The present whereabouts of the map was now quite clear, and at the top of Dialstone Lane he stopped and put his hand to his brow in consternation, as he thought of the elaborate expedition that was being fitted out for the recovery of the treasure.
[Illustration: "The captain walked home deep in thought."] Prudence, who was sitting in the window reading, looked up at his entrance and smiled.
"Edward Tredgold has been in to see you," she remarked.
The captain nodded.

"Couldn't he stop ?" he inquired.
"I don't know," said his niece; "I didn't see him.

I was upstairs when he came." Captain Bowers looked perturbed.

"Didn't you come down ?" he inquired.
"I sent down word that I had a headache," said Miss Drewitt, carelessly.
Despite his sixty odd years the captain turned a little bit pink.
"I hope you are better now," he said, at last.
"Oh, yes," said his niece; "it wasn't very bad.

It's strange that I should have a headache so soon after you; looks as though they're in the family, doesn't it ?" Somewhat to the captain's relief she took up her book again without waiting for a reply, and sat reading until Mr.Tasker brought in the tea.
The captain, who was in a very thoughtful mood, drank cup after cup in silence, and it was not until the meal was cleared away and he had had a few soothing whiffs at his pipe that he narrated the events of the afternoon.
"There!" said Prudence, her eyes sparkling with indignation.