“‘I walked and talked by the litter all the way, I did not tell her all my terrible story just then, however.
CHAPTER VII.
AILEEN O’MORE—HIDING THE TREASURE.
“Ever of thee I’m fondly dreaming,
Thy gentle voice my spirit can cheer;
Thou wert the star that, mildly beaming,
Shone o’er my path when all was dark and drear.”
Old Song.
“Gold! gold! gold! gold!
Bright and yellow, hard and cold.”
“‘AILEEN—for that was her beautiful name—was like a child in my hands, and willing to do what I told her. Her governess—a lady of thirty, and kind, almost motherly—brought me vinegar and water, and we bathed the girl’s hands, much to her relief.
“‘Then I said she must lie down for an hour or two. I and my men would bivouac near to the sea-shore and return to-morrow.
“‘She would not hear of the scheme.
“‘“No, no, no,” she cried. “Your men are being well used, and they are happy. The negroes will amuse them, dance and sing to them, and find them good beds; and you must stay here to-night. I could not sleep if I thought you were out under the trees in the dark forest.”
“‘My soul seemed to thrill at these words.