a first-rate authority.

THE GIANT OF THE TREASURE CAVES.

(_Continued from page 125._)

It so happened that Alan _had_ seen and heard everything. On leaving
Marjorie, he had succeeded in getting round the hedge, only to find that
it extended to another part of the rampart, and was strongly fortified
with barbed wire the whole way. It enclosed a portion of ground
completely cleared of trees and brushwood, thus enabling the sun to
shine upon the old walls unhindered by foliage. The grey, crumbling
stones seemed to spread its heat, and the grass at their base seemed
withered and brown. Alan's curiosity was aroused, and he determined to
climb the nearest tree. It was the only way to discover what the plot of
ground contained, and whether there were any reasons for all the care
which appeared to have been taken to give it the full benefit of the hot
summer sunshine.

Having selected a young oak which he considered might suit his purpose,
Alan began to climb. He had made but little way when the sound of some
body moving softly within the enclosure arrested his attention. He
paused, clinging to the trunk and listening anxiously. Presently the
movement ceased, and he wondered whether he had been heard. He could not
remain where he was, however. That would mean certain discovery. He must
either drop to the ground and get away, or stick to his original purpose
and trust to the foliage to conceal him. Deciding on the latter plan,
he crept slowly up till he reached the first branch strong enough to
support his weight. Here a bitter disappointment awaited him. His labour
had been in vain. Not a glimpse of the fenced-in ground would the dense
summer foliage allow him. He was afraid to change his position lest he
should be heard, and could only lie prone upon the bough, listening.

He had not long to wait.

A low murmur; a stir, as if some one was attempting to get through the
hedge. 'Can't do it,' came a whisper. 'Give me a leg up, and I will
manage it that way. Got the rope with you?'

Alan strained his ears for the answer, but none came. The men--there
were evidently two--were moving as quietly as possible, assisting each
other, and the result of their efforts soon became visible. Thomas's
head appeared above the hedge, his hand caught hold of a branch, and the
next moment he was close to Alan's tree. A minute later and his
companion joined him. Lucky indeed it was for Alan that the leaves
screened him so effectual