"Ay, and thanks to Duke William that either Louis or Alan are not
exiles still. Now we shall see whose gratitude is worth most, the
Frank's or the Breton's. I suspect the Norman valour will be the
best to trust to."

"Yes, and how will Norman valour prosper without treasure? Who knows
what gold is in the Duke's coffers?"

There was some consultation here in a low voice, and the next thing
Richard heard distinctly was, that one of the Nobles held up a silver
chain and key, {9} saying that they had been found on the Duke's
neck, and that he had kept them, thinking that they doubtless led to
something of importance.

"Oh, yes!" said Richard, eagerly, "I know it. He told me it was the
key to his greatest treasure."

The Normans heard this with great interest, and it was resolved that
several of the most trusted persons, among whom were the Archbishop
of Rouen, Abbot Martin of Jumieges, and the Count of Harcourt, should
go immediately in search of this precious hoard. Richard accompanied
them up the narrow rough stone stairs, to the large dark apartment,
where his father had slept. Though a Prince's chamber, it had little
furniture; a low uncurtained bed, a Cross on a ledge near its head, a
rude table, a few chairs, and two large chests, were all it
contained. Harcourt tried the lid of one of the chests: it opened,
and proved to be full of wearing apparel; he went to the other, which
was smaller, much more carved, and ornamented with very handsome
iron-work. It was locked, and putting in the key, it fitted, the
lock turned, and the chest was opened. The Normans pressed eagerly