Sir Henry was minute in his directions, lest his lady might be
bsent; and the innermost secrets of this goodly tabernacle not being
known, save to themselves, the object of my visit might be retarded.
With the permission of Hildebrand Wentworth, I will describe minutely
where he may find this deposit."
Hildebrand slightly moved his head, and the speaker continued--
"From Sir Henry's description, and the tracings which he drew on the
floor of his cell, I should conceive that this room contains the object
of our search. I will recount the memoranda that I made, lest memory
should be unfaithful. When the third cover is unclosed, in the lowest
part of the recess on the right hand, beneath a sliding panel, is a
spring, on touching which the whole flies back, and discovers a rare
device, beautifully wrought in arabesque relief. So far, in all
likelihood, you being his confidential secretary, have beheld?"
"I have seen this cunning work thou speakest of. What more?"
"Embellishing the four corners thereof is the likeness of a hand,
curiously chased in silver; the second joint on the third finger of the
lowest of them, on the left, being pressed, the whole picture, by
marvellous sleight and artifice, riseth up, revealing the treasure of
which I am in search.
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