demon of the cave.
One word, and he will grind thy bones to grist."

Gregory did remember the power of this mysterious being, who, he began
to fancy, partook more of the supernatural than he had formerly
imagined.

Wearied with watching, he slept soundly, but his dreams were of wizards
and enchanters; heaps of gold and fairy palaces, wherein he roved
through glittering halls of illimitable extent, until morning dissipated
the illusion.

Some weeks passed on, during which, at times, Gregory was employed by
his mistress, doubtless to propitiate this greedy monster, in conveying
food secretly to the mouth of the chasm. He did not usually wait for his
appearance, but ran off with all convenient speed when his errand was
accomplished. Still his hankering for the treasure seemed to increase
with every visit. He oft invented some plan for outwitting the demon,
thereby securing to himself the product of the mine. Some of these
devices would doubtless have been accomplished had not fear prevented
the attempt. He had no wish to encounter again the hostility of that
fearful thing in its unhallowed abode.

His mistress, however, would, at some period or another, no doubt, be in
possession of all the wealth in the cave, and he should then expect a
handsome share. He had heard, in old legends, marvellous accounts of
ladies marrying with these accursed dwarfs for gold, and if he waited
patiently he might perchance have the best of the spoil.

He brooded on this imagination so long that he became fully convinced
of its truth; but still the golden egg was long in hatching.

One night he thought he would watch a while. He had just left a large
barley-cake and some cheese, a bowl of furmety, and a dish of fruit.

"This monster," thought he, "devours more victuals than the worth of his
ugly carcase."

He hid himself behind a tree, when presently he heard a rustling behind
him. Ere he could retreat he was seized with a rude grasp, and the gruff
accents of his master were heard angrily exclaiming--

"How now, sir knave?--What mischief art thou plotting this blessed
night? Answer me. No equivocation. If thou dost serve me with a lie in
thy mouth I'll have thee whipt until thou shall wish the life were out
o' thee."

Gregory fell on his knees and swore roundly that he would tell the
truth.

"Quick, hound; I have caught thee lurching here at last. I long thought
thou hadst some knavery agoing. What meanest thou?"

Gregory point