"Eh, sirrah! what have we hear?" said his master, curiously examining the dainties. "Why, thou cormorant, thou greedy kite, is't not enough to consume victuals and provender under my own roof, but thou must guttle 'em here too? I warrant there be other company to the work, other grinders at the mill. Now, horrible villain, thou dost smell fearfully o' the stocks!"
"O master, forgive me!—It was mistress that sent me with the stuff, as I hope the Virgin and St Gregory may be my intercessors."
"Thy mistress!—and for whom?"
"Why, there's a hole close by, as I've good cause to remember."
"Well, sirrah, and what then?"
"As ugly a devilkin lives there as ever put paw and breech upon hidden treasure. 'Tis the mine, master, that I mean."
"The mine! What knowest thou of the mine?"
"I've been there, and"—
Here he related his former adventure; at the hearing of which Oliver Tempest fell into a marvellous study.
"Hark thee," said he, after a long silence; "I pardon thee on one condition, which is, that thou take another message."