Charles Reade (1814-1884) was born at Ipsden, England, and educated at Oxford. He wrote plays and novels, the latter usually with some purpose of reform. Compare this story with "Ali Hafed's Quest" (page 13) as to setting, characters, ending, and moral.
Once upon a time there was an old farmer that had
heard or read about treasures being found in odd
places—a potful of gold pieces or something of the sort—and
it took root in his heart till nothing would satisfy
him but he must find a potful of gold pieces too. He spent5
all his time hunting in this place and in that for buried
treasures. He poked about all the old ruins in the neighborhood
and even wished to take up the floor of the church.
One morning he arose with a bright face and said to his
wife, "It's all right, Mary. I've found the treasure." 10
"No! Have you, though?" said she.
"Yes!" he answered; "at least it's as good as found.
It's only waiting till I've had my breakfast, and then I'll
go out and fetch it in."
"Oh, John! How did you find it?" 15
"It was revealed to me in a dream," said he, as grave
as a judge.
"Oh! and where is it?"
"Under a tree in our orchard—no farther than that."
"Oh, how long you are at your breakfast, John! Let's 20
hurry out and get it."