"That Lennox stole the jewels, and returned one of them on his death-bed to me, Whittaker has told some of his relations," said Alwyn, "but the main fact of the matter has only been confided to my father, as you will see that it would not do to make it public. This Is the substance of what he told me as nearly as possible in his own words: "`I put the jewels for safety in a hollow tree near the entrance to Ravenshurst. I thought they were safer there than in my keeping. I kept one back to take it up to London, and see if I could dispose of it, but before I could do so the alarm was given. I was afraid to come back without a reason, and I went off with my new master, leaving the jewels in the tree, and thinking they'd either be found (I have never been in England since), or I should get a chance of coming back for them. But I put it off and I put it off. I took service with Mr Alwyn Cunningham because I thought I could find out how things had gone; and I hope he will go home and find the jewels.'" "This is a most extraordinary story," said Sir Philip. "It is," said Alwyn. "Of course it rests finally on the unsupported words of myself and Whittaker, who alone heard it. These other papers and letters may show what worth is attached to our words in our own neighbourhood, but that is all." "Then do you mean to say," ejaculated Sir Philip, "that these missing jewels are--are in an old tree trunk in Ashcroft Wood?" "Well," said Alwyn, "all I can say is that Lennox said that he put them in one." "Good heavens!" exclaimed Sir Philip. "But, of course," Alwyn continued, "some one _may_ have lighted on them during these eight years and carried them off, to say nothing of the difficulty of finding them. For he had done it, he said, in the dark, and though he could have found the tree himself, he could not tell me anything about it, except that it was near Ravenshurst. You see he was dying fast, and spoke with great difficulty." "Do you remember the man, Lily?" asked Sir Philip. "I think I remember something about a servant who went to America. Oh, Philip, you will have every place searched--you will help Mr Cunningham? If the jewels could be found! But I don't mind so much after all about that if no one is accused falsely." "As to that," said Sir Philip, "I know Mr Dallas, of Boston, and the Bishop of. I knew them when I was once in the States, the year before I married. What they say here is quite sufficient to establish the worth of Mr Alwyn Cunningham's testimony and the character of his foreman, who is more concerned in the matter. You will allow me to call on you, Mr Cunningham, and to express my pleasure at your return." "Thank you," said Alwyn, a little stiffly, for the situation sorely tried his pride. "I am much obliged to you," he added, after a moment.