nce venerable with years,
imposing with intelligence, and benevolent with every human charity.
"Wise and philanthropic Rosicrucian!" exclaimed Wagner, "I offer thee my
deepest gratitude for having permitted me to enter this sanctuary. But
how camest thou to learn that I sought admittance hither? and unveil to
me the great mysteries of this place."

"We are the servants of holy angels, who reveal to us in visions the
will of the Most High," answered the Rosicrucian; "and they who
commanded me to bring thee hither, will induce thine heart to retain our
secret inviolable."

"Not for worlds," cried Wagner, with an enthusiasm which denoted
sincerity, "would I betray ye!"

"'Tis well," said the Rosicrucian, with philosophic calmness--as if he
put more faith in the protecting influence of Heaven than in the
promises of man. "I shall not accompany thee further. Follow that
passage: at the extremity there are two corridors branching off in
different directions; but thou wilt pursue the one leading to the right.
Proceed fearlessly, and stop not till thou shalt stand in the presence
of the founder of the sect."

Fernand hastened to obey these directions, and having threaded the two
passages, he entered a large and rudely-hollowed cavern, where the
feelings of mingled awe and suspense with which he had approached it
were immediately changed into deep veneration and wonder as he found
himself in the presence of one who, by his appearance, he knew could he
none other than Christianus Rosencrux! Never had Fernand beheld a being
of such venerable aspect; and, though old--evidently very old, as indeed
Wagner knew him to be--yet the founder of the celebrated Rosicrucians
manifested every appearance of possessing a vigorous constitution, as he
was assuredly endowed with a magnificent intellect. His beard was long
and white as snow; a century and three score years had not dimmed the
luster of his eyes; and his form, though somewhat bent, was masculine
and well-knit. He was seated at a table covered with an infinite variety
of scientific apparatus; and articles of the same nature were strewed
upon the ground. To the roof hung an iron lamp, which indeed burnt
faintly after the brilliant luster of the eternal flame that Wagner had
seen in the passage; but its flickering gleam shone lurid and ominous on
a blood-red cross suspended to the wall. Fernand drew near the table,
and bowed reverentially to the Rosicrucian chief, who acknowledged h