ter had not
broken silence.

"Come," resumed the Master, "do not be sulky; it will spoil your
attitude. You can now afford (believe me) to be a little gracious; for I
have not merely a defeat to accept. I had meant to continue this
performance till I had gathered enough money for a certain purpose; I
confess ingenuously I have not the courage. You naturally desire my
absence from this town; I have come round by another way to the same
idea. And I have a proposition to make; or, if your lordship prefers, a
favour to ask."

"Ask it," says my lord.

"You may have heard that I had once in this country a considerable
treasure," returned the Master; "it matters not whether or no--such is
the fact; and I was obliged to bury it in a spot of which I have
sufficient indications. To the recovery of this has my ambition now come
down; and, as it is my own, you will not grudge it me."

"Go and get it," says my lord. "I shall make no opposition."

"Yes," said the Master; "but to do so I must find men and carriage. The
way is long and rough, and the country infested with wild Indians.
Advance me only so much as shall be needful: either as a lump sum, in
lieu of my allowance; or, if you prefer it, as a loan, which I shall
repay on my return. And then, if you so decide, you may have seen the
last of me."

My lord stared him steadily in the eyes; there was a hard smile upon his
face, but he uttered nothing.

"Henry," said the Master, with a formidable quietness, and drawing at
the same time somewhat back--"Henry, I had the honour to address you."

"Let us be stepping homeward," says my lord to me, who was plucking at
his sleeve; and with that he rose, stretched himself, settled his hat,
and, still without a syllable of response, began to walk steadily along
the shore.

I hesitated a while between the two brothers, so serious a climax did we
seem to have reached. But the Master had resumed his occupation, his
eyes lowered, his hand seemingly as deft as ever; and I decided to
pursue my lord.

"Are you mad?" I cried, so soon as I had overtook him. "Would you cast
away so fair an opportunity?"

"Is it possible you should still believe in him?" inquired my lord,
almost with a sneer.

"I wish him forth of this town!" I cried. "I wish him anywhere and
anyhow but as he is."

"I have said my say," returned my lord, "and you have said yours. There
let it rest."

But I was bent on dislodging the Master. That sight of him patient