"Hark!" said the Doctor, listening.
They heard a moan, as that of some one in great pain. Presently a faint
shriek stole through a pause in the blast.
"'Tis like the groan of a mandrake," he continued: "they do ever lament
and bewail thus when gathered. I doubt not but this tree is of that
accursed nature."
Again the voice was articulate.
"To-morrow thou mayest return at this hour; but I will not yield my
treasure save thou bring me gold!"
"Who art thou?"
"I am the guardian of the treasure; and
"Gold I have. Bring gold with thee;
Or thou shalt get no gold from me."
"What is thy demand?" inquired Dee, in a hollow voice, like that of an
exorcist.
"Prop thy purse with fifty nobles;--then dig, and I will tell thee."
The two worthies were somewhat startled at this demand. It was more than
their joint forces could muster. Yet two thousand and more broad pieces,
besides other valuables, which lay there for the gathering, was too
profitable a return to make them easily give up the adventure.
Accordingly, after some further questions which the demon as resolutely
refused to answer, they departed, first replacing the earth and other
matters they had disturbed, in their former position.
Pages:
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421