"You will one day find out that I speak the truth." Leonard looked at Nizza, who was blushing deeply at her father's remark.
She understood him.
"Father," she said, "I understand you have a secret of importance to disclose to me.

I am about to make a long journey to-morrow, and may not return for some time.

At this uncertain season, when those who part know not that they shall meet again, nothing of this sort ought to be withheld." "You cannot know it while I live," replied the piper, "but I will take such precautions that, if anything happens to me, it shall be certainly revealed to you." "I am satisfied," she rejoined, "and will only ask you one farther question, and I beseech you to answer it.

Does this amulet refer to the secret ?" "It does," replied her father, sullenly; "and now let the subject be dropped." He then led the way into the cottage.

The good old dame who kept it, on learning who they were, and that they were sent by Doctor Hodges, gave them a hearty welcome, and placed refreshments before them.