mountains. He had
+acted as guide to a great many parties, he had engaged in about fifty
+fights with Indians during his residence in the great West, and had met
+a great many very notable characters.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the men concluded to lie down to sleep for the night they
+extinguished their fire, and each man found a crevice into which he
+crept, and only those who have slept in the open air in a pure climate
+can tell of the exhilarating effects that follow a slumber under the
+conditions described.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was the first to awake, and he peeped forth from his crevice and
+glanced down toward the point where the fire had been, when he beheld a
+sight that caused his blood to run cold. Five fierce-looking savages
+were grouped around the spot where the campfire had been, and he had a
+chance to study a scene he had never before witnessed. He beheld five
+savages in full war paint; they were dressed in a most grotesque manner,
+part of their attire being fragments of United States uniforms, showing
+that the red men had been in a skirmish, and possibly had come out
+victorious, and had had an opportunity to strip the bodies of the dead.
+</p>
+<p>
+A great deal has been written about the shrewdness of redmen. They are
+shrewd when their qualities are once fully aroused and they are on the
+scent, but they are given to assumptions, the same as white men. Of
+course Creedon was practically to be credited when he said that the
+Indians assumed there had been a camp there and that the campers had
+departed, but had they made as close observations as when on a trail
+they would have made discoveries that would have suggested the near
+presence of the late campers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon had as far as possible destroyed all signs when raking out the
+fire of a recent encampment, but an experienced and alert eye can detect
+the truth despite these little tricks.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond saw the Indians: they were a hard-looking lot, the worst
+specimens he had ever beheld, and they were assassins at sight, as he
+determined. He was secure from observation, but it was necessary to warn
+his comrades, who were in different crevices, and at that moment Creedon
+actually snored. He was in the crevice adjoining the one where Desmond
+had taken refuge.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Indians were too far away to overhear the snore, but it was possible
+the man might awake and step forth; then, as Desmond feared, the fight
+would commence. He did not desire a fight; he might think the chances
+would be with his party, as only two of the Indians had rifles, but then
+if even one of their own party were kicked over it would be a sad
+disaster.
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad meditated some little time and studied the conditions. He
+crawled into his crevice, and, lo, he saw a lateral breakaway. He might
+gain Creedon's berth, as he called it, without chancing an outside
+steal. Fortune favored him; Creedon's crevice was one of several rents
+in the rock, and he managed to reach the sleeper's foot, and he
+cautiously touched it, fearing at the moment that Creedon in his
+surprise might make an outcry or an inquiry in a loud tone, but here he
+learned a lesson in woodcraft. Creedon did not make an outcry; he awoke
+and cautiously investigated, and soon discovered that Desmond had
+touched him and was seeking to communicate with him. He demanded in a
+whisper:
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is it, lad?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"There are Indians in the gulch."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Aha! where?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Down where we were camped last night."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You keep low and I will take a peep."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond could afford to let Creedon take a peep. The woodsman did peep
+and took in the situation, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are smaller than I am; does the rent where you are run to the berth
+where Brooks is sleeping?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It may; I will find out and go slow; we don't want a fight if we can
+help it, but we've got the dead bulge on those redskins if we have to
+fight."
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER III.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+CREEDON'S KNOWLEDGE OF WOODCRAFT&mdash;THE REDMEN'S
+DEPARTURE&mdash;A LONG TRAIL&mdash;ON THE TRAMP&mdash;THE
+STRANGEST REFUGE IN THE WORLD&mdash;A BRIDGE OF
+RISKS.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Desmond crawled forward beyond the rent where Creedon had lodged, and he
+found the space much wider as he progressed, and soon gained the opening
+where the rent terminated in which Brooks had lain all night. Desmond
+glanced in, and, lo, Brooks was inside awake, and had already discovered
+the presence of the Indians, and so far they were all right.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Have you been able to notify Creedon?" asked Brooks.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What does he say?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"He bade me arouse you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I discovered the rascals as soon as I awoke."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; lay low and I will learn what Creedon advises."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond crawled back and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Brooks is awake and wants to know what we shall do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"There is only one thing to do: we will lay low, and if the rascals do
+not discover us all right; if they do discover us it will be bad for
+them and all right with us again, that's all. And now you and Brooks
+just keep out of sight and let me run the show."
+</p>
+<p>
+Word was passed to Brooks, and Desmond with the tramp lay low. As it
+proved there was not much of a show to run, as the Indians moved away
+after a little, but Creedon did not permit his friends to go forth. He
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can never tell about these redskins; they might suspect we are
+around, and their going away may be a little trick; they are up to these
+tricks."
+</p>
+<p>
+Hours passed, and Creedon still kept his friends in hiding, and it was
+near evening when he stole forth, saying he would take an observation.
+After a little he returned and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's all right; come out."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon said he had discovered evidence that the redskins had really
+gone away.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why couldn't you have found that out sooner?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The woodsman laughed and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"They might have found me out then; as it was, according to the tales
+you and Brooks tell, I took a desperate chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Shall we get to work and have a meal?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Not much, young man, you will have to control your appetite for awhile.
+Remember, I am captain of this squadron. I'll lead you to a place,
+however, where we can build a fire and camp and eat without fear. I am
+posted around here; I know the safe places."
+</p>
+<p>
+The party started on the march, and Desmond felt quite irritated; he had
+gone nearly twenty-four hours without eating, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am ready to even fight for a meal."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon laughed and said in reply:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You may have a stomach full of fighting yet before we find the mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I thought you had located it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, but it's a week's tramp from where we are at present, and we may
+have some lively times before we arrive at the place."
+</p>
+<p>
+It was nine o'clock at night when the party arrived at one of the most
+peculiar natural retreats Desmond had ever seen. It was a cave, as we
+will call it, in the side wall of a cliff rising from a gulch even more
+wild and rugged than the one where the party had camped the previous
+night. Some mighty convulsion of the mountain had separated the whole
+front of the cliff from the main rock, so that a space of at least
+twenty feet intervened, and between yawned a dark abyss that led down to
+where no man had yet penetrated. Creedon led the way up along a ledge of
+ascent which lined the outer edge of the great mass of detached cliff.
+Once at the top he descended on the inner side. It was night, but he had
+taken advantage of a mask lantern which he carried with him, and which
+he said was the most useful article in his possession. He added:
+</p>
+<p>
+"These lanterns may belong to the profession of detectives and burglars,
+but I've found them the most useful articles a cliff-climber can own.
+They are different from other lamps and torches; you can control the one
+ray of light and indicate your path without any trouble whatever."
+</p>
+<p>
+This was true, as the guide demonstrated, and his party walked along
+the narrow ledge without any fear of being precipitated over; all it
+required was a good eye and a steady nerve, and they possessed these
+necessary qualifications.
+</p>
+<p>
+The guide at length came to a halt, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You stand here and I'll get my bridge."
+</p>
+<p>
+He proceeded along alone, but soon returned with two saplings, which he
+had strung together, and of which he had made a rope ladder.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was greatly interested, and watched the guide as he threw his
+ladder across the intervening abyss, and then he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It will take a little nerve to crawl over, but once over we are all
+safe, and I've got a storehouse over there. I prepared this place with a
+great deal of patience and labor. We can spend two or three days here. I
+know you will enjoy it, and we can take a good long rest. I will go over
+first and then hold the light so you two can follow."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Will you risk it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will, lad; I am not the fellow I was about six months ago; I can
+climb a steeple now."
+</p>
+<p>
+The guide went over, creeping across. The saplings bent under his weight
+and made a downward curve, so that when he attempted so ascend on the
+opposite side it was a climb up, but with the ropes made of woven
+prairie grass and sticks and boughs he easily ascended. He had carried
+his lantern with him, and he flashed its light across his bridge and
+asked, "Who will come next?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You go," said Desmond to Brooks.
+</p>
+<p>
+The tramp did not hesitate, but started to crawl over the oddly
+constructed bridge, and he did so as well as the guide had done. Then
+Desmond crossed and the instant all hands were over the guide took up
+his bridge stowed it away, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"When we cross back it will be in the daytime, and much harder."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Much harder in the daytime?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I should think it would be easier."
+</p>
+<p>
+The guide laughed and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It might appear so, but in the daytime you will realize just what you
+are doing. You will see the dark abyss beneath you, and when the bridge
+sways downward your heart will be in your throat, I tell you. At night,
+however, you do not know just what you are doing."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond saw the truth of what the guide said, and observed that the man
+was quite a philosopher.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now let me go in advance," said Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+He led the way and soon turned into what he called Creedon Street. It
+was a broad opening with a solid flooring, and walls of rock on either
+side&mdash;the most singular and remarkable rock conformation that either
+Brooks or Desmond had ever seen. The guide walked right ahead boldly; he
+evidently knew that there were no rents down which they might plunge.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here is Creedon Hall," said the guide, as he turned into a broad
+opening and flashed his light around. The party were in a cave, and yet
+we can hardly call it a cave; it appeared to be merely a huge underline
+in the side of the cliff, as it was open, as the guide said, facing
+Creedon Street.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will soon have Creedon Hall illuminated for you," said the guide. He
+secured some wood, and as Desmond followed him he saw that he had
+abundance of it, and the guide said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"This wood, some of it, has been stowed here for over ten years, and we
+can have a jolly fire in a few minutes, and no fear of attracting
+Indians or any one else. We are as safe here as though we were making a
+grate fire in a big hotel in New York."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon made good his word, and soon Creedon Hall was brilliantly
+illuminated, and Desmond was delighted. He exclaimed in his enthusiasm.
+</p>
+<p>
+"This is just immense!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, it is."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks also was delighted; he set to work to make the coffee and prepare
+the meal, and Creedon lay down on his blanket and lit his pipe, while
+Desmond wandered around the cave, as he persisted in calling it. He
+discovered several outlets from Creedon Hall, and he made up his mind
+that as soon as his friends were asleep he would steal the mask lantern
+and go on an exploring expedition. It was a jolly party that sat down to
+coffee, cold dried meat, and crackers. Brooks had been very sparing of
+his crackers, and had at least five pounds of them at the time he and
+Desmond met the guide.
+</p>
+<p>
+"When did you discover this place?" asked Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did not discover the place; it was revealed to me by an old hunter, a
+Mexican, and how he discovered it he would never tell. The old man had a
+great many secrets, and I have sometimes thought that there was gold
+hidden here somewhere. I've spent days searching for it, but never could
+find anything of the value of a red cent."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where is the old Mexican now?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's hard to tell, lad; he died about five years ago, and his body
+was carried to the ruins of an old Spanish church and there buried as he
+had requested long before he died. He was a strange old man; he
+possessed many secrets, but they died with him. It is possible he meant
+to reveal them some day, but death caught him and he went out with his
+mouth closed as far as his secrets were concerned. He was a sort of
+miser in secrets. I did think that some day the old man would reveal
+something of value to me; he pretended to think a great deal of me. I
+saved his life at a critical moment; he was actually bound to the stake,
+and I shot the rascal who was about to light the fire. They intended to
+burn him alive, and the arrival of myself and party was just in time."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do the Indians still burn their prisoners at the stake?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"These were not Indians&mdash;they were his own countrymen. They had tried to
+force a confession from him, and because he refused to reveal the
+whereabouts of the gold they thought he had stored away somewhere, they
+were set to murder him in anger and revenge."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you saved him?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And he never revealed his secrets to you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Only the secret of this cave. He often made strange remarks and hinted
+that some day I would receive my reward. We roomed here together all of
+one winter, but he died and never opened his mouth to reveal where his
+gold was, if it is true that he had any. I believe he did, but it will
+never do me any good, and I do want to make a fortune somehow, but I
+suppose I never will. Yes, lad, there are thousands of skeletons of
+gold-seekers hid away in caverns in these mountains, victims of the same
+ambition which is leading us to take such desperate chances."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was very greatly interested in the story of the old Mexican, and
+he asked a number of questions.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You never got the least inkling as to where his gold was hidden?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know that he had any gold; it is only a suspicion on my part."
+</p>
+<p>
+"He lived in this cave?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did you ever search here?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you bet I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And did you explore?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you never found anything?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I never did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Nor secured any indication?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Possibly you did not look in the right place."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is dead certain," came the natural answer.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER IV.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+ON AN EXPLORING EXPEDITION&mdash;A FIND IN A CAVE&mdash;THE
+SEPULCHRAL VOICE&mdash;THE EXPLANATION&mdash;DESMOND
+GETS SQUARE ON A TRICK&mdash;STRANGE LONGINGS&mdash;THE
+FINDING OF A NUGGET.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+It was about midnight when the older men lay down on their blankets to
+sleep. Creedon had a big silver bull's-eye watch, and he said he always
+kept it going.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond pretended to lie down and go to sleep also, but his head was
+filled with visions of the Mexican's hidden gold. He had an idea that
+Creedon's investigations might have been very superficial; he determined
+to make a thorough and systematic search, and he actually believed he
+would find the hidden gold.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks and Creedon were good sleepers; both were very weary and they
+were soon in a sound slumber, and then Desmond arose, stole on tiptoe
+over beside Creedon and secured the mask lantern. A strange, weird scene
+was certainly presented. There had been a big fire; the embers were all
+aglow and illuminated the cave. There lay Brooks and Creedon, looking
+picturesque in their hunting garb, and there was Desmond stealing on
+tiptoe under the glare of the firelight to secure the mask lantern.
+</p>
+<p>
+Having secured the lantern the lad moved away and made for a crevice
+which promised the best results. He knew enough of rock conformations to
+go forward very carefully, always flashing his light ahead and studying
+the path in advance, and so slowly, carefully, and surely he moved along
+until he had traversed, as he calculated, a distance of two hundred and
+fifty feet, when suddenly his flashlight revealed a solid wall in front
+of him.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here we are," he muttered, "and no mistake."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond saw that his explorations in that direction had ended. He
+retraced his steps and selected a second crevice along which he made his
+way, and at length he landed in a pretty good sized inner cave.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I reckon we've got it here."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad proceeded to search around with the care of a detective looking
+for clues. He did find evidences of some one having been in the cave; he
+found the handle of a dirk, a small bit of a deerskin hunting jacket,
+and finally a little bit of pure gold. He examined the latter under his
+lamp, satisfied himself that it was a nugget of real gold in its natural
+state, and his heart beat fast.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've got it at last," he muttered; "yes, I thought I knew how to carry
+on this search. Creedon must have done it too hurriedly."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond felt quite proud of his success; he had struck it sure, as he
+believed, and he continued his search, and was intently engaged when
+suddenly he heard a sepulchral groan at the instant he had plunged into
+a sort of pocket and was feeling around; but when he heard that groan he
+started back into the cave and stood as white as a sheet gazing around
+in every direction, and there was a wild terror in his eyes. He stood
+for fully two minutes gazing and listening, and finally he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great Scott! what was that I heard&mdash;a groan?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond, although brave and vigorous, after all was but a lad of less
+than eighteen. He could have faced a grizzly bear, but when it came to
+the supernatural he was not equal to it. The fact was he was dead
+scared, and, then again he believed he had really struck the hidden
+recess where the old Mexican's gold was secreted.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young are more susceptible to superstitious fears, as a rule, than
+older people; they are not skeptical.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond listened a long time, and as he did not hear the noise again,
+and feeling an intense desire to find the hidden treasure, he again went
+to the rock pocket and plunged in, but immediately there came again the
+groan, clear, distinct, and unmistakable, and also a voice commanding:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go away, go away; do not disturb my gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad leaped out into the main cave again, and he trembled from head
+to foot. He had never received such a shock in all his life; he had
+never really believed in ghosts&mdash;never thought much about them
+indeed&mdash;but here he had at least evidence that the dead did watch their
+treasures. Still, the desire to secure the wealth was strong upon him;
+naturally he was, as our readers know, very nervy, and he determined to
+argue with the ghost. He reasoned that the hidden wealth could be of no
+benefit to the spirit where he was, and he thought he might talk him
+into keeping quiet.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was in a trembling voice that Desmond asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is the spirit here?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The answer came:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am here."
+</p>
+<p>
+A more experienced person than Desmond would have gotten on to the fact
+that it was very strange that the spirit should answer him in such good
+English, it being supposed to be the spirit of a Mexican, but spirits
+probably can talk any language. At any rate, Desmond did not stop to
+consider.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you own the gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why can't I have it? I've found it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You get away as quick as you can or I'll seize you."
+</p>
+<p>
+Well, well, this was a great state of affairs; Desmond did not ask any
+more questions. He seized his lamp and started to limp from the cave,
+and he was white and trembling. He made his way to Creedon Hall and
+beheld Brooks and Creedon standing over the fire. On the face of Brooks
+there was an amused look, and on Creedon's an expression of real
+jollity.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great sakes! Desmond," demanded Brooks, "where have you been? I awoke
+and found you missing, and Creedon and I have been scared almost to
+death."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond tried to assume an indifferent air, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I wasn't sleepy, so I thought I would go and explore a little."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You had better be careful how you explore around here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, that's all; I won't say any more, but be careful, or you may be
+suddenly missing."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What did you find, boy?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll tell you all about it in the morning."
+</p>
+<p>
+The men retired to their blankets and Desmond also lay down, after
+having promised that he would not attempt to explore any more that
+night.
+</p>
+<p>
+He did not sleep, however; the phantom voice, the treasure, and his
+discovery kept him awake, and he lay thinking about ghosts and goblins,
+and he muttered;
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hang it! I never believed in ghosts;" then as he lay there, there came
+to his mind a recollection of the jolly look that had rested on the face
+of the guide, and there came to his mind a suspicion, and then a
+certainty, that he had been fooled. He was a wonderfully sharp lad, and
+he began to think the whole matter over, and he recalled the fact that
+the ghost had spoken good English.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hang me!" he muttered, "if I don't believe I've been made a victim of a
+huge joke, and Brooks and Creedon are both guilty in aiding to give me a
+scare. All right, to-morrow we will see all about it; I'll get square."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond did fall asleep at length, and when he awoke Brooks and Creedon
+were eating their breakfast, and Creedon said as Desmond joined them:
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you were exploring last night?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What did you find?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, come off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You think you did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did, I'll swear I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where did you find it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"In a cave which one of those passages leads to."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You found gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will have to be careful."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Careful?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You'll strike the ghost."
+</p>
+<p>
+"The ghost?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What ghost?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"The ghost of the old Mexican."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did think I heard a groan. Tell me about the old Mexican."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've told you all I know about him, and I'll tell you that in my
+opinion it will be dangerous to meddle with his gold, even if you found
+it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Could that old Mexican speak English?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"A little."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Only a little?" repeated Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then it's just as I suspected; I tell you I was scared at first, but
+when the old ghost answered me&mdash;"
+</p>
+<p>
+"When the ghost answered you?" demanded Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did you see the ghost?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I heard him&mdash;that is, I thought I did&mdash;and I spoke to him, but he gave
+me back such good English I made up my mind that you didn't know how to
+play a joke. Next time stick to the broken English; you might have
+scared the life out of me then."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks and Creedon laughed, and the latter said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, you are smart, you are; but, lad, let me tell you something:
+don't spend time looking for the Mexican's gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've explored every nook and cranny in this mountain, and there is no
+treasure hidden here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But I found some gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon and Brooks stared.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Are you in earnest?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Where did you find it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I am going to consider awhile before I tell."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks looked Desmond straight in the face, and asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Boy, honest, did you really find gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+The matter began to assume a very serious aspect, for Desmond spoke
+seriously.
+</p>
+<p>
+"If you found any gold, lad, you've beat me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did find gold."
+</p>
+<p>
+"On your honor?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, here we are on shares; tell us all about it."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond laughed in turn; they had had their laugh and he had his laugh,
+as he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here is what I found."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad produced the little nugget he had picked up and then Creedon
+laughed, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"By George! that is the bit of gold I lost, and I had a good hunt for
+it."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero had been impressed by Creedon's statement that he had examined
+every nook and corner in the mountain, and yet he did feel a sort of
+hankering notion that he could find the gold, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I want to explore again."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; it can do no harm, but I will relinquish all claim now to
+any gold that you may find in this cave."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll take you at your word," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+Of course the youth had no real hope of ever finding any gold, but it is
+a known fact that such finds have been made, and sometimes the skeletons
+of the owners have been found bleaching beside their gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER V.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+BOY'S DETERMINATION&mdash;GOING THROUGH A CREVICE&mdash;THE
+MOVABLE ROCK&mdash;AID TO DISCOVER&mdash;UP THROUGH
+A HOLE&mdash;THE GOLDEN HEAP&mdash;DESMOND'S GREAT
+TRIUMPH&mdash;THE OLD MEXICAN'S SECRET EXPOSED.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was somewhat impressed by the words of Creedon, but still
+insisted that he would like to conduct an exploration.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will only go over the ground that I have already gone over."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I know that, but I propose to look around all the same."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had been doing considerable thinking. He questioned Creedon
+again and again, and made out that the old Mexican had lived in the cave
+along with Creedon for months at a time, and as he learned, the old man
+had thrown out a great many hints. These hints meant something; and then
+again, if he had hidden his wealth in the cave he had done it so
+securely and well that he had no idea of its ever being discovered until
+such time as he saw fit to disclose the fact. Desmond knew how there
+were some strange conformations in the rocks; the very place they were
+in was a testimony to the strange freaks that nature in its upheavals
+can and does create.
