n Kate's eyes changed suddenly to something
deeper and graver. She came one step nearer and laid her hand on
Lady Humbert's arm.

"Try me," she said simply. "Methinks I am not so giddy as they deem
me. I have thought, I have suffered, I have been forced to possess
my soul in patience. Try and see if I may not be trusted in this
thing."

Lady Humbert gazed a moment into the clear eyes, and then said:

"I will try thee, child. It is no such heavy charge I would lay
upon thee, yet it is one that thy aunt Dowsabel would fear to
undertake. She would fain close the doors of the Cross Way House
against all strangers and wayfarers who come to them in the absence
of the mistress; but that is not my wish. Dost thou know, child,
the name the Cross Way House has ever held with those who fare
through the forest tracks?"

"I have heard it spoken of as a place where none in need is ever
turned away," answered Kate.

"Ay, and so it was in those good old days when Wyverns held open
house here, and were beloved from far and near. Alas! those good
old days are passed away; for our fortunes are fallen, and we have
no longer the power to entertain in such bounteous fashion. And yet
I have striven, as thou hast doubtless seen, that the poor, the
aged, the sick, and the needy are never turned from these doors
without bite or sup to cheer their hearts and send them rejoicing
on their way. Strange persons come to the house from time to time;
but all are admitted to such good cheer as is ours to offer, and
never has my hospitality been abused. Fugitives from the robbers of
the road have been admitted here; yet never has this lone house
been attacked. Wounded robbers have sought shelter here, bleeding
nigh to death, and their wounds have been dressed by these hands,
and their lives saved through our ministrations. To the cry of
poverty or distress the doors have ever opened, be the distressed
one worthy or no. Never have we had cause to regret what we have
done for evil men or good. Never has our hospitality been repaid by
treachery or deceit."

"And now?" asked Kate as Lady Humbert paused.

"Now my timid sister would have the doors closed for the days that
I am absent and the men with me. She says she fears for the
treasure. She says there is more peril now than of old. She may be
right; but I see not why the danger be greater, since none know the
secret save those who are pledged to keep it, and it goes against
me that the traditions