List of Illustrations.
["John, what are you talking of, all by yourself?"]
[The farmer advised him to walk quietly.]
[They had sometimes to go on their hands and knees.]
THE HERMIT'S CAVE.
[CHAPTER I.]
THEODORE HEARS OF HIS STEPBROTHER.
IT was a mild day towards the end of February; and though so early in the year, spring flowers were in full bloom in the sheltered gardens which surrounded Afton Hall.
Bright yellow crocuses, like regiments of plucky little soldiers in amber uniform, with here and there clumps of mauve or white, bordered the flower-beds; whilst daffodils reared their stately golden heads in the gentle breeze, and snowdrops peeped modestly from amongst their gorgeously-apparelled neighbours.