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks had nothing to say about the matter, and Creedon did remark
+finally:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Of course, as I've said, it can do no harm, but be careful you don't
+strike&mdash;"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond here interrupted, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I ain't afraid of ghosts; I've met one and I've got used to them."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't mean a ghost, I mean a crevice; go very slow and carefully, or
+you may become a ghost yourself."
+</p>
+<p>
+Right here we wish to exchange a few words with our readers in regard to
+these rock conformations. Right in the State of New York, in Ulster
+County, and in what is called the Shawangunk Mountains, there are some
+of the most wonderful caves and crevices, and in some of these caves
+during the winter the snow drifts down, and in the spring becomes a
+solid mass of ice, and the writer remembers upon one occasion after a
+long and weary scramble over rocks under the face of a cliff which
+towers up and overlooks counties, being shown a rock cave where there
+was a solid mass of ice, which, in its contour resembled a ship. The ice
+must have been at least sixty feet in length, twenty feet broad, and
+fully forty feet high, and adjoining it were all manner of caves. These
+caves are within a few miles of several settlements, and possibly at the
+time of the visit of the writer had not been entered by over a dozen
+persons. In these mountains are some very remarkable rock conformations,
+and we merely mention this fact to the lads in the East, who may think
+that these stories of rock caverns are exaggerated. There are probably
+hundreds of caves in the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains that have
+never been entered or explored since the days when the early settlers
+may have found them while bear hunting.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had been raised, as we have stated, near the mountains, and
+probably had explored many rock caverns, and it is because of this fact
+probably that he was not surprised when led to the cave where he first
+beheld the girl Amy Brooks. That cave still exists and is well known to
+many of the people living in its vicinity, and in our description we
+adhered to almost absolute accuracy.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon was a rough and ready sort of man, but not, the fellow, as
+Desmond argued, who would apply himself to a critical study. It was a
+great thing to have learned the facts concerning the old Mexican, and
+the lad really believed that there was gold secreted somewhere in one of
+the little cavities in that perforated mountain.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon started in to relate to Brooks the facts about the mine he
+believed he had discovered, and Desmond, taking the mask lantern,
+started off to explore.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will burn out all my oil, lad; that is the only harm you will do,
+and certainly little good. I cannot replenish the oil when it's burned
+out, and I've been very careful, holding it for only such occasions as
+when we came here across the chasm."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon explained that he had only carried with him one can of oil,
+which had lasted him to date.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond started off and went direct to the crevice he had first entered,
+and Creedon smiled as he saw him go in there, remarking to Brooks:
+</p>
+<p>
+"The lad will run up against a stone wall sure, but he is enthusiastic;
+it will be a lesson to him."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Can't tell about that lad," said Brooks, "there is method in his
+enthusiasm."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's all right, but I was camped in here one whole winter, and as I
+told you, there is not a nook or cranny that I have not explored."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But there are others," said Brooks, with an odd smile on his face.
+</p>
+<p>
+Meantime, Desmond followed the crevice until he came to the stone wall.
+He knew about the same wall, but he was working on a certain theory. He
+was like the Captain Kidd treasure-seekers&mdash;the discouragement of others
+did not in any way discourage him, and we will here say that a similar
+persistence in any walk of life, as a rule, leads to great results.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond, as stated, arrived opposite the stone wall, and he commenced a
+calm, steady, determined examination. First appearances would have
+discouraged any man, being faced as he was by a solid, smooth face of
+rock. He stood contemplating the mass before him, and then with the ray
+of light from his lantern he ran all over the rock.
+</p>
+<p>
+"By ginger!" he muttered at last, "I reckon it's true. There does not
+appear a hole big enough in that rock for a spider to crawl through;
+but, hang me! I've got an impression."
+</p>
+<p>
+There appeared to be a break in the rock just where it joined with the
+roof of the cave. Desmond rolled a bowlder over against the rock and
+mounted, and ran his finger over the crack. It was not a large crack and
+offered no encouragement, but the lad was determined not to be satisfied
+until he had established facts beyond all dispute. He ran his finger, as
+stated, along the crack, and his knuckle pressed against the roof, and
+to his surprise there appeared to be a loosening. He examined it and he
+saw that there was a uniform crack running along the roof inclosing a
+space about two feet square. The lad instinctively pressed on the center
+between the cracks, and lo, there appeared to be a piece of the roof
+that yielded. He pressed harder and satisfied himself that the piece of
+rock between the cracks in the roof was movable. The discovery caused
+his heart to stand still, and he muttered:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great Scott! but I've found it." He flashed the light on the crack and
+thought he could discern where there had been some chiseling. He made
+every effort to shift the rock out of its place, but it was too much for
+him, owing to the fact that he could just about reach it. He did not
+have purchase enough to exert his full strength.
+</p>
+<p>
+He stepped down on the floor again and commenced to consider, and then
+he determined to return to the main cave and solicit Brooks and Creedon
+to go to his aid.
+</p>
+<p>
+When he re-entered the main cavern Creedon with a laugh said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, lad, did you run up against a stone wall?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I told you it was of no use to search these crevices. I've explored
+every inch."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I think not."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks knew Desmond so well he discerned that the lad had really made a
+discovery, but he said nothing.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You think not, eh?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That would hint that you had found something."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know yet, but I am certain I have found a cranny or nook that
+you never explored."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, it may be that it's 'tellings,' as the boys say."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon looked at the lad in a curious way.
+</p>
+<p>
+"It cannot be possible," he said, "that you have found anything?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Guess."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's no time to guess; what have you found?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll show you what I've found; I want your help."
+</p>
+<p>
+The lad found a piece of sapling about seven feet in length, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You gentlemen come with me; I'll show you something."
+</p>
+<p>
+Animated by great interest and curiosity, Brooks and Creedon followed
+Desmond. He led them to the little rock cave where the crevice abutted
+on the solid wall of rock, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now what do you see?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We see the rock."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that all?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Look sharp; there is something you have not discovered before."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Look."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've looked."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I reckon when you did look upon the occasion of your former visits you
+did as you are doing now&mdash;only <i>looked</i>, but you did not search."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Have you searched?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you've found something?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I have."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, look."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'm done looking."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then let me show you."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond took the strong piece of sapling he had brought with him and
+jammed one end with great force against the square piece of roofing, and
+the piece of rock moved.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon gazed aghast and exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"By all that's strange and wonderful, but I believe you have unfolded
+the Mexican's secret."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I think so; and now lend me your strength, both of you, and let's see
+if we can move that loose piece of rock. I'll bet there is an opening
+there."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are right&mdash;yes, lad, you have indeed raked into the old Mexican's
+treasure den; I can recall now some words he once spoke."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Don't spend any more time recalling; let's shove that rock aside if we
+can."
+</p>
+<p>
+The two men lent their aid to Desmond, and sure enough they did raise
+the piece of rock, and by hoisting it they managed to move it aside a
+trifle, enough to reveal the fact that there was a chamber above, and
+that the opening was through the piece of rock.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was a reward of Desmond's persistence, but after all it was accident
+that had revealed to him the opening.
+</p>
+<p>
+By hard work the men finally succeeded in moving the rock aside, and
+there was disclosed the opening, and Desmond said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now let me stand on our shoulders with the light and I will tell you
+what it is we have found. There is something there to reveal, I am dead
+sure."
+</p>
+<p>
+The two men assisted Desmond to their shoulders. He took the lantern and
+shoved his head through the opening, and then flashed the light around,
+and with a joyful shout exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"We've got it!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"This beats me dead," said Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both men were greatly excited, for it did appear that they had made a
+great find of hidden treasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+Meantime, Desmond managed to force himself up and disappeared in the
+cave. He glanced around and beheld a sight that filled him with varying
+emotions.
+</p>
+<p>
+The chamber was not more than four feet square, but on the floor in one
+corner was a shining heap. It shone under the ray of his lantern as he
+flashed the light upon it. He took a handful of the shining stuff and
+passed it down to Creedon, handing him the lantern at the same time, and
+he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are a good judge; tell me what that is?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's gold dust," cried Creedon; "how much is there of it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, barrels full, I should say."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great ginger! lad, you've struck it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, it won't run away, I reckon, but give me your hat and I'll fill
+it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that to be my share?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, we're only giving you the first whack at it, that's all."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond filled Creedon's hat with the dust and then descended, and the
+whole party made their way to the outer cavern.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER VI.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+DISCUSSING THE FIND&mdash;A NEW RESOLUTION&mdash;GOING TO CREEDON MINE&mdash;A
+DISAPPOINTMENT&mdash;BETTER INDICATIONS&mdash;A NEW MOVE.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Once in the outer cavern, Desmond said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's now a matter of business."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"How shall we divide?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are the finder," replied Creedon; "you are to decide."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You leave it to me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll make it an even divide all round."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Boy, it's a great discovery."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What do you think of its value?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It depends upon the weight, but from your description I should say we
+had a ten-thousand-dollar find."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond's eyes opened wide, and after a moment he asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Does it really belong to us?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It does certainly; I am really the appointed heir of the old Mexican,
+but anyway treasure-trove goes to the finder who can establish a right
+to it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We can," said Brooks.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet we can, and it is ours, but it's strange how the old Mexican's
+secret has been opened up. Here I've had five years to search for this
+gold and failed to find it, and this lad gets on to it in one day."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It was a mere chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, to a certain extent; but if you had not been so persistent
+you would not have developed the chance and made the find possible."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How did the old man accumulate this gold?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's plain enough; he has known some stream and has washed it, and
+possibly it took him ten years to gather the heap you found there; but
+how well he did it!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"He did, sure."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How shall we make a divide?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Easy enough if you will let me make a suggestion."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Certainly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will carry it all out here; we run no risk, no one will ever
+penetrate to this retreat; then when we have it all carted out here we
+will divide it, a coffee cup full at time."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough; that suits me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But wait; I've a better proposition if you will accept it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go ahead."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Let's leave it where it is, go on to my mine, and if it amounts to
+anything we will have the capital to work it ourselves."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and the man said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is a good proposition."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks was less suspicious than Desmond, but the lad determined to
+accede to the proposition, and it was decided that on the following
+morning they would start for Creedon's mine, and the guide said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will start before daylight."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We had better cross the chasm in the dark; I am afraid you would hardly
+recross it if you were to behold once what would be underneath you."
+</p>
+<p>
+It was so decided.
+</p>
+<p>
+The party made all their preparations and on the following morning,
+before daylight, with the aid of Creedon's ladder the party crossed the
+chasm and proceeded on their way toward the place where Creedon's mine
+was located. They managed to secure enough game which they cooked and
+had for food, and commenced their long march, and it was a long march.
+They had been five days on the tramp, and stopped one night to camp,
+when Creedon said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"In the morning we will be on the ground."
+</p>
+<p>
+The place where they were camped was a mountain glen, and our young
+friend Desmond, being in splendid health, was exceedingly happy. The
+life thus far had been one of constant excitement, and therefore at his
+age one of continuous enjoyment, and besides, to crown all, he was
+comparatively rich. As intimated, Creedon had valued the dust at ten
+thousand dollars, and when it should be turned into money Desmond could
+indeed clear his mother's farm and go to school, and then to college,
+and it was his highest ambition to obtain a fine education. He was an
+ambitious lad.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon was restless and excited all the evening; for him a great
+decision was to be rendered. He had come to know that Brooks was indeed
+an expert, and should the latter decide that his claim was of value it
+meant that for which he had been struggling a long time, as he had said,
+for fifteen years.
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon did not sleep; much danger would not have kept him awake, but
+the possibilities of the dawning day did cause exceeding restlessness.
+Desmond noticed that the woodsman did not sleep and went over and sat
+near him.
+</p>
+<p>
+"What's the matter, lad; why don't you sleep?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why don't you sleep?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"To tell the truth, I can't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Neither can I."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't see what keeps you awake."
+</p>
+<p>
+"The possibilities of the coming day."
+</p>
+<p>
+Creedon was in a thoughtful mood, and Desmond asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why are you so anxious to get rich?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Lad, I'll tell you: I am thirty-three years old; I started from home
+when I was less than eighteen; my father was a poor man. Living in our
+town was a rich man who had a lovely daughter; she was just fifteen. I
+had known her from the time we were wee little tots, and we fell in love
+with each other, although she was fifteen and I but a little past
+seventeen, but her father was rich; he despised low people, and that
+girl and I agreed that I was to leave home, go into the world and earn a
+fortune, and go back and claim her. We made a solemn agreement, pledged
+ourselves under the stars, she was to wait for me even if I did not
+return until I was a gray-haired man. Boy, she is waiting yet; she is a
+handsome woman now&mdash;I have her photograph&mdash;and once a year I receive a
+letter from her. She has urged me to return; her father is dead and she
+has a competency in her own right, but I am not willing to go home,
+marry her and live on her money; and besides, I want to get rich&mdash;real
+rich. I wish to buy her the finest house in our native town, give her
+horses and carriages; I'll die before I will return poor. The people in
+the town have often and often hurt her feelings by their deridings,
+telling her that I had forgotten her, that if I did succeed in winning a
+fortune I would never return to her, but would marry some one else. They
+told her I was a thriftless vagrant, never would get rich, and through
+all this she has remained true to me, and every time I receive a letter
+from her she urges me to return. I don't know; if my mine turns out all
+right I will return, if it don't I will not return, and here I am just
+about to learn what the chances are. It means to me life, love, and
+happiness, or a return to the endless longing that has inspired me for
+the last fifteen years; but, boy, I will never return unless I have a
+fortune."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No wonder you are restless, and I am now as much interested in our
+success on your account as I am on my own."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have high hopes, lad&mdash;yes, high hopes."
+</p>
+<p>
+On the morning following the dialogue related, all hands were up bright
+and early and they started for the mine, and in two hours were on the
+ground. Creedon was pale as a pictured ghost while pointing out to
+Brooks the indications, and Brooks also was excited as he made his
+study.
+</p>
+<p>
+We will not bore our readers with an account of the investigations made
+by Brooks, but will state that at the end of the second day he was
+compelled to announce that the mine was valueless.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond thought he had never seen a more disconsolate look on any man's
+face than the one that settled over the face of Creedon when the
+announcement was made.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mine don't amount to anything in itself," said Brooks, "but it
+carries a suggestion; it is a compass that points to where a valuable
+mine may be found. We are not in it yet; to-morrow I will make a survey
+and I may get indications that will carry us to the ledge where the gold
+ores extend in paying quantities&mdash;yes, I think I can read the
+indications as plainly as though the road were mapped out."
+</p>
+<p>
+Brooks spent two days, and then said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"It's all right; there is a mine somewhere, but I must have the proper
+instruments and testing utensils. I will leave you and Desmond here in
+the mountains and proceed to the nearest settlement and secure what I
+need. Creedon, I can almost promise you that we will find a rich
+digging, and it will be more accessible than this one."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have a better plan," said Creedon.
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is your plan?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will go and get the dust that the lad found; we will carry that to
+the town, dispose of it, get our money, make our deposits in the bank,
+and then start in on the search. Possessing the knowledge that you do,
+we will find a mine. I am not discouraged yet."
+</p>
+<p>
+It was so agreed, and the party made their way back to where they had
+their store of dust. Creedon had made some deerskin bags so that the
+burden would not fall upon one person. The dust was all secured and they
+made a start for the town.
+</p>
+<p>
+On the night when they made their last halt before ending their trip in
+the town, Brooks, the wizard tramp, took advantage of an opportunity to
+talk to Desmond alone. He said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Lad, to-morrow we will be in the town and we will have money. I have a
+proposition. It will take a year or two to develop matters in case I do
+locate the mine; you cannot afford at your time of life to spend a year.
+I do not need you with me now. I am a man again, thanks to you, and I
+will make a confidant of Creedon. He is a manly, honest fellow, and will
+watch over me. Our joint interest will make him a splendid sentinel. I
+feel that we are sure to win, if not in one direction in another. With
+my scientific knowledge and his practical knowledge we will win, but it
+may be two or three years. This is a fascinating life for you, but you
+cannot afford to lose this valuable time."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What is it you are about to propose?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can send you home with five thousand dollars and I will still have
+money enough to carry on our purpose. You can clear off the farm and go
+to school; you are ambitious, and in less than a year you will be
+prepared to stand an examination for college, and you can go with a
+cheerful heart, for if my life is spared I will win a fortune for you. I
+have no use for a fortune myself; I am working for you and Amy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"But suppose something should happen to you? Do you remember you have
+not made your revelation?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I propose to provide for that; I will confide to you a document. It is
+not to be opened until you are assured of my death, so living or dead
+you shall in good time learn the great secret that I have held all these
+years."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I must think this matter over," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"There must be no thinking. I have decided as to what you must do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you do not want me to go back at all?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I want you to go home to the State of New York; I want you to go to
+clear off the farm and go to school, and I will attend to your affairs
+out here."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will decide in the morning."
+</p>
+<p>
+That night Desmond thought over the whole matter. He had become
+fascinated with the life in the mountains, but when he revolved the
+whole matter in his mind he saw that it was indeed wiser for him to
+return to his home; and under what joyful circumstances he would
+return! He could clear the farm and have money in the bank; he could go
+to school and go to college, and devote his whole attention to study
+without any worry or fear, and in the morning he greeted Brooks with the
+announcement:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have decided to obey you."
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER VII.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+A SAD PARTING&mdash;PROPHETIC WORDS&mdash;ON THE TRAIN&mdash;A
+SENATOR'S SON&mdash;LEADING UP TO A TRICK&mdash;GENUINE
+FUN AHEAD.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+There came a sad look to the face of Brooks, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I shall miss you, Desmond, but I feel it is for the best. You are a
+youth of great promise. I do not mean to flatter you, I am speaking the
+truth, and it is in your interest that I so warmly advocate your return
+to the East. I desire that you become an educated man, a graduate of
+college; I wish you to secure your degree. And let me tell you now there
+was fate in our meeting, and very remarkable consequences may follow our
+acquaintance begun and maintained under such strange circumstances."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had never beheld his strange friend, the wizard tramp, under a
+similar mood. There appeared to be a prophetic spell prompting the words
+of the strange man.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I hope you do not wish to get rid of me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I am speaking in your interest alone, lad; my life has been a
+wasted one, yours is just commencing. You can be of some use in the
+world, I have been a nuisance. I have a strange tale to tell&mdash;yes,
+Desmond, like many others I have encountered a romance in life. I
+deliberately threw myself away, but where I failed you can win; there is
+a chance for you to become a useful man; great honor may await you
+because you possess the qualities that win success. You are brave, firm,
+and persistent, also enterprising; with these qualities, in this land,
+any young man can win a success against the great throng of unambitious
+and careless men like myself."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Can you trust yourself?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are certain?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You do not need me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do not."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Remember, your weakness upon several occasions permitted you to fall."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have considered everything; I have an object in life now and a
+prospect."
+</p>
+<p>
+"A prospect?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is there anything you are concealing from me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am considering your interests alone," was the reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+"But your revelation?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is not necessary for me to tell you once again that I have provided
+for you to learn the secret of my life in case anything should happen to
+me."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond at once began his arrangements for a return to the East. He had
+been away for many months; he had plenty of money; his return would be
+in great triumph in every way. He purchased fine clothes, which he was
+able to do even in the far Western town where he was stopping, and when
+he arrayed himself in his good clothes even Brooks was surprised at the
+wonderful transformation well-fitting attire made in the youth. Desmond
+was indeed a fine-looking fellow, well educated comparatively, and as is
+not unusually the case, he was naturally capable of adapting himself to
+changed conditions. He did not seem awkward in his good clothes, but
+appeared as though he had worn fine attire all his life.
