rought to a pitch of uncontrollable excitement, he cried aloud--
"If the fiend were to present himself now, and offer to lead me to her,
I would follow him."

Scarcely were the words uttered than a hollow laugh broke from the
farther end of the chamber, and a deep voice exclaimed--"I am ready to
take you to her." "I need not ask who addresses me," said Surrey, after
a pause, and straining his eyes to distinguish the figure of the speaker
in the gloom.

"I will tell you who I am," rejoined the other. "I am he who visited you
once before--who showed you a vision of the Fair Geraldine--and carried
off your vaunted relic--ho! ho!"

"Avoid thee, false fiend!" rejoined Surrey, "thou temptest me now in
vain."

"You have summoned me," returned Herne; "and I will not be dismissed. I
am ready to convey you to your mistress, who awaits you in King James's
bower, and marvels at your tardiness."

"And with what design dost thou offer me this service?" demanded Surrey.

"It will be time enough to put that question when I make any condition,"
replied Herne. "Enough, I am willing to aid you. Will you go?"

"Lead on!" replied Surrey, marching towards him.

Suddenly, Herne drew a lantern from beneath the cloak in which he was
wrapped, and threw its light on a trap-door lying open at his feet.

"Descend!"

Surrey hesitated a moment, and then plunged down the steps. In another
instant the demon followed. Some hidden machinery was then set in
motion, and the trap-door returned to its place. At length, Surrey
arrived at a narrow passage, which appeared to correspond in form with
the bulwarks of the keep. Here Herne passed him, and taking the lead,
hurried along the gallery and descended another flight of steps, which
brought them to a large vault, apparently built in the foundation of the
tower. Before the earl had time to gaze round this chamber, the demon
masked the lantern, and taking his hand, drew him through a narrow
passage, terminated by a small iron door, which flew open at a touch,
and they emerged among the bushes clothing the side of the mound.

"You can now proceed without my aid," said Herne: "but take care not to
expose yourself to the sentinels."

Keeping under the shade of the trees, for the moon was shining brightly,
Surrey hastened towards the arbour, and as he entered it, to his
inexpressible delight found that he had not been deceived, but that the
Fair Geraldine was indeed there.

"How did you contrive t