The Lady and the Treasure 43

a story, having no imagination at all, and
memory only for certain private sorrows
of his own. His opening was therefore
an unworthy subterfuge. ‘‘Once upon a
time... . Say, Doris, wouldn’t you like
to come out with me on a real hunt for
buried treasure?

“Ts there any?” asked Doris, doubtfully.

“Well, if it comes to that—’ he began.
“But I should think we stand a very
good chance. Don’t you know that the
Spaniards landed here long ago and burnt
the place? You may depend the village
folk hid their treasure when they fled;
and three of them were killed. It is quite
likely that to this day their plate and
money lie hidden somewhere close at
hand.”

“But it would be no good finding it,”
said Doris. ‘“ We should have to give it
up to Goverment. Gardener told me.
What is Gover’ment ?”

“Government?” said the Visitor. “It’s
you, and me, and—well, everybody else.”