+</p>
+<p>
+At length the hour came when Desmond and Brooks were to part company.
+The wizard tramp had a sad look upon his face, although he tried to be
+cheerful and jovial The attempt, however, was a failure. He said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will not go with you to the train, Desmond, we will part here, and
+you can address your letters to me here; I will arrange to have them
+forwarded to me in case I go prospecting again."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will go prospecting, I suppose, of course."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I cannot tell; but remember, if anything happens to me I have arranged
+for you to be communicated with."
+</p>
+<p>
+There came a look of concern to our hero's face, and the discerning
+Brooks said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have something to say."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have an idea."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"There is great peril in the wilderness."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"There have been cases where men have lost their lives and their deaths
+have not become known until many years afterward."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is true, lad, and I have calculated for that."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will know if such an event should occur. In the meantime let me
+tell you if a year should pass and you do not hear from me you will know
+that I am dead."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And then?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Tell Amy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And then?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"She may make a disclosure to you. Remember, I have taken every
+precaution."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do not know why you should withhold from me your life secret. No harm
+could come of an immediate revelation, but of course you have your own
+reasons for withholding your story."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, that is it, I have reasons; no harm might come of an immediate
+revelation, but I have reasons of a very satisfactory character to
+myself. You will understand and appreciate them when they are made known
+to you. Desmond, I am a changed man; you need have no fear concerning me
+now; time has righted a wrong. I am strong now&mdash;that is, normally
+strong&mdash;all will go well, I believe, if not with me at least with you."
+</p>
+<p>
+A little later and our hero was on his way across the country to the
+town where he was to take the train, and a better equipped lad for
+adventure never boarded a train, and lo, he encountered several very
+thrilling adventures ere he arrived at the valley farm where kind hearts
+beat to greet him.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had been on the train but a few minutes really when he observed
+a tall, country-looking young fellow, who fixed his eyes on him. As has
+been demonstrated all through our narrative, Desmond was a very quick,
+discerning chap; in the language of the day, he was "up to snuff," and
+the instant he caught the eye of the country-looking fellow he knew that
+something was up, and he discerned more which will be disclosed as our
+narrative advances.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond had not boarded a through train; he was to go to a large town
+where he would meet a through express. The train he had entered was a
+way train, and he seated himself by the window. No one was in the seat
+with him at first, but soon the country-looking chap took a seat beside
+him. The latter appeared to be a jolly, innocent sort of chap, and he
+addressed the young adventurer with the words:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hello!"
+</p>
+<p>
+There came a merry gleam in Desmond's eyes, as he asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you take me for a telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The stranger arched his eyebrows, and demanded:
+</p>
+<p>
+"A telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What makes you ask that question?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Because you yelled 'hello' in my ear."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've heard about telephones, but I never saw one."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You never did?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No; what are they like?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The question was asked seemingly in the most innocent manner, but the
+keen-witted Desmond's suspicions were at once aroused, and on the
+instant he made a curious discovery. The fellow was a make-up, under a
+disguise, and consequently under immediate suspicion also.
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you never saw a telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You <i>tell</i> me that?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero knew he had a long journey before him; he was naturally very
+fond of a joke and excitement, and besides he had instinctive hatred for
+designing men. Our hero was aware that the trains, as a rule, are
+infested with sharps, and the efforts of the railroad companies to
+squelch these nuisances are not altogether successful. Our adventurer
+determined to have a little amusement, and if his suspicions were fully
+verified he was resolved to teach at least one sharp a good lesson. We
+will repeat, Desmond did not look like an athlete or a youth who had
+seen the rough side of life; he could easily be mistaken for an
+ordinarily bright youth who had much to learn.
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you really never saw a telephone?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never," repeated the man.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond, having determined upon his course of action, assumed a most
+serious air, and with the greatest earnestness graphically described a
+telephone, and the stranger appeared to be all interest and attention,
+and expressed his surprise by innocent ejaculations, as our hero related
+the wonderful possibilities of the telephone.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was an amusing scene, or would have been to one who was under the
+rose and understood that a game was being played.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Desmond's description apparently, as stated, told in the most
+earnest manner the sharp, as we shall call him, said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well that beats me, it beats anything I ever heard. See here, stranger,
+you are making a fool of me with a big fish story because I am a green
+Western man, born and raised on the prairie."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I've told you the truth."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, well, you come from the city?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I am going to the city."
+</p>
+<p>
+"New York?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that your home?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, <i>New York lies near where</i> I live."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Dear me, what wonderful sights you have seen!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, sir."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That New York is a wonderful place."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet it is."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am going there some day&mdash;yes, I've said I'd see New York some day and
+I will. It must make a man blind for a few days to go around there."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes, it is rather dazzling," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+So the conversation continued for quite a time and finally the stranger
+rose and went away, saying he would return immediately. Quite a
+respectable-looking man took the vacated seat beside Desmond, and the
+last neighbor asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you know that green-looking chap who was just talking to you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, sir, I never saw him before."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you don't know who he is?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, sir."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is a son of Senator F&mdash;&mdash;, the richest mine owner out in this
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond studied the man who was giving him this unsolicited information,
+and he concluded that the nice-looking man was sharp number two; he was
+up to this sort of business and perceived the whole game.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, he appears like a good, honest fellow," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Honest? why, you could trust him with all you had in the world."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, he looks that."
+</p>
+<p>
+"He is one of the kindest-hearted fellows in the world. I tell you if
+you get into trouble he is the man to aid you. He is the best pistol
+shot and rifle shot in the land. Why, that fellow has fought off a whole
+tribe of Indians. The redskins fear him as a white man fears the devil,
+and his father is one of the richest men out in this section, as I told
+you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes. He don't look like a millionaire's son."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, but he is all the same, and he appears to have taken a great fancy
+to you. I was watching him while he talked to you; I tell you no one
+will interfere with you anywhere in this land if they know that he is
+your friend."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's good."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes. He is a splendid fellow."
+</p>
+<p>
+The man who had volunteered all this information walked into a forward
+car, and a few moments later the senator's son, so-called, returned, and
+as frequently occurs in far Western trains, the particular car in which
+Desmond was riding was deserted. Our hero and the countryman had the car
+all to themselves, and after a little further talk the senator's son
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I wish some greeny would come in here, we'd have some fun."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll tell you, I am a regular juggler; I know all the tricks of
+gamblers and I'd fool a fellow."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you know all the tricks of gamblers?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and sometimes I beat the game just for fun. You see I am down on
+gamblers, I just like to beat them. Generally there are one or two of
+those rascals on this train, but they know me; I don't get a chance at
+them any more, so I sometimes amuse myself by astonishing greenhorns. By
+ginger! but it's funny I've never been in New York; I am half a mind to
+go right on to the great city with you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, come along," said Desmond, a merry twinkle in his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER VIII.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+PLAYING TO CATCH A WEASEL&mdash;A SHARP'S
+SCHOLAR&mdash;OPENING UP OF THE GAME&mdash;TWO
+BIG HANDS&mdash;A CRISIS.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+"I can't go, but I'd like to; but you give me your address, and some day
+you will see me in York. I feel like the man who said, 'See Venice and
+die;' I want to see New York. Say, they tell me there are a great many
+sharpers in that wonderful city."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, it's full of them."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, wouldn't I have fun beating those fellows, especially on the race
+track, eh? They tell me these sharps are as thick as mosquitoes in
+August down on the race tracks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, they hover around there."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I like you, young fellow."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So you said."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You're honest; I like an honest young fellow every time. Are you an
+orphan?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"A half orphan."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother dead?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, my father."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I am just the other way&mdash;my mother is dead and my dad, he is away
+up. They say he is a great man. I reckon he is, but I am no shakes; you
+see I care more for fun than lands. Now, see here; I'll teach you some
+tricks. Would you like to learn?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I would."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Good enough, and when you get back to York you can punish some of those
+sharps there, for my occupation is gone out here; they won't let me play
+against them or I'd beat them every time&mdash;yes, I beat their game and
+then give the money away to some poor person who needs it; but they
+don't know you, and before we get to the end of the route some of those
+fellows may get aboard, and as I said, they don't know you, and we'll
+have some great fun; you can beat the game."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'd like to do that."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You would?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I was beaten once."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You were?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"At what game?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Three card monte."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, well! and did they ever come the thimblerig on you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I had a taste of that also."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you've been through the mill?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, now, see here; I'll teach you the game, and you are the only one
+I ever will teach it to; you are honest. But if I were to teach the game
+to some fellows who claim to be honest they would start in as gamblers
+right away."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I never will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I can see that in your eye; you've got an honest face; I like you
+clean through."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you again."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and I am going to learn you a trick or two."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll be glad to learn."
+</p>
+<p>
+The man produced his cards and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I always carry an outfit with me just for fun."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is that so?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's fine."
+</p>
+<p>
+We cannot in words describe the peculiar tones of our hero or the
+singular expression upon his face, but he was playing for great fun. He
+held in reserve a great surprise for the senator's son, a grand climax
+and tableau was to close the scene, or rather, as Desmond classed it in
+his mind, grand comedy. He did not know just how the fellow intended to
+work his game; he believed the method would be a novel one, but he was
+ready&mdash;yes, permitting himself to be led on to the grand climax.
+</p>
+<p>
+The wizard tramp was an expert gambler and he had taught Desmond a great
+many tricks in order to put the youth on his guard, and also for
+amusement during their lonely hours together. All there was to learn
+about the trick Desmond already knew, but he pretended ignorance, and
+let the sharp go ahead. He proved an apt scholar, however, for the
+senator's son said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Jiminy! I don't know but I am doing wrong."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Doing wrong?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You learn so quick you appear to be a natural gambler."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am pretty quick at learning points, I will admit."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are great."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero had just about mastered the intricacies of the game when, lo,
+three men entered the car, and the sharp whispered to the lad:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Great Scott! here are a lot of 'gambs' as sure as you are alive. I
+wonder if they will give me a chance at them; if they do I'll show you
+some fun, if they don't you are up to the trick, you are my pupil, and
+you can show me the fun."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Lay low, my friend, don't go too fast or these fellows will become
+suspicious. I want to catch them good, and we will if you play it
+right."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was on to the trick; he saw how the game was to be played, and
+he appreciated that it was indeed a neat little trick. They were working
+to fleece him differently from any little game he had ever seen or had
+read about.
+</p>
+<p>
+The "gambs," as the sharp had called the newcomers in the car, did not
+betray their game at once. They took a seat a little distance off and
+commenced playing among themselves "only for fun," as they said loud
+enough to be overheard.
+</p>
+<p>
+"We'll catch them," whispered the sharp.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't know; they do not appear disposed to let us into their game;
+maybe they are acquainted with you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Never mind, they will go for you. Let me see, I'll go out of the car,
+see! and then they will make your acquaintance. I'll be at hand in case
+there is a row."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I see."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We must catch these fellows and teach them a lesson."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We will have to blind them. Let me see; have you any money to make a
+bluff on?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, plenty."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Make believe you are making a bet with me and show a roll, then we will
+bait them and they will go for you; and, oh, won't we give 'em a lesson?
+You bet we will; we'll just clean them out and give the money to some
+needy person&mdash;that is, you can&mdash;and you'll meet many a poor cuss before
+you get to New York."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can meet them anywhere."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Have you got a roll?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"A good sized one? for we want to give them a good bait."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was playing his part of the game well&mdash;very well&mdash;his whole
+manner was right up to the mark&mdash;indeed, he did a fine piece of acting.
+He pulled out a roll of bills, pretended to dispute with the sharp, and
+suddenly exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll bet you a hundred."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, no, young fellow, I don't bet," said the sharp. "I know I am right,
+I'd only be robbing you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I won't let you rob me; I am up to what I say."
+</p>
+<p>
+The youth put an emphasis on his words which the sharp did not notice;
+he thought he had such a sure thing, he was not looking for a false
+"steer." Desmond saw the glitter, however, in the sharp's eyes at the
+sight of the roll, for it looked like a big pile of money, and the sharp
+appeared to feel, as indicated in his face, that the pile was already
+his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+"By ginger!" he said, "you are a dandy; you can play this game right up,
+but don't be too anxious or you will scare those fellows off; just take
+it easy, let them lead you on."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, I know how to work; don't you forget I am a Yorker."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I see you Yorkers are smart fellows. You know a heap, I can see
+that; but I did learn you some?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, and when we get through here, I'll teach you a trick."
+</p>
+<p>
+The sharp shot a keen glance at Desmond, and the lad saw that he had
+been a little premature, but it was only a fuse that flashed, and the
+sharp said, speaking in a very low tone:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll go in the next car, but I'll be on hand at the right moment. I
+want to enjoy the laugh when you catch these fellows. You are sure you
+are on to the trick?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You must keep your eyes well open."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bet I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+The sharp left the car, and after a moment one of the confederates came
+over and took a seat alongside of Desmond, and in a jolly, familiar
+tone, he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"You bucked the senator's son down, didn't you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It takes a good man to buck him down; He's got lots of stuff and sand
+too, but you bucked him."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I did."
+</p>
+<p>
+"We're having a little game here to pass the time&mdash;it's awful dreary
+these long rides. You see, we are salesmen and we've had some of these
+fellows out here trying to rope us in, and we are trying to learn the
+game."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Don't you know the game?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No; do you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, I know a little about it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come along and show us what you know."
+</p>
+<p>
+The party got together; Desmond appeared hale-fellow-well-met with the
+rogues, and the game was played amid a great deal of laughter, until one
+of the party said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"By Jove! boys, I am on to this thing."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You daren't bet for fair."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I dare."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, come off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll bet for fair; I'll give every one of you a chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come off."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am in earnest; who'll go first and bet me?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will," said one man.
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right."
+</p>
+<p>
+The cards were thrown and a bet made, and the dealer was beat and lost
+apparently a ten-dollar bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; I was beat that time. Who'll take a second hack at it? I've
+got it all right, and I'll catch some of you fellows."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Will you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I will, by thunder."
+</p>
+<p>
+The trick was being played in the most bungling manner, simply because
+when properly played the exposure would have shown the game. The second
+man bet and won, and the dealer said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I give it up, let's play a little game we know something about."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What will it be?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll deal you fellows a little faro; we might as well pass the time
+that way as any other."
+</p>
+<p>
+A game of faro commenced and Desmond went into the game, and in a little
+time the original sharp came in the car and wanted to take a hand, and
+it was then that the gamblers said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, we won't let you; you are a 'jack' player; we are only amateurs."
+</p>
+<p>
+The party played faro for a little while and then a regular game of
+poker was proposed. The latter was a game that all hands could play in
+for a trick; even the senator's son was permitted to enter the game, and
+winking in a knowing manner to our hero he did get in the game, and the
+four proceeded up to a crisis where, as usual, two men held hands of
+value, and as it chanced, the original sharp was the man who held a hand
+against Desmond, and he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Here, I'll only make a small bet; I don't want to win your money."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll bet you anything you want," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Hello! are you in earnest?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you really want to get my money?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Dead sure?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've a big hand, I'll tell you that before you start in."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's all right, I'm betting on my hand."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Now see here, young fellow, remember this is poker, and on principle I
+always claim when I win, so don't bet high on your hand."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll go as high as you choose."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you know what you are doing?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am in dead earnest."
+</p>
+<p>
+"So am I."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Everything is barred?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, everything," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; if you will have it so swing out your roll. I'm betting
+heavy on this hand, but I've warned you, remember."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, but you can't bluff me," said Desmond.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER IX.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+ALMOST A BREAK&mdash;A NOVEL GAME TO ROB&mdash;OUR HERO'S
+ARTISTIC ACTING&mdash;A TABLEAU AND A GRAND SURPRISE.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+Again the sharp fixed his eyes upon our hero, but it was not a
+give-away; Desmond was playing his game too well. He appeared like an
+excited gambler, an amateur, who apparently believed he had a sure
+thing.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll warn you once more," said the sharp.
+</p>
+<p>
+"To the dogs with your warning, you daren't bet."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, yes, I dare bet, but I like you; I've a dead sure hand, you can't
+beat me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That's my lookout."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then you know just what you are doing?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"These men can bear witness that I want to throw up my hand."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You needn't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you will really bet?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"With your eyes open?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Dead sure."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; what is your raise?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond gave a lift and the sharp raised back, and so the play went on
+until the stake was a thousand dollars on the two hands, and the sharp
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"See here, young follow, five hundred is enough for you to lose."
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, no, I am not losing."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You ain't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Suppose you are mistaken."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can stand it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; no use for me to attempt to stand against a young fellow
+like you. I begin to suspect you've been playing innocent, and I will
+teach you a lesson; I raise you a hundred."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I see it and go two hundred better."
+</p>
+<p>
+Each time a bet was made the money was laid on the table, and it was a
+very exciting scene and moment. The sharp looked puzzled; he had laid
+out for a dead sure thing, but there had come a complete change over
+Desmond, and it was the latter fact that scared the sharp. He
+hesitated, but at length, in a slow tone, said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I'll see you a call," and he laid down his cards. He held four jacks, a
+great hand, but one that is often beaten, of course, and it was beaten
+on this occasion, for, strange to declare, Desmond held four kings.
+</p>
+<p>
+Right here let us offer an explanation. Our hero was playing against a
+false deal; the man who was leading him made the fatal mistake that he
+was working with a gudgeon on his hook, consequently he was not
+watchful. The wizard tramp had taught Desmond a great many tricks, and
+the lad's natural discernment and watchfulness had prepared him for the
+hand when the great trick was to be sprung, and unwatched he worked a
+bigger trick. He did not know what the hand was he was pitted against,
+but he had been let in to gamblers' tricks, that is, "snide" gamblers.
+These fellows in making a false deal do not win on the highest hands,
+for they always know the hand against them. The fellow who was seeking
+to rob Desmond thought he knew our hero's hand, but it was right there
+he was fooled. Our hero had worked his own trick, as stated&mdash;he stole a
+hand so deftly that the unwatchful robbers did not see him do it, and it
+was there he had them. He was really taking a slight chance, but only a
+slight one, and what followed? Well, it was a case of the biter bitten,
+and when Desmond exposed his hand there came a look upon the sharp's
+face that can never be described, but which might be photographed with a
+snap-shot machine.
+</p>
+<p>
+There fell a dead stillness in that car for a few seconds, and then the
+defeated sharp said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Aha! you are a cheat."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Am I?"
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond was perfectly cool.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, you are, and that money is mine."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Is it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, see here, young fellow, don't you attempt to bluff me, or I'll mark
+you."
+</p>
+<p>
+As intimated, there had come a great change over Desmond. He did not
+look like and he certainly did not act like the same person who a little
+time previously had been learning gambling tricks from the sharp. The
+gambler attempted to rake the money from the seat, and it was at that
+moment the real fun commenced.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You miserable rascal," cried Desmond, "lay a finger on a bill on that
+seat and I'll pin your hand to the car seat."
+</p>
+<p>
+Well, there was a scene of consternation around there just at that
+instant, and our hero said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've been carrying out your programme, amusing myself with a sneak
+thief, and now, Mr. Senator's Son, you have evidence that Yorkers do
+know a thing or two, and you get yourself together and get out of this
+car and off the train at the next station, or I'll make a horse-fly net
+of you. Is that plain English? Take your own money, I don't need it. You
+are under cover, but let me give you a pointer&mdash;you play the senator's
+son too well altogether to make a success of it."
+</p>
+<p>
+The group of gamblers stared in silence. They did not dare make a
+hostile move; there was something about Desmond in his transformed
+appearance that froze them&mdash;indeed, even his youth was a mystery to
+them, for he acted like a man who had had years of experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You started in, gentlemen, to play a big game of robbery, but ran up
+against a snag. I am letting you off easy&mdash;very easy&mdash;but you see we
+young fellows from York are not malicious."
+</p>
+<p>
+The gamblers had indeed gotten off easily, and we will here explain that
+they did not fear Desmond in a scrimage; but they would have feared any
+one who would have made a fight, as they did not wish to draw the
+attention of the train men to their scheme which had been exposed. Had
+they been winners they would have made a fight, but the game they were
+attempting was one of highway robbery, for they had been outwitted in
+the deal, and had no claim upon the money.
+</p>
+<p>
+The train arrived at a station and the gamblers started to alight. They
+felt bitter, and the self-styled senator's son said to Desmond:
+</p>
+<p>
+"The train will stop here fifteen minutes. You are a good fellow, I like
+you, I'd like to have you stop off a minute and have a cool drink with
+us."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond well knew the scoundrel's purpose, but being fond of adventure
+he determined to give the rascals a still greater surprise. He was in
+splendid condition, his muscles were developed up to the consistency of
+whit-leather, and with a smile he rose to follow the man who had invited
+him to alight for refreshment. The gambler stepped off the car ahead of
+Desmond; the latter followed, when the former suddenly swung round and
+made a vicious lunge at the youth who had so cleverly outwitted him, and
+once again the scamp was outwitted. A second time he ran up against a
+snag, for our hero dodged the blow that was meant for him and countered
+with a tremendous slugger which landed on his assailant's nose, and over
+the man fell with a swiftness that would have suggested the kick of a
+horse, and when he fell he lay there; but two of the other chaps had in
+the meantime made a rush for Desmond, and they received a rap
+successively&mdash;indeed, they had run in on our young walking champion
+where he was at home. He was a wonder in science, strength and agility;
+no two or three ordinary men would have had any show with him at all,
+and the fact was the assailants so determined, for the attack was not
+renewed, and our hero stepped aboard the train, the object of the
+wondering glances of twenty people who had witnessed the assault and
+its culmination.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond sat down in the car as coolly as though he had just gone out for
+a breath of fresh air.
+</p>
+<p>
+Our hero encountered several other adventures of a minor character, but
+in good time arrived in New York City. He had not announced his return
+to the farm, and consequently spent several days in the all-round
+greatest city in the world. There is no place like old New York; there
+is more life to be seen in the great American metropolis in one day than
+can be seen in any other great capital in two. It is a city peculiar to
+itself, unlike any other, in its situation between two rivers and its
+nose practically putting out to the sea; in its activities and general
+loveliness&mdash;indeed, it in a wonderful place, and Desmond enjoyed every
+minute during his sojourn, but at length he took a train up-country and
+in due time arrived at the station from which he was to team it to the
+old farm where his grandfather and father had lived and died.
+</p>
+<p>
+As stated, Desmond had not announced his return, and when within a mile
+of the farm he alighted from the wagon that had carried him over and
+started afoot. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived in sight of
+the old farm, and he was standing on a rise of ground looking over
+toward his old home, when he espied a girl sitting beneath a tree. One
+glance was sufficient; he recognized Amy, and he determined to steal
+upon her unawares. He managed to gain a clump of bushes located within
+twenty feet of where the girl sat, and he had an opportunity to study
+her unobserved. We will not describe his emotions, but it was a
+beautiful sight that fell under his delighted gaze. The life on the farm
+had been of great advantage to Amy in many ways, and in her white muslin
+dress she appeared so beautiful as to make it seem that she was out of
+place in that wild region. Her form was perfect in its grace, and her
+face&mdash;well, we will not go into a description, but let it suffice to say
+that there are few girls in all the world who surpass her in the
+exquisite loveliness of her face.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond studied the girl for a long time and he observed that she
+appeared to be perfectly contented and happy. She had her mandolin with
+her, and after quite a period of abstraction she took up her instrument,
+and soon her splendid voice sounded clear and melodious on the still
+air, for it was an afternoon when nature rested under a spell, as it
+were; not a breath of air appeared to float amid the leaves and flowers.
+</p>
+<p>
+A moment, and our hero made the most delightful discovery of his life.
+Amy was singing and improvising; she did it readily and charmingly, and
+her hidden auditor was indeed charmed. She was singing to an absent one,
+and she mingled the name of our hero in her song. It was a plea for the
+absent one to return, and the sweetness of the melody was not more
+entrancing than the verses. She appeared to be not only a singer but a
+poetess, possessed of rare talent.
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond did not appear inclined to break the spell, but when he saw Amy
+making preparations to depart he stepped from his place of concealment.
+The girl uttered a cry; at the first glance she did not recognize the
+farmer boy, transformed as he was into a gentleman in dress, but when
+she caught sight of his face and heard his merry laugh and pleasant
+salutation, she exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, Desmond, I did not know you at first. How elegant you look!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you; how is my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"She is well, but did not know you were coming home; neither did I."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, no, I thought I would give you a surprise. It's all right, here I
+am, this side up with care."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother will be delighted."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am giddy with delight, and I hope all is well with you and with my&mdash;"
+The girl stopped short and said, "Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, when I left him he was all right."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Did he come with you?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you are
+surprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be more
+surprised did you behold at this moment your&mdash;I mean Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a moment
+later by a bright smile, as she said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And what makes you so happy?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The question was put abruptly.
+</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+	CHAPTER X.
+</h2>
+
+<h3>
+	CONCLUSION.
+</h3><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>
+Amy suddenly appeared to realize&mdash;well, our readers can guess what. It
+appeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness,
+and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed,
+and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless&mdash;"
+Again the girl stopped short.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Go on," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Unless I am to be taken away from your mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Do you desire to remain with my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I love your mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You love my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I do."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And who else?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The question came in a pointed manner; Amy was a girl nearly sixteen.
+</p>
+<p>
+"My&mdash;I mean Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Who else?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The girl did not answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come, Amy, who else do you love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are real mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You know."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I do?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't want to be mean, but tell me who else you love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I won't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You won't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+There was bantering in the tones of both these young people at that
+moment.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Shall I tell you who I love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I love my mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can't help it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have learned to love Mr. Brooks, your&mdash;I mean&mdash;well, Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+In a tantalizing tone the girl asked:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Who else?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, you're real mean," said Desmond, imitating Amy's tone at the
+moment she had made the same remark to him.
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't want to be mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Will you keep my secret?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes," came the eager answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Honor bright?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, honor bright."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You won't tell even my mother?"
+</p>
+<p>
+The girl did not answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Come, promise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I promise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I've met a girl I love, and I've made you my confidante, but don't tell
+my mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+Amy had turned desperately pale, and in a pettish, trembling tone, she
+said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I will tell your mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You promised not to do so."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I don't care, I'll break my promise."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, Amy, you are real mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I can't help it if I am."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You can't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why not?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am mad&mdash;real mad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Because you went and fell in love with a girl; it's ridiculous,
+anyway."
+</p>
+<p>
+"It is?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are only a boy."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What are you, pray? you are only a girl."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I know it."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I couldn't fall in love with a mere girl, could I?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, you could."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond laughed in a merry manner, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, to tell the truth, I did fall in love with a mere girl. Do you
+want to hear about her?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You don't?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I don't."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am going to tell you all the same; you are the girl I've fallen in
+love with."
+</p>
+<p>
+There came a bright, happy look to Amy's beautiful face as she said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"Oh, you are real mean."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Why?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"To tell me that so suddenly."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, who else do you love?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"I love you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"All right; go and break your promise and tell my mother," said Desmond
+in a provoking tone, following his advice by encircling Amy's waist and
+imprinting upon her red-hot cheek a kiss.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You tell your mother yourself," said Amy.
+</p>
+<p>
+"No, I won't; you said you would."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Then I will."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You will?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Well, well!"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother will be glad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What?" ejaculated Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Your mother will be glad."
+</p>
+<p>
+"How do you know?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"She told me so."
+</p>
+<p>
+That night there was a happy party under the old farmhouse roof. Mrs.
+Dare had met her son with tears of joy in her eyes, and Desmond had told
+the weird tale of his remarkable adventures.
+</p>
+<p>
+At once our hero set to work to prepare for college. He had talked the
+matter over with his mother and with Amy, and in due time he did enter
+Amherst College, and for a long time his adventures ceased. He heard
+occasionally from Mr. Brooks, who appeared to be doing well and who sent
+money on at intervals, but no explanation. And so the time passed until
+Desmond graduated and returned home. He met his mother and Amy, and a
+moment later there came forth from the house a well-known figure; it was
+Brooks, the whilom wizard tramp.
+</p>
+<p>
+Again there followed a pleasant evening, and on the following morning
+Desmond was out bright and early to take a walk over the farm. He had
+gone but a short distance when he saw a figure in the grove near the
+house. He advanced and met his old friend the wizard tramp.
+</p>
+<p>
+"You are out early," said Desmond.
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, I thought I might meet you."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And you will now tell me how you have succeeded?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, Desmond, I will tell you all now, and I owe all to you. We are
+rich&mdash;very rich. We found the mine, Creedon and I, and we got
+capitalists interested and developed it. You were our silent partner,
+and to-day you are worth a quarter of a million and I am worth as much
+more, or rather Amy is, for I have been working for my child."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have suspected all along that Amy was your daughter. Has she told you
+anything?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, she has told me she is to become your wife."
+</p>
+<p>
+"What do you think of it?"
+</p>
+<p>
+"It has been the one hope of my life that you would win her love and she
+yours. It was for this reason I insisted upon your returning to the
+East, and the wisdom of my plans is fully confirmed."
+</p>
+<p>
+"You have a revelation to make to me."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I have made the revelation&mdash;Amy is my own child."
+</p>
+<p>
+"And is that all you have to reveal? I've known that all along."
+</p>
+<p>
+"That is my most important revelation, but I have another to make. My
+father was the younger son of an English nobleman; he married a
+beautiful but poor girl, as the world counts riches, and his father
+drove him away, and he came here to America. He never saw his brother
+again; his nephew, my cousin, inherited the estates and title, but
+strange to say, I was the nearest of kin. Five years ago my cousin died;
+he left no estate, but the title which had been maintained in honor by
+my ancestors has descended to me, and when you marry Amy you will marry
+a lord's daughter."
+</p>
+<p>
+Desmond meditated a moment, and then said:
+</p>
+<p>
+"I am satisfied to marry the daughter of plain Mr. Brooks."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Thank you, my son, but I shall clear the estate, and for a season at
+least dwell in the ancient halls of my ancestors. I will remain to
+witness your marriage and shall then go home to England. And now comes
+my last revelation: you and Amy are distantly connected; my remote
+ancestors were yours also. Your grandfather came down from the younger
+line a long time back, but blood as good as any one's flows in your
+veins."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Yes, from my mother."
+</p>
+<p>
+"I admit it, <i>from your mother</i>."
+</p>
+<p>
+Our readers know what followed. Amy and Desmond were married, and on
+the night of the wedding he remarked to his father-in-law:
+</p>
+<p>
+"This time I took no desperate chance."
+</p>
+<p>
+"Neither did Amy when she intrusted her future happiness to you," came
+the bright and elegant answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+The whilom wizard tramp did return to England, and it was in the
+ancestral halls that Desmond and Amy spent their delightful honeymoon.
+</p>
+<center>
+THE END.
+</center>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Desperate Chance
+by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 10690-h.htm or 10690-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/6/9/10690/
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS," WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
+
+
+
diff --git a/old/10690-h/sleuth.png b/old/10690-h/sleuth.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..caf8b35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/10690-h/sleuth.png
diff --git a/old/10690.txt b/old/10690.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..174458c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/10690.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,3533 @@
+Project Gutenberg's A Desperate Chance, by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Desperate Chance
+       The Wizard Tramp's Revelation, A Thrilling Narrative
+
+Author: Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+Release Date: January 12, 2004 [EBook #10690]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+A DESPERATE CHANCE:
+
+OR
+
+THE WIZARD TRAMP'S REVELATION,
+
+A Thrilling Narrative.
+
+By OLD SLEUTH.
+
+[Illustration: "He Placed the Ladder of Saplings Across the Abyss."]
+
+1897
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE CAMPFIRE IN THE GULCH--AN ALARM--THE SOLITARY
+FIGURE--UNDER COVER--A WHITE MAN--"HAIL,
+FRIEND!"--A CORDIAL MEETING--A SECOND STRANGE
+CHARACTER.
+
+
+"Well, Desmond, we've taken a desperate chance, and so far appear to be
+losers."
+
+The circumstances under which the words above quoted were spoken were
+weird and strange. A man and a mere youth were sitting by a campfire
+that was blazing and crackling in a narrow gulch far away in the Rocky
+Mountains, days and days travel from civilization.
+
+The circumstances that had brought them there were also very strange and
+unusual. Desmond Dare was the son of a widow who owned a small farm in
+New York State. There had been a mortgage on this farm which was about
+to be foreclosed when Desmond, a brave, vigorous lad, sold his only
+possession, a valuable colt, and determined to enter a walking match for
+the prize. He was on his way to the city where the match was to take
+place when in a belt of woods he heard a cry for help. He ran in the
+direction whence the cry came and found three tramps assailing a fourth
+man. The vigorous youth sprang to the rescue and drove the three tramps
+off, and was later persuaded by the man he had rescued to go with him to
+a rock cavern. There the lad beheld a very beautiful girl of about
+fourteen whose history was enveloped in a dark mystery; he also learned
+that the man he had rescued was known as the wizard tramp. The latter
+was a very strange and peculiar character, a victim of the rum habit,
+which had brought him away down until he became a tramp of the most
+pronounced type. This man, however, was really a very shrewd fellow,
+well educated, not only in book learning, but in the ways of the world,
+and seeing that Desmond had resolved to take a desperate chance, the
+tramp volunteered to land him a winner; he succeeded in so doing. The
+champion of the walking match carried his money to his mother, the tramp
+went upon an extended spree and spent his share. Afterward the tramp and
+Desmond Dare started on the road together. The girl had been placed with
+Mrs. Dare on the farm, and the man and boy proceeded West afoot,
+determined to locate a gold mine. The former discovered each day some
+new quality, and held forth to Desmond that some day he would make a
+very startling revelation. The youth had no idea as to the character of
+the revelation, but knowing that the tramp, named Brooks, was a very
+remarkable man, he anticipated a very startling denouement. After many
+very strange and exciting adventures Brooks, the tramp, and Desmond Dare
+arrived in the Rockies, and in due time started in to find their gold
+mine. The previous history of these two remarkable characters can be
+read in Nos. 90 and 91 of "OLD SLEUTH'S OWN."
+
+At the time we introduce the tramp and Desmond Dare to our readers in
+this narrative, they had been knocking around the mountains in search of
+their mine and had met with failures on every side, and at length one
+night they camped in the gulch as described in our opening paragraphs,
+and Brooks spoke the words with which we open our narrative.
+
+They were sitting beside their fire; both were partly attired as hunters
+and mountaineers, and both were well armed. Brooks, who had practically
+been a bloat had lived a temperate life, had enjoyed plenty of exercise
+in the open air, and had experienced to a certain extent a return of his
+original physical strength and vigor. At the time the whilom tramp made
+the disconsolate remark quoted, Desmond asked:
+
+"What do you propose to do--give it up?"
+
+"I don't know just what to do, lad."
+
+"We've scraped together a little gold dust; possibly we may have money
+enough to engage in some legitimate business, and what we can't get by
+the discovery of a mine, we may acquire in time in speculation. You are
+shrewd and level-headed."
+
+"That would be a good scheme for you, lad, but not for me. I am too far
+advanced in life to earn money by slow labor now. What I propose is that
+you go back, take all the gold we have, and enter into trade; you are
+bright and energetic and may succeed."
+
+"And what will you do?"
+
+"I shall continue my search for a mine, and some day I may strike it."
+
+Brooks was a college graduate, a civil engineer, and a mineralogist, and
+believed he had great advantages in searching for a mine, but, as has
+been indicated, thus far their tramp and search had been a dead failure.
+
+"I'll stick with you," said Desmond.
+
+"No, lad, you must go back."
+
+"I swear I will not; I like this life, and remember, we have gathered
+some wash dust and we may gather more. I don't know the value of what we
+have gathered from the bottom of that stream we struck, but I do know
+that it would take a long time to accumulate as much money in trade.
+Remember, we have been in the mountains only six weeks."
+
+"That is all right, but we might stay here six years and not make a
+find."
+
+At that instant there came a sound which caused Brooks and Desmond to
+bend their ears and listen. Some of the Indians were on the warpath; a
+band of bucks had been making a raid and had been pursued by the United
+States cavalry into the mountains. Indians, as a rule, do not take to
+the mountains, but sometimes when pursued hotly they will separate into
+small bands and scatter through the hills; these fellows are dangerous.
+They would have murdered any white men they might meet for their arms
+alone, without considering the spirit of wantonness or revenge that
+might animate them.
+
+Brooks and Desmond rose from their seats beside the fire and moved
+slowly away. At any moment an arrow or even a rifle shot might come and
+end the life of one or both.
+
+Desmond had become a very expert woodsman; he and Brooks had been
+chased by Indians several times and had exchanged shots with one band.
+They knew a cover in a crevice in the wall of rock which ran up abruptly
+each side of the gulch; from this spot they could survey and also make a
+good fight in an emergency. They had good weapons, plenty of ammunition,
+and what was more, coolness, skill, and courage. Desmond, especially,
+was a very cool-headed chap in times of danger; the use of firearms was
+not new to him, nor was the woodsman life altogether a novelty, for he
+had been raised in a very wild and desolate mountain region.
+
+Quickly they stole to cover, although they believed it possible that
+they might have been seen, for they had absolute proof, well known to
+woodsmen, that if there were foes in the vicinity they had been
+discovered. Once in their covert they lay low, and a few moments passed,
+when they beheld a solitary figure advancing slowly and very cautiously
+up the gulch, and as the figure came in the light of the fire Desmond,
+whose eyesight was very keen, said:
+
+"It's a white man; he looks like a hunter; we will wait a moment or two,
+but I guess it is all right."
+
+The figure, meantime, with rifle poised, advanced very slowly and
+finally stood fully revealed close to the fire, and indeed he was a
+white man of strong and vigorous frame.
+
+"I'll go and meet him," said Desmond; "you lay low here, rifle in hand
+ready to shoot in case he proves an enemy."
+
+"All right, lad, go ahead."
+
+Desmond stepped from his hiding-place and advanced toward the fire. The
+stranger saw him, still held his position ready for offense or defense,
+and permitted Desmond to approach, and soon he discerned that the lad
+was a white man and he called:
+
+"Hail, friend!"
+
+"Hail, to you," replied the lad.
+
+The two men approached and shook hands. The hunter was a splendid
+specimen of physical manhood, and his face indicated honesty and
+good-nature.
+
+"Are you alone here, lad?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Where's your comrade?"
+
+Desmond made a sign, and Brooks stepped forth from the crevice and
+approached the fire.
+
+"Hail, friend," said the stranger hunter.
+
+Brooks answered the salutation, the two men shook hands and the stranger
+said;
+
+"What may be your business out here?"
+
+"We'll talk of that later on; but, stranger, you took great chances."
+
+"I did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"In approaching the fire you were exposed; suppose the fire had been
+kindled by Indians?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"I knew it was not an Indian's fire."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"They don't create such a big blaze. I knew white men were around, and
+men whom I need not fear, but I was on my guard all the same."
+
+"We could have dropped you off."
+
+"Well, yes, but out here we have to take chances, and it was necessary
+for me to do so."
+
+"It was?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"I need food; I have not struck any game lately. The fact is, I've been
+up in the peaks where there is no game. I hope you have a cold snack
+here, my friends, and some tobacco, for I have not had a regular tobacco
+smoke or chew for over a month."
+
+"We were just about to prepare some coffee and make a meal."
+
+"Good enough; did you say coffee? Well, I have struck Elysium; I haven't
+tasted a cup of coffee in a year. You see I was snowbound away up in the
+mountains; fortunately I had plenty of dried meat, and I was compelled
+to wait until I was thawed out."
+
+Brooks commenced making the coffee, and while doing so the woodsman
+asked:
+
+"Are you regular hunters?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Ever in the mountains before?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"You've been taking great chances."
+
+"We have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"The mountains are full of bad Indian fugitives, and they are very ugly.
+Some are parts of a raiding gang of bucks, and others are rascals who
+have made a kick out at the reservation. I've met twenty of them in the
+last ten days; they are in squads of twos and threes, and they are full
+of fight."
+
+"We have met some of them."
+
+"And you managed to escape?"
+
+"We had a fight with one party."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How did you come out?"
+
+"Ahead, I reckon, or we would not be here."
+
+The conversation was between the woodsman and Desmond.
+
+"What brought you into the mountains--are you tourists?"
+
+"No."
+
+"On business?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Surveyors?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I thought not; no use to survey out this way. I suppose you are looking
+for a lost mine."
+
+"Well, we might take in a lost mine or find a new one, it don't matter."
+
+"Ah! I see; well, so far you've been lucky, but you've been taking
+desperate chances."
+
+"Oh! that's a way we have."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A RECOGNITION--THE WOODSMAN'S DISCLOSURES--A
+CHANCE AFTER ALL--THE BIVOUAC--DESMOND'S
+DISCOVERY--SAVAGES GALORE.
