But the case was too heavy for him to lift alone; indeed, it proved as much as they could all three manage to drag it to the top. However, up it came at last. Ernest examined it carefully, and came to the conclusion that it was very ancient. The massive iron handle at the top of the oblong case was almost eaten through with rust, and the lead itself was much corroded, although, from fragments that still clung to it, it was evident that it had once been protected by an outer case of oak. Evidently the case had been washed out of the churchyard where it had lain for centuries. “This is quite exciting,” said Eva, who was now sufficiently interested to forget all about her escape. “What can be in it?—treasure or papers, I should think.” “I don’t know,” answered Ernest; “I should hardly think that they would bury such things in a churchyard. Perhaps it is a small baby.” “Ernest,” broke in Dorothy, in an agitated way, “I don’t like that thing. I can’t tell you why, but I am sure it is unlucky. I wish that you would throw it back to where it came from, or into the sea. It is a horrid thing, and we have nearly lost our lives over it already.” “Nonsense, Doll! whoever thought that you were so superstitious? Why, perhaps it is full of money or jewels. Let’s take it home and open it.” “I am not superstitious, and you can take it home if you like. I will not touch it; I tell you it is a horrid thing.” “All right, Doll, then you sha’n’t have a share of the spoil. Miss Ceswick and I will divide it. Will you help me to carry it to the house, Miss Ceswick?—that is, unless you are afraid of it, like Doll.” “O no,” she answered, “I am not afraid; I am dying of curiosity to see what is inside.” CHAPTER X. WHAT EVA FOUND “You are sure you are not too tired?” said Ernest, after a moment’s consideration. “No, indeed, I have quite recovered,” she answered, with a blush. Ernest blushed too, from sympathy probably, and went to pick up a bough that lay beneath a stunted oak-tree which grew in the ruins of the abbey, on the spot where once the altar had stood. This he ran through the iron handle, and, directing Eva to catch hold of one end, he took the other himself, and they started for the house, Dorothy marching solemnly in front. As it happened, Jeremy and Mr. Cardus were strolling along together smoking, when suddenly they caught sight of the cavalcade advancing, and hurried to meet it. “What is all this?” asked Mr. Cardus of Dorothy, who was now nearly fifty yards ahead of the other two. “Well, Reginald, it is a long story. First we found Eva Ceswick slipping down the cliff, and dragged her up just in time.” “My luck again!” thought Jeremy, groaning in spirit.” I might have sat on the edge of that cliff for ten years, and never got a chance of dragging her up.” “Then we pulled up that horrid box, which she found down in the sand, and tied a cord to.”