I suppose thy father sent it, for it is well known that he made
his will a few days ago."

Margaret, however, did not believe that it was her father. She was
sure Jan had sent the money. It was her L600, with L100 for interest.
And oh, how it pained her! Somewhere on earth Jan was alive, and he
would neither come to her, nor write to her. He sent her gold instead
of love, as if gold were all she wanted. He could scarcely have
contrived a more cruel revenge, she thought. For once she absolutely
hated money; but it put into her mind a purpose which would not leave
it. If Snorro could find Jan, she could. The money Jan had sent she
would use for that purpose.

She was cautious and suspicious by nature, and she determined to keep
her intention close in her own heart. All summer she watched anxiously
for the return of "The Lapwing," but it came not. One day, in the
latter part of August, Dr. Balloch asked her to answer for him a
letter which he had received from Lord Lynne. She noted the address
carefully. It was in Hyde Park, London. Very well, she would go to
London. Perhaps she would be nearer to Jan if she did.

She had now nearly L1,000 of her own. If she spent every farthing of
it in the search and failed, she yet felt that she would be happier
for having made the effort. The scheme took entire possession of her,
and the difficulties in the way of its accomplishment only made her
more stubbornly determined. The first, was that of reaching the
mainland without encountering opposition. She was sure that both her
father and Dr. Balloch would endeavor to dissuade her; she feared they
would influence her against her heart and judgment. After August, the
mail boats would be irregular and infrequent; there was really not a
day to be lost.

In the morning she went to see Tulloch. He was eating his breakfast
and he was not at all astonished to see her. He thought she had come
to talk to him about the investment of her money.

"Good morning, Mistress Vedder! Thou hast been much on my mind, thou
and thy money, and no doubt it is a matter of some consequence what
thou will do with it."

"I am come to speak to thee as a friend, in whom I may confide a
secret. Wilt thou hear, and keep it, and give me good advice?"

"I do not like to have to do with women's secrets, but thou art a
woman by thyself. Tell me all, then, but do not make more of the
matter than it is worth."

"When Jan Vedder had no other friend, thou stood by