"You may readily remember that I once happened a sore mischance--to wit,
by losing a horse I had but lately bought, and which, through your good
offices, kindly and without fee administered, I again got back, to my
great joy and comfort. I was telling of this but few days agone to a
friend of mine, one Barnabas Hardcastle, whom I have made bold to bring
before your reverence. He but laughed at me for my pains, and would in
no wise believe it, but mark how he was served! Within this hour, he
tells me that he has lost his mare, and would fain have the like help to
its recovery."
"Hast thou lost thy beast?" inquired the Doctor.
"Verily I have," said Barnabas, making a respectful acknowledgment to
the Doctor's dignified address. "It was but this morning she was safe as
Mancastle is in the dirt, hard by Mr Lever's house yonder, in the
fields. 'Tis a grievous loss, Master Dee, seeing that I was offered a
score of pounds for the beast last Martinmas."
The Doctor opened his tables, and erected a scheme or figure of the
heavens, to the very minute when this communication was made. Ere it was
finished he gave a sharp and shrewd glance at the stranger, saying--
"The latter part of the sign Scorpio ascendeth, and it is not safe to
give judgment. Mars, lord thereof, is in evil aspect with Venus, lady of
the seventh and sixth likewise, or house of servants. Yet is Mercury
lord of the tenth, and free from affliction. I will therefore try my
skill, though I should fail. The beast thou lackest is either taken by a
servant or lost through his neglect. Stay. The Dragon's Tail, which I
have just placed, being located in the seventh, thy mare is certainly
lost, and will never be recovered."
Dee looked earnestly at the man, who, gathering his features into a grin
of contempt, could scarcely refrain from an unmannerly burst of
laughter.
"Now, o' my troth," said he, "I was but minded to try the skill of your
prophet, and to show your folly. The roan mare is safe, and I left her
but an hour ago with my lad, who is walking her to and fro just out of
the town-fields by Withy Grove, until I have done mine errand."
"Thou art a bold man to say so," replied the Doctor angrily, and with a
glance as though it were meant to annihilate this contemner of the
celestial art. "I tell thee she is lost, and shall never be got back: a
reward thou hast well earned for thy folly."
With a scornful and malicious grin did Master Barnabas receive this
denunciation, taking his departure with little ceremony, as if fearful
of some mischance. Eccleston, much scandalised at his friend's
proceedings, followed him down-stairs, not caring to stay longer with
the Doctor.
As Bartholomew and he sate discoursing on the future, and forming many
projects, more particularly about the hidden treasures, without which,
Dee said, he could not continue his search for the elixir, as he was
nigh beggared, they heard a swift footstep on the stairs. Presently in
rushed Eccleston followed by Lettice, who strove to prevent this
intrusion. The Doctor frowned on his entrance, but, Eccleston,
breathless and much agitated, could with difficulty declare his errand.
"Hardcastle--Hardcastle--I say. He has lost his beast."
"Why, I told him so," said the Doctor, with great composure.
"But he _has_ lost her!"
"I know it," replied Dee.
"I have just left him in great anger, swearing by things both visible
and invisible that he will have his own again; that we are confederate
in the matter: and that he will cite us both before the chapter or the
Star-Chamber."
"How hath it happened?" said Dee, scrawling listlessly with his pen.
"I went with him to the boy, thinking I would see the end on't. By the
way he did use many taunts and ill-natured speeches about my pursuit
after the great arcanum, and belief in the celestial sciences; together
with many unpleasant hints that the money we have expended in the
adventure will never be got back. Discoursing thus, we came near to the
place where he expected to find the boy. Sure enough he was there, and
fast asleep on the ground; but the mare was gone, the bridle being left
on the lad's arm, which his master banged about his shoulders until he
awaked. Pray, Master Dee, be pleased to help him to his mare. I owe him
moneys, for which he, taking advantage of the debt, may put me in
prison."
"The scoffer shall not go unpunished, nor shall he that revileth partake
of the blessing. Go thy way, and tell him he may not recover his goods."
Eccleston departed with this heavy message, and Bartholomew was again
left communing with the Doctor.
The matter that still occupied their thoughts was the treasure at
Aldport Lodge. With this in their possession they might reasonably
expect that great progress would be made in their search for the
philosopher's stone and the vivifying elixir. These important articles
obtained, the hidden secrets of nature would be at their command, and
their schemes and wishes might then be pursued with the certainty of
success. The night but one following, at the precise time when the moon
came to a trine aspect with Saturn and Jupiter, was appointed for the
discovery. The hour of Saturn commenced five minutes before midnight,
and the heavenly influences were then singularly disposed in favour of
their undertaking.
