What if further business had taken away Sir Richard and his son from the lonely house?  What if, in the tumult and alarm that the news of such a plot would spread through the kingdom, the household within those walls should be left unprotected by these kinsmen, who might have occasion to make their way to their own home to see how it fared with those left there?

He knew the fearless character of Lady Humbert.  She would never keep Sir Richard from his wife at a time of anxiety and possible peril.  They might already have left the Cross Way House for Trevlyn Chase (for Lady Humbert knew that the secret of the treasure lay with none but themselves, and would have no fears for that).  And if in the dead of night the whole force of the gipsy folk and the highwaymen—­or even these latter alone, if they could not get the gipsies to join with them—­were to sweep down and attack that solitary house, what chance would its inmates have against them?  None, absolutely none!  The golden hoard would speedily be made away with; the treasure would be lost to Trevlyn for ever, and all the golden hopes and dreams that had been centred upon it would be dispersed to the winds.

Should he have it always on his mind that he had sold the secret from craven fear?  Should he ever know peace of mind or self respect again?

Never! he would die first.  And surely since he had no dealings in this plot, and was innocent of all thought of treason, no hurt could come to him even were he given up.  Surely he could prove his innocence, though with his head so confused as it now was he scarce knew how he should be able to parry and answer the questions addressed to him.  Perchance some knowledge of his peril would reach the ears of Lord Culverhouse, and he would come to his aid.  At least he would not be coerced and threatened into betraying his secret.  Tyrrel might do his worst; he would defy him.

He looked straight at the robber chief, who sat awaiting his reply with a cold smile of triumph on his face, and answered briefly: 

“I shall tell you nothing.”

A gleam of anger shone in the man’s eyes.

“Have a care how thou answerest me.  Remember that thy secret will perish with thee when thou goest to the traitor’s death.”

“It will not,” answered Cuthbert coolly.  “There be others of my kindred that know it.  The treasure will be saved for Trevlyn, do what thou wilt with me.”

“I shall do as I have said,” answered Tyrrel, speaking very clearly and distinctly.  “My plans are all well laid.  If within two hours thou hast not altered thy mind, thou wilt be rowed ashore by my men, bound hand and foot.  Thou wilt then be given in custody to some good friends of ours on shore, who lie not under suspicion as we do.  By them thou wilt be guarded till morning breaks, and then all London will be ringing with the news of this foul plot, and men will be ready to tear limb from limb all those who are so much as suspected