There had been gold-dust too , but that had been washed out by the tides . ' ` Did n't you ever wonder who had put it there ? ' said Dan , stealing a glance at Puck 's calm , dark face under the hood of his gown . Puck shook his head and pursed his lips . ` Often ; for the gold was new to me , ' Kadmiel replied . ' I know the Golds . I can judge them in the dark ; but this was heavier and redder than any we deal in . Perhaps it was the very gold of Parvaim . Eh , why not ? It went to my heart to heave it on to the mud , but I saw well that if the evil thing remained , or if even the hope of finding it remained , the King would not sign the New Laws , and the land would perish . ' ` Oh , Marvel ! ' said Puck , beneath his breath , rustling in the dead leaves . ` When the boat was loaded I washed my hands seven times , and pared beneath my nails , for I would not keep one grain . I went out by the little gate where the Castle 's refuse is thrown . I dared not hoist sail lest men should see me ; but the Lord commanded the tide to bear me carefully , and I was far from land before the morning . ' ` Were n't you afraid ? ' said Una . ` Why ? There were no Christians in the boat . At sunrise I made my prayer , and cast the gold -- all -- all that gold -- into the deep sea !
A XXXXX 's ransom -- no , the ransom of a People !
Christians Dan Golds Kadmiel King Laws Parvaim Puck morning stealing