I only want to see if there's anything that looks as though it might be worth examining." He hopped out of the room in some excitement, full of this new project.

Aunt Charlotte, less enthusiastic, continued knitting placidly, her only anxiety being lest Austin should strain his back in leaning over the boxes.

In about twenty minutes or so he returned, followed by Martha, the two carrying between them a battered green chest full of odds and ends, which she had carefully dusted before bringing into the drawing-room.

"There!" he said, triumphantly; "here's treasure-trove, if you like.

Put it on the chair, Martha, close by me, and then I can empty it at my leisure.