and hidden
signification couched in these numbers?"

"I know not," said Bartholomew; "but we had best make the trial."

The Doctor, with great earnestness, began to stride out the number
northerly, but the sycamore did not disappear; its long bare boughs were
still seen throwing out their leafless and haggard extremities against
the lowering sky.

They now took counsel, when Bartholomew suggested that, as numbers were
often used symbolically, they must look elsewhere for a solution. It
might be the exact number of trees lying between the great sycamore and
the place signified. "And there they be," said the seer, pointing to a
goodly row of small twigs newly planted. "Now count them northerly,
beginning as at first."

This being done, the Doctor was greatly comforted on finding himself
fairly soused up to the knees in a deep ditch or drain, from whence all
appearance of the sycamore was effectually excluded.

"Now," said the adept, still standing as before, "the mystical number,
which is three, added to the most excellent number, which I take to be
three times three, or the number enfolding itself, will make twelve; but
there be no trees eastward, or towards the rising sun."

"Then try the steps once more," said Bartholomew, "and take heed they
are of the right length,--proper easy-going steps. Stay, I will count
them myself."

Leaving his companion in the ditch, the seer counted forth his number
with due care, halting at the last step.

"Now stand in my place, turn half-round, and gather from thy right
foot."

Dee, having cleared the bog, placed himself in the required position.
Stooping down, he groped diligently by his right foot, but was aware of
nothing but a crabbed stump, that resisted every attempt they could use
for its dislodgment.

"Bring the mattock," said the Doctor, cautiously uncovering the light.
But though Bartholomew tugged with great energy, the Doctor helping, it
was to little purpose, for the stump was immovable.

"We had best try the probe." Saying this, the warder drew forth an
instrument in shape something like unto a large auger. He could by this
means easily ascertain if anything hard were below, or any symptons of
concealed treasure. As they were thus engaged a hollow voice, to their
terrified apprehensions issuing from the ground, cried out--

"Hold!"

The treasure-hunters came to a full pause. The wind and rain at the same
time beat so heavily they could not ascertain the se