Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/52

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cavern were hung with tapestry. The cave was lined with beautiful vases and rare things of many kinds. In one corner of the cave was a large chest which "Ninety-Nine" opened and told Benny to look in, holding over it the lighted candle. Benny looked and beheld "heaps upon heaps of gold, silver and precious stones." "Ninety-Nine" raked his fingers back and forth through the shining treasures and finally, after bandaging Benny's eyes, they started down the mountain.

"What became of the Indian?" Hernando inquired.

"No one knows. He was very old and the people lost sight of him. This valley is full of Indian legends, and some of them are beautiful," said Eletheer.

"Now, Eletheer," said Jack, "you recited that so well, let us hear how well you remember your catechism."

Hernando smiled, and said, "The settlers of this valley seem to have been engaged in constant warfare with the Indians."

"Well," said Eletheer, "in the first place