The old man let go Edred’s arms and stood up. Then he touched his forehead and said—
“I’ve worked on the land ’ere man and boy, and I’m proud I’ve lived to see another Lord Arden take the place of him as is gone. Lauk-alive, boy, don’t garp like that,” he added sharply. “You’re Lord Arden right enough.”
“I—I can’t be,” gasped Edred.
“Auntie said Lord Arden was a relation of ours—a sort of great-uncle—cousin.”
“That’s it, missy,” the old man nodded. “Lord Arden—chrissen name James—’e was first cousin to Mr. George as was your grandf’er. His son was Mr. Edred, as is your father. The late lord not ’avin’ any sons—nor daughters neither for the matter of that—the title comes to your branch of the family. I’ve heard Snigsworthy, the lawyer’s apprentice from Lewis, tell it over fifty times this last three weeks. You’re Lord Arden, I tell you.”
“If I am,” said Edred, “I shall say the spell and find the treasure.”
“You’ll have to be quick about it,” said Elfrida. “You’ll be over ten the day after to-morrow.”
“So I shall,” said Edred.
“When you’re Lord Arden,” said the old man very seriously,—“I mean, when you grow up to enjoy the title—as, please God, you may—you remember the poor and needy, young master—that’s what you do.”
“If I find the treasure I will,” said Edred.