Patty had learned something of architecture in her library browsings.
Above the high mantel was a large painting. It was a landscape and showed a beautiful bit of scenery without buildings or people. In the foreground were several distinct trees of noble proportions.
“They’re firs,” said Patty to herself, for she had become thoroughly familiar with fir trees.
And then, like a flash, through her brain came the words:
“Great treasure lieth in the poke Between the fir trees and the oak.”
The secret was revealed! Patty knew it!
Beside the bedhead evidence, it was clear to her mind that “Between the fir trees and the oak,” meant between these painted fir trees and the old carved oak mantel. Grasping the arms of her chair, she sat still a minute trying to take it all in, and then looked about for something to stand on that she might examine the top of the old mantel-shelf.
But her next quick thought was, that that was not her right. Those to whom the fortune belonged must make the investigation themselves.
“Sinclair,” called Patty, again; “Mabel, Mrs. Hartley, where are you all?”
Bob responded first, and seeing by Patty’s excited face that she had discovered something important, he went in search of the others.