+
+
+The coffee was soon prepared and Brooks produced some dried meat and a
+few crackers, and the three men, so strangely met, sat down to enjoy
+their meal. The woodsman was offered the first cup of coffee, and as he
+drank it down, all hot and steaming, he smacked his lips and exclaimed:
+
+"Well, that was good; that cup of coffee makes us friends. I may do you
+a good turn."
+
+"Good enough; we are ready for a good turn. We've had rather hard luck
+so far."
+
+"So you are after a mine, eh?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You are regular prospectors?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You have to strike a surface ledge to make any money. Don't think a
+claim would amount to much out here unless you found a nest of them so
+as to attract a crowd, and a town, and a mill, and all that. According
+to my idea the mines out here all need capital to work 'em in case you
+should strike one."
+
+Regardless of possibilities, as the night was a little chilly, Brooks
+had created quite a blaze, and by the light of the fire he had a fair
+chance to study the woodsman's face, and finally he asked abruptly:
+
+"Stranger, what is your name?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"I thought you'd ask that question."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Well, it's natural that you should, but that ain't the reason I thought
+so."
+
+"It is not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, why did you think so?"
+
+"I was going to ask your name."
+
+"Certainly; my name is Brooks."
+
+"I thought so."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What made you think my name was Brooks?"
+
+"Can't you guess?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Why did you ask my name?"
+
+"As you said, it was a natural question."
+
+"That ain't the reason you asked it."
+
+"It is not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, you may tell me the true reason."
+
+"You've been studying my face."
+
+"I have."
+
+"You think you've seen me before somewhere?"
+
+"Well, you did see me before."
+
+"I did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When and where?"
+
+"Just look sharp and see if you can't place me."
+
+"I can't."
+
+"It was a great many years ago."
+
+"It must have been; but to tell the truth, there is something very
+familiar in your face."
+
+"Yes, and you discovered it at the start, but you don't place me; I
+placed you. I didn't until you mentioned your name."
+
+"You now recall?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Where have we met?"
+
+"Try to remember."
+
+"Tell me your name."
+
+"Oh, certainly, by and by; but in the meantime pay me the compliment of
+remembering who I am."
+
+"You have the advantage."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I told you my name."
+
+"I will tell you mine in good time, but try to remember."
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"You do?"
+
+"I do."
+
+The woodsman laughed, and said:
+
+"We slept together one night."
+
+"We did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When and where?"
+
+"And now you can't recall?"
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"You are a square man, but there has come a change over you."
+
+"Did we meet often?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Were we intimate?"
+
+"Well, yes, for the time being."
+
+"I give it up."
+
+"You don't place me?"
+
+"No."
+
+Again the woodsman laughed and said:
+
+"Do you remember about fifteen years ago a young fellow, tired, wet, and
+hungry, tried to find shelter in a freight car?"
+
+"Hello! you are not Henry Creedon?"
+
+"Yes, I am, and this is the second time you've fed me. You appear to be
+my good angel; I may prove your good angel."
+
+"So you are Henry Creedon?"
+
+"I am," and turning to Desmond, Creedon said:
+
+"Your friend there one night made a fight for me, fed me and found
+shelter for me. He was a tramp then; I was footing it out West here."
+
+"Henry," said Brooks, "what have you been doing all these years?"
+
+"Mine hunting."
+
+"Mine hunting for fifteen years?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And have you found a mine yet?"
+
+The woodsman laughed, and Brooks said:
+
+"Desmond, we did indeed take desperate chances, and we've been making a
+fool's chase, I reckon. Here is a man who has been mine hunting for
+fifteen years and has not found one yet. Where do we come in?"
+
+"I'll tell you," said Creedon; "it's luck when you find a mine. More are
+found by chance than are discovered by experts, but I think I've found
+one; I can't tell. You see, I was raised in a factory town, I've had no
+education and I can't tell its value. I know where the find is located,
+however, and some of these days I'll strike a prospecting party who will
+have an engineer with them, and then I will know the value of my find."
+
+"If you take a party in with you they will demand a share."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Do you intend to share with them?"
+
+"I can't do otherwise."
+
+"Yes, that is so; suppose I find an engineer for you?"
+
+"I suppose you will want a rake in."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Well, Brooks, I'll tell you, I don't want to start in on a divide with
+everyone, but I've made up my mind to take you in with me. I know you
+are a kind-hearted and honest man, even though you are a tramp, a
+whisky-loving tramp, and that I remember you emptied my canister that
+night."
+
+"Yes, but I am not drinking now; I've reformed."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"So much the better for you."
+
+"I've something to tell you."
+
+"Go it."
+
+"I am just the man to establish the value of your mine."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"How is that, eh? Have you become an expert after being in the mountains
+six weeks? and I am not in one way, and I've been here for fifteen
+years."
+
+"I was an expert before I came to the mountains."
+
+"You were?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I am a civil engineer by profession."
+
+"You don't tell me!"
+
+"That's what I tell you, and I tell you the truth."
+
+"Then you are just the man I want."
+
+"I said I was; I am more than an engineer, I am a mineralogist and a
+geologist."
+
+"Hold on, don't overcome a fellow out here in the mountains; if you are
+a civil engineer that is enough for me. Hang your mineralogy and
+geology; what I want is a man who can estimate. No doubt about the ledge
+I've struck; the question is, how much will it cost to mine it; how much
+is there of it? You see I've had some experience here in the mountains,
+and sometimes we strike what is called a pocket; we might find gold for
+a few feet one way and another, and then strike dead rock and no gold. I
+ain't a mineralogist or geologist or a civil engineer, and I am afraid
+my find won't amount to much, but it is worth investigation, and as you
+are able to estimate we will make a start. To-morrow I will take you to
+my ledge and then we will know whether we are millionaires or
+tramps--eh? mountain tramps--but I am grateful for this food and coffee,
+and now if you'll give me a little tobacco I'll be the most contented
+man in the mountains, whether my mine turns out a hit or a misthrow."
+
+So tobacco was produced; Brooks himself was an inveterate smoker, and
+since being in the mountains Desmond had taken to the weed, and there
+was promise that some day he might become an inveterate.
+
+The three men had a jolly time, but in a quiet way. Creedon was a good
+story teller; he had had many weird experiences in the mountains. He had
+acted as guide to a great many parties, he had engaged in about fifty
+fights with Indians during his residence in the great West, and had met
+a great many very notable characters.
+
+When the men concluded to lie down to sleep for the night they
+extinguished their fire, and each man found a crevice into which he
+crept, and only those who have slept in the open air in a pure climate
+can tell of the exhilarating effects that follow a slumber under the
+conditions described.
+
+Desmond was the first to awake, and he peeped forth from his crevice and
+glanced down toward the point where the fire had been, when he beheld a
+sight that caused his blood to run cold. Five fierce-looking savages
+were grouped around the spot where the campfire had been, and he had a
+chance to study a scene he had never before witnessed. He beheld five
+savages in full war paint; they were dressed in a most grotesque manner,
+part of their attire being fragments of United States uniforms, showing
+that the red men had been in a skirmish, and possibly had come out
+victorious, and had had an opportunity to strip the bodies of the dead.
+
+A great deal has been written about the shrewdness of redmen. They are
+shrewd when their qualities are once fully aroused and they are on the
+scent, but they are given to assumptions, the same as white men. Of
+course Creedon was practically to be credited when he said that the
+Indians assumed there had been a camp there and that the campers had
+departed, but had they made as close observations as when on a trail
+they would have made discoveries that would have suggested the near
+presence of the late campers.
+
+Creedon had as far as possible destroyed all signs when raking out the
+fire of a recent encampment, but an experienced and alert eye can detect
+the truth despite these little tricks.
+
+Desmond saw the Indians: they were a hard-looking lot, the worst
+specimens he had ever beheld, and they were assassins at sight, as he
+determined. He was secure from observation, but it was necessary to warn
+his comrades, who were in different crevices, and at that moment Creedon
+actually snored. He was in the crevice adjoining the one where Desmond
+had taken refuge.
+
+The Indians were too far away to overhear the snore, but it was possible
+the man might awake and step forth; then, as Desmond feared, the fight
+would commence. He did not desire a fight; he might think the chances
+would be with his party, as only two of the Indians had rifles, but then
+if even one of their own party were kicked over it would be a sad
+disaster.
+
+The lad meditated some little time and studied the conditions. He
+crawled into his crevice, and, lo, he saw a lateral breakaway. He might
+gain Creedon's berth, as he called it, without chancing an outside
+steal. Fortune favored him; Creedon's crevice was one of several rents
+in the rock, and he managed to reach the sleeper's foot, and he
+cautiously touched it, fearing at the moment that Creedon in his
+surprise might make an outcry or an inquiry in a loud tone, but here he
+learned a lesson in woodcraft. Creedon did not make an outcry; he awoke
+and cautiously investigated, and soon discovered that Desmond had
+touched him and was seeking to communicate with him. He demanded in a
+whisper:
+
+"What is it, lad?"
+
+"There are Indians in the gulch."
+
+"Aha! where?"
+
+"Down where we were camped last night."
+
+"You keep low and I will take a peep."
+
+Desmond could afford to let Creedon take a peep. The woodsman did peep
+and took in the situation, and he said:
+
+"You are smaller than I am; does the rent where you are run to the berth
+where Brooks is sleeping?"
+
+"It may; I will find out and go slow; we don't want a fight if we can
+help it, but we've got the dead bulge on those redskins if we have to
+fight."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CREEDON'S KNOWLEDGE OF WOODCRAFT--THE REDMEN'S
+DEPARTURE--A LONG TRAIL--ON THE TRAMP--THE
+STRANGEST REFUGE IN THE WORLD--A BRIDGE OF
+RISKS.
+
+
+Desmond crawled forward beyond the rent where Creedon had lodged, and he
+found the space much wider as he progressed, and soon gained the opening
+where the rent terminated in which Brooks had lain all night. Desmond
+glanced in, and, lo, Brooks was inside awake, and had already discovered
+the presence of the Indians, and so far they were all right.
+
+"Have you been able to notify Creedon?" asked Brooks.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What does he say?"
+
+"He bade me arouse you."
+
+"I discovered the rascals as soon as I awoke."
+
+"All right; lay low and I will learn what Creedon advises."
+
+Desmond crawled back and said:
+
+"Brooks is awake and wants to know what we shall do."
+
+"There is only one thing to do: we will lay low, and if the rascals do
+not discover us all right; if they do discover us it will be bad for
+them and all right with us again, that's all. And now you and Brooks
+just keep out of sight and let me run the show."
+
+Word was passed to Brooks, and Desmond with the tramp lay low. As it
+proved there was not much of a show to run, as the Indians moved away
+after a little, but Creedon did not permit his friends to go forth. He
+said:
+
+"You can never tell about these redskins; they might suspect we are
+around, and their going away may be a little trick; they are up to these
+tricks."
+
+Hours passed, and Creedon still kept his friends in hiding, and it was
+near evening when he stole forth, saying he would take an observation.
+After a little he returned and said:
+
+"It's all right; come out."
+
+Creedon said he had discovered evidence that the redskins had really
+gone away.
+
+"Why couldn't you have found that out sooner?"
+
+The woodsman laughed and said:
+
+"They might have found me out then; as it was, according to the tales
+you and Brooks tell, I took a desperate chance."
+
+"Shall we get to work and have a meal?"
+
+"Not much, young man, you will have to control your appetite for awhile.
+Remember, I am captain of this squadron. I'll lead you to a place,
+however, where we can build a fire and camp and eat without fear. I am
+posted around here; I know the safe places."
+
+The party started on the march, and Desmond felt quite irritated; he had
+gone nearly twenty-four hours without eating, and he said:
+
+"I am ready to even fight for a meal."
+
+Creedon laughed and said in reply:
+
+"You may have a stomach full of fighting yet before we find the mine."
+
+"I thought you had located it?"
+
+"Yes, but it's a week's tramp from where we are at present, and we may
+have some lively times before we arrive at the place."
+
+It was nine o'clock at night when the party arrived at one of the most
+peculiar natural retreats Desmond had ever seen. It was a cave, as we
+will call it, in the side wall of a cliff rising from a gulch even more
+wild and rugged than the one where the party had camped the previous
+night. Some mighty convulsion of the mountain had separated the whole
+front of the cliff from the main rock, so that a space of at least
+twenty feet intervened, and between yawned a dark abyss that led down to
+where no man had yet penetrated. Creedon led the way up along a ledge of
+ascent which lined the outer edge of the great mass of detached cliff.
+Once at the top he descended on the inner side. It was night, but he had
+taken advantage of a mask lantern which he carried with him, and which
+he said was the most useful article in his possession. He added:
+
+"These lanterns may belong to the profession of detectives and burglars,
+but I've found them the most useful articles a cliff-climber can own.
+They are different from other lamps and torches; you can control the one
+ray of light and indicate your path without any trouble whatever."
+
+This was true, as the guide demonstrated, and his party walked along
+the narrow ledge without any fear of being precipitated over; all it
+required was a good eye and a steady nerve, and they possessed these
+necessary qualifications.
+
+The guide at length came to a halt, and said:
+
+"You stand here and I'll get my bridge."
+
+He proceeded along alone, but soon returned with two saplings, which he
+had strung together, and of which he had made a rope ladder.
+
+Desmond was greatly interested, and watched the guide as he threw his
+ladder across the intervening abyss, and then he said:
+
+"It will take a little nerve to crawl over, but once over we are all
+safe, and I've got a storehouse over there. I prepared this place with a
+great deal of patience and labor. We can spend two or three days here. I
+know you will enjoy it, and we can take a good long rest. I will go over
+first and then hold the light so you two can follow."
+
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and asked:
+
+"Will you risk it?"
+
+"Yes, I will, lad; I am not the fellow I was about six months ago; I can
+climb a steeple now."
+
+The guide went over, creeping across. The saplings bent under his weight
+and made a downward curve, so that when he attempted so ascend on the
+opposite side it was a climb up, but with the ropes made of woven
+prairie grass and sticks and boughs he easily ascended. He had carried
+his lantern with him, and he flashed its light across his bridge and
+asked, "Who will come next?"
+
+"You go," said Desmond to Brooks.
+
+The tramp did not hesitate, but started to crawl over the oddly
+constructed bridge, and he did so as well as the guide had done. Then
+Desmond crossed and the instant all hands were over the guide took up
+his bridge stowed it away, and said:
+
+"When we cross back it will be in the daytime, and much harder."
+
+"Much harder in the daytime?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I should think it would be easier."
+
+The guide laughed and said:
+
+"It might appear so, but in the daytime you will realize just what you
+are doing. You will see the dark abyss beneath you, and when the bridge
+sways downward your heart will be in your throat, I tell you. At night,
+however, you do not know just what you are doing."
+
+Desmond saw the truth of what the guide said, and observed that the man
+was quite a philosopher.
+
+"Now let me go in advance," said Creedon.
+
+He led the way and soon turned into what he called Creedon Street. It
+was a broad opening with a solid flooring, and walls of rock on either
+side--the most singular and remarkable rock conformation that either
+Brooks or Desmond had ever seen. The guide walked right ahead boldly; he
+evidently knew that there were no rents down which they might plunge.
+
+"Here is Creedon Hall," said the guide, as he turned into a broad
+opening and flashed his light around. The party were in a cave, and yet
+we can hardly call it a cave; it appeared to be merely a huge underline
+in the side of the cliff, as it was open, as the guide said, facing
+Creedon Street.
+
+"I will soon have Creedon Hall illuminated for you," said the guide. He
+secured some wood, and as Desmond followed him he saw that he had
+abundance of it, and the guide said:
+
+"This wood, some of it, has been stowed here for over ten years, and we
+can have a jolly fire in a few minutes, and no fear of attracting
+Indians or any one else. We are as safe here as though we were making a
+grate fire in a big hotel in New York."
+
+Creedon made good his word, and soon Creedon Hall was brilliantly
+illuminated, and Desmond was delighted. He exclaimed in his enthusiasm.
+
+"This is just immense!"
+
+"Well, it is."
+
+Brooks also was delighted; he set to work to make the coffee and prepare
+the meal, and Creedon lay down on his blanket and lit his pipe, while
+Desmond wandered around the cave, as he persisted in calling it. He
+discovered several outlets from Creedon Hall, and he made up his mind
+that as soon as his friends were asleep he would steal the mask lantern
+and go on an exploring expedition. It was a jolly party that sat down to
+coffee, cold dried meat, and crackers. Brooks had been very sparing of
+his crackers, and had at least five pounds of them at the time he and
+Desmond met the guide.
+
+"When did you discover this place?" asked Desmond.
+
+"I did not discover the place; it was revealed to me by an old hunter, a
+Mexican, and how he discovered it he would never tell. The old man had a
+great many secrets, and I have sometimes thought that there was gold
+hidden here somewhere. I've spent days searching for it, but never could
+find anything of the value of a red cent."
+
+"Where is the old Mexican now?"
+
+"That's hard to tell, lad; he died about five years ago, and his body
+was carried to the ruins of an old Spanish church and there buried as he
+had requested long before he died. He was a strange old man; he
+possessed many secrets, but they died with him. It is possible he meant
+to reveal them some day, but death caught him and he went out with his
+mouth closed as far as his secrets were concerned. He was a sort of
+miser in secrets. I did think that some day the old man would reveal
+something of value to me; he pretended to think a great deal of me. I
+saved his life at a critical moment; he was actually bound to the stake,
+and I shot the rascal who was about to light the fire. They intended to
+burn him alive, and the arrival of myself and party was just in time."
+
+"Do the Indians still burn their prisoners at the stake?"
+
+"These were not Indians--they were his own countrymen. They had tried to
+force a confession from him, and because he refused to reveal the
+whereabouts of the gold they thought he had stored away somewhere, they
+were set to murder him in anger and revenge."
+
+"And you saved him?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"And he never revealed his secrets to you?"
+
+"Only the secret of this cave. He often made strange remarks and hinted
+that some day I would receive my reward. We roomed here together all of
+one winter, but he died and never opened his mouth to reveal where his
+gold was, if it is true that he had any. I believe he did, but it will
+never do me any good, and I do want to make a fortune somehow, but I
+suppose I never will. Yes, lad, there are thousands of skeletons of
+gold-seekers hid away in caverns in these mountains, victims of the same
+ambition which is leading us to take such desperate chances."
+
+Desmond was very greatly interested in the story of the old Mexican, and
+he asked a number of questions.
+
+"You never got the least inkling as to where his gold was hidden?"
+
+"I don't know that he had any gold; it is only a suspicion on my part."
+
+"He lived in this cave?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you ever search here?"
+
+"Well, you bet I did."
+
+"And did you explore?"
+
+"You bet I did."
+
+"And you never found anything?"
+
+"I never did."
+
+"Nor secured any indication?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"Possibly you did not look in the right place."
+
+"That is dead certain," came the natural answer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ON AN EXPLORING EXPEDITION--A FIND IN A CAVE--THE
+SEPULCHRAL VOICE--THE EXPLANATION--DESMOND
+GETS SQUARE ON A TRICK--STRANGE LONGINGS--THE
+FINDING OF A NUGGET.
+
+
+It was about midnight when the older men lay down on their blankets to
+sleep. Creedon had a big silver bull's-eye watch, and he said he always
+kept it going.
+
+Desmond pretended to lie down and go to sleep also, but his head was
+filled with visions of the Mexican's hidden gold. He had an idea that
+Creedon's investigations might have been very superficial; he determined
+to make a thorough and systematic search, and he actually believed he
+would find the hidden gold.
+
+Brooks and Creedon were good sleepers; both were very weary and they
+were soon in a sound slumber, and then Desmond arose, stole on tiptoe
+over beside Creedon and secured the mask lantern. A strange, weird scene
+was certainly presented. There had been a big fire; the embers were all
+aglow and illuminated the cave. There lay Brooks and Creedon, looking
+picturesque in their hunting garb, and there was Desmond stealing on
+tiptoe under the glare of the firelight to secure the mask lantern.
+
+Having secured the lantern the lad moved away and made for a crevice
+which promised the best results. He knew enough of rock conformations to
+go forward very carefully, always flashing his light ahead and studying
+the path in advance, and so slowly, carefully, and surely he moved along
+until he had traversed, as he calculated, a distance of two hundred and
+fifty feet, when suddenly his flashlight revealed a solid wall in front
+of him.
+
+"Here we are," he muttered, "and no mistake."
+
+Desmond saw that his explorations in that direction had ended. He
+retraced his steps and selected a second crevice along which he made his
+way, and at length he landed in a pretty good sized inner cave.
+
+"Well, I reckon we've got it here."
