Serial Story

Southland Times, Issue 22969, 15 August 1936, Page 22 (Supplement)

Serial Story

THE MYSTERY OF THE RUBY. Hearing Pauline scream, the men went towards the bush behind which Pauline was hiding. Pauline realized that there was no use in struggling for they were four against one. “Well we’ve caught one of them anyway,” said No. 3 in a satisfied tone. “Yes, but the Chief wanted the boy more,” exclaimed pessimistic No. 4. “All right then, have it your own way and don’t start quarreling,” said No. 6. Not another word was said till they reached their headquarters. There they took Pauline back to the cell from which she and Alan had escaped. After having done this they went to report to No. 1. Pauline had been left alone for about two hours when she heard the jarring noise the cell-door made when being opened. Through the door walked No’s 3,6, and 5. “The chief wishes to speak to you,” said No. 3. “Very well,” replied Pauline. With a guard on either side of her Pauline walked to No l’s room. He questioned her incessantly as to the whereabouts of Alan, but, to all these questions Pauline answered “No,” for she did not know where he was, herself. At last, in exasperation, he sent Pauline back to her cell. Meanwhile what had happened to Alan? While he was crouching beside Pauline Alan thought he would move back a few paces. When he had moved back he felt the ground give way underneath him, and he landed with a splash in a few feet of water. This sound was drowned by the men’s voices. After Alan had looked round, he saw that he had fallen into an old disused well. Just then, he heard Pauline scream, and the men taking her off. The vital question was, how was he going to get out? —4 marks to Cousin Irene Smith (12), Bluff. —3 marks to Cousins Albert Moore and Daphne Shields. ,