"This encourages me; so, ho! for the laboratory."
[CHAPTER XL.]
THE ART OF MAKING GOLD.
The two threaded a narrow staircase which led, as did the grand stairs, to the first floor rooms, but a door was under an archway there, which the guide opened and the cardinal bravely walked into a dark corridor thus disclosed.
Balsamo shut the door, and the sound of the closing made the visitor look back with some emotion.
"We have arrived," said the leader. "Only one door to open and shut behind us. Do not be astonished at the noise it makes, as it is of iron."
It was fortunate that the cardinal was warned in time, for the snap of the handle and the grinding of the hinges might make nerves more susceptible than his to vibrate.
They went down three steps and entered a large cell with rafters overhead, a huge lamp with shade, many books, and a number of chemical and physical instruments—such was the aspect.
In a few seconds the cardinal felt a difficulty in breathing.