The Pirate stopped. Aunt Alice bent forward and stirred the fire, and coughed rather loudly.
The Pirate went on a little nervously.
"Well, that's nearly all, children—but he had his interview, and it was well worth all the doubts and fears and tremblings that had beset him before. He went back to his gloomy house in an hour's time, but it was gloomy no more. He came back to it as victor, and it seemed to him as if the whole place was full of glory."
"Is that all?" asked Faith, softly. "And what about the box with the jewel?"
"He kept it for a Christmas present."
"But who was he so frightened of? Who did he go to meet?"
"Ask your Aunt Alice. She will tell you."
But Aunt Alice was looking into the fire. Her hand was shielding her face.
Granny sat back in her chair, and looked smilingly amused. There seemed to be a mystery somewhere.
Suddenly Charity sprang to her feet.