His Little
Treasure
by Ian Curtress
It was offered on line. The
only copy of maps showing the highly likely place
of hidden treasure in Britain. It was found in
the few belongings of a 96 year old recluse.
There was little information.
He had always been fascinated by buried treasure,
had bought a Detector but lacked the dedication
required to slowly walk across fields so
considered himself lucky to find this book.
It arrived well packed but no invoice or senders
address, rather surprised as it was very
expensive. But then thought, treasure hunting was
a secretive pastime.
He quickly unpacked his great find
There was a letter tucked inside front cover on
what seemed very old paper.
It was a story of a highway man who travelled the
Home Counties robbing coaches and their occupants
and then burying his loot in various places,
making maps for later reference.
He was eventually caught by a gang of thieves who
spared his life for the maps
They next came to light when an old coaching inn
was being demolished in Lambeth but disappeared
shortly after.
Then they were found in a bombed cellar in south
London in 1945 in the belongings of a vagrant who
died by the side of the River Thames
They were to be given to the British Museum but
“ disappeared” in transit.
There was no information on how they came into
the hands of the seller but as with all treasure
hunters, greed overcame reality.
So full of hope and excitement he followed the
first map, it’s location near to him.
The coordinates were very clear and he arrived at
the location. Kings Cross station!
Disappointed but thought it possibly correct as
there were no railways in those days.
Chased off to the second, not far away only to
find it was St.Pancras station!
Treasure hunters tend to delude themselves.
Not discouraged he quickly followed the next
coordinates. First signs of suspicion. Euston
Station!
Then he noticed the last map had completely
different coordinates and found himself at London
Zoo.
What if it was under the foundations of the Lion
house
Completely baffled he wandered aimlessly around
looking with disinterest at the animals.
It was only when he saw the entrance to a
building with a sign saying Scorpions he faced
the obvious.
As we all know
The Sting is in the Tale!
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