+
+The lad proceeded to search around with the care of a detective looking
+for clues. He did find evidences of some one having been in the cave; he
+found the handle of a dirk, a small bit of a deerskin hunting jacket,
+and finally a little bit of pure gold. He examined the latter under his
+lamp, satisfied himself that it was a nugget of real gold in its natural
+state, and his heart beat fast.
+
+"I've got it at last," he muttered; "yes, I thought I knew how to carry
+on this search. Creedon must have done it too hurriedly."
+
+Desmond felt quite proud of his success; he had struck it sure, as he
+believed, and he continued his search, and was intently engaged when
+suddenly he heard a sepulchral groan at the instant he had plunged into
+a sort of pocket and was feeling around; but when he heard that groan he
+started back into the cave and stood as white as a sheet gazing around
+in every direction, and there was a wild terror in his eyes. He stood
+for fully two minutes gazing and listening, and finally he said:
+
+"Great Scott! what was that I heard--a groan?"
+
+Desmond, although brave and vigorous, after all was but a lad of less
+than eighteen. He could have faced a grizzly bear, but when it came to
+the supernatural he was not equal to it. The fact was he was dead
+scared, and, then again he believed he had really struck the hidden
+recess where the old Mexican's gold was secreted.
+
+The young are more susceptible to superstitious fears, as a rule, than
+older people; they are not skeptical.
+
+Desmond listened a long time, and as he did not hear the noise again,
+and feeling an intense desire to find the hidden treasure, he again went
+to the rock pocket and plunged in, but immediately there came again the
+groan, clear, distinct, and unmistakable, and also a voice commanding:
+
+"Go away, go away; do not disturb my gold."
+
+The lad leaped out into the main cave again, and he trembled from head
+to foot. He had never received such a shock in all his life; he had
+never really believed in ghosts--never thought much about them
+indeed--but here he had at least evidence that the dead did watch their
+treasures. Still, the desire to secure the wealth was strong upon him;
+naturally he was, as our readers know, very nervy, and he determined to
+argue with the ghost. He reasoned that the hidden wealth could be of no
+benefit to the spirit where he was, and he thought he might talk him
+into keeping quiet.
+
+It was in a trembling voice that Desmond asked:
+
+"Is the spirit here?"
+
+The answer came:
+
+"I am here."
+
+A more experienced person than Desmond would have gotten on to the fact
+that it was very strange that the spirit should answer him in such good
+English, it being supposed to be the spirit of a Mexican, but spirits
+probably can talk any language. At any rate, Desmond did not stop to
+consider.
+
+"Do you own the gold?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why can't I have it? I've found it."
+
+"You get away as quick as you can or I'll seize you."
+
+Well, well, this was a great state of affairs; Desmond did not ask any
+more questions. He seized his lamp and started to limp from the cave,
+and he was white and trembling. He made his way to Creedon Hall and
+beheld Brooks and Creedon standing over the fire. On the face of Brooks
+there was an amused look, and on Creedon's an expression of real
+jollity.
+
+"Great sakes! Desmond," demanded Brooks, "where have you been? I awoke
+and found you missing, and Creedon and I have been scared almost to
+death."
+
+Desmond tried to assume an indifferent air, and said:
+
+"I wasn't sleepy, so I thought I would go and explore a little."
+
+"You had better be careful how you explore around here."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Well, that's all; I won't say any more, but be careful, or you may be
+suddenly missing."
+
+"What did you find, boy?"
+
+"I'll tell you all about it in the morning."
+
+The men retired to their blankets and Desmond also lay down, after
+having promised that he would not attempt to explore any more that
+night.
+
+He did not sleep, however; the phantom voice, the treasure, and his
+discovery kept him awake, and he lay thinking about ghosts and goblins,
+and he muttered;
+
+"Hang it! I never believed in ghosts;" then as he lay there, there came
+to his mind a recollection of the jolly look that had rested on the face
+of the guide, and there came to his mind a suspicion, and then a
+certainty, that he had been fooled. He was a wonderfully sharp lad, and
+he began to think the whole matter over, and he recalled the fact that
+the ghost had spoken good English.
+
+"Hang me!" he muttered, "if I don't believe I've been made a victim of a
+huge joke, and Brooks and Creedon are both guilty in aiding to give me a
+scare. All right, to-morrow we will see all about it; I'll get square."
+
+Desmond did fall asleep at length, and when he awoke Brooks and Creedon
+were eating their breakfast, and Creedon said as Desmond joined them:
+
+"So you were exploring last night?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What did you find?"
+
+"Gold."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Oh, come off."
+
+"I did."
+
+"You think you did."
+
+"I did, I'll swear I did."
+
+"Where did you find it?"
+
+"In a cave which one of those passages leads to."
+
+"You found gold?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will have to be careful."
+
+"Careful?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"You'll strike the ghost."
+
+"The ghost?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What ghost?"
+
+"The ghost of the old Mexican."
+
+"I did think I heard a groan. Tell me about the old Mexican."
+
+"I've told you all I know about him, and I'll tell you that in my
+opinion it will be dangerous to meddle with his gold, even if you found
+it."
+
+"Could that old Mexican speak English?"
+
+"A little."
+
+"Only a little?" repeated Desmond.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then it's just as I suspected; I tell you I was scared at first, but
+when the old ghost answered me--"
+
+"When the ghost answered you?" demanded Creedon.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you see the ghost?"
+
+"I heard him--that is, I thought I did--and I spoke to him, but he gave
+me back such good English I made up my mind that you didn't know how to
+play a joke. Next time stick to the broken English; you might have
+scared the life out of me then."
+
+Brooks and Creedon laughed, and the latter said:
+
+"Well, you are smart, you are; but, lad, let me tell you something:
+don't spend time looking for the Mexican's gold."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I've explored every nook and cranny in this mountain, and there is no
+treasure hidden here."
+
+"But I found some gold."
+
+"You did?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Creedon and Brooks stared.
+
+"Are you in earnest?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Where did you find it?"
+
+"Well, I am going to consider awhile before I tell."
+
+Brooks looked Desmond straight in the face, and asked:
+
+"Boy, honest, did you really find gold?"
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+The matter began to assume a very serious aspect, for Desmond spoke
+seriously.
+
+"If you found any gold, lad, you've beat me."
+
+"I did find gold."
+
+"On your honor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, here we are on shares; tell us all about it."
+
+Desmond laughed in turn; they had had their laugh and he had his laugh,
+as he said:
+
+"Here is what I found."
+
+The lad produced the little nugget he had picked up and then Creedon
+laughed, and said:
+
+"By George! that is the bit of gold I lost, and I had a good hunt for
+it."
+
+Our hero had been impressed by Creedon's statement that he had examined
+every nook and corner in the mountain, and yet he did feel a sort of
+hankering notion that he could find the gold, and he said:
+
+"I want to explore again."
+
+"All right; it can do no harm, but I will relinquish all claim now to
+any gold that you may find in this cave."
+
+"I'll take you at your word," said Desmond.
+
+Of course the youth had no real hope of ever finding any gold, but it is
+a known fact that such finds have been made, and sometimes the skeletons
+of the owners have been found bleaching beside their gold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+BOY'S DETERMINATION--GOING THROUGH A CREVICE--THE
+MOVABLE ROCK--AID TO DISCOVER--UP THROUGH
+A HOLE--THE GOLDEN HEAP--DESMOND'S GREAT
+TRIUMPH--THE OLD MEXICAN'S SECRET EXPOSED.
+
+
+Desmond was somewhat impressed by the words of Creedon, but still
+insisted that he would like to conduct an exploration.
+
+"You will only go over the ground that I have already gone over."
+
+"I know that, but I propose to look around all the same."
+
+Desmond had been doing considerable thinking. He questioned Creedon
+again and again, and made out that the old Mexican had lived in the cave
+along with Creedon for months at a time, and as he learned, the old man
+had thrown out a great many hints. These hints meant something; and then
+again, if he had hidden his wealth in the cave he had done it so
+securely and well that he had no idea of its ever being discovered until
+such time as he saw fit to disclose the fact. Desmond knew how there
+were some strange conformations in the rocks; the very place they were
+in was a testimony to the strange freaks that nature in its upheavals
+can and does create.
+
+Brooks had nothing to say about the matter, and Creedon did remark
+finally:
+
+"Of course, as I've said, it can do no harm, but be careful you don't
+strike--"
+
+Desmond here interrupted, and said:
+
+"I ain't afraid of ghosts; I've met one and I've got used to them."
+
+"I don't mean a ghost, I mean a crevice; go very slow and carefully, or
+you may become a ghost yourself."
+
+Right here we wish to exchange a few words with our readers in regard to
+these rock conformations. Right in the State of New York, in Ulster
+County, and in what is called the Shawangunk Mountains, there are some
+of the most wonderful caves and crevices, and in some of these caves
+during the winter the snow drifts down, and in the spring becomes a
+solid mass of ice, and the writer remembers upon one occasion after a
+long and weary scramble over rocks under the face of a cliff which
+towers up and overlooks counties, being shown a rock cave where there
+was a solid mass of ice, which, in its contour resembled a ship. The ice
+must have been at least sixty feet in length, twenty feet broad, and
+fully forty feet high, and adjoining it were all manner of caves. These
+caves are within a few miles of several settlements, and possibly at the
+time of the visit of the writer had not been entered by over a dozen
+persons. In these mountains are some very remarkable rock conformations,
+and we merely mention this fact to the lads in the East, who may think
+that these stories of rock caverns are exaggerated. There are probably
+hundreds of caves in the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains that have
+never been entered or explored since the days when the early settlers
+may have found them while bear hunting.
+
+Desmond had been raised, as we have stated, near the mountains, and
+probably had explored many rock caverns, and it is because of this fact
+probably that he was not surprised when led to the cave where he first
+beheld the girl Amy Brooks. That cave still exists and is well known to
+many of the people living in its vicinity, and in our description we
+adhered to almost absolute accuracy.
+
+Creedon was a rough and ready sort of man, but not, the fellow, as
+Desmond argued, who would apply himself to a critical study. It was a
+great thing to have learned the facts concerning the old Mexican, and
+the lad really believed that there was gold secreted somewhere in one of
+the little cavities in that perforated mountain.
+
+Creedon started in to relate to Brooks the facts about the mine he
+believed he had discovered, and Desmond, taking the mask lantern,
+started off to explore.
+
+"You will burn out all my oil, lad; that is the only harm you will do,
+and certainly little good. I cannot replenish the oil when it's burned
+out, and I've been very careful, holding it for only such occasions as
+when we came here across the chasm."
+
+Creedon explained that he had only carried with him one can of oil,
+which had lasted him to date.
+
+Desmond started off and went direct to the crevice he had first entered,
+and Creedon smiled as he saw him go in there, remarking to Brooks:
+
+"The lad will run up against a stone wall sure, but he is enthusiastic;
+it will be a lesson to him."
+
+"Can't tell about that lad," said Brooks, "there is method in his
+enthusiasm."
+
+"That's all right, but I was camped in here one whole winter, and as I
+told you, there is not a nook or cranny that I have not explored."
+
+"But there are others," said Brooks, with an odd smile on his face.
+
+Meantime, Desmond followed the crevice until he came to the stone wall.
+He knew about the same wall, but he was working on a certain theory. He
+was like the Captain Kidd treasure-seekers--the discouragement of others
+did not in any way discourage him, and we will here say that a similar
+persistence in any walk of life, as a rule, leads to great results.
+
+Desmond, as stated, arrived opposite the stone wall, and he commenced a
+calm, steady, determined examination. First appearances would have
+discouraged any man, being faced as he was by a solid, smooth face of
+rock. He stood contemplating the mass before him, and then with the ray
+of light from his lantern he ran all over the rock.
+
+"By ginger!" he muttered at last, "I reckon it's true. There does not
+appear a hole big enough in that rock for a spider to crawl through;
+but, hang me! I've got an impression."
+
+There appeared to be a break in the rock just where it joined with the
+roof of the cave. Desmond rolled a bowlder over against the rock and
+mounted, and ran his finger over the crack. It was not a large crack and
+offered no encouragement, but the lad was determined not to be satisfied
+until he had established facts beyond all dispute. He ran his finger, as
+stated, along the crack, and his knuckle pressed against the roof, and
+to his surprise there appeared to be a loosening. He examined it and he
+saw that there was a uniform crack running along the roof inclosing a
+space about two feet square. The lad instinctively pressed on the center
+between the cracks, and lo, there appeared to be a piece of the roof
+that yielded. He pressed harder and satisfied himself that the piece of
+rock between the cracks in the roof was movable. The discovery caused
+his heart to stand still, and he muttered:
+
+"Great Scott! but I've found it." He flashed the light on the crack and
+thought he could discern where there had been some chiseling. He made
+every effort to shift the rock out of its place, but it was too much for
+him, owing to the fact that he could just about reach it. He did not
+have purchase enough to exert his full strength.
+
+He stepped down on the floor again and commenced to consider, and then
+he determined to return to the main cave and solicit Brooks and Creedon
+to go to his aid.
+
+When he re-entered the main cavern Creedon with a laugh said:
+
+"Well, lad, did you run up against a stone wall?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"I told you it was of no use to search these crevices. I've explored
+every inch."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I think not."
+
+Brooks knew Desmond so well he discerned that the lad had really made a
+discovery, but he said nothing.
+
+"You think not, eh?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"That would hint that you had found something."
+
+"I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"I don't know yet, but I am certain I have found a cranny or nook that
+you never explored."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"Oh, it may be that it's 'tellings,' as the boys say."
+
+Creedon looked at the lad in a curious way.
+
+"It cannot be possible," he said, "that you have found anything?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"Guess."
+
+"It's no time to guess; what have you found?"
+
+"I'll show you what I've found; I want your help."
+
+The lad found a piece of sapling about seven feet in length, and said:
+
+"You gentlemen come with me; I'll show you something."
+
+Animated by great interest and curiosity, Brooks and Creedon followed
+Desmond. He led them to the little rock cave where the crevice abutted
+on the solid wall of rock, and he said:
+
+"Now what do you see?"
+
+"We see the rock."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Look sharp; there is something you have not discovered before."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Look."
+
+"I've looked."
+
+"I reckon when you did look upon the occasion of your former visits you
+did as you are doing now--only _looked_, but you did not search."
+
+"Have you searched?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"And you've found something?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Oh, look."
+
+"I'm done looking."
+
+"Then let me show you."
+
+Desmond took the strong piece of sapling he had brought with him and
+jammed one end with great force against the square piece of roofing, and
+the piece of rock moved.
+
+Creedon gazed aghast and exclaimed:
+
+"By all that's strange and wonderful, but I believe you have unfolded
+the Mexican's secret."
+
+"I think so; and now lend me your strength, both of you, and let's see
+if we can move that loose piece of rock. I'll bet there is an opening
+there."
+
+"You are right--yes, lad, you have indeed raked into the old Mexican's
+treasure den; I can recall now some words he once spoke."
+
+"Don't spend any more time recalling; let's shove that rock aside if we
+can."
+
+The two men lent their aid to Desmond, and sure enough they did raise
+the piece of rock, and by hoisting it they managed to move it aside a
+trifle, enough to reveal the fact that there was a chamber above, and
+that the opening was through the piece of rock.
+
+It was a reward of Desmond's persistence, but after all it was accident
+that had revealed to him the opening.
+
+By hard work the men finally succeeded in moving the rock aside, and
+there was disclosed the opening, and Desmond said:
+
+"Now let me stand on our shoulders with the light and I will tell you
+what it is we have found. There is something there to reveal, I am dead
+sure."
+
+The two men assisted Desmond to their shoulders. He took the lantern and
+shoved his head through the opening, and then flashed the light around,
+and with a joyful shout exclaimed:
+
+"We've got it!"
+
+"This beats me dead," said Creedon.
+
+Both men were greatly excited, for it did appear that they had made a
+great find of hidden treasure.
+
+Meantime, Desmond managed to force himself up and disappeared in the
+cave. He glanced around and beheld a sight that filled him with varying
+emotions.
+
+The chamber was not more than four feet square, but on the floor in one
+corner was a shining heap. It shone under the ray of his lantern as he
+flashed the light upon it. He took a handful of the shining stuff and
+passed it down to Creedon, handing him the lantern at the same time, and
+he said:
+
+"You are a good judge; tell me what that is?"
+
+"It's gold dust," cried Creedon; "how much is there of it?"
+
+"Oh, barrels full, I should say."
+
+"Great ginger! lad, you've struck it."
+
+"Well, it won't run away, I reckon, but give me your hat and I'll fill
+it."
+
+"Is that to be my share?"
+
+"No, we're only giving you the first whack at it, that's all."
+
+Desmond filled Creedon's hat with the dust and then descended, and the
+whole party made their way to the outer cavern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+DISCUSSING THE FIND--A NEW RESOLUTION--GOING TO CREEDON MINE--A
+DISAPPOINTMENT--BETTER INDICATIONS--A NEW MOVE.
+
+
+Once in the outer cavern, Desmond said:
+
+"It's now a matter of business."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"How shall we divide?"
+
+"You are the finder," replied Creedon; "you are to decide."
+
+"You leave it to me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I'll make it an even divide all round."
+
+"Boy, it's a great discovery."
+
+"What do you think of its value?"
+
+"It depends upon the weight, but from your description I should say we
+had a ten-thousand-dollar find."
+
+Desmond's eyes opened wide, and after a moment he asked:
+
+"Does it really belong to us?"
+
+"It does certainly; I am really the appointed heir of the old Mexican,
+but anyway treasure-trove goes to the finder who can establish a right
+to it."
+
+"We can," said Brooks.
+
+"You bet we can, and it is ours, but it's strange how the old Mexican's
+secret has been opened up. Here I've had five years to search for this
+gold and failed to find it, and this lad gets on to it in one day."
+
+"It was a mere chance."
+
+"Well, yes, to a certain extent; but if you had not been so persistent
+you would not have developed the chance and made the find possible."
+
+"How did the old man accumulate this gold?"
+
+"It's plain enough; he has known some stream and has washed it, and
+possibly it took him ten years to gather the heap you found there; but
+how well he did it!"
+
+"He did, sure."
+
+"How shall we make a divide?"
+
+"Easy enough if you will let me make a suggestion."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"We will carry it all out here; we run no risk, no one will ever
+penetrate to this retreat; then when we have it all carted out here we
+will divide it, a coffee cup full at time."
+
+"Good enough; that suits me."
+
+"But wait; I've a better proposition if you will accept it."
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+"Let's leave it where it is, go on to my mine, and if it amounts to
+anything we will have the capital to work it ourselves."
+
+Desmond glanced at Brooks, and the man said:
+
+"That is a good proposition."
+
+Brooks was less suspicious than Desmond, but the lad determined to
+accede to the proposition, and it was decided that on the following
+morning they would start for Creedon's mine, and the guide said:
+
+"We will start before daylight."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"We had better cross the chasm in the dark; I am afraid you would hardly
+recross it if you were to behold once what would be underneath you."
+
+It was so decided.
+
+The party made all their preparations and on the following morning,
+before daylight, with the aid of Creedon's ladder the party crossed the
+chasm and proceeded on their way toward the place where Creedon's mine
+was located. They managed to secure enough game which they cooked and
+had for food, and commenced their long march, and it was a long march.
+They had been five days on the tramp, and stopped one night to camp,
+when Creedon said:
+
+"In the morning we will be on the ground."
+
+The place where they were camped was a mountain glen, and our young
+friend Desmond, being in splendid health, was exceedingly happy. The
+life thus far had been one of constant excitement, and therefore at his
+age one of continuous enjoyment, and besides, to crown all, he was
+comparatively rich. As intimated, Creedon had valued the dust at ten
+thousand dollars, and when it should be turned into money Desmond could
+indeed clear his mother's farm and go to school, and then to college,
+and it was his highest ambition to obtain a fine education. He was an
+ambitious lad.
+
+Creedon was restless and excited all the evening; for him a great
+decision was to be rendered. He had come to know that Brooks was indeed
+an expert, and should the latter decide that his claim was of value it
+meant that for which he had been struggling a long time, as he had said,
+for fifteen years.
+
+Creedon did not sleep; much danger would not have kept him awake, but
+the possibilities of the dawning day did cause exceeding restlessness.
+Desmond noticed that the woodsman did not sleep and went over and sat
+near him.
+
+"What's the matter, lad; why don't you sleep?"
+
+"Why don't you sleep?"
+
+"To tell the truth, I can't."
+
+"Neither can I."
+
+"I don't see what keeps you awake."
+
+"The possibilities of the coming day."
