ly one who was found in it. They then went back to
the cottage with their prisoner, and by the time that they had arrived
it was daylight. As soon as the party sent by the Intendant had been
supplied with breakfast, Edward bade farewell to Humphrey and his
sisters, that he might return and deliver up his prisoners. Pablo went
with him to bring back the cart which carried the two dead bodies. This
capture cleared the forest of the robbers who had so long infested it,
for they never had any more attempts made from that time.

Before Edward left, Humphrey and he examined the box which had been dug
up from under the oak, and which had occasioned such danger to the
inmates of the cottage; for one of the men stated to Edward that they
suspected that the box which they had seen Humphrey dig out contained
treasure, and that without they had seen him in possession of it, they
never should have attacked the cottage, although Corbould had often
persuaded them so to do; but as they knew that he was only seeking
revenge--and they required money to stimulate them--they had refused, as
they considered that there was nothing to be obtained in the cottage
worth the risk, as they knew that the inmates had firearms and would
defend themselves. On examination of its contents, they found in it a
sum of forty pounds in gold, a bag of silver, and some other valuables
in silver spoons, candlesticks, and ornaments for women. Edward took a
list of the contents, and when he returned he stated to the Intendant
all that had occurred, and requested to know what should be done with
the money and other articles which Humphrey had found.

"I wish you had said nothing to me about it," said the Intendant,
"although I am pleased with your open and fair dealing. I cannot say
anything, except that you had better let Humphrey keep it till it is
claimed--which, of course, it never will be. But, Edward, Humphrey must
come over here and make his deposition, as I must report the capture of
these robbers and send them to trial. You had better go with the clerk
and take the depositions of Pablo and your sisters, while Humphrey comes
here. You can stay till his return. Their depositions are not of so
much consequence as Humphrey's, as they can only speak as to the attack,
but Humphrey's I must take down myself."

When Patience and Clara heard that Edward was going over, they obtained
leave to go with him to see Alice and Edith, and were to be escorted