This charge she laid upon me five long years agone, when she bid the tribe own me their queen, for that her age and infirmities hindered her from acting longer as such.

Ever since then I have been pondering and wondering how this thing may be done; but I have had to hold my peace, for if but a whisper got abroad and so came to Miriam's ears, I trow that the treasure, if still it lies hidden in the forest, would forthwith be spirited away once more." "Then Miriam knows the hiding place ?" "I say not that, I think not that.

I have watched, and used every art to discover all I may; and I well believe that Miriam herself knows not the spot, but that she knows it lies yet in the forest, and that when the hour is come she and Robin together will bear it away, and keep it for ever from the house of Trevlyn." "But sure if they are ever to enjoy their ill-gotten gains it should be soon," said Cuthbert.

"Miriam is old, and Long Robin can scarce be younger--" "Hold! I have not done.

Long Robin, her husband, was older by far than she.