"If the honourable and learned gentleman has sufficiently refreshed himself with the cup that cheers, would he oblige the company by mentioning if he has done anything in the matter of the Hidden Treasure--with capitals please!--and, if so, what?"
"I have at least found that everything points to there being such a hidden treasure--in spite of Jack's pretended scepticism."
"My pretended scepticism! Sir, I would have you know that I am no sceptic; or, if I am, never was one more willing to be converted to the faith."
Ella interposed.
"And, Mr. Graham, you really think there is a hidden treasure?"
"I think it extremely probable."
"Tell us all about it. What have you been doing? All day long I have been dreaming in the City of what would happen if we did light upon a secret hoard. It really would be too splendid for words."
The young lady looked the eagerness which the words suggested--like an imaginative child who pictures the materialisation of some favourite tale of faerie.
"To begin with, I went to the house agents to learn for whom they are acting."
"Well, and what did they say?"