ess
to think of trying to ride them thither.

"This way, Jasper," cried Tamsin; "this way to father's chest. No one
knows where it is but him and me. Oh, you do forgive me, don't you? I
did it because I wanted you so! You believe me, don't you, Jasper?" and
the poor girl sobbed piteously.

I did not speak, for my heart felt very bitter, even though I thought
she was trying to atone for what she had done.

She had led me to a little outhouse, cunningly hidden among the rocks,
and which could not be reached save by going through the kitchen, owing
to a precipice behind. Arrived here she opened a box, and took from it a
bag heavy with gold.

"Here's money enough, Jasper," she said eagerly. "Oh, Jasper, if you
only knew!"

"Knew what, Tamsin?" I said, for the girl's sorrow made me gentle toward
her, even although my heart was torn with anxiety about Naomi.

"Knew how hard it is," she cried. "Oh, Jasper, are you sure you love
that maid so? She does not care for you as I do. Could you not think of
me and forget her?" and the girl held my hand tightly in hers.

Now I am, and always shall be awkward in my ways toward women. A woman's
tears always unman me, and make me soft-hearted. So I knew not what to
say to her, and for the life of me I could not be angry. In the
providence of God all men love all women, only there must be one
especially to stir the depths of each man's heart. And, verily, had not
mine heart been taken captive, I should have taken Tamsin in my arms and
kissed her, so piteous was her cry, and so full of love was the light
which shone from her eyes.

"Look you, Tamsin," I said, "I cannot help it, but that maid hath taken
all my love. But for her I might have been different; now I can only
love you as a brother should love a sister."

Then her eyes became hard, and I knew I had spoken wrongly.

"I must go now," I continued, "for she is in danger; and if we ride not
hard, I may not see her again."

"Yes, go," she said with an angry laugh; "overtake her, rescue her, if
you can."

This aroused my suspicions. "Tamsin," I said, "have you told me truly?
Are these men taking her to Padstow? I am trusting you implicitly. It is
hard for a man to threaten a woman, but if you have told me wrongly, may
God have mercy upon you, for I will not."

"I have spoken the truth, Jasper; only be careful to inquire at Penryn
if the _Golden Cross_ has been seen in the harbour. I know they talked
about it being there.