ass buttons and a file without a handle; and the girl Councillors
carried it all concealed in their pinafores, while the men members
carried digging tools. H. O. and Daisy were sent on ahead as scouts
to see if the coast was clear. We have learned the true usefulness of
scouts from reading about the Transvaal War. But all was still in the
hush of evening sunset on the Roman ruin.

We posted sentries, who were to lie on their stomachs on the walls and
give a long, low, signifying whistle if aught approached.

Then we dug a tunnel, like the one we once did after treasure, when we
happened to bury a boy. It took some time; but never shall it be said
that a Bastable grudged time or trouble when a lark was at stake. We put
the things in as naturally as we could, and shoved the dirt back, till
everything looked just as before. Then we went home, late for tea.
But it was in a good cause; and there was no hot toast, only
bread-and-butter, which does not get cold with waiting.

That night Alice whispered to Oswald on the stairs, as we went up to
bed--

'Meet me outside your door when the others are asleep. Hist! Not a
word.'

Oswald said, 'No kid?' And she replied in the affirmation.

So he kept awake by biting his tongue and pulling his hair--for he
shrinks from no pain if it is needful and right.

And when the others all slept the sleep of innocent youth, he got up and
went out, and there was Alice dressed.

She said, 'I've found some broken things that look ever so much more
Roman--they were on top of the cupboard in the library. If you'll come
with me, we'll bury them just to see how surprised the others will be.'

It was a wild and daring act, but Oswald did not mind.

He said--

'Wait half a shake.' And he put on his knickerbockers and jacket, and
slipped a few peppermints into his pocket in case of catching cold.
It is these thoughtful expedients which mark the born explorer and
adventurer.

It was a little cold; but the white moonlight was very fair to see, and
we decided we'd do some other daring moonlight act some other day. We
got out of the front door, which is never locked till Albert's uncle
goes to bed at twelve or one, and we ran swiftly and silently across the
bridge and through the fields to the Roman ruin.

Alice told me afterwards she should have been afraid if it had been
dark. But the moonlight made it as bright as day is in your dreams.

Oswald had taken the spade and a sheet of newspaper.