Well I think I can answer that question. The property of all
malefactors belongs to the king; and therefore this money belongs to the
king; and we may retain it for the king, or use it for his service."

"Yes, it would have belonged to the king had the man been condemned, and
hung on the gallows as he deserved; but he was not, and therefore I
think that it does not belong to the king."

"Then it belongs to whoever finds it, and who keeps it till it is
claimed--which will never be."

"I think I must speak to the Intendant about it," replied Edward; "I
should feel more comfortable."

"Then do so," replied Humphrey; "I think you are right to have no
concealments from him."

"But, Humphrey," replied Edward, laughing, "what silly fellows we are!
We do not yet know whether we shall find anything; we must first see if
there is anything buried there; and when we have done so, then we will
decide how to act. I shall, if it please God, be over again in a
fortnight, and in the meantime, do you find out the place, and ascertain
if what the fellow said is true."

"I will," replied Humphrey. "I will go to-morrow, with Billy and the
cart, and take a spade and pick-axe with me. It may be a fool's errand,
but still they say, and one would credit, for the honour of human
nature, that the words of a dying man are those of truth. We had better
go back now, for I think dinner must be ready."

Now that they had become so intimate with Patience Heatherstone--and I
may add, so fond of her--there was no longer any restraint, and they had
a very merry dinner-party; and after dinner, Patience went out with
Alice and Edith, and looked over the garden and farm. She wished very
much to ascertain if there was anything that they required, but she
could discover but few things, and those only trifles; but she
recollected them all, and sent them to the cottage a few days
afterwards. But the hour of parting arrived, for it was a long ride
back, and they could not stay any longer, if they wished to get home
before dark, as Mr Heatherstone had requested Edward that they should
do; so the horses were brought out, and wishing good-bye, they set off
again, little Edith crying after them, "Come again soon! Patience, must
come again soon!"

CHAPTER TWENTY.

The summer had now advanced, when Oswald one day said to Edward--

"Have you heard the news, sir?"

"Nothing very particular," replied Edward; "I know that General Cromwell
is over