st, nor anybody living about there. The child will be able to help us
by-and-by.'

'What were you saying about me, Jack?' asked Estelle, waking up just in
time to hear the last few words.

'"Ask no questions and you'll hear--" You know how that proverb ends,
Missie,' laughed Jack, getting up to place a chair for her at the table.
'Here's dinner ready, and Mother only waiting for you.'

Mrs. Wright was indeed in the act of carrying the steaming dishes as
Estelle went to her seat. She was so much stronger that she could manage
to sit through a meal, supported by cushions and the arms of her chair.
Jack told her he had a great treat in store for her, provided she ate a
good dinner. Watching her face as he spoke, with its varying colour and
delicate outline, Mrs. Wright felt anxious.

'I fear whether it isn't a risk, Jack?' she said.

'Not a bit, Mother. It's a lovely day--calm as a mill-pond, and will do
you good as well as the little lady.'

'For half an hour only, then,' said Mrs. Wright, still doubtful of the
wisdom of Jack's proposal.

'What is it? Oh, do tell me!' cried Estelle, flushing and paling with
eagerness.

'Perhaps, if you eat a good dinner, I will take you out,' returned Jack,
smiling. 'Now, if you want to hear any more, you will finish that
plateful of fish.'

'Am I going out for a walk? Oh, how lovely! You will come too, dear
Goody?' Estelle had learnt to call Mrs. Wright by this pet name.

'Well, you see, we have all to wait till that plate of yours is clear,'
answered the old woman, laughing.

Estelle laughed also, and set to work. Her appetite had scarcely begun
to be keen as yet, and Jack and his mother agreed that a little fresh
air and sunshine might be good for her, if it could be managed without
fatigue. Estelle was persuaded to eat all that was expected of her, and
promised to lie still upon the couch till Mrs. Wright had cleared the
table. Then, while Jack went out to make his preparations, his mother
put on her bonnet, and collected some cushions and rugs.

(_Continued on page 202._)

[Illustration: "Jack told her he had a great treat in store for her."]

[Illustration: "Jack sprang out with Estelle in his arms."]

THE GIANT OF THE TREASURE CAVES.

(_Continued from page 199._)

It was not very long before Jack returned to tell them all was ready,
and to laugh at Estelle's eager face and sparkling eyes.

'I don't want you to tell me what it is,' she cried. 'It will b