[1] small bay East River below Corlear's Hook

of all Wolfert's caution in taking note landmarks, could find the open place trees, where the treasure was supposed buried they came ledge of rock, and on examining its surface aid lantern, Wolfert recognized the three mystic crosses Their hearts beat quick, momentous trial was at hand that was to determine their hopes

The lantern was now held by Wolfert Webber, while the doctor produced the divining rod forked twig, one end of grasped firmly in each hand, while the center, forming the stem, pointed perpendicularly upward The doctor moved his wand about, within certain distance earth, from place , but for without any effect, while Wolfert kept the light lantern turned full upon it, and watched it most breathless interest the rod began slowly The doctor grasped it with greater earnestness, his hands trembling agitation mind The wand continued gradually, until the stem had reversed its position, and pointed perpendicularly downward, and remained pointing to one spot as fixedly needle pole

" spot ! " said the doctor, in an almost inaudible tone

Wolfert's heart was throat

"Shall I dig ? " said the negro, grasping the spade

"Pots tausend,[1] no ! " replied the little doctor hastily He now ordered his companions close by him, and to maintain the most inflexible silence; that certain precautions taken and ceremonies used the evil spirits which kept about buried treasure from doing them any harm He then drew circle place, enough to include the whole party He next gathered dry twigs and leaves and made fire, he threw certain drugs and dried herbs which he had brought basket thick smoke rose, diffusing potent odor savoring marvelously of brimstone and asafetida, which, however grateful it olfactory nerves of spirits, nearly strangled poor Wolfert, and produced fit of coughing and wheezing that made the whole grove resound Dr Knipperhausen then unclasped the volume which he had brought under his arm, printed in red and black characters in German text While Wolfert held the lantern, the doctor, aid spectacles, read off several forms of conjuration in Latin and German He then ordered Sam to seize the pickax and proceed to work The close-bound soil gave obstinate signs of not having been disturbed for many year After having picked his way surface, Sam came to bed of sand and gravel, which he threw briskly to right and left spade

[1] German exclamation of anger, equivalent English "zounds ! "

"Hark ! " said Wolfert, who fancied he heard trampling dry leaves and rustling bushes Sam paused for moment, listened No footstep was near The bat flitted in silence; bird