f the
articles you would like to possess, make your choice now, freely and
without stint."

I stepped forward and selected some of the old arms, including the
silver pistols, the three books, and four bags of doubloons. Then,
turning the jewels out of the casket, I asked that this beautiful piece
of workmanship might be mine also.

"Is that all, Harry?" said M. Oudin.

"All, and more, sir, than I have really any claim to."

"Good lad; I admire your moderation. Now, friend Alec, and what would
you like to take away with you?"

"Well, sir, as the digging was mighty hard work, perhaps you would not
mind my taking a bag of the money, for I think it would be of more
service to me than anything else, as I can, by changing it, soon make it
into such small dimensions as to fold comfortably within the tuck of my
pocket book for future use."

"Very well, my lad, your request shall be granted. And you, my dear
girl," turning to Priscilla, "what would you like as a memento of my
visit, and as a remembrance of your bridegroom's sojourn on my island?"

Priscilla eyed the lace lovingly, and also the gems, but was puzzled in
her mind to know how much of one or the other she might select without
fear of encroaching on M. Oudin's generosity. M. Oudin quickly came to
the rescue with, "Now, my dear, you and Mrs. Nilford divide the lace
into three equal heaps, and I will tell you what we will decide upon."

After a time the three heaps were arranged upon the floor, and M. Oudin
informed us that he should ask my father to place his foot upon one of
the heaps as he (M. Oudin) stood just outside the door. My dad did so,
and M. Oudin cried, "For Madam Nilford." Again my father touched a heap
with his foot. This time he cried, "For my own dear self." Then bursting
into the room he, with extravagant bows and apologies to Priscilla for
leaving her out, wound up by gathering up the remaining heap of lace,
and placing it at her feet. Then, taking her by the hand, he led her to
the table with:

"Now, my dear child, let me pay a penalty for my omission in not calling
out your name. With this sweet little hand, which is in another hour to
be claimed by our friend here, grasp as many of these rough-skinned
little gems as your hand will hold, and they shall be yours."

She grasped, but could only clutch fourteen or fifteen in her hand.

"Ah!" exclaimed our volatile guest, "you see you are not of a grasping
nature. Come, Harry, try _your_ luc