"
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 sequel to this
injunction.
"'Tis Nargal, the spirit who guards hidden treasures," said Dee: "we can
approach him only by prayers and fumigations."
"Then must we return?" said Bartholomew, apparently unwilling to desist.
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