is able to convey to you the secret it's been
trying to get off its mind for hundreds of years.
You've saved me from the bankruptcy court, and it's
a debt of gratitude you'll find I shan't lightly
forget.'

"It was a very jovial Christmas which we spent
that day, for the news of the find got abroad at
daylight, and we were promptly visited by the
butcher and baker, bringing stores of good cheer
and profuse apologies for past misunderstandings;
even the severe old servant relapsed into smiles as
she bore in a smoking sirloin of beef. Jack's
spirits rose to the wildest pitch, and little
Bessie, who persisted in calling me the savior of
the family credit, could scarcely do enough to show
her gratitude. Jack wanted me to share the best of
the jewels with him, and was so annoyed at my
refusal that I could only gain peace by a hint that
I should sometime ask him for something more
valuable still. And I got my way, for my unexpected
visit lengthened out to a stay of some weeks,
during which pretty Bessie's gratitude had time to
ripen into a warmer feeling. So in the end it was
quite a different treasure which I bore away from
Dacrepool Grange, and I feel equally with Jack that
I have cause to remember that strange Christmas
Eve, and to render my thanks to old Sir Godfrey,
who now sleeps soundly in his grave, secure in the
accomplishment of his mission, having rid his soul
of the burden of his secret and restored luck to
Dacrepool."

"Is it true?" asked Sheila, as Canon Clark folded up his manuscript.

"Well, I can hardly call it a personal reminiscence, but you must allow
for author's license. Old historic houses sometimes have secret
hiding-places, and dreams are undoubtedly strange things. It's all
founded upon legends which I have heard. Mrs. Clark and I first met in
an ancient grange not at all unlike Dacrepool, didn't we, Bess? And if
we didn't find treasure behind the paneling we certainly ought to have
done so. Now I'm extremely sorry to have to hurry you, but I promised
Miss Morley that you should be back at school by half past six, and I
undertook to escort you through the town. I hope you'll all come and
have tea with us some afternoon next ter