I saw a house in Paris with a court and garden, I saw my
wife shining with diamonds, I saw myself a deputy, I saw you--well, I--I
saw your future," he concluded, rather feebly. "I have just discovered
America," he added.

"But what is it?" asked the boy.

"The Treasure of Franchard," cried the Doctor; and, throwing his brown
straw hat upon the ground, he whooped like an Indian and sprang upon
Jean-Marie, whom he suffocated with embraces and bedewed with tears. Then
he flung himself down among the heather and once more laughed until the
valley rang.

But the boy had now an interest of his own, a boy's interest. No sooner
was he released from the Doctor's accolade than he ran to the boulders,
sprang into the niche, and, thrusting his hand into the crevice, drew
forth one after another, encrusted with the earth of ages, the flagons,
candlesticks, and patens of the hermitage of Franchard. A casket came
last, tightly shut and very heavy.

"Oh what fun!" he cried.

But when he looked back at the Doctor, who had followed close behind and
was silently observing, the words died from his lips. Desprez was once
more the colour of ashes; his lip worked and trembled; a sort of bestial
greed possessed him.

"This is childish," he said. "We lose precious time. Back to the inn,
harness the trap, and bring it to yon bank. Run for your life, and
remember--not one whisper. I stay here to watch."

Jean-Marie did as he was bid, though not without surprise. The noddy was
brought round to the spot indicated; and the two gradually transported
the treasure from its place of concealment to the boot below the
driving-seat. Once it was all stored the Doctor recovered his gaiety.

"I pay my grateful duties to the genius of this dell," he said. "Oh for a
live coal, a heifer, and a jar of country wine! I am in the vein for
sacrifice, for a superb libation. Well, and why not? We are at Franchard.
English pale ale is to be had--not classical, indeed, but excellent. Boy,
we shall drink ale."

"But I thought it was so unwholesome," said Jean-Marie, "and very dear
besides."

"Fiddle-de-dee!" exclaimed the Doctor gaily. "To the inn!"

And he stepped into the noddy, tossing his head with an elastic, youthful
air. The horse was turned, and in a few seconds they drew up beside the
palings of the inn garden.

"Here," said Desprez--"here, near the table, so that we may keep an eye
upon things."

They tied the horse, and entered the garden, the