"Break the wall in! It's no use fumbling with dogs' head in search of hidden springs--with us it's a case of the shortest road's the best. Whatever's inside that wall has been there long enough to excuse us if we're a little neglectful of ceremonious observances."
In a few minutes the wall was broken in, the ancient woodwork offering no resistance to Bruce Graham's vigorous onslaught. A cavity was made large enough to thrust one's head in. Madge stopped him.
"That'll do--for the present! Now let's see what there is inside!"
She went down on her knees the better to enable her to see, Graham moving aside to give her room. She thrust her fair young face as far into the opening as she could get it--only to discover that she was obscuring her own light. Out it came again.
"Give me a light--a match, or something. It's as dark as pitch in there."
Graham gave her a box of matches. Striking one, she introduced it into what was as the heart of the wall.
"There is something in there!"
She dropped the match. Fortunately it went out as it fell.
"It's the hidden fortune!"
She gave a gasp. Then in an instant she was on her feet and was hastening towards the recumbent figure on the bed.