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‘You?’

‘Yes, I.’

‘And what am I to do to gain the money,’ inquired Bernèz, who knew quite well that the Breton peasant gives nothing for nothing.

‘What I want of you only needs a little courage,’ answered the old man.

‘If that is all, tell me what I have got to do, and I will do it,’ cried Bernèz, letting fall his chisel. ‘If I have to risk thirty deaths, I am ready.’

When the beggar knew that Bernèz would give him no trouble, he told him how, during that very night, the treasures under the stones would be uncovered, and how in a very few minutes they could take enough to make them both rich for life. But he kept silence as to the fate that awaited the man who was without the crowsfoot and the trefoil, and Bernèz thought that nothing but boldness and quickness were necessary. So he said:

‘Old man, I am grateful, indeed, for the chance you have given me, and there will always be a pint of my blood at your service. Just let me finish carving this cross. It is nearly done, and I will join you in the fir wood at whatever hour you please.’

‘You must be there without fail an hour before mid-night,’ answered the wizard, and went on his way.

As the hour struck from the great church at Plouhinec, Bernèz entered the wood. He found the beggar already there with a bag in each hand, and a third slung round his neck.

‘You are punctual,’ said the old man, ‘but we need not start just yet. You had better sit down and think what you will do when your pockets are filled with gold and silver and jewels.’

‘Oh, it won’t take me long to plan out that,’ returned Bernèz with a laugh. ‘I shall give Rozzenik everything