's
mouth. He saw, or fancied he saw, something rise therefrom and suddenly
disappear. It was the demon, doubtless, retiring with his prey. He
scarcely dared to breathe lest the hobgoblin should observe and seize
him likewise. But his presence was unnoticed. He, however, thought that
the blast grew louder, and a moan more melancholy and appalling arose
from the river. Again Oliver Tempest was at his side.

"Take this, and do thy bidding." He thrust the billet into his hand,
which the unfortunate recipient might not refuse.

Trembling in every limb, he approached the place of concealment; but he
was too wary now to let go his hold of the fallen trunk.

He whistled thrice, and the ground again seemed to give way. A light
glared from beneath, and he cautiously descended the pit.

The grim porter was waiting for him below. He fell as though rushing
into the very jaws of the monster, who was but whetting his tusks ere he
should devour him.

"Here again!" croaked the ugly dwarf; "what brings thy long legs back
from Christendom?"

"I know not, master; but if you are i' the humour to read, I've a scrap
in my pouch at your high mightiness' service."

Gregory paid more deference to him now than aforetime, having conceived
a most profound respect for his attributes, both physical and mental,
since his former visit.

"He is himself either some wondrous enchanter," thought he, "or, at any
rate, minister or familiar to some mighty wizard, who hath his
dwelling-place in this subterraneous abode."

"I have a message here to my lord," said he aloud, handing him the
billet at arm's length, with a mighty show of deference and respect. The
uncourteous dwarf took the writing, and left Gregory in darkness again
to await his return. He shook at every joint, while the minutes seemed
an age. Again the light flickered on the damp walls, and the mysterious
being approached. He addressed the envoy with his usual grin of
contempt.

"Tell the lady, my master be glad. He will leap from his prison by
to-morrow, as she say, and appear at dinner."

"The dickons he will," said Gregory, as he clambered up the ascent, not
without imminent jeopardy, so anxious was he to escape.

"This is a fearful message to master," thought he, as he leapt out
joyfully into the buoyant air: "but at any rate I'll now be quit o' the
job." And the messenger gave his report, for Oliver Tempest was
impatiently awaiting his return.

"'Tis well," said he; "and now