In her pre-occupation of mind she had forgotten all day to take off the brown holland apron which she had worn at her work in the morning, and it was the touch of this apron which brought her inspiration.

Quick as a flash she had it off, and tied round her neck, pinned up at both ends to form a bag.

Then she stooped again to pick up Jock, whom she had laid carefully down while she arranged the apron.

As she did so, the feeble ray from the lantern fell on a space where the ground had been scratched up, evidently by the puppy's paws; and in that space something shone with a dull glitter.

Hildegarde bent lower, and found what seemed to be a small brass handle, half covered with earth.