"It is still strange to me, madame, that Nancy should distrust her oldest and best friends. But now you will let me see her?"
"Of course I shall soon, very soon, my dear boy. I have told you all, and now you will aid me to find the treasure that is your foster-sister's heritage, will you not?"
"Why certainly I want Nancy to have what is hers," replied Dan.
"Bravo, my friend. We are to count you one of us, I am sure."
"Just a moment," said Dan, resisting the temptation to touch the little hand that had been placed impulsively upon his arm. "May I ask one more question?"
"A thousand, my dear, if you desire."
"Why then, since until last night everything has gone as you planned it, why has not the treasure already been discovered?"
"Because, mon ami; the Marquis has only been able to visit the Oak Parlour at night. And also it was decided to wait until I arrived."
"With the schooner?" suggested Dan.
"With the schooner, if you will. And you may remember that it was only the day before yesterday that I reached your so hospitable countryside."