"It was well you did not know, Patty," he added. "You told no lie,
and Jeph might have taken it all."

"O! he would not have been so cruel," cried Patience. "He would not
want Rusha and Ben to have nothing."

Stead did not feel sure, and when Patience asked him where the hoard
was, he shook his head, looked wise, and would not tell her. And
then he warned her, with all his might and main against giving a hint
to anyone that they had any such fund in reserve. She was a little
vexed and hurt at first, but presently she promised.

"Indeed Stead, I won't say one word about it, and you don't think I
would ever touch it without telling you."

"No, Patty, you wouldn't, but don't you see, if you know nothing, you
can't tell if people ask you."

In truth, Stead was less anxious about the money than about the other
treasure, and when presently Patience proposed that the cave where
they used to play should serve for the poultry, so as to save them
from the foxes and polecats, he looked very grave and said "No, no,
Patty, don't you ever tell anyone of that hole, nor let Rusha see
it."

"Oh! I know then !" cried Patience, with a little laugh, "I know
what's there then."

"There's more than that, sister," and therewith Stead told in her ear