ready. Ah! too soon! too soon!"

So much (with one exception) for the inside of the caravan. Underneath
it were still other things, for a box with perforated sides swung
between the wheels, and this was the larger, always cool and shady
(except, as Janet remarked, on dusty days), and near it on hooks were a
hanging saucepan, a great kettle, two pails, and two market baskets, a
nose bag, and a skid. Close by was a place for oats and chaff.

A new set of harness was packed on the box, and it was so complete that
on each of the little brass ornaments that hang on the horse's chest
was the letter "A." On the back of the caravan was a shelf that might
be let down, making a kind of sideboard for outdoor meals.

For two or three days the caravan did nothing but hold receptions.
Everyone who knew the Avories came to see it--even Robert's bird
stuffer, who said he would like to borrow it for a week's holiday in
Epping Forest, and observe Nature through its windows. Several of
Gregory's intimates also examined it, and approved. Miss Bingham
pronounced it elegant and commodious, and Mr. Crawley (who, like all
schoolmasters and tutors, made too many puns) said that its probable
rate of speed reminded him of his name. Collins wished she might never
have to cook in it, but otherwise was very tolerant. Eliza Pollard said
that her choice would be a motor car, and Jane Masters brought 'Erb
back on Sunday afternoon, and they examined it together and decided
that with such a home as that they might be married at once.

I have left till the last the most exciting thing of all. In an
enclosure, you remember, was a key concerning the purpose of which
nothing was said in the letter. Well, in the course of the exploration
of the caravan, which went on for some days, always yielding a fresh
discovery, Robert came upon a box securely fastened to the floor in a
dark corner.

"Mother! mother!" he cried; "where's that key? I've found a mysterious
keyhole!"

They all hurried to the stable yard to see, and Robert swiftly inserted
the key, and turned it. He fell back, too much overcome to speak. The
box contained twenty-five new sovereigns.

CHAPTER 4

THE ITEMS

Mr. Lenox either knew everything, or knew someone who knew everything,
so that he was always certain to be able to help in any difficulty.
Mrs. Avory wrote to him to come round and consult with her about it,
and he was there at tea time.

"A caravan!" he said, after she had f