aid the Doctor, warily; "it is not yet tried, and may
not be opened here without risk. Come to my lodgings to-morrow, and we
will share in the product."

"Nay," returned the rogue, sharply, "a pullet in the pen is worth a
hundred in the fen. Come, we will deal kindly with thee: give us fifty,
and pass on."

Dee willingly opened his pouch, and threw the gold into the fellow's
greasy cap, which he held out for the purpose. Immediately they took to
their heels and departed.

"The demon was more kind, and of a different nature from those that do
generally haunt these hidden treasures," said the Doctor, as he trudged
along, following closely at Bartholomew's heels. "If he had not warned
me to bring the gold, these thieves must needs have opened the box. Had
they seen the vast hoard which it contains I should not have been
released for thrice the sum."

With mutual congratulations on their good fortune, and many pious
thanksgivings on the part of Dee, they arrived, without farther
molestation, at the college, where Lettice was ill-humouredly awaiting
their return.

Bartholomew threw down his burden in the study, where the Doctor,
cautiously guarding against intrusion, wrenched open the chest. His rage
and agony may be conceived when he found the treasure transformed into a
heap of stones, bearing the following malicious doggerel on their
front:--

"My mare is lost, but I've the gold;
My mare is better lost than sold.
Full fifty pieces, broad and bright,
My bullies bring me home to-night.
My trap is baited!--Springs it well,
I get the kernel, thou the shell!

"From thy loving,

"BARNABUS HARDCASTLE, _Armiger_."

FOOTNOTES:

[19] "Johan Glaston," vol. ii. fol. 535.

[20] _Vide_ Casaubon's folio concerning Dee's intercourse with spirits.

[21] Casaubon.

[Illustration: THE SEER.]

THE SEER.

"_Petruchio_. Pray, have you not a daughter
Call'd Katharina, fair and virtuous?
_Baptista_. I have a daughter, sir, call'd Katharina,"

_Taming of the Shrew, Act II. Scene_ I.

"What sudden chance is this, quoth he,
That I to love must subject be,
Which never thereto would agree,
But still did it defie?"

_King Cophetua and the Beggar-maid._

"Yet she was coy, and would not believe
That he did love her so;
No, nor at any time would she
_Any countenance to him show_."

_The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington_.

The wonderful