"Here, then, my dear boy, is something for you to do - something which, at your age, I would have given anything to tackle. There may be no treasure, but if there is and you can find it for your mother, you will have done a lot to help her. Do not be too disappointed if you find nothing, and do not expect too much. If the clue is genuine other people may be after it, so I suggest that you be on your guard and be careful to keep the secret. And do not worry your mother with all this unless you have to do so.

"I have a little more to tell you. I have put this letter in the Bible for a reason which may soon be plain to you; and the contents of the box should help you in your search, for I have collected together many papers and letters which refer to smuggling in this district. The map, I think, deserves a lot of study. It was found in a bricked-up cupboard in the lounge here many years ago, and it seems to show tracks which would be used by smugglers on the Marsh and on the levels to the west of Rye. You will see that the artist who drew the map seemed to think that the Dolphin was the centre of Rye, and certainly all the tracks marked lead through our ancient town.

"And so, my dear boy, I wish you well and all good fortune in your search. Remember always, whatever happens, how your father would expect you to behave and what your mother hopes for you. But it is because I believe that you will remember these things that I have decided so suddenly to pass these papers to you instead of to my old friend Mr. Harding, who would not believe in treasure if he saw it before his eyes. All that I have told your mother of this is that I want you to have the box.

"I am sorry that we have never met.

"Your affectionate Great-Uncle,

"Charles."

Jon held the last page still and gazed out of the window as Penny slipped down on her knees beside his chair and read the final sentences. Then she was quiet, too, and when he looked round it was to see tears on her cheeks. He did not feel very cheerful himself and had the sense to wait in silence till she said, in a very little voice:

"The clue, Jon? Where's the clue?"

It was pinned to the last page of the letter and was but a dirty piece of parchment with a few letters and figures drawn on it: