This she affirmed; and it was true.

But there was a friendly hand to open it nevertheless; to purloin its priceless treasure; and to substitute something of a similar kind, though of comparatively little value in its place.

That hand,--one not likely to be suspected, was no other than that of my lady's confidential attendant, Sarah Swarton.

The juggle was played by her at the instance of Diego.

Anticipating some such occurrence as the present, and desirous of having a spy upon the movements of our enemies, I some time since directed Diego to pay secret court to Sarah, and my forethought has now been rewarded.