+
+Creedon was in a thoughtful mood, and Desmond asked:
+
+"Why are you so anxious to get rich?"
+
+"Lad, I'll tell you: I am thirty-three years old; I started from home
+when I was less than eighteen; my father was a poor man. Living in our
+town was a rich man who had a lovely daughter; she was just fifteen. I
+had known her from the time we were wee little tots, and we fell in love
+with each other, although she was fifteen and I but a little past
+seventeen, but her father was rich; he despised low people, and that
+girl and I agreed that I was to leave home, go into the world and earn a
+fortune, and go back and claim her. We made a solemn agreement, pledged
+ourselves under the stars, she was to wait for me even if I did not
+return until I was a gray-haired man. Boy, she is waiting yet; she is a
+handsome woman now--I have her photograph--and once a year I receive a
+letter from her. She has urged me to return; her father is dead and she
+has a competency in her own right, but I am not willing to go home,
+marry her and live on her money; and besides, I want to get rich--real
+rich. I wish to buy her the finest house in our native town, give her
+horses and carriages; I'll die before I will return poor. The people in
+the town have often and often hurt her feelings by their deridings,
+telling her that I had forgotten her, that if I did succeed in winning a
+fortune I would never return to her, but would marry some one else. They
+told her I was a thriftless vagrant, never would get rich, and through
+all this she has remained true to me, and every time I receive a letter
+from her she urges me to return. I don't know; if my mine turns out all
+right I will return, if it don't I will not return, and here I am just
+about to learn what the chances are. It means to me life, love, and
+happiness, or a return to the endless longing that has inspired me for
+the last fifteen years; but, boy, I will never return unless I have a
+fortune."
+
+"No wonder you are restless, and I am now as much interested in our
+success on your account as I am on my own."
+
+"I have high hopes, lad--yes, high hopes."
+
+On the morning following the dialogue related, all hands were up bright
+and early and they started for the mine, and in two hours were on the
+ground. Creedon was pale as a pictured ghost while pointing out to
+Brooks the indications, and Brooks also was excited as he made his
+study.
+
+We will not bore our readers with an account of the investigations made
+by Brooks, but will state that at the end of the second day he was
+compelled to announce that the mine was valueless.
+
+Desmond thought he had never seen a more disconsolate look on any man's
+face than the one that settled over the face of Creedon when the
+announcement was made.
+
+"Your mine don't amount to anything in itself," said Brooks, "but it
+carries a suggestion; it is a compass that points to where a valuable
+mine may be found. We are not in it yet; to-morrow I will make a survey
+and I may get indications that will carry us to the ledge where the gold
+ores extend in paying quantities--yes, I think I can read the
+indications as plainly as though the road were mapped out."
+
+Brooks spent two days, and then said:
+
+"It's all right; there is a mine somewhere, but I must have the proper
+instruments and testing utensils. I will leave you and Desmond here in
+the mountains and proceed to the nearest settlement and secure what I
+need. Creedon, I can almost promise you that we will find a rich
+digging, and it will be more accessible than this one."
+
+"I have a better plan," said Creedon.
+
+"What is your plan?"
+
+"We will go and get the dust that the lad found; we will carry that to
+the town, dispose of it, get our money, make our deposits in the bank,
+and then start in on the search. Possessing the knowledge that you do,
+we will find a mine. I am not discouraged yet."
+
+It was so agreed, and the party made their way back to where they had
+their store of dust. Creedon had made some deerskin bags so that the
+burden would not fall upon one person. The dust was all secured and they
+made a start for the town.
+
+On the night when they made their last halt before ending their trip in
+the town, Brooks, the wizard tramp, took advantage of an opportunity to
+talk to Desmond alone. He said:
+
+"Lad, to-morrow we will be in the town and we will have money. I have a
+proposition. It will take a year or two to develop matters in case I do
+locate the mine; you cannot afford at your time of life to spend a year.
+I do not need you with me now. I am a man again, thanks to you, and I
+will make a confidant of Creedon. He is a manly, honest fellow, and will
+watch over me. Our joint interest will make him a splendid sentinel. I
+feel that we are sure to win, if not in one direction in another. With
+my scientific knowledge and his practical knowledge we will win, but it
+may be two or three years. This is a fascinating life for you, but you
+cannot afford to lose this valuable time."
+
+"What is it you are about to propose?"
+
+"I can send you home with five thousand dollars and I will still have
+money enough to carry on our purpose. You can clear off the farm and go
+to school; you are ambitious, and in less than a year you will be
+prepared to stand an examination for college, and you can go with a
+cheerful heart, for if my life is spared I will win a fortune for you. I
+have no use for a fortune myself; I am working for you and Amy."
+
+"But suppose something should happen to you? Do you remember you have
+not made your revelation?"
+
+"I propose to provide for that; I will confide to you a document. It is
+not to be opened until you are assured of my death, so living or dead
+you shall in good time learn the great secret that I have held all these
+years."
+
+"I must think this matter over," said Desmond.
+
+"There must be no thinking. I have decided as to what you must do."
+
+"And you do not want me to go back at all?"
+
+"No, I want you to go home to the State of New York; I want you to go to
+clear off the farm and go to school, and I will attend to your affairs
+out here."
+
+"I will decide in the morning."
+
+That night Desmond thought over the whole matter. He had become
+fascinated with the life in the mountains, but when he revolved the
+whole matter in his mind he saw that it was indeed wiser for him to
+return to his home; and under what joyful circumstances he would
+return! He could clear the farm and have money in the bank; he could go
+to school and go to college, and devote his whole attention to study
+without any worry or fear, and in the morning he greeted Brooks with the
+announcement:
+
+"I have decided to obey you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A SAD PARTING--PROPHETIC WORDS--ON THE TRAIN--A
+SENATOR'S SON--LEADING UP TO A TRICK--GENUINE
+FUN AHEAD.
+
+
+There came a sad look to the face of Brooks, and he said:
+
+"I shall miss you, Desmond, but I feel it is for the best. You are a
+youth of great promise. I do not mean to flatter you, I am speaking the
+truth, and it is in your interest that I so warmly advocate your return
+to the East. I desire that you become an educated man, a graduate of
+college; I wish you to secure your degree. And let me tell you now there
+was fate in our meeting, and very remarkable consequences may follow our
+acquaintance begun and maintained under such strange circumstances."
+
+Desmond had never beheld his strange friend, the wizard tramp, under a
+similar mood. There appeared to be a prophetic spell prompting the words
+of the strange man.
+
+"I hope you do not wish to get rid of me."
+
+"No, I am speaking in your interest alone, lad; my life has been a
+wasted one, yours is just commencing. You can be of some use in the
+world, I have been a nuisance. I have a strange tale to tell--yes,
+Desmond, like many others I have encountered a romance in life. I
+deliberately threw myself away, but where I failed you can win; there is
+a chance for you to become a useful man; great honor may await you
+because you possess the qualities that win success. You are brave, firm,
+and persistent, also enterprising; with these qualities, in this land,
+any young man can win a success against the great throng of unambitious
+and careless men like myself."
+
+"Can you trust yourself?"
+
+"I can."
+
+"You are certain?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"You do not need me?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"Remember, your weakness upon several occasions permitted you to fall."
+
+"I have considered everything; I have an object in life now and a
+prospect."
+
+"A prospect?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is there anything you are concealing from me?"
+
+"I am considering your interests alone," was the reply.
+
+"But your revelation?"
+
+"It is not necessary for me to tell you once again that I have provided
+for you to learn the secret of my life in case anything should happen to
+me."
+
+Desmond at once began his arrangements for a return to the East. He had
+been away for many months; he had plenty of money; his return would be
+in great triumph in every way. He purchased fine clothes, which he was
+able to do even in the far Western town where he was stopping, and when
+he arrayed himself in his good clothes even Brooks was surprised at the
+wonderful transformation well-fitting attire made in the youth. Desmond
+was indeed a fine-looking fellow, well educated comparatively, and as is
+not unusually the case, he was naturally capable of adapting himself to
+changed conditions. He did not seem awkward in his good clothes, but
+appeared as though he had worn fine attire all his life.
+
+At length the hour came when Desmond and Brooks were to part company.
+The wizard tramp had a sad look upon his face, although he tried to be
+cheerful and jovial The attempt, however, was a failure. He said:
+
+"I will not go with you to the train, Desmond, we will part here, and
+you can address your letters to me here; I will arrange to have them
+forwarded to me in case I go prospecting again."
+
+"You will go prospecting, I suppose, of course."
+
+"I cannot tell; but remember, if anything happens to me I have arranged
+for you to be communicated with."
+
+There came a look of concern to our hero's face, and the discerning
+Brooks said:
+
+"You have something to say."
+
+"I have an idea."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"There is great peril in the wilderness."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"There have been cases where men have lost their lives and their deaths
+have not become known until many years afterward."
+
+"That is true, lad, and I have calculated for that."
+
+"You have?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You will know if such an event should occur. In the meantime let me
+tell you if a year should pass and you do not hear from me you will know
+that I am dead."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"Tell Amy."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"She may make a disclosure to you. Remember, I have taken every
+precaution."
+
+"I do not know why you should withhold from me your life secret. No harm
+could come of an immediate revelation, but of course you have your own
+reasons for withholding your story."
+
+"Yes, that is it, I have reasons; no harm might come of an immediate
+revelation, but I have reasons of a very satisfactory character to
+myself. You will understand and appreciate them when they are made known
+to you. Desmond, I am a changed man; you need have no fear concerning me
+now; time has righted a wrong. I am strong now--that is, normally
+strong--all will go well, I believe, if not with me at least with you."
+
+A little later and our hero was on his way across the country to the
+town where he was to take the train, and a better equipped lad for
+adventure never boarded a train, and lo, he encountered several very
+thrilling adventures ere he arrived at the valley farm where kind hearts
+beat to greet him.
+
+Desmond had been on the train but a few minutes really when he observed
+a tall, country-looking young fellow, who fixed his eyes on him. As has
+been demonstrated all through our narrative, Desmond was a very quick,
+discerning chap; in the language of the day, he was "up to snuff," and
+the instant he caught the eye of the country-looking fellow he knew that
+something was up, and he discerned more which will be disclosed as our
+narrative advances.
+
+Desmond had not boarded a through train; he was to go to a large town
+where he would meet a through express. The train he had entered was a
+way train, and he seated himself by the window. No one was in the seat
+with him at first, but soon the country-looking chap took a seat beside
+him. The latter appeared to be a jolly, innocent sort of chap, and he
+addressed the young adventurer with the words:
+
+"Hello!"
+
+There came a merry gleam in Desmond's eyes, as he asked:
+
+"Do you take me for a telephone?"
+
+The stranger arched his eyebrows, and demanded:
+
+"A telephone?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What makes you ask that question?"
+
+"Because you yelled 'hello' in my ear."
+
+"I've heard about telephones, but I never saw one."
+
+"You never did?"
+
+"No; what are they like?"
+
+The question was asked seemingly in the most innocent manner, but the
+keen-witted Desmond's suspicions were at once aroused, and on the
+instant he made a curious discovery. The fellow was a make-up, under a
+disguise, and consequently under immediate suspicion also.
+
+"So you never saw a telephone?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"You _tell_ me that?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Our hero knew he had a long journey before him; he was naturally very
+fond of a joke and excitement, and besides he had instinctive hatred for
+designing men. Our hero was aware that the trains, as a rule, are
+infested with sharps, and the efforts of the railroad companies to
+squelch these nuisances are not altogether successful. Our adventurer
+determined to have a little amusement, and if his suspicions were fully
+verified he was resolved to teach at least one sharp a good lesson. We
+will repeat, Desmond did not look like an athlete or a youth who had
+seen the rough side of life; he could easily be mistaken for an
+ordinarily bright youth who had much to learn.
+
+"So you really never saw a telephone?"
+
+"Never," repeated the man.
+
+Desmond, having determined upon his course of action, assumed a most
+serious air, and with the greatest earnestness graphically described a
+telephone, and the stranger appeared to be all interest and attention,
+and expressed his surprise by innocent ejaculations, as our hero related
+the wonderful possibilities of the telephone.
+
+It was an amusing scene, or would have been to one who was under the
+rose and understood that a game was being played.
+
+When Desmond's description apparently, as stated, told in the most
+earnest manner the sharp, as we shall call him, said:
+
+"Well that beats me, it beats anything I ever heard. See here, stranger,
+you are making a fool of me with a big fish story because I am a green
+Western man, born and raised on the prairie."
+
+"No, I've told you the truth."
+
+"Well, well, you come from the city?"
+
+"No, I am going to the city."
+
+"New York?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is that your home?"
+
+"Well, _New York lies near where_ I live."
+
+"Dear me, what wonderful sights you have seen!"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That New York is a wonderful place."
+
+"You bet it is."
+
+"I am going there some day--yes, I've said I'd see New York some day and
+I will. It must make a man blind for a few days to go around there."
+
+"Well, yes, it is rather dazzling," said Desmond.
+
+So the conversation continued for quite a time and finally the stranger
+rose and went away, saying he would return immediately. Quite a
+respectable-looking man took the vacated seat beside Desmond, and the
+last neighbor asked:
+
+"Do you know that green-looking chap who was just talking to you?"
+
+"No, sir, I never saw him before."
+
+"Then you don't know who he is?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"That is a son of Senator F----, the richest mine owner out in this
+section; he looks like a countryman. You see he was raised in the West,
+but he is one of the most honest and good-hearted fellows in the world,
+liberal to a fault, fond of fun, but a good and true friend to any one."
+
+Desmond studied the man who was giving him this unsolicited information,
+and he concluded that the nice-looking man was sharp number two; he was
+up to this sort of business and perceived the whole game.
+
+"Yes, he appears like a good, honest fellow," said Desmond.
+
+"Honest? why, you could trust him with all you had in the world."
+
+"Yes, he looks that."
+
+"He is one of the kindest-hearted fellows in the world. I tell you if
+you get into trouble he is the man to aid you. He is the best pistol
+shot and rifle shot in the land. Why, that fellow has fought off a whole
+tribe of Indians. The redskins fear him as a white man fears the devil,
+and his father is one of the richest men out in this section, as I told
+you."
+
+"Yes. He don't look like a millionaire's son."
+
+"No, but he is all the same, and he appears to have taken a great fancy
+to you. I was watching him while he talked to you; I tell you no one
+will interfere with you anywhere in this land if they know that he is
+your friend."
+
+"That's good."
+
+"Yes. He is a splendid fellow."
+
+The man who had volunteered all this information walked into a forward
+car, and a few moments later the senator's son, so-called, returned, and
+as frequently occurs in far Western trains, the particular car in which
+Desmond was riding was deserted. Our hero and the countryman had the car
+all to themselves, and after a little further talk the senator's son
+said:
+
+"I wish some greeny would come in here, we'd have some fun."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I'll tell you, I am a regular juggler; I know all the tricks of
+gamblers and I'd fool a fellow."
+
+"Do you know all the tricks of gamblers?"
+
+"Yes, and sometimes I beat the game just for fun. You see I am down on
+gamblers, I just like to beat them. Generally there are one or two of
+those rascals on this train, but they know me; I don't get a chance at
+them any more, so I sometimes amuse myself by astonishing greenhorns. By
+ginger! but it's funny I've never been in New York; I am half a mind to
+go right on to the great city with you."
+
+"Yes, come along," said Desmond, a merry twinkle in his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PLAYING TO CATCH A WEASEL--A SHARP'S
+SCHOLAR--OPENING UP OF THE GAME--TWO
+BIG HANDS--A CRISIS.
+
+
+"I can't go, but I'd like to; but you give me your address, and some day
+you will see me in York. I feel like the man who said, 'See Venice and
+die;' I want to see New York. Say, they tell me there are a great many
+sharpers in that wonderful city."
+
+"Yes, it's full of them."
+
+"Well, wouldn't I have fun beating those fellows, especially on the race
+track, eh? They tell me these sharps are as thick as mosquitoes in
+August down on the race tracks."
+
+"Yes, they hover around there."
+
+"I like you, young fellow."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"So you said."
+
+"You're honest; I like an honest young fellow every time. Are you an
+orphan?"
+
+"A half orphan."
+
+"Your mother dead?"
+
+"No, my father."
+
+"Well, I am just the other way--my mother is dead and my dad, he is away
+up. They say he is a great man. I reckon he is, but I am no shakes; you
+see I care more for fun than lands. Now, see here; I'll teach you some
+tricks. Would you like to learn?"
+
+"Yes, I would."
+
+"Good enough, and when you get back to York you can punish some of those
+sharps there, for my occupation is gone out here; they won't let me play
+against them or I'd beat them every time--yes, I beat their game and
+then give the money away to some poor person who needs it; but they
+don't know you, and before we get to the end of the route some of those
+fellows may get aboard, and as I said, they don't know you, and we'll
+have some great fun; you can beat the game."
+
+"I'd like to do that."
+
+"You would?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I was beaten once."
+
+"You were?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"At what game?"
+
+"Three card monte."
+
+"Well, well! and did they ever come the thimblerig on you?"
+
+"Yes, I had a taste of that also."
+
+"Then you've been through the mill?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, now, see here; I'll teach you the game, and you are the only one
+I ever will teach it to; you are honest. But if I were to teach the game
+to some fellows who claim to be honest they would start in as gamblers
+right away."
+
+"I never will."
+
+"No, I can see that in your eye; you've got an honest face; I like you
+clean through."
+
+"Thank you again."
+
+"Yes, and I am going to learn you a trick or two."
+
+"I'll be glad to learn."
+
+The man produced his cards and said:
+
+"I always carry an outfit with me just for fun."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That's fine."
+
+We cannot in words describe the peculiar tones of our hero or the
+singular expression upon his face, but he was playing for great fun. He
+held in reserve a great surprise for the senator's son, a grand climax
+and tableau was to close the scene, or rather, as Desmond classed it in
+his mind, grand comedy. He did not know just how the fellow intended to
+work his game; he believed the method would be a novel one, but he was
+ready--yes, permitting himself to be led on to the grand climax.
+
+The wizard tramp was an expert gambler and he had taught Desmond a great
+many tricks in order to put the youth on his guard, and also for
+amusement during their lonely hours together. All there was to learn
+about the trick Desmond already knew, but he pretended ignorance, and
+let the sharp go ahead. He proved an apt scholar, however, for the
+senator's son said:
+
+"Jiminy! I don't know but I am doing wrong."
+
+"Doing wrong?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You learn so quick you appear to be a natural gambler."
+
+"I am pretty quick at learning points, I will admit."
+
+"You are great."
+
+Our hero had just about mastered the intricacies of the game when, lo,
+three men entered the car, and the sharp whispered to the lad:
+
+"Great Scott! here are a lot of 'gambs' as sure as you are alive. I
+wonder if they will give me a chance at them; if they do I'll show you
+some fun, if they don't you are up to the trick, you are my pupil, and
+you can show me the fun."
+
+"That's so."
+
+"Lay low, my friend, don't go too fast or these fellows will become
+suspicious. I want to catch them good, and we will if you play it
+right."
+
+Desmond was on to the trick; he saw how the game was to be played, and
+he appreciated that it was indeed a neat little trick. They were working
+to fleece him differently from any little game he had ever seen or had
+read about.
+
+The "gambs," as the sharp had called the newcomers in the car, did not
+betray their game at once. They took a seat a little distance off and
+commenced playing among themselves "only for fun," as they said loud
+enough to be overheard.
+
+"We'll catch them," whispered the sharp.
+
+"I don't know; they do not appear disposed to let us into their game;
+maybe they are acquainted with you."
+
+"Never mind, they will go for you. Let me see, I'll go out of the car,
+see! and then they will make your acquaintance. I'll be at hand in case
+there is a row."
+
+"Yes, I see."
+
+"We must catch these fellows and teach them a lesson."
+
+"We will."
+
+"We will have to blind them. Let me see; have you any money to make a
+bluff on?"
+
+"Yes, plenty."
+
+"Make believe you are making a bet with me and show a roll, then we will
+bait them and they will go for you; and, oh, won't we give 'em a lesson?
+You bet we will; we'll just clean them out and give the money to some
+needy person--that is, you can--and you'll meet many a poor cuss before
+you get to New York."
+
+"You can meet them anywhere."
+
+"Have you got a roll?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A good sized one? for we want to give them a good bait."
+
+Desmond was playing his part of the game well--very well--his whole
+manner was right up to the mark--indeed, he did a fine piece of acting.
+He pulled out a roll of bills, pretended to dispute with the sharp, and
+suddenly exclaimed:
+
+"I'll bet you a hundred."
+
+"No, no, young fellow, I don't bet," said the sharp. "I know I am right,
+I'd only be robbing you."
+
+"I won't let you rob me; I am up to what I say."
+
+The youth put an emphasis on his words which the sharp did not notice;
+he thought he had such a sure thing, he was not looking for a false
+"steer." Desmond saw the glitter, however, in the sharp's eyes at the
+sight of the roll, for it looked like a big pile of money, and the sharp
+appeared to feel, as indicated in his face, that the pile was already
+his own.
+
+"By ginger!" he said, "you are a dandy; you can play this game right up,
+but don't be too anxious or you will scare those fellows off; just take
+it easy, let them lead you on."
+
+"Oh, I know how to work; don't you forget I am a Yorker."
+
+"Yes, I see you Yorkers are smart fellows. You know a heap, I can see
+that; but I did learn you some?"
+
+"Yes, and when we get through here, I'll teach you a trick."
+
+The sharp shot a keen glance at Desmond, and the lad saw that he had
+been a little premature, but it was only a fuse that flashed, and the
+sharp said, speaking in a very low tone:
+
+"I'll go in the next car, but I'll be on hand at the right moment. I
+want to enjoy the laugh when you catch these fellows. You are sure you
+are on to the trick?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"You must keep your eyes well open."
+
+"You bet I will."
+
+The sharp left the car, and after a moment one of the confederates came
+over and took a seat alongside of Desmond, and in a jolly, familiar
+tone, he said:
+
+"You bucked the senator's son down, didn't you?"
+
+"Well, yes."
+
+"It takes a good man to buck him down; He's got lots of stuff and sand
+too, but you bucked him."
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"We're having a little game here to pass the time--it's awful dreary
+these long rides. You see, we are salesmen and we've had some of these
+fellows out here trying to rope us in, and we are trying to learn the
+game."
+
+"Don't you know the game?"
+
+"No; do you?"
+
+"Well, I know a little about it."
+
+"Come along and show us what you know."
+
+The party got together; Desmond appeared hale-fellow-well-met with the
+rogues, and the game was played amid a great deal of laughter, until one
+of the party said:
+
+"By Jove! boys, I am on to this thing."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"You daren't bet for fair."
+
+"Yes, I dare."
+
+"Oh, come off."
+
+"I'll bet for fair; I'll give every one of you a chance."
+
+"You will?"
+
+"Yes, I will."
+
+"Come off."
+
+"I am in earnest; who'll go first and bet me?"
+
+"I will," said one man.
+
+"All right."
+
+The cards were thrown and a bet made, and the dealer was beat and lost
+apparently a ten-dollar bill.
+
+"All right; I was beat that time. Who'll take a second hack at it? I've
+got it all right, and I'll catch some of you fellows."
+
+"Will you?"
+
+"I will, by thunder."
+
+The trick was being played in the most bungling manner, simply because
+when properly played the exposure would have shown the game. The second
+man bet and won, and the dealer said:
+
+"I give it up, let's play a little game we know something about."
+
+"What will it be?"
+
+"I'll deal you fellows a little faro; we might as well pass the time
+that way as any other."
+
+A game of faro commenced and Desmond went into the game, and in a little
+time the original sharp came in the car and wanted to take a hand, and
+it was then that the gamblers said:
+
+"No, we won't let you; you are a 'jack' player; we are only amateurs."
+
+The party played faro for a little while and then a regular game of
+poker was proposed. The latter was a game that all hands could play in
+for a trick; even the senator's son was permitted to enter the game, and
+winking in a knowing manner to our hero he did get in the game, and the
+four proceeded up to a crisis where, as usual, two men held hands of
+value, and as it chanced, the original sharp was the man who held a hand
+against Desmond, and he said:
+
+"Here, I'll only make a small bet; I don't want to win your money."
+
+"I'll bet you anything you want," said Desmond.
+
+"Hello! are you in earnest?"
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+"Do you really want to get my money?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Dead sure?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I've a big hand, I'll tell you that before you start in."
+
+"That's all right, I'm betting on my hand."
+
+"Now see here, young fellow, remember this is poker, and on principle I
+always claim when I win, so don't bet high on your hand."
+
+"I'll go as high as you choose."
+
+"And you know what you are doing?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I am in dead earnest."
+
+"So am I."
+
+"Everything is barred?"
+
+"Yes, everything," said Desmond.
+
+"All right; if you will have it so swing out your roll. I'm betting
+heavy on this hand, but I've warned you, remember."
+
+"Yes, but you can't bluff me," said Desmond.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ALMOST A BREAK--A NOVEL GAME TO ROB--OUR HERO'S
+ARTISTIC ACTING--A TABLEAU AND A GRAND SURPRISE.
+
+
+Again the sharp fixed his eyes upon our hero, but it was not a
+give-away; Desmond was playing his game too well. He appeared like an
+excited gambler, an amateur, who apparently believed he had a sure
+thing.
+
+"I'll warn you once more," said the sharp.
+
+"To the dogs with your warning, you daren't bet."
+
+"Oh, yes, I dare bet, but I like you; I've a dead sure hand, you can't
+beat me."
+
+"That's my lookout."
+
+"Then you know just what you are doing?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"These men can bear witness that I want to throw up my hand."
+
+"You needn't."
+
+"And you will really bet?"
+
+"Yes, I will."
+
+"With your eyes open?"
+
+"Dead sure."
+
+"All right; what is your raise?"
+
+Desmond gave a lift and the sharp raised back, and so the play went on
+until the stake was a thousand dollars on the two hands, and the sharp
+said:
+
+"See here, young follow, five hundred is enough for you to lose."
+
+"No, no, I am not losing."
+
+"You ain't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Suppose you are mistaken."
+
+"I can stand it."
+
+"You can?"
+
+"I can."
+
+"All right; no use for me to attempt to stand against a young fellow
+like you. I begin to suspect you've been playing innocent, and I will
+teach you a lesson; I raise you a hundred."
+
+"I see it and go two hundred better."
+
+Each time a bet was made the money was laid on the table, and it was a
+very exciting scene and moment. The sharp looked puzzled; he had laid
+out for a dead sure thing, but there had come a complete change over
+Desmond, and it was the latter fact that scared the sharp. He
+hesitated, but at length, in a slow tone, said:
+
+"I'll see you a call," and he laid down his cards. He held four jacks, a
+great hand, but one that is often beaten, of course, and it was beaten
+on this occasion, for, strange to declare, Desmond held four kings.
+
+Right here let us offer an explanation. Our hero was playing against a
+false deal; the man who was leading him made the fatal mistake that he
+was working with a gudgeon on his hook, consequently he was not
+watchful. The wizard tramp had taught Desmond a great many tricks, and
+the lad's natural discernment and watchfulness had prepared him for the
+hand when the great trick was to be sprung, and unwatched he worked a
+bigger trick. He did not know what the hand was he was pitted against,
+but he had been let in to gamblers' tricks, that is, "snide" gamblers.
+These fellows in making a false deal do not win on the highest hands,
+for they always know the hand against them. The fellow who was seeking
+to rob Desmond thought he knew our hero's hand, but it was right there
+he was fooled. Our hero had worked his own trick, as stated--he stole a
+hand so deftly that the unwatchful robbers did not see him do it, and it
+was there he had them. He was really taking a slight chance, but only a
+slight one, and what followed? Well, it was a case of the biter bitten,
+and when Desmond exposed his hand there came a look upon the sharp's
+face that can never be described, but which might be photographed with a
+snap-shot machine.
+
+There fell a dead stillness in that car for a few seconds, and then the
+defeated sharp said:
+
+"Aha! you are a cheat."
+
+"Am I?"
+
+Desmond was perfectly cool.
+
+"Yes, you are, and that money is mine."
+
+"Is it?"
+
+"Oh, see here, young fellow, don't you attempt to bluff me, or I'll mark
+you."
+
+As intimated, there had come a great change over Desmond. He did not
+look like and he certainly did not act like the same person who a little
+time previously had been learning gambling tricks from the sharp. The
+gambler attempted to rake the money from the seat, and it was at that
+moment the real fun commenced.
+
+"You miserable rascal," cried Desmond, "lay a finger on a bill on that
+seat and I'll pin your hand to the car seat."
+
+Well, there was a scene of consternation around there just at that
+instant, and our hero said:
+
+"I've been carrying out your programme, amusing myself with a sneak
+thief, and now, Mr. Senator's Son, you have evidence that Yorkers do
+know a thing or two, and you get yourself together and get out of this
+car and off the train at the next station, or I'll make a horse-fly net
+of you. Is that plain English? Take your own money, I don't need it. You
+are under cover, but let me give you a pointer--you play the senator's
+son too well altogether to make a success of it."
+
+The group of gamblers stared in silence. They did not dare make a
+hostile move; there was something about Desmond in his transformed
+appearance that froze them--indeed, even his youth was a mystery to
+them, for he acted like a man who had had years of experience.
+
+"You started in, gentlemen, to play a big game of robbery, but ran up
+against a snag. I am letting you off easy--very easy--but you see we
+young fellows from York are not malicious."
+
+The gamblers had indeed gotten off easily, and we will here explain that
+they did not fear Desmond in a scrimage; but they would have feared any
+one who would have made a fight, as they did not wish to draw the
+attention of the train men to their scheme which had been exposed. Had
+they been winners they would have made a fight, but the game they were
+attempting was one of highway robbery, for they had been outwitted in
+the deal, and had no claim upon the money.
+
+The train arrived at a station and the gamblers started to alight. They
+felt bitter, and the self-styled senator's son said to Desmond:
+
+"The train will stop here fifteen minutes. You are a good fellow, I like
+you, I'd like to have you stop off a minute and have a cool drink with
+us."
+
+Desmond well knew the scoundrel's purpose, but being fond of adventure
+he determined to give the rascals a still greater surprise. He was in
+splendid condition, his muscles were developed up to the consistency of
+whit-leather, and with a smile he rose to follow the man who had invited
+him to alight for refreshment. The gambler stepped off the car ahead of
+Desmond; the latter followed, when the former suddenly swung round and
+made a vicious lunge at the youth who had so cleverly outwitted him, and
+once again the scamp was outwitted. A second time he ran up against a
+snag, for our hero dodged the blow that was meant for him and countered
+with a tremendous slugger which landed on his assailant's nose, and over
+the man fell with a swiftness that would have suggested the kick of a
+horse, and when he fell he lay there; but two of the other chaps had in
+the meantime made a rush for Desmond, and they received a rap
+successively--indeed, they had run in on our young walking champion
+where he was at home. He was a wonder in science, strength and agility;
+no two or three ordinary men would have had any show with him at all,
+and the fact was the assailants so determined, for the attack was not
+renewed, and our hero stepped aboard the train, the object of the
+wondering glances of twenty people who had witnessed the assault and
+its culmination.
+
+Desmond sat down in the car as coolly as though he had just gone out for
+a breath of fresh air.
+
+Our hero encountered several other adventures of a minor character, but
+in good time arrived in New York City. He had not announced his return
+to the farm, and consequently spent several days in the all-round
+greatest city in the world. There is no place like old New York; there
+is more life to be seen in the great American metropolis in one day than
+can be seen in any other great capital in two. It is a city peculiar to
+itself, unlike any other, in its situation between two rivers and its
+nose practically putting out to the sea; in its activities and general
+loveliness--indeed, it in a wonderful place, and Desmond enjoyed every
+minute during his sojourn, but at length he took a train up-country and
+in due time arrived at the station from which he was to team it to the
+old farm where his grandfather and father had lived and died.
+
+As stated, Desmond had not announced his return, and when within a mile
+of the farm he alighted from the wagon that had carried him over and
+started afoot. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived in sight of
+the old farm, and he was standing on a rise of ground looking over
+toward his old home, when he espied a girl sitting beneath a tree. One
+glance was sufficient; he recognized Amy, and he determined to steal
+upon her unawares. He managed to gain a clump of bushes located within
+twenty feet of where the girl sat, and he had an opportunity to study
+her unobserved. We will not describe his emotions, but it was a
+beautiful sight that fell under his delighted gaze. The life on the farm
+had been of great advantage to Amy in many ways, and in her white muslin
+dress she appeared so beautiful as to make it seem that she was out of
+place in that wild region. Her form was perfect in its grace, and her
+face--well, we will not go into a description, but let it suffice to say
+that there are few girls in all the world who surpass her in the
+exquisite loveliness of her face.
+
+Desmond studied the girl for a long time and he observed that she
+appeared to be perfectly contented and happy. She had her mandolin with
+her, and after quite a period of abstraction she took up her instrument,
+and soon her splendid voice sounded clear and melodious on the still
+air, for it was an afternoon when nature rested under a spell, as it
+were; not a breath of air appeared to float amid the leaves and flowers.
+
+A moment, and our hero made the most delightful discovery of his life.
+Amy was singing and improvising; she did it readily and charmingly, and
+her hidden auditor was indeed charmed. She was singing to an absent one,
+and she mingled the name of our hero in her song. It was a plea for the
+absent one to return, and the sweetness of the melody was not more
+entrancing than the verses. She appeared to be not only a singer but a
+poetess, possessed of rare talent.
+
+Desmond did not appear inclined to break the spell, but when he saw Amy
+making preparations to depart he stepped from his place of concealment.
+The girl uttered a cry; at the first glance she did not recognize the
+farmer boy, transformed as he was into a gentleman in dress, but when
+she caught sight of his face and heard his merry laugh and pleasant
+salutation, she exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, Desmond, I did not know you at first. How elegant you look!"
+
+"Thank you; how is my mother?"
+
+"She is well, but did not know you were coming home; neither did I."
+
+"Well, no, I thought I would give you a surprise. It's all right, here I
+am, this side up with care."
+
+"Your mother will be delighted."
+
+"And you?"
+
+"I am giddy with delight, and I hope all is well with you and with my--"
+The girl stopped short and said, "Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Yes, when I left him he was all right."
+
+"Did he come with you?"
+
+"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you are
+surprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be more
+surprised did you behold at this moment your--I mean Mr. Brooks."
+
+A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a moment
+later by a bright smile, as she said:
+
+"Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life."
+
+"And what makes you so happy?"
+
+The question was put abruptly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Amy suddenly appeared to realize--well, our readers can guess what. It
+appeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness,
+and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed,
+and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said:
+
+"Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy."
+
+"Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless--"
+Again the girl stopped short.
+
+"Go on," said Desmond.
+
+"Unless I am to be taken away from your mother."
+
+"Do you desire to remain with my mother?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I love your mother."
+
+"You love my mother?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"And who else?"
+
+The question came in a pointed manner; Amy was a girl nearly sixteen.
+
+"My--I mean Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+The girl did not answer.
+
+"Come, Amy, who else do you love?"
+
+"You are real mean."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You know."
+
+"I do?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I don't want to be mean, but tell me who else you love?"
+
+"I won't."
+
+"You won't?"
+
+"No."
+
+There was bantering in the tones of both these young people at that
+moment.
+
+"Shall I tell you who I love?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I love my mother."
+
+"You can't help it."
+
+"I have learned to love Mr. Brooks, your--I mean--well, Mr. Brooks."
+
+In a tantalizing tone the girl asked:
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"Oh, you're real mean," said Desmond, imitating Amy's tone at the
+moment she had made the same remark to him.
+
+"I don't want to be mean."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Will you keep my secret?"
+
+"Yes," came the eager answer.
+
+"Honor bright?"
+
+"Yes, honor bright."
+
+"You won't tell even my mother?"
+
+The girl did not answer.
+
+"Come, promise."
+
+"I promise."
+
+"I've met a girl I love, and I've made you my confidante, but don't tell
+my mother."
+
+Amy had turned desperately pale, and in a pettish, trembling tone, she
+said:
+
+"Yes, I will tell your mother."
+
+"You promised not to do so."
+
+"I don't care, I'll break my promise."
+
+"Oh, Amy, you are real mean."
+
+"I can't help it if I am."
+
+"You can't?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I am mad--real mad."
+
+"You are?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you went and fell in love with a girl; it's ridiculous,
+anyway."
+
+"It is?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"You are only a boy."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What are you, pray? you are only a girl."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"I couldn't fall in love with a mere girl, could I?"
+
+"Yes, you could."
+
+Desmond laughed in a merry manner, and said:
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, I did fall in love with a mere girl. Do you
+want to hear about her?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You don't?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"I am going to tell you all the same; you are the girl I've fallen in
+love with."
+
+There came a bright, happy look to Amy's beautiful face as she said:
+
+"Oh, you are real mean."
+
+"I am?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"To tell me that so suddenly."
+
+"Well, who else do you love?"
+
+"I love you."
+
+"All right; go and break your promise and tell my mother," said Desmond
+in a provoking tone, following his advice by encircling Amy's waist and
+imprinting upon her red-hot cheek a kiss.
+
+"You tell your mother yourself," said Amy.
+
+"No, I won't; you said you would."
+
+"Then I will."
+
+"You will?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, well!"
+
+"Your mother will be glad."
+
+"What?" ejaculated Desmond.
+
+"Your mother will be glad."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"She told me so."
+
+That night there was a happy party under the old farmhouse roof. Mrs.
+Dare had met her son with tears of joy in her eyes, and Desmond had told
+the weird tale of his remarkable adventures.
+
+At once our hero set to work to prepare for college. He had talked the
+matter over with his mother and with Amy, and in due time he did enter
+Amherst College, and for a long time his adventures ceased. He heard
+occasionally from Mr. Brooks, who appeared to be doing well and who sent
+money on at intervals, but no explanation. And so the time passed until
+Desmond graduated and returned home. He met his mother and Amy, and a
+moment later there came forth from the house a well-known figure; it was
+Brooks, the whilom wizard tramp.
+
+Again there followed a pleasant evening, and on the following morning
+Desmond was out bright and early to take a walk over the farm. He had
+gone but a short distance when he saw a figure in the grove near the
+house. He advanced and met his old friend the wizard tramp.
+
+"You are out early," said Desmond.
+
+"Yes, I thought I might meet you."
+
+"And you will now tell me how you have succeeded?"
+
+"Yes, Desmond, I will tell you all now, and I owe all to you. We are
+rich--very rich. We found the mine, Creedon and I, and we got
+capitalists interested and developed it. You were our silent partner,
+and to-day you are worth a quarter of a million and I am worth as much
+more, or rather Amy is, for I have been working for my child."
+
+"I have suspected all along that Amy was your daughter. Has she told you
+anything?"
+
+"Yes, she has told me she is to become your wife."
+
+"What do you think of it?"
+
+"It has been the one hope of my life that you would win her love and she
+yours. It was for this reason I insisted upon your returning to the
+East, and the wisdom of my plans is fully confirmed."
+
+"You have a revelation to make to me."
+
+"I have made the revelation--Amy is my own child."
+
+"And is that all you have to reveal? I've known that all along."
+
+"That is my most important revelation, but I have another to make. My
+father was the younger son of an English nobleman; he married a
+beautiful but poor girl, as the world counts riches, and his father
+drove him away, and he came here to America. He never saw his brother
+again; his nephew, my cousin, inherited the estates and title, but
+strange to say, I was the nearest of kin. Five years ago my cousin died;
+he left no estate, but the title which had been maintained in honor by
+my ancestors has descended to me, and when you marry Amy you will marry
+a lord's daughter."
+
+Desmond meditated a moment, and then said:
+
+"I am satisfied to marry the daughter of plain Mr. Brooks."
+
+"Thank you, my son, but I shall clear the estate, and for a season at
+least dwell in the ancient halls of my ancestors. I will remain to
+witness your marriage and shall then go home to England. And now comes
+my last revelation: you and Amy are distantly connected; my remote
+ancestors were yours also. Your grandfather came down from the younger
+line a long time back, but blood as good as any one's flows in your
+veins."
+
+"Yes, from my mother."
+
+"I admit it, _from your mother_."
+
+Our readers know what followed. Amy and Desmond were married, and on
+the night of the wedding he remarked to his father-in-law:
+
+"This time I took no desperate chance."
+
+"Neither did Amy when she intrusted her future happiness to you," came
+the bright and elegant answer.
+
+The whilom wizard tramp did return to England, and it was in the
+ancestral halls that Desmond and Amy spent their delightful honeymoon.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Desperate Chance
+by Old Sleuth (Harlan P. Halsey)
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DESPERATE CHANCE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 10690.txt or 10690.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/6/9/10690/
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS," WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL
+
+
diff --git a/old/10690.zip b/old/10690.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d4b47c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/10690.zip