"The island is not large.

Not a corner of it remains unvisited.

The people, who were devoted to the king, your father, have sought night and day.

There is, it is hardly right to conceal from you," the prince hesitated, "a circumstance which makes the disappearance the more alarming." "Tell us.

Keep nothing from us, I beg, Prince Tabnit," besought Olivia.
"For centuries," said the prince slowly, "there has been in the keeping of the High Council of the island a casket, containing what is known as the Hereditary Treasure.