“ADVENTURERS THREE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 228, 28 September 1935, Page 12

“ADVENTURERS THREE”

On day three girl-friends injt at an appointed pla’ee. The day was very hot and Old Sol beamed down serenelyThey were planning for a tramp. “You know those noises we heard the other day, by the bridge, Teen, shall we find out what they were?” asked Violet.

“Oh, yes, do,” choroused Teen and Jesie. At once they started off. It did not take them long to reach the starting point. Every little bush was given a thorough search. “O-o-o, that noise?” questioned Jessie. “I-d don’t know,” answered Violet, thoroughly frightened. “It came from over there in those trees,” said Teen. “Let us go and see.” So creeping stealthily along, they soon neared the trees. All they found was two animals fighting, so they gave chase and followed them. Teen being the fastest runner kept up with the quarry.

On and on they ran until a dark forest was reached. Violet and Jessie were left behind. So Teen Billed in the time by looking for any clues. She soon saw a hole in the ground so went over and found stairs leading down into the earth. By this time her two companions were at her side. “It’s lucky I brought my torch, isn’t it?” quoth Jessie. For one minute they stood hesitating then ventured down the steps. They soon came to even ground and stool in a dark tunnel- “ Why! Look! Teen. The tunnel must end here. Let us search and see.” It was not long before they found the outlet and a pathway. Voices were heard in the distance so they proceeded quietly. The voices were saying:

“To-night we will burn the sheds of bead’s farm and while he is trying to •put out the fire, we will go inside his house and take the money and other valuables.” The three companions stood still wondering what was going to happen next. The voices went on, “We will also steal his prize horses and hold them for ransom. We can get £lOO each. There are ten horses which we will take and leave at the old mill. Let us go now and arrange everything ready for to-night. Come on!”

The three girls dared hardly breathe. This was the biggest scare they had ever had. As the two men walked past one man almost touched Violet’s arm. She thought she was discovered, but no! It was too dark for the man to see her, where they stood. After about five minutes Jessie broke the silence by ask-

ing, “shall we have a look in th Air denf” “ But supposing there is svnl

someone there,” replied Teen. “Oh, don’t be a big baby,” teased Violet, who was trying to be brave. “If wc waste too much time we will not have time to do anything.’’ So they commenced to search. There were lots of things. Stolen cups, pictures, blankets, jewellery and other odds and ends. “What do you say if we take some of these to return to the owners la|er?” * ‘No, they will then know someone has been here and will then become alarmed- Just take this small cup to the police to show as proof but before we go home let us go and wait outside till the men come back from the mill and then we will go and see what they have done at the mill,” said Violet. S< hiding the cup under her coat, Teen led the way out. They hid in some bushes near the track in order to get a «ood view of the men upon their return. At last they came. The first man was young-looking with a broad brown face. His hair was red and he walked with a roll, and looked as if he had once been a sailor. The other was dressed the same as his mate. Light shoes, grey trousers and no hat. He was short and walked heavily. They soon disappeared into their hut. The girls ran for their lives and soon reached the old mill. There were twenty prize *cows, tea horses with foals and some stud sheep. Tn the mill were ploughs, harness, saddles, saws, and spades. “Me-ow, me-ow,” cried a poor little kitten, but the three girls did not hear it- “Me-ow, me-ow.’’ it cried again, but no heed was paid to it. The old mill was fairly dark and the eves of thp cat shone like torches. “Look!” exclaimed Jessie, but the eat could not keep quiet. “Me-ow, me ow.’’ “Why, it is only a cat,” said Teen. After searching the mill they started for the police station. It was six o’clock wliQi; they knocked at the door and when they told the constable they led the way. After pointing out the men’s den they were told to go to their homos. The five policemen hid in a bush just by the edge of the underground tunnel. At dusk the two men came out and they walked a few feet then the police pounced upon them. The handcuffs were slipped on to their wrists- They were made to tell everything and later they were sent to pr/on for one year. The three girls received handsome rewards and the police left them planning of how they would spent it.—By “FATTY,” C.W.K., Ohingaiti.