He had always experienced, from childhood upwards, a certain sense of awe when that press was unlocked and thrown open.

He now observed his mother's actions with great curiosity.
"Come, Tom, and lift down that box, for it is heavy," she said; and Tom came forward and carefully lifted down a small iron-bound chest, which, for its size, was in truth remarkably heavy.

This box was placed upon the table, whilst the mother locked up the safe once more.
Then she selected a small key from a number in a bag at her girdle, and offered it to her son.
"There, Tom, the box and its contents are yours.

You will find within five hundred golden pieces--guineas every one of them, bright and new from the mint.

Your father saved them up for you for many long years, in case it should ever become needful that you should leave home to see the world.