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s yet raging about me ravening for my blood and I very fearful. Have taken down my bed to set it within my secret chamber.

June 13.--This morning early the rogue Benjamin Denton, venturing within my fire-zone, took a bullet in his midriff, whereof he suddenly perished.

June 14.--This morning having gotten all my furniture into my secret chamber do find myself very comfortable. But my stores beginning to run low do put myself on half-rations.

June 15.--My murderers very silent with intent to lure me to my death but I--

The rest of this page was so stained and blotted that I could make nothing of it save a word or phrase here and there as:

..secret pass...pit of black water and very...fear of death...head over ears...to my chin so that I...miserably wet...on hands and knees being determined...wonderful beyond thought for here...tlemy's Treasure...very great...this gold I saw was...emeralds, diamonds and...pearls a-many...through my fingers...like any poor crazed soul. For here was treasure greater...moreover and wealth undreamed...shaft of...suddenly ...the valley...sore annoyed I stood to...he knelt...seeking the water...turned...our knives...through my forearm but I...broke short against my chain-shirt and I...beneath the armpit. So back by the secret way to bind up my hurt and behold again my treasure.

Here my candle dying out and I in the dark, I laid the book aside and presently got me to sleep.

CHAPTER XXXIII

WE EXPLORE THE ISLAND

I opened my eyes to a great beam of sun pouring in at the open doorway, whe

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