d upon for their search proved drizzling and misty.
Bartholomew, wrapped in a thick cloak, sallied out of a low postern
towards the college. The path was more dangerous and uneven than at
present, and many a grim witness of good-fellowship with his clay had
the red cloth hose of Master Bartholomew Hickman ere he arrived at the
arched doorway which admitted him into Dee's lodging. We have no means
of ascertaining with any degree of certainty the musings and ruminations
of the seer in his progress, not having the power, or skill it may be,
like unto many profound and praiseworthy historians, who can portray the
form and colour of the mind as well as the cut and capacity of the
doublet. Suffice it to say, that he was so fully occupied in conning
over his errand as not to be aware that a certain malicious personage
was dodging his steps--to wit, our worthy owner of the mare, Barnabas
Hardcastle, who kept a strict watch about the premises, hoping to find
some clue to the discovery of his beast.

An hour elapsed ere they came forth; the Doctor bearing a covered light,
and after him the little spare form of Bartholomew Hickham, carrying
under his cloak sundry implements for the search.

Passing through the churchyard, they turned into the Dean's Gate,
creeping near the houses, whose overhanging gables poured down a copious
shower from their dripping eaves. The streets echoed but to the tread of
these adventurers, and to the howl of a solitary watch-dog roused by
their approach. They passed the gate without difficulty; the Doctor was
supposed to have been called forth on clerical duties, and the porter
accordingly permitted their egress, merely inquiring the probable time
of their return.

A few straggling houses were built nigh to the ditch and outworks;
beyond these the way was open towards the park. Here they arrived in due
time, entering in by a side wicket, which led them round to the back
part of the house by the gardens.

The proprietorship of the Lodge had latterly fallen to the lot of Edward
Mosley, by a deed of partition between his brother Oswald Mosley and
himself, a mercer of great note in Manchester, one Adam Smythe; these
parties having purchased, jointly, the lands of Nether and Over Aldport
from Thomas Rowe of Hartford, who had them of Sir Randle Brereton, the
next purchaser from William, Earl of Derby. The house and grounds, about
ninety-five acres, of Nether and Over Aldport, formerly belonged to the
ward