re," said Dee, whose cupidity
gloated over the bare thoughts of this vast hoard.

"He says, it is 'two thousand and a half, besides odd money.'"

"How? In gold or silver?"

"'More than three parts thereof are in gold.'"

"Most humbly and heartily do I thank thee, oh"----

Dee was opening out another form of thanksgiving, when the seer
interrupted his hypocritical and blasphemous addresses.

"The old man goeth aside, groping his way as though it were dark. Now
all is dim, and the curtain covereth the stone, by which we are warned
to retire."

The needful and concluding ceremonies being gone through, the crystal
was returned to its place. After pondering awhile, the Doctor put many
questions to his guest about his residence, worldly calling, and so
forth. He offered him L50 yearly, besides lodging, and a fair proportion
of gold when the celestial and highest projection should be completed.
Bartholomew was not hard at making a bargain, and the Doctor began to
hope that, by a patient waiting and trust in the efficacy of these
strange delusions, he should at length accomplish his desires.

A low tap at the door again betokened the presence of Lettice, who came
to announce a warm friend of the Doctor's, one Master Eccleston. On
being admitted, the latter brought with him a low, ferret-eyed
personage, whose leering aspect betrayed an inward consciousness of
great cunning and self-satisfaction therewith. Dee received his guests
with becoming dignity, inquiring to what good fortune he was indebted
for their visit.

"Thou mayest remain, Hickman," said he to his new acquaintance.

Eccleston proceeded to business as follows:--

"You may readily remember that I once happened a sore mischance--to wit,
by losing a horse I had but lately bought, and which, through your good
offices, kindly and without fee administered, I again got back, to my
great joy and comfort. I was telling of this but few days agone to a
friend of mine, one Barnabas Hardcastle, whom I have made bold to bring
before your reverence. He but laughed at me for my pains, and would in
no wise believe it, but mark how he was served! Within this hour, he
tells me that he has lost his mare, and would fain have the like help to
its recovery."

"Hast thou lost thy beast?" inquired the Doctor.

"Verily I have," said Barnabas, making a respectful acknowledgment to
the Doctor's dignified address. "It was but this morning she was safe as
Mancastle is in the dirt,