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New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 44, 31 October 1891, Page 547

Do you like to furnish both powder and squirrels to a thief !’ Kent looked startled, but be controlled himself. * I have a reason, but I cannot tell it,’ he said. They were climbing a steep hill when the Colonel said, ‘ Lewis Wetzel’s cave used to be hereabouts. Don't you know it, boys?’ * No, sir ! A cave ?’ They all crowded close except Kent, who hung back, pale and watchful. The Colonel stopped and took his bearings. * Due north from that rock ; east of that great gum tree—J have it! It must be behind that rock. ’ They climbed through the narrow passage. Tom shouted, * Here, father ! Here’s the mouth. Hurrah ! I’m in first!’ The cave, which was about ten feet deep, was completely hidden by the rock and hanging vines. ‘ Wetzel used to hide here,’ said the Colonel, ‘ and imitate the call of the wild turkey. When the Indian followed it he shot him, and—what have you found there, Tom ?’ Tom dragged forward a dark mass. ‘ Look at that !’ he panted. ‘ The powder-flask ! The traps ! Si’s wamus ! All jammed under this ledge. This is the thief’s den !’ * The boys were wild with excitement, searching for booty, but they found nothing more, and were at last persuaded bv the colonel to turn homeward. Tom observed that Josiah had suddenly grown grave and silent. ‘ What’s the matter with you T he said, enforcing the remark by a thrust in the side. Si drew him behind the others. ‘ O Tom ! look here ! Look at that!’ His bands shook as he held out a memorandum book, marked on the back, ‘ Kent Hampden.’ ‘ I found that below the ledge.’ ‘ The rascal has stolen it from Kent!’ said Tom. ‘ I’ll call him- ’ * No, no ! Look at that!’ On the last page was written, ‘ The cave, September fourth, 1824. K.H.’ ‘ That is Kent’s writing,’ said Josiah, with a scared face. *lt looks like it. Give it to me.’ He closed the book and put it in his pocket. ‘lt looks like Kent’s writing. But look here, Si Jarret! I wouldn’t believe that Kent stole if I saw him do it! I wouldn’t believe my own eyes if they made out Kent Hampden to be a thief. No ! you’ll not have the book. Stand off ! I’ll find out the truth of this, and if you tell about the book I’ll break every bone in your body !’ He stopped Kent on reaching town to shake hands with him, to the surprise of the Wild West Slayers, who were not given to such ceremonial usages. Kent, shouting good night, started to run down the street, for the lights of the house were in sight, and he was impatient to see his mother and Carey. Candles were flaring in the hall. The doors stood open. What could have happened 1 He pushed into the parlour. Carey met him. ‘ Father has come,’ she whispered, with a sob. Mr Hampden, still in his great-coat and cap, stood with his back to the fire. ‘ Yes. Here I am, Kent!’ he said, with an unnatural laugh. ‘ But you need not welcome me. I have lost that money !’ (TO BE CONTINUED.)