re my forest life; it will be safer for thee, and more
commodious likewise. I will also buy us victuals and a coil of
rope. Then we twain can set to work over our task, and it will be
strange indeed if we be balked in it, seeing that the hardest part
is already accomplished. The secret is ours!"

Petronella's eyes sparkled beneath their heavy fringes. There was a
spice of adventure and romance about this that could not but be
delightful to any young spirit.

"Thou wilt not then tell our kinsfolk at the Chase, and ask their
aid in this?"

Cuthbert shook his head.

"I will tell no man aught. I will ask for nothing till the treasure
is in mine own hands!" he cried, with a gesture of triumph and
pride. "They would believe naught when I spoke of the treasure
before. They might even yet laugh us to scorn were we to tell our
tale and point to the well as the place. No: we have done all alone
thus far; let us do all alone even to the end. Time presses not. We
have the summer before us. We have possession of this dell, where
no foot but that of yon dead man ever dared to tread. He thus
removed from our path, none else will spy upon us nor hinder us. We
are safer here than in any other spot in the forest.

"Say, sister, wilt thou be my helper in this labour, be it small or
great?"

She laid her hand trustingly in his; her dark eyes glowed.

"Gladly, gladly will I share the labour and the toil, my brother. O
Cuthbert, it seems a happy and a fitting thing that the luck of the
house should return to the Trevlyns of the Chase through the two
poor cousins whom they befriended in their hour of need. They were
kind to us when our life was darkest; it will be sweet to think
that they will win happiness through us."

"Ay, and Philip's bride will be no longer a portionless damsel, but
will have gold enough and to spare. Sweet sister, Philip hath
spoken to me openly of his love. He hath been ere this to ask thee
at thy father's hand."

"Ay, and was driven forth with blows and curses."

"Thou hast heard it? But thinkest thou he will take that for an
answer? Nay, Petronella, thou wilt one day be his bride; and I will
give thee to him with a joyful heart, for he loved thee in the days
of our poverty and distress; so that one knows his love is for thee
and thee alone, not for the fair dowry thou wilt presently bring."

Petronella hid her happy, blushing face on her brother's shoulder,
and thus they stood awhile, till the girl dre