"He claims to have lost track of you twenty-odd years ago. That when you separated you both swore to divide equally the contents of Señor Morales' treasure chest, the hiding place of which at that time was in a hostile country, Geronimo and his braves being on the warpath. "If you are Jonas P. Lonergan's old-time partner you will remember the particulars more clearly than I can state them. "If this be the case, I am sure I need only state the above and certify to the identity of Mr. Lonergan, to bring from you an expression of your remembrance and the statement whether or no any property to which Mr. Lonergan might make a claim is in your possession. "Mr. L. speaks much of the treasure chest and tells marvelous stories of its contents. He does not seem to desire wealth for himself, however, for he well knows that he has but a few months to live, nor does he seem ever to have cared greatly for money. "His anxiety is for the condition of a sister of his who was left a widow some years ago, and for her son. Mr. L. fears that the nephew has not the chance of getting on in life that he would like the boy to have. In his old age Mr. L. feels keenly the fact that he was never able to do anything for his family, and the fate of his widowed sister and her son is much on his mind. "A prompt reply, Captain Rugley, if you are the old-time partner of my ancient friend, will be gratefully received by the undersigned, and joyfully by Mr. Lonergan. "Respectfully, "(Rev.) Decimus Tooley." "Why! what do you think of that?" gasped Frances, when she had read the letter to the very last word. Her father's face was shining and there were tears in his eyes. His joy at hearing from his old companion-in-arms was unmistakable. This turning up of Jonas Lonergan meant the parting with a portion of the mysterious wealth that the old ranchman kept hidden in the Spanish chest--wealth that he might easily keep if he would. Frances was proud of him. Never for an instant did he seem to worry about parting with the treasure to Lonergan. His fears for it had never been the fears of a miser who worshiped wealth--no, indeed! Now it was plain that the thought of seeing his old partner alive again, and putting into his hands the part of the treasure rightfully belonging to him, delighted Captain Dan Rugley in every fibre of his being. "The poor old codger!" exclaimed the ranchman, affectionately. "And to think of Lon being in need, and living poor--maybe actually suffering--when I've been doing so well here, and have had this old chest right under my thumb all these years. "You see, Frances," said the Captain, making more of an explanation than ever before, "Lon and I got possession of that chest in a funny way.