We may be at the heart of the mystery for all we know." In less time than it takes to tell Hayle had complied with the other's request, and was hard at work picking out the earth which held the enormous flagstone in its place.

A state of mad excitement had taken hold of the men, and the veins stood out like whipcord upon Hayle's forehead.

It was difficult to say how many feet separated them from the treasure that was to make them lords of all the earth.

At last the stone showed signs of moving, and it was possible for Kitwater to insert his bar beneath one corner.

He did so, prized it up, and leant upon it with all his weight.