Although Mallow would fain have stayed, there was nothing left for him to do but to obey this peremptory request. He could not but acknowledge that Mr. Brock was acting in an eminently reasonable way. A secret of such moment as this appeared to be could not be communicated hastily and without due consideration. When next he saw Olive, Mallow told her what she might expect. With characteristic firmness, she chose to abide by her decision. "I must know the truth," she declared, "at whatever cost. So long as you and I are together, Laurence, nothing can hurt us." "You tempt the gods, my dearest," replied Laurence, and sighed. The events of the last few months had shaken his nerve, and he was apt at times to give way to despondency. Mr. Brock did not seem in a hurry to come to his decision. One, two, three days passed before word came to the Manor House. Having implicit faith in the vicar's judgment, Mallow did not urge him at all. He did not even go near the Vicarage, but curbed his impatience and that of Olive as best he could. Virtue was rewarded--if reward it was--for on the fourth day the document was delivered to Miss Bellairs, with a letter from the vicar. "I send you the history of your father in India," wrote Mr. Brock, "though it is somewhat against my better judgment. I do so, however, as I can guess that your curiosity will allow you no rest. I give you the opportunity of appeasing it. Still, even at this eleventh hour, I would most earnestly advise you to put the enclosed paper in the fire unread. Its perusal can only give you pain, and remove from its pedestal the idol of your youth." All this, and much more, Mr. Brock wrote, and Mallow read. He was alone with Olive in the library. He looked questioningly at her. She was silent, and for answer placed the document in his hands. "Am I to read it?" he asked. Olive bent her head. "As you think wise, dear; or shall we burn it, as Mr. Brock advises, unread?" Olive clasped her hands tightly together. The question was a weighty one. She hesitated. Then she crossed the Rubicon. "Read," she said, in low tones; "at whatever cost, read." Mallow silently spread out the paper and began. CHAPTER IV. "THE TREASURES AT KIKAT."