Here the terrified Gregory broke forth into unequivocal exclamations of agony and alarm.
"Peace," said his master, "and listen; thou must carry it as from my daughter. I suspect there's treason lurks i' that hole."
"Ay, doubtless," said Gregory: "for the neibours say 'tis treason to hide a mine royal."
"A mine royal! Ay, knave, I do suspect it to be so. By my troth, I 'll ferret out the foulmarts either by force or guile. And yet force would avail little. If they have the clue we might attempt to follow them in vain through its labyrinths, they would inevitably escape, and I should lose the reward. Hark thee. Stay here and I'll fetch the writing for the message. Stir not for thy life. Shouldst thou betray me I'll have thy crooked bones ground in a mill to thicken pigs' gruel."
Fearful was the dilemma; but Gregory durst not budge.
The night grew dark and stormy, the wind rose, loud gusts shaking down the dying leaves, and howling through the wide extent of the forest. The moan of the river came on like the agony of some tortured spirit. The sound seemed to creep closer to his ear; and Gregory thought some evil thing was haunting him for intruding into these unhallowed mysteries.
He was horribly alarmed at the idea of another visit to the cave, but he durst not disobey. He now heard a rustling in the bushes by the cavern's mouth. He saw, or fancied he saw, something rise therefrom and suddenly disappear. It was the demon, doubtless, retiring with his prey. He scarcely dared to breathe lest the hobgoblin should observe and seize him likewise. But his presence was unnoticed. He, however, thought that the blast grew louder, and a moan more melancholy and appalling arose from the river. Again Oliver Tempest was at his side.
"Take this, and do thy bidding." He thrust the billet into his hand, which the unfortunate recipient might not refuse.
Trembling in every limb, he approached the place of concealment; but he was too wary now to let go his hold of the fallen trunk.
He whistled thrice, and the ground again seemed to give way. A light glared from beneath, and he cautiously descended the pit.