"HE LIGHTED A MATCH AND DROPPED IT INTO THE VASE."
Gaspard reached down into the square hole, and after fumbling around for a moment, drew forth an ancient rusty lantern with the end of a half-burnt candle still in it, which he proceeded to light.
Then he who was the master spoke again. "Oliver, my child," said he, smoothly, "down below there are three rooms; in the farthermost room of the three is a small stone pillar, and on it are two bottles of water. Bring them up here to me, and I will make you so rich that you shall never want for anything more in this world."
"Am I—am I to go down there alone?" said Oliver, hoarsely.
"Yes," said the other, "alone; but we, Gaspard and I, will wait here for you."
"And what then?"
"Then I will make you rich."
Oliver looked into the face of the other. In its cold depth he saw something that chilled his heart to the very centre. He turned, and, leaning forward, gazed stupidly down into the gaping hole at his feet; then he drew back. "My God!" he said, "I—cannot go—down there alone."
"But you must go," said the other.