finding expression in
murmurs of approval. He finished the stout with as much relish as if it
had been the richest wine; and then Gentle Annie took from the cupboard
two glass dishes, the one half-filled with luscious red plums swimming
in their own juice, the other containing junket.

Tresco had almost forgotten the taste of such food. While he was eating
it Gentle Annie made some tea.

"Is this the way you treat the toffs, when they come to see you?"

"Toffs? You're the greatest toff that has come to see me, so far."

"I shall come again."

"Do you know there's a reward offered for you?"

"How much?"

"Twenty pounds."

"Is that all? I'll give it you, my dear."

From his dirty rags he pulled out a small linen bag, from which he
emptied upon a clean plate a little pile of nuggets.

Gentle Annie was lost in wonderment. Her eyes glistened, and she turned
the pieces of gold over with her finger covetously.

"These should go close on L4 to the ounce," remarked the goldsmith, as
he separated with the blade of a table-knife a portion of the gold
equal to what he guessed to be five ounces, and the remainder he
replaced in the bag.

"That's for you," he said, pushing the plate towards her.

Gentle Annie gleefully took the gold in her hands.

"You generous old party!" she exclaimed. "I know when I am well off."

They now drank tea out of dainty cups, and Benjamin took a pipe and
tobacco from his pocket.

"I really must have a smoke to settle my dinner," he said.

"Of course," said she; "it was only my fun. I smoke myself." Taking a
packet from the mantelpiece, she lighted a cigarette, which she handed
to Tresco, when a low knock was heard at the door.

In a moment she had blown out the light, and led the erring goldsmith to
her inner room, where he stood, apprehensive but alert. From his belt he
drew a knife, and then he furtively examined the fastenings of the
muslin-draped window.

He heard his hostess open the door and speak to her visitor, who replied
in a deep voice, at some length. But, presently, the door closed, the
steps of the visitor were heard departing, and Gentle Annie softly
entered the room.

"You're quite safe," she said.

"Who was it?"

"Only a friend of mine. He's gone. He won't call again to-night."

CHAPTER XXIX.

Amiria Plays Her Highest Card in the Game of Love.

Scarlett was bound for the gold-fields. He bestrode a tall chestnut
mare, with white "socks." In the co