CHAPTER XXX.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3099, 15 September 1899, Page 6

CHAPTER XXX.

OLD FRIKNDB. It did not at first occur to either Bdwarn or his friend Charleston that the gold tl.e.\ had so strangely obtained was not their property. In faot, Charleston regarded it as " treasure trove," and as such rightfully belonging to thorn, in spite of Trenoweth's rem-m •trances. The original owners it would, no doubt, be difficult to find, even if it were desiriblto sees. them. With the gold in their possession, t'...\ began to feel how awkward it would be v. turn it into current coin. If such a large quantity were taken tv Launceston it would excite suspicion when they desired to sell it. Melbourne would be tbe best place U> <_»! rid of the stuff, they both concluded ; mi'! even then the firt»t difficulty that o>ufronted them would be the transportation thither. This difficulty ripened in Edward's mind an idea that had been germinating for si..mc time. He had long wished for some speedy means of reaching ttie straits islauds—or, rather, if the truth must be told, of reaching Cape Barren Island. Somehow, the image of Miss Ryan irequently rose before him, and since bis la3t affliction the thought of his lonliness pressed more heavily oa him. He was in a position to solicit the hand uf the proudest woman in Australia, but no such thought as a marriage for wealth or to better his social standing ever enteied his head. To pay a visit to Cape Barren Island ami return took almost as long as a trip to Europe and back. Though only forty miles from Port Dai. rymple, at the mouth of the Tamar, a period of twelve weeks was occupied in going and returning. No vessels save the Government steamer called at the place, and Trenowetb dtt rmined to be independent of the Flora in the future. His idea was to buy a comfortable yacht, in which he could oruise about as bis fancy dictated. The transport of the gold decided bim in his resolution. If they put it on board the Flora it would be noticed, for such cargo from the island would be most unusual. The boxes spoke for themselves, and it would be a difficult matter to get other receptacles for it. He immediately took Charleston into his confidence and his co-partner in the find applauded the idea. " You will have to go to Melbourne for a good boat. You can easilj pick one up there, lam sure. Money will get you anything," Charleston said. Having arrived at this conclusion, Trenoweth dicided to run across the channel and see his friends the Ryans during the two days that would elapse before *he calling oi tbe Flora, by which he would return <■ Launceston. Chaleston's boat was pressed into service. and, with a couple of his men, his bosto wed him across. The day was beautifully fine and the tin j a most pleasant one. j Trenowetb could not help contrasting i< I with tbe day he saved Charleston f rom •• j watery grave, and the latter was not slow :. j appreciate ths courageous aot of the your,.-1 man* "Only for you, my friend,l wonder where I would be now," he said. "In heaven, perhaps," laughed Treuoweth. " My bones would be tossing down them." said Charleston, pointing to where the waves softly lapped the huge cliff. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and several of thr half-castes were on the pier awaiting their arrival. The boat had been descried a long way ofl, as such visits were expected and watched for. The greeting was a cordial one, but Trenowetb} was rather disappointed that Miw Byan was not at boms. That young iady was ia. Lcuaeestou, having gone there in ths last trip made by the Flora. tfbe was not expected back for a conple of months, but Edward refit ct ed that in a f«w days at most he would see her in the Tasmanian city.—Tt be Cen/inueJ W T 20