Sir Richard was absent when Cuthbert asked for him, but his son was at home, and the visitor was ushered into a room where Philip and Culverhouse were sitting together conversing by the glow of a bright fire of sea coal.

He was made very welcome by his cousin, and quickly plunged into the matter in hand.

“Philip,” he said, “I have come to ask whether the business that has brought you to town is yet accomplished.”

“Yes, verily,” answered Philip, surprised.  “We came to talk of Kate’s rash marriage with Culverhouse there, and if it was such as might safely be ignored.  My Lord and Lady of Andover, however, had adjudged that their son is too far pledged to draw back, and that for the sake of the lady’s honour and happiness they must be held to be solemnly betrothed.  Their punishment will be the long waiting ere they may truly wed; but Culverhouse means to tell all his tale in the ears of the Prince of Wales, and he holds that the kindly youth will doubtless give him some post about his royal person that may be a stepping stone to further wealth and advancement.”

“My Lord Culverhouse need scarce do that,” said Cuthbert, speaking in short, abrupt sentences.  “Let me tell my news in a few words.  The lost treasure of Trevlyn is found.  It is hidden in the Cross Way House, where Mistress Kate and my sister Petronella are at this moment sheltering.  It was thought the safest spot, for that the gipsies and the robbers of the road alike think kindly of the ladies of the Wyvern family, and hold their abode sacred—­”

Cuthbert was at this moment arrested by a storm of questions and eager exclamations, which he had some small trouble in answering or setting aside.  When he had so far satisfied his eager listeners as to be able to take up the thread of what he was saying, he went on in the same quick, abrupt fashion as before.

“I thought the treasure safe when I hid it there; but I have had a warning this night from one who knows well the temper of the gipsy folk.  I hear that suspicion has been aroused in the tribe—­that there is a resolve abroad to win it back.  There is a man called Tyrrel, a notable highway robber, who has vowed to regain it for himself and his men.  If this be so, I fear me that even the sanctuary of the Wyvern House will not suffice.  In that house there are but women and a few old men—­servants, little able to withstand a concerted attack.  I have heard this news but tonight, and I have come straight on to tell thee, Philip.  If your business in London be done, why shouldst not thou and thy father return forthwith home, and abide awhile at the Cross Way House, to see what fares there, and to protect the household should Tyrrel and his men attack?  Methinks that they may stand in need of the presence of kinsmen at such a time as that.  I hear that ill is meant by these fierce men to all who bear the name of Trevlyn.  Two of the women within those doors bear that name; wherefore—­”