“He goeth to one side,” said Bartholomew, “and the curtain hideth him.  Now he returneth, leading an old man blindfolded, who answereth him in manner following, as though to questions put by the first:—­’It is within, and by a garden belonging to the new lodge in Aldport Park.  It is in three parts or places.’  He now seems to pause.  Again he speaks—­’Many roots and trees do hinder the gathering of it; but if he be wise, and understand these things, he may obtain his pleasure.  One part was laid by Sir James Stanley, the warden, an hundred years ago.  Another portion was hidden by an aged nun.  The remainder was left by the Romans, and may be found under the foundations of the castle in the park.  The time is short, and the treasure guarded; but he shall overcome.  Listen:—­’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 sun.  Then turn half-round, and note well thy right foot.  What thou seest gather, and it shall lead thee on to perfection’”

“Ask him the amount or worth of the treasure,” 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:—­