“More likely that the man Purvis sent her. Perhaps they’ve discovered what was written on that parchment, and are now making use of it. But I hear you’ve met her at night.”
“Who told you so?” he asked, starting at my words.
“It is common gossip in Bringhurst.”
The old fellow laughed heartily, and in his broad dialect said: —
“They’ll be saying next that I’m the young lady’s father, and that I want it kept secret.”
“Why did you meet her at such late hours?”
“Because she wanted to talk to me about her youth. She seems very anxious to find out who were her parents, and for that reason I believe she’s down here.”
“Isn’t it rather remarkable that Purvis should be with her?”
“It is. I don’t like that man. I’m very sorry I didn’t show you the parchment afore I sold it to him, sir.”
With that latter sentiment I heartily coincided. Had I not been forestalled, the treasure would have undoubtedly been ours long ago.