Since the
figure remained motionless, Jeff made a headlong plunge, clutched
the box, then ran half a mile without thinking to look back.
Not for his life would he cross the battlefield again; so it was
late when by wide circuit he approached the dwelling of his
mistress. His panic had gradually subsided, and as he noted
familiar objects, he felt that he was beyond the proper range of
the unjust spirits of the dead.
The soldier he had left sitting against the fence troubled him, it
is true; and he was not quite sure that he was through with one so
palpably robbed. That he had not been followed appeared certain;
that the question of future ownership of the treasure could be
settled was a matter of superstitious belief. There was only one
way--he must hide the box in a secret nook, and if it remained
undisturbed for a reasonable length of time, he might hope for its
undisturbed enjoyment. Accordingly he stole into a dense copse and
buried his booty at the foot of a persimmon-tree, then gained his
humble quarter and slept so late and soundly that he had to be
dragged almost without the door the next morning before he shook
off his lethargy.
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