She had led me to a little outhouse, cunningly hidden among the rocks, and which could not be reached save by going through the kitchen, owing to a precipice behind. Arrived here she opened a box, and took from it a bag heavy with gold. "Here's money enough, Jasper," she said eagerly. "Oh, Jasper, if you only knew!" "Knew what, Tamsin?" I said, for the girl's sorrow made me gentle toward her, even although my heart was torn with anxiety about Naomi. "Knew how hard it is," she cried. "Oh, Jasper, are you sure you love that maid so? She does not care for you as I do. Could you not think of me and forget her?" and the girl held my hand tightly in hers. Now I am, and always shall be awkward in my ways toward women. A woman's tears always unman me, and make me soft-hearted. So I knew not what to say to her, and for the life of me I could not be angry. In the providence of God all men love all women, only there must be one especially to stir the depths of each man's heart. And, verily, had not mine heart been taken captive, I should have taken Tamsin in my arms and kissed her, so piteous was her cry, and so full of love was the light which shone from her eyes. "Look you, Tamsin," I said, "I cannot help it, but that maid hath taken all my love. But for her I might have been different; now I can only love you as a brother should love a sister." Then her eyes became hard, and I knew I had spoken wrongly. "I must go now," I continued, "for she is in danger; and if we ride not hard, I may not see her again." "Yes, go," she said with an angry laugh; "overtake her, rescue her, if you can." This aroused my suspicions. "Tamsin," I said, "have you told me truly? Are these men taking her to Padstow? I am trusting you implicitly. It is hard for a man to threaten a woman, but if you have told me wrongly, may God have mercy upon you, for I will not." "I have spoken the truth, Jasper; only be careful to inquire at Penryn if the _Golden Cross_ has been seen in the harbour. I know they talked about it being there. If it has been seen, they have gone on to Padstow." "How do you know?" "I heard the priest say so," said Tamsin. "He said if the _Golden Cross_ is lying at Penryn, we can get to Bristol without going to Padstow; if it isn't, we ride to Padstow." "You swear this, Tamsin? My heart is very sore," I cried. "Yes; this is truth, Jasper, this is what they said;" but she did not look me in the face as she spoke. I pushed the bag of money in my pocket and turned to go, but she caught my arm again. "Won't you kiss me, Jasper?" she said, "just to show you forgive me. Just kiss me once; it will be the only time in this world."