Its value must be very great.

But well he knew how dangerous it would be to exhibit it; on some pretext or other he would be thrown into prison, and the gem seized.

It must be hidden with the greatest care till he could produce it in Thyma Castle, when the Baron would protect it.

Felix regretted now that he had not searched further; perhaps he might have found other treasures for Aurora; the next instant he repudiated his greed, and was only thankful that he had escaped with his life.

He wondered and marvelled that he had done so, it was so well known that almost all who had ventured in had perished.
Reflecting on the circumstances which had accompanied his entrance to the marshes, the migration of the birds seemed almost the most singular.
They were evidently flying from some apprehended danger, and that most probably would be in the air.