yet a-brewing below."

The dark pointed roofs and chimneys of the Lodge might be distinguished
in grotesque masses, changeless and unvarying, against the ever-shifting
darkness of the sky. A pale star sometimes looked out as if by stealth,
but was obscured almost ere its brightness could be developed. The wind,
as it rushed by, broke into short and irregular gusts, like scouts from
the main body, betokening its approach. The rain had ceased, save a few
hasty drops at intervals plashing heavily on the moat.

"What is that?" said Bartholomew in a whisper, pointing to the water. A
light had glanced on its surface, and as suddenly had it disappeared.

"Again!" Dee smiled as he looked upwards to a star just twinkling
through the cloud. Like some benignant spirit, as it alighted on the
dark bosom of the moat, the short sharp gust fluttering over, it seemed
to hover there for a while ere it departed.

Turning out of the path, they approached a thick yew-tree flanking one
corner of the garden.

"I think we may climb here, Master Dee, with little risk;--there seems a
fair gap beside its trunk."

They scrambled up a high bank, thrusting themselves, with some
difficulty, through the opening. The Doctor now, looking round, began to
recite his instructions:--"'_Nine with twice seven northerly, and_ ACER,
_shall disappear. The mystical number added to the number enfolding
itself. This shall be added to its own, towards the rising of the sun.
Then turn half-round, and note well thy right foot;--what thou seest
gather, and it shall lead thee on to perfection_.' Good; but from what
point shall we begin to count?" said the divine, in great perplexity.

"I know not," said Bartholomew, "unless it be from the sycamore tree at
the opposite corner yonder by the old wall."

"Thou knowest the ground hereabout?" said the Doctor hastily.

"Peradventure I may," replied the other. "Being told aforetime of
treasure that was hidden, I have wandered often, at odd times, round the
garden."

"Lead the way, then; it may be this same Acer is the tree of which thou
speakest. Time passes, and I would not miss this lucky hour for all my
hopes of preferment."

Preceded by his guide, the Doctor soon came within range of a noble
sycamore that threw out its huge branches in all the pride of a long and
undisturbed occupation.

"'Nine with twice seven northerly, and Acer shall disappear.' Shall I
stride the ground so many steps, or is there a mystic