ments deposited?" said Hildebrand.

"An Eastern cabinet of choice and costly workmanship, containing other
records of great value, stands in Sir Henry's private chamber." The
envoy looked round, and his eyes rested on the cabinet. "The outer doors
being opened, there are seen two ranges of drawers, with their separate
mountings and compartments, each containing materials of greater or less
moment. 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."

"Hath Sir Henry sent no written message, that we may know his will in
this matter?" inquired Hildebrand.

"It is strictly forbidden to a prisoner," replied the other, "to use
tablets; but my knowledge of the secret is a sufficient safeguard
against imposture."

"Retire: I will begin the search with all speed. But hold thyself in
readiness for immediate departure. Thou wilt not have the worse thrift
for a hasty dismissal."

The stranger withdrew, accompanied by Hardpiece. Hildebrand listened to
their retreating footsteps; when, like unto one possessed, he stamped,
and tore his thin grey locks, and cursed--audibly and bitterly
cursed--his destiny.

"Hast thou escaped?--when the draught danced and bubbled over my parched
lips. Fate--fortune, whatever thou art, I woul