ans--had anything perchance happened to
me. But she quickly recovered her spirits when I informed her as to how
I had been occupied; and it was a great relief to me to discover, as I
did in the course of the evening, by means of sundry subtle questions
and remarks, that the poor girl entertained no suspicion whatever of the
morning's tragedy. Such being the case, I resolved to keep the news
from her as long as possible; and, with a view thereto, I strenuously
impressed upon the steward that he was not, under any circumstances
whatever, to make the most distant reference to it.

During the fortnight that now ensued, the weather remaining gloriously
fine, I took Miss Onslow away in the boat daily, and together we
explored the island until we had become perfectly acquainted with every
inch of it, and knew exactly where to find its many beauty-spots. On
the first two or three days of these excursions we frequently
encountered members of O'Gorman's gang wandering about the island in a
more or less apparently aimless fashion--most of them carrying canvas
bundles in their hands, which they invariably endeavoured unsuccessfully
to conceal from our view. At first I was at a loss to understand what
all this meant; but on the third day it happened that, on emerging from
a jungle-path that we had made for ourselves, we came upon a kneeling
man busily engaged in digging a hole with a stick at the foot of a tree.
So intent was he upon his occupation that he did not hear us until we
were close upon him, and then he sprang to his feet and faced us with an
expression of mingled consternation and defiance, that changed to one of
confusion as he recognised us. It was the young Cockney whom I have
already had occasion to mention once or twice; and he had gradually
impressed me as being about the most harmless and well-meaning of the
whole gang.

"Hillo, Harry!" I exclaimed, "what are you after? seeking for more
treasure?"

"Why, no, sir," answered he, fingering the peak of his cap as he met
Miss Onslow's gaze. He hesitated a few seconds, considering, and then
proceeded:

"The fact is, Mr Conyers, I was thinkin' of hidin' my little whack."

"Well," said I, "in that case I am exceedingly sorry that we disturbed
you, for now I fear that you will have to hunt for another
hiding-place."

"What for, sir?" demanded he.

"Why, because this lady and I have discovered your secret, don't you
see?"

"Oh, that be blowed!" exclaimed th