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“Military history,” said he.

Henry glanced over. “I thought you might find that one interesting.”

The Colonel smiled. “I shall have to decide whether to trust Mr. Smith’s judgment.”

“I should warn you that my aunt once told me her husband had very strong opinions about books,” said Henry.

“Most sensible men do.”

“Ah,” said Henry, resting one hand upon the polished wood. “Now we come to the part which most interested me.”

“There are several compartments.”

“Several?” Ned asked.

“I found three.”

Ned’s eyes widened.

Henry showed him the first, concealed behind a panel at the side.

Then another, released by pressing a small brass fitting beneath the edge of the desk.

“Did your great-uncle hide things in them?” Ned asked as he examined both with great seriousness.

“Letters, mostly. A few old bank notes. Family seals. Nothing particularly exciting.”

Ned considered this. “Nothing exciting? Not to you, perhaps.” Then he crouched.

Henry laughed.

“You will not find another by staring at the floor.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I have already looked.”

“Did you look there?”

“Yes.”

“Properly?”

Henry glanced at Edward. “I am beginning to regret showing him the desk.”

“You have created your own problem,” Edward grinned.

Ned ran one finger beneath the edge of the desk. Then he stopped.

“Wait.”

“What?” asked Henry.

“There.” He pressed. Nothing happened. He pressed again, harder and a small panel shifted. Ned looked up triumphantly.

Henry stared. “That,” said he, “was not there when I looked.”

Ned pulled the narrow compartment open. Inside lay a small leather purse which he lifted out. It was old, but well preserved, and when he loosened the clasp there was the unmistakable sound of coins. Ned’s eyes became enormous.