er to his
chamber, a little precise place with a window on the court; and there
he left him; but he first knelt down and prayed, and then laid his
hand on Walter's head, and blessed him, and commended him to the
merciful keeping of God; and Walter slept sweetly, and was scared that
night by no dismal dreams; and in the morning the priest took him to
the church, and Walter knelt in a little chapel while the old man said
his mass, commending therein the burden of Walter's suffering into the
merciful hands of God; so that Walter's heart was greatly lightened.

Then after the mass the priest asked Walter of his health, and whether
he had suffered any visitation of evil that night; he said "no," and
the priest then said that he had pondered long over the story, which
was strange and very dark. But he had little doubt now as to what
Walter should do. He did not think that the treasure should be
replaced now that it was got up, because it was only flying before the
evil and not meeting it, but leaving the sad inheritance for some
other man. The poor spirit must be laid to rest, and the treasure used
for God's glory. "And therefore," he said, "I think that a church must
be built, and dedicated to All Souls; and thus your net will be wide
enough to catch the sad spirit. And you must buy a little estate for
the support of the chaplain thereof, and so shall all be content."

"All but one," said Walter sadly, "for there goes my dream of setting
up my own house that tumbles down."

"My son," said the old priest very gravely, "you must not murmur; it
will be enough for you if God take away the sore chastening of your
spirit; and for the rest, He will provide."

"But there is more behind," he said after a pause. "If you, with an
impoverished estate, build a church and endow a priest, there will be
questions asked; it will needs be known that you have found a
treasure, and it will come, perhaps, to the ears of the King's Grace,
and inquisition will be made; so I shall go this morning to a Lord of
the Court, an ancient friend of mine, a discreet man; and I will lay
the story before him, if you give me leave; and he will advise."

Walter saw that the priest's advice was good; and so he gave him
leave; and the priest departed to the Court; but while he was away, as
Walter sate sadly over a book, his terrors came upon him with fresh
force; the thing drew near him and stood at his shoulder, and he could
not dislodge it; it seemed to Wa