The Lost Treasure of Trevlyn | Page 8

dependence for a home upon Sir Richard's kindness, would
no longer live at the old Gate House had he riches hidden away upon
which he might lay his hand. Nay, Cuthbert, methinks thou art not on
the right track in thinking of him. But I do not rightly know the story of
that lost treasure."
"Marry, nor I neither. I have heard our father rave of it. I have heard a
word here, a whisper there, but never a full account of the matter. But
that there is some great treasure lost or made away with all men who
know aught of the Trevlyns know well. And if, as all affirm, this same
treasure is but buried in some hiding place, the clue to which none
possesses, why should not I find it? Why should not I be the man at last
to track and to discover it?"
Why not indeed? Petronella, full of ardent youthful imaginings, fired
instantly with the thought. Why should not her brother do this thing?
Why not indeed? She looked at him with eyes that shone in the gloom
like stars.

"Yes, Cuthbert, be it thine to do what none else has been able. Be it
thine to discover this lost treasure. Would that I could help thee in that
quest! But I can give thee just this one morsel of counsel. Start not till
thou hast been to the Chase and heard all the story from our cousins
there. They will tell thee what there is to know, and he is twice armed
who has this knowledge."
"I will follow thy good counsel, my sister, and commend thee to their
kindly care. And now, let us say farewell, and be brief; for such
moments do but wring the heart and take the manliness from one.
Farewell, and farewell, my sweetest sister. Heaven be thy guide and
protector; and be sure of one thing, that if I live I will see thee soon
again, and that if I have success in my search thou and I will rejoice in
it together."
Chapter 2
: The Inmates Of Trevlyn Chase.
Trevlyn Chase was a fine Tudor structure, standing on the site of the
more ancient castle that had been destroyed during the tumultuous days
of the Wars of the Roses. Instead of the grim pile of gray masonry that
had once adorned the crest of the wooded hill, its narrow loopholes and
castellated battlements telling of matters offensive and defensive, a fair
and home-like mansion of red brick overlooked the peaceful landscape,
adorned with innumerable oriel windows, whose latticed casements
shone brilliantly in the south sunlight as it fell upon the handsome
frontage of the stately house. Great timbers deeply carved adorned the
outer walls, and the whole building was rich in those embellishments
which grace the buildings of that period. A fine terrace ran the whole
length of the south front, and was bounded at either side by a thick
hedge of yew. Stone steps led down into a terraced garden upon which
much care had been bestowed, and which in summer was bright with
all the flowers then known and cultivated in this country. Even in
gloomy winter there was more of order and trimness than was often
found in such places, and the pleasaunces and shrubberies and gardens
of Trevlyn Chase, with the wide fish ponds and terraced paths, formed

a pleasant place of resort almost at any season, and were greatly
delighted in by the children of the present owner, who had only
recently made acquaintance with their ancient family home.
The setting sun was shining brightly now upon the windows of the
house which faced the south, with half a point of west, so that in winter
the sunlight shone to the very time of its setting into the lofty and
decorated chambers. The glow from blazing fires within likewise shone
and twinkled hospitably through the clear glass, and one long window
of one of the rooms stood open to the still evening air, and a little group
was gathered together just outside.
A tall young man of some five-and-twenty summers, with the regular
Trevlyn features and a pair of honest gray eyes, was standing out on the
terrace with his face towards the red sky, a couple of sporting dogs
frisking joyously about him, as if hoping he was bent upon a stroll in
the woods. By his side stood a tall slim maiden, bright faced and
laughing eyed, straight as a dart, alert and graceful in her movements,
with an expression of courage and resolution on her fair face that
stamped it at once with a strong individuality of its own. She was
dressed simply, though in soft and rich textures, as became her station,
and she held her hood in