Claudine’s Treasure

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1938, Page 2

Claudine’s Treasure

Claudine and her cousin, Molly Carew, were lying full length on the cliffs overlooking Dollar Cove, Cornwall. A storm was brewing. Out at sea great black clouds were banking up, and from where they lay they could see the white-capped waves come rolling into the cove, to -break with a thunderous roar upon the rocks below. “I wish I could find some buried treasure,” said Claudine, suddenly turning her head to look at her cousin. “Whatever made you say that?" asked Molly. “I don’t know,” replied Claudine. “except that ever since mother told me I was going to stay with you and uncle at a place called Dollar Cove, I’ve been thinking of a buried treasure. The name does sound rather treasurified, don't you think?” “Of course it does,” answered Molly, “and there really is a story of buried treasure belonging to the cove. Dad often told it to me.” “Oh, do tell me!” cried Claudine. and, her interest in the storm forgotten, she rolled over and faced her cousin. “Well, about four hundred years ago,” began Molly, propping her head on her hands, “a Portuguese galleon, called the Saint Andrew, was driven ashore in Dollar Cove by a furious storm. Dad says the Saint Andrew was a treasure ship, and that she was just crammed with precious things. There were solid blocks of gold and silver, chests full of money, precious stones, brooches, necklaces, and gold and silver plate. Then there were four suits of armour, inlaid with gold, which were to have been worn by the King of Portugal, and silks, and satins, and golden chains, and oh! tons and tons of it.” “But what happened to it? Where is all the treasure now?” asked Claudine. excitedly. “Down there.” answered Molly, pointing to the sea. “Burled under the sand, every bit of it.” Claudine rolled over and gazed down at the storm-swept waters, as if she would force them to give up thensecret. “Just think of it. Molly.” she whispered. “Thousands and thousands of pounds’ worth of buried treasure just down there. So near, so awfully near!” , "I know, it docs seem a waste, doesn't it?” replied Molly. "But dad says it would cost a tremendous lot of money to search'for it properly, and then there’s no knowing if anything would be found after all. Come'-a long, it’s tea-lime." and, scrambling to her feet, Molly dragged Claudine away from the cliff’s, and! up towards the bungalow, where she lived with her father. (.To be Continued next Thursday.)