"I may not have another opportunity," said Gerald. "I shall be home before sunset. Good-by, dear love. God bless you!" He was gone, and Emilia waved her handkerchief to him from the window. He looked back and smiled, and waved his hand gayly, and soon was lost to sight. "My darling!" she murmured, and leaned back in her chair, and thought with ineffable bliss of the time soon to come when she would hold out her babe to him for a father's kiss. One arm rested upon a table which Gerald had drawn close to her side. Upon the table was an open cedar-wood desk of Indian workmanship, inlaid with silver, and Emilia's fingers touched a dagger which Gerald was in the habit of using as a paper-knife, its handle resembling a twisted snake, the mouth open, and in its head a ruby to represent an eye. For a few moments she toyed with it idly, thinking of words Gerald had spoken to her with reference to the desk. "There is a secret drawer in this desk, Emilia, and in the desk something which concerns you nearly." He had said it smilingly, and she had merely nodded, but now, between sleeping and waking, she dwelt upon the words, and indolently resolved to ask Gerald when he came home what it was the secret drawer contained which concerned her nearly. With these thoughts in her mind she fell asleep. George Street turned to Dr. Peterssen when they were at some distance from the village. Dr. Peterssen nodded, and the four men--for Leonard was with them--paused. "This foolish fellow," said Dr. Peterssen to Gerald, laying his hand kindly on his patient's shoulder, "has a great wish to lead you himself to where the edelweiss is to be found--you and he alone, and I am almost inclined to humor him." "Why not?" asked Gerald, who had never yet detected any sign of insanity in his young companion. Dr. Peterssen took Gerald aside. "He knows the road to take, but he is in my care. Between you and me he is as sensible as we are, but still I feel somewhat anxious. I am responsible for him to his father you know." "We shall be able to take care of ourselves," said Gerald. "Then go. We will await your return at the inn." Away went the young men, and Dr. Peterssen and Leonard were left together. "What does it all mean?" asked Leonard. "Simply that you can compass your wishes if you desire it." "I do desire it." "Come with me, then." They turned in another direction, but not toward the valley. They continued to ascend the rocky ranges. "We shall get there half an hour before them," said Dr. Peterssen. "I have carefully studied the route, and have traversed it twice--in your interests." "Explain yourself." "I will, as we walk along. There is nobody in sight, is there?" "Not a living being." "We must be sure of that, as we proceed. Answer me, Mr. Leonard Paget. If I remove your step brother from your path--he is, after all, no relation to speak of--what will you give me?" "You said something about a thousand pounds," said Leonard, his face growing white.