"Question me not," he muttered hoarsely. "We have but a moment. Hast thou got the money, Blonda? It is well; then follow me. If but we can win forth out of these four walls, Nature shall keep the treasure for us."
So saying, Freskel led the way to the back door, and, stooping, listened intently with his ear to the key-hole.
"Good," said he, "no one is there; come, let us go."
Tonie turned the key softly in the lock, removed the wooden bar that strengthened the defences of the door, and in an instant Freskel glided out, followed by the children. As Tonie drew the back door to behind him, a great crash and shout in the house announced that the front door had at last given way.
"Quick! In among the trees with you, or we may be seen from the windows!" said Freskel, in low, hissing tones. "Dorlat has eyes like a cat, and finding you not, he may come out to look for you in the open."
The children darted into the deep shadows of the pines, and in a minute or two had reached the margin of the lake, and crouched down behind a boulder.
"Shall we hide the bag under one of these stones, Freskel?" whispered Tonie.
"Nay, nay, that were a fool's corner indeed!" replied Freskel. "Rather let it make a voyage across the lake to the island, and there shall the ghosts guard it safely for us till the pastor ask for it again."
"Then, if thou wilt convey it thither, Freskel," said Blonda, "take the raft; Tonie can paddle it for thee."
"Nay, little one, see how the moon shines! The harvest moon too; and if she turned her big yellow face on yon raft, she would betray us. Nay, I go indeed—but it must be as the fish goes. Give me the bag, Blonda; see, I will sling it by this kerchief to my neck! So—now it is safe, and the sooner I go the better. Hide, both of you, but watch too, lest the enemy come upon you unawares even here. Kiss me for luck, little Blonda, for I am going—nay—I am gone!"