The two casks are there, placed end to end, covered with a coat of plaster in the form of a bier.

There is, besides, an inscription, which will enable me to recognize the stone; and as I am not willing, in an affair of delicacy and confidence, to keep the secret from your honor, here is the inscription:--'_Hic jacet venerabilis, Petrus Gulielmus Scott, Canon Honorab.

Conventus Novi Castelli.

Obiit quarta et decima Feb.ann.Dom.MCCVIII.Requiescat in pace._'" Monk did not lose a single word.

He was astonished either at the marvelous duplicity of this man and the superior style in which he played his part, or at the good loyal faith with which he presented his request, in a situation in which concerning a million of money, risked against the blow from a dagger, amidst an army that would have looked upon the theft as a restitution.
"Very well," said he; "I shall accompany you; and the adventure appears to me so wonderful, that I shall carry the torch myself." And saying these words, he girded on a short sword, placed a pistol in his belt, disclosing in this movement, which opened his doublet a little, the fine rings of a coat of mail, destined to protect him from the first dagger-thrust of an assassin.