With dazzling anticipations of future prosperity and success they
separated: one to indulge in dreams so chimerical and vast that even
Fancy herself drew back, dazzled with her own brightness; the other to
an obscure lodging in the Old Millgate, where he committed himself to
the keeping of a straw pallet and a coverlet of which the rats had for
some time before held undisputed possession.
The night fixed upon for their search proved drizzling and misty.
Bartholomew, wrapped in a thick cloak, sallied out of a low postern
towards the college. The path was more dangerous and uneven than at
present, and many a grim witness of good-fellowship with his clay had
the red cloth hose of Master Bartholomew Hickman ere he arrived at the
arched doorway which admitted him into Dee's lodging. We have no means
of ascertaining with any degree of certainty the musings and ruminations
of the seer in his progress, not having the power, or skill it may be,
like unto many profound and praiseworthy historians, who can portray the
form and colour of the mind as well as the cut and capacity of the
doublet. Suffice it to say, that he was so fully occupied in conning
over his errand as not to be aware that a certain malicious personage
was dodging his steps--to wit, our worthy owner of the mare, Barnabas
Hardcastle, who kept a strict watch about the premises, hoping to find
some clue to the discovery of his beast.
An hour elapsed ere they came forth; the Doctor bearing a covered light,
and after him the little spare form of Bartholomew Hickham, carrying
under his cloak sundry implements for the search.
Passing through the churchyard, they turned into the Dean's Gate,
creeping near the houses, whose overhanging gables poured down a copious
shower from their dripping eaves. The streets echoed but to the tread of
these adventurers, and to the howl of a solitary watch-dog roused by
their approach. They passed the gate without difficulty; the Doctor was
supposed to have been called forth on clerical duties, and the porter
accordingly permitted their egress, merely inquiring the probable time
of their return.
A few straggling houses were built nigh to the ditch and outworks;
beyond these the way was open towards the park. Here they arrived in due
time, entering in by a side wicket, which led them round to the back
part of the house by the gardens.
The proprietorship of the Lodge had latterly fallen to the lot of Edward
Mosley, by a deed of partition between his brother Oswald Mosley and
himself, a mercer of great note in Manchester, one Adam Smythe; these
parties having purchased, jointly, the lands of Nether and Over Aldport
from Thomas Rowe of Hartford, who had them of Sir Randle Brereton, the
next purchaser from William, Earl of Derby. The house and grounds, about
ninety-five acres, of Nether and Over Aldport, formerly belonged to the
warden of the college for the time being, and were held, by a rent of
four marks per annum only, from the Lord de la Warre. It was enjoyed
uninterruptedly by them until the dissolution of this community in the
first of Edward VI., when it was granted to the Earl of Derby along
with the rest of the college lands.
Elizabeth, however, in the twenty-first year of her reign, granted a new
foundation to the college: but the Earl of Derby, who still kept
possession of the college-house and some portion of the lands, suffered
the warden and ministers for some time to lodge there.
The house at Aldport was moated round, and a drawbridge stood before the
main entrance. The mansion was built of timber and plaster, with huge
projecting stone chimneys, gable ends, and deep casements--a fitting
residence in those days for rank and nobility.
Outside the moat was an extensive garden, laid out in a sumptuous style,
beyond which appeared a mound of considerable elevation and extent, the
site of Mancastle, famous in history as one of the strongholds of the
Romans, some account of which may be found in the legend of "Sir
Tarquin."
"I have been thinking," said Dee, after being silent for a space, "that
no savour of dishonesty can attach to our appropriation of this great
treasure, seeing the house and all this fair and goodly inheritance did
once appertain to the wardens of our college, of which patrimony we have
been most unjustly deprived by the statute of King Edward. My gracious
mistress, our Queen, not having reinstated me into this my lawful
possession, I have made bold to remind her Majesty of our wrongs, and to
supplicate her clemency thereupon."
Bartholomew felt fully satisfied of the right they had to these spoils,
his conscience being easily quieted on the score of appropriation.
"The rain becomes heavier, and it is more chill and showery than before.
The mist, too, is driving north-east," said the Doctor. "The clouds are
cumbrous and broken, coiling, as they roll, into huge masses that will
ere long bring some of the dark Atlantic on their tails. Seest thou not,
Bartholomew, as though it were a grim pile of hills on the horizon?"
"I see as it might be a heavy wall of clouds gathering about us; and I
think the wind comes on more fitful and squally. These heavy lunges
betoken an angry and vicious humour in the air that will not be long in
bursting."
"We shall have it about our ears speedily. We must to work while it is
yet a-brewing below."
The dark pointed roofs and chimneys of the Lodge might be distinguished
in grotesque masses, changeless and unvarying, against the ever-shifting
darkness of the sky. A pale star sometimes looked out as if by stealth,
but was obscured almost ere its brightness could be developed. The wind,
as it rushed by, broke into short and irregular gusts, like scouts from
the main body, betokening its approach. The rain had ceased, save a few
hasty drops at intervals plashing heavily on the moat.
"What is that?" said Bartholomew in a whisper, pointing to the water. A
light had glanced on its surface, and as suddenly had it disappeared.
"Again!" Dee smiled as he looked upwards to a star just twinkling
through the cloud. Like some benignant spirit, as it alighted on the
dark bosom of the moat, the short sharp gust fluttering over, it seemed
to hover there for a while ere it departed.
Turning out of the path, they approached a thick yew-tree flanking one
corner of the garden.
"I think we may climb here, Master Dee, with little risk;--there seems a
fair gap beside its trunk."
They scrambled up a high bank, thrusting themselves, with some
difficulty, through the opening. The Doctor now, looking round, began to
recite his instructions:--"'_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 of the sun.
Then turn half-round, and note well thy right foot;--what thou seest
gather, and it shall lead thee on to perfection_.' Good; but from what
point shall we begin to count?" said the divine, in great perplexity.
"I know not," said Bartholomew, "unless it be from the sycamore tree at
the opposite corner yonder by the old wall."
"Thou knowest the ground hereabout?" said the Doctor hastily.
"Peradventure I may," replied the other. "Being told aforetime of
treasure that was hidden, I have wandered often, at odd times, round the
garden."
"Lead the way, then; it may be this same Acer is the tree of which thou
speakest. Time passes, and I would not miss this lucky hour for all my
hopes of preferment."
Preceded by his guide, the Doctor soon came within range of a noble
sycamore that threw out its huge branches in all the pride of a long and
undisturbed occupation.
"'Nine with twice seven northerly, and Acer shall disappear.' Shall I
stride the ground so many steps, or is there a mystic and hidden
signification couched in these numbers?"
"I know not," said Bartholomew; "but we had best make the trial."
The Doctor, with great earnestness, began to stride out the number
northerly, but the sycamore did not disappear; its long bare boughs were
still seen throwing out their leafless and haggard extremities against
the lowering sky.
They now took counsel, when Bartholomew suggested that, as numbers were
often used symbolically, they must look elsewhere for a solution. It
might be the exact number of trees lying between the great sycamore and
the place signified. "And there they be," said the seer, pointing to a
goodly row of small twigs newly planted. "Now count them northerly,
beginning as at first."
This being done, the Doctor was greatly comforted on finding himself
fairly soused up to the knees in a deep ditch or drain, from whence all
appearance of the sycamore was effectually excluded.
"Now," said the adept, still standing as before, "the mystical number,
which is three, added to the most excellent number, which I take to be
three times three, or the number enfolding itself, will make twelve; but
there be no trees eastward, or towards the rising sun."
"Then try the steps once more," said Bartholomew, "and take heed they
are of the right length,--proper easy-going steps. Stay, I will count
them myself."
Leaving his companion in the ditch, the seer counted forth his number
with due care, halting at the last step.
"Now stand in my place, turn half-round, and gather from thy right
foot."
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.
"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.
Early on the following morning the eager divine applied to his friend
Eccleston for another loan, assuring him it was the last; while from the
produce of the treasure he would be enabled to pay his former advances,
with a copious interest thereon. The needy expectant was loath to
furnish him with another supply, though in the end he was prevailed on
to borrow from his friends, at an exorbitant interest, for one day only.
This important preliminary being arranged, the night was anxiously
awaited, and though more than usually tardy in its approach, twilight at
length threw her mantle of grey over the world's cares and perplexities,
and night, that universal coverlet of all things, whether good or evil,
did wrap them gently about.
And a night of more loveliness and lustre never was unveiled to the eye
of mortals.
The stars were walking in brightness--so clear and sparkling that each
seemed a ray or an emblem of that ineffably glorious Beam whose
uncreated splendour no eye can see and live. Those bright clusters that
we now behold have been the same through all generations, and they have
seen "all things that are done under the sun." Fixed as the everlasting
hills, their bounds and their habitation have been unchanged. The same
lights were in the heavens when Abraham looked up from the plains of
Mamre, as now when the Arab and the Ishmaelite are in the desert. The
bands of Orion are not loosed, nor the sweet influences of the Pleiades
unbound. The same glittering groups which the patriarch beheld beam
nightly on our tabernacles. They have shone upon the world's heroes and
the world's demigods--bright links in the oblivion of ages. And the
numerous hosts we gaze upon will present the same glowing and immutable
forms to cheer and gladden the eyes and hearts of coming generations.
Some feeling of this nature was probably rising in the Doctor's bosom as
they once more took the open path to Aldport, and he looked on the wide
hemisphere about him--the heavens, with their glowing constellations,
all spread out without an obscurity or an obstruction. He felt for one
moment the folly and futility of earthly things, and his heart seemed to
wither in the immensity into which it was plunged.
It was like a faint glimpse of eternity, and he shrunk back from the
abyss, all his own vast world of thought, feeling, and desire, lost in
that immeasurable space. But the dazzling dream of ambition again passed
before him. The portals of universal empire and immortality were thrown
open. He drove back the unwelcome intruder, but the phantom he pursued
again fluttered from his grasp.
They had marked the spot on their former visit, and Dee, with the fifty
gold pieces in his purse, Bartholomew Hickman acting as chief workman,
began his unholy proceedings: not, however, without some fear of the
demon whom these moneys were to propitiate. Bartholomew laboured with
great diligence, but the earth was much easier to remove than before,
and the old stump soon gave way, making but a slight resistance. This
was attributed to some charm wrought by the treasure they carried, and
was looked upon as a favourable omen--an unloosing of the fetters which
guarded the deposit. Every spadeful of earth was carefully examined, and
the probe thrust down anxiously and with great caution. About a yard in
depth had been taken away when the spade struck upon something hard. The
strokes were redoubled, and a narrow flag appeared. Raising this
obstacle they beheld a wooden coffer. Dee sung out a Latin prayer as
usual; for he failed not to pour out his thanks with great fervour for
any selfish indulgence that fell in his way, or, as he imagined, was
granted to him by the special favour of Heaven.
"There," said Bartholomew, raising the box, which from its weight and
capacity promised a rich reward, "I think we have now what will season
our labours well. What think you, Master Dee?"
But the Doctor was absorbed in visions of future greatness, now bursting
on him with a glory and rapidity almost painful to contemplate. He
seized the shrine, scarcely giving his helpmate time to fill up and
conceal their depredations.
"But the fifty pieces--have you got them safe?" inquired Bartholomew.
"They are in my pouch. I do think the demon hath forgotten to demand
them."
"Fear not, he will be ready enough to ask for his own. What comes o'er
the devil's back will sooner or later go under his belly!"
"Let us pack and begone," said the Doctor, fearful of losing his
treasure.
The box was presently swung over the seer's shoulders, Dee following to
keep all safe, though not without many apprehensions and misgivings of
heart. He feared lest the spirit might appear again for his own; or, at
least, for the fifty pieces of gold, which were his right.
Just as they came to the gap by the yew-tree, and Bartholomew was
resting against the trunk, a voice from behind them shouted--
"Stop!--What make ye here, ye villains?"
Dee turned round and the light flashed upon two armed men, masked, who
evidently came towards them with no friendly intent.
"Put down that box," said the foremost.
Bartholomew was proceeding to surrender at discretion, but Dee first
inquired their errand.
"We can tell ye that in a twinkling," said the malicious intruders,
"after we have stepped up to the lodge, and given them a pretty guess at
the quality of the knaves who be robbing of their garden. Nay, Doctor,
we take no excuse, unless we take our share of the spoil with it. To
work, or ye budge not hence without discovery."
This was a provoking interruption--their all depended on a favourable
issue to this adventure. Dee therefore offered terms of capitulation as
follows:--
"I'll give you five-and-twenty gold pieces on the spot if ye will let us
pass."
"Five-and-twenty!--why, that box may hold five-and-twenty hundred," said
the freebooter with a whistle, by way of derision.
"Perhaps not," said 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_."