And then he told of the crypt beneath, of what he had found in it, and how he had determined that the secret vault was connected with one or more of the caves on the long slope of the Witch’s Crag, towards the bay.
Cordelia had contained herself with difficulty during the recital, and at its conclusion she was eager to burst forth in her impulsive way.
She was greatly disappointed that he should have gone without her; but a look which he bent upon her after he had closed, together with several glances which he had given her while he had been speaking, told her why he had not come to her. She understood and was content. Be sure, however, she was determined that the next visit would not be made without her.
The earl had listened patiently, but eagerly, to the end. Not a word escaped him, nor an intonation.
“My dear boy,” he exclaimed, warmly and gratefully, “you do not know what a favor you have done me. The whole thing is now plain to me and my duty clear. Of course, I may depend upon your assistance.”
“You may, my lord, depend upon me for everything within my power to do.”
“What put it into your head to think of that particular way of moving the altar?”
The young man explained by pointing to a square-topped table that stood near. He told how he had found the end where the huge stone was clear of the pavement, while at the other end it rested on it; and how that had led him to make the trials which had proved successful.
“And to think that all these years I have searched in vain! Well, the credit is yours, my boy; and I am glad you have found it. If I am not mistaken, we have an important work before us.” At this point the earl bent his head upon his hand, and remained for a considerable time buried in a profound meditation.
“Grandpa!” called his fair ward, becoming restless and impatient in the dead silence, “what are you thinking about?”