She tossed him aside, not noticing, and thrust her arm down as far as it would reach.
“A stick, a string, something—quick! It is deep.”
Nobody moved, till she turned upon the Indian.
“For the master, Joe! a string and a weight. Quick, quick!”
The empty-handed son of the forest was the man who filled her need. A new, well-leaded fishing line that had caught his fancy, passing down the street, came from his pocket. She seized, uncoiled, and dropped it down the hole.
“Oh! it is so deep. But we must get to the bottom. We must, even if I tear that wall down with my own hands. You’ll help me, Joe, dear Joe, won’t you? For the master?”
He moved forward, instantly, but Adrian interposed. He was colorless with excitement yet his voice had the ring of hope and expectation, as he bent and looked into Malachi Wadislaw’s eyes.
“Is she right, father? Do you hear me? Is there anything in that small place?”
“I remember—I remember. The bonds. The bonds are safe. Always—always keep your money in a hidden——”