"Lead on."
"You have made up your mind, I dare say, as to what share of the undertaking you will accept of with me."
"And what if I will not?" said the philosopher, coolly.
"It falls to the ground, and I return the keys to their place."
"I dare say I shall not refuse, if you have not deceived me as to the quantity and purity of the metal they have stored up."
"I am no judge of these metals, doctor. I am no assayest; but I believe you will find what I have to show you will far exceed your expectations on that head."
"'Tis well: proceed."
They had now got to the first vault, in which stood the first door, and, with some difficulty, they opened the vault door.
"It has not been opened for some time," said the philosopher.
"I dare say not, they seldom used to go here, from what I can learn, though it is kept a great secret."