Old Anthony was taken by surprise, and showed it.
"So you know this? Where did you obtain the information?" he asked.
"From some one who saw you and the boy, Mark, digging for it."
"Well," said the old man, quietly, "I know of no better place. People are honest round here, and it will not be taken."
"I agree with you there, Uncle Anthony. It won't be taken for a very good reason. There is none there. The jar is empty."
"How do you know this, Lyman?" demanded the hermit, with a searching look.
Lyman hesitated, but it seemed necessary to tell the truth.
"Because, when I learned that you had been so imprudent as to let the boy into your secret, I concluded at once that he would take advantage of his knowledge, and rob you. I therefore uncovered the place, and found it as I suspected. The jar is empty."
Old Anthony betrayed no excitement on hearing this.
"It is quite true," he said, quietly. "All the gold has been taken."