ruins of an ancient edifice. Among the ruins, we have
already discovered much treasure which has been deposited in the
secret vault. Are you willing to make further researches among the
ancient ruins, and report to us your discoveries?"

Q. What was your answer. A. We are.

Q. What followed? A. We were conducted to the ruins, and commenced our
labors. Among the rubbish we discovered a large iron ring, fixed in a
cubic stone, which we raised with much difficulty. Upon examining the
same, we discovered an inscription, of the meaning of which we were
ignorant. Beneath the stone, a deep and dismal cavern appeared.

Q. Did you enter that cavern? A. I did.

Q. In what manner? A. A rope was fastened 'round my body, and
descending, I found myself in an arched vault, in the floor of which
was a secret opening, through which I also descended, and in like
manner through a third; being in third vault, I found there was an
opening for descending still further, but being afraid of pursuing my
search, I gave a signal and was hoisted by my two companions. I then
recounted to them what I had seen, and proposed to them to descend by
turns, which they refused; upon this I determined to descend again,
and told them that through every arch I passed, I would gently shake
the rope. In this manner I descended from arch to arch, until I was
lowered into the sixth arch, when, finding there was still another
opening, my heart failed me, and giving the signal, I was again pulled
up. I acquainted my two companions with the particulars of my second
descent, and now earnestly urged that one of them should go down, as I
was very much fatigued; but, terrified at my relation, they both
refused. I then received fresh courage, went down a third time,
taking a lighted flambeau in my hand. When I had descended into the
ninth arch, a parcel of stone and mortar suddenly fell in and
extinguished my light, and I immediately saw a triangular plate of
gold, richly adorned with precious stones, the brilliancy of which
struck me with admiration and astonishment. Again I gave the signal,
and was assisted in reascending. Having related to my two companions
the scene which I had witnessed, they expressed a desire to witness
the same; they also concluded to go down together, by means of a
ladder of ropes, which they did, and shortly after returned with the
golden plate, upon which we saw certain characters, of the meaning of
which we were then ignorant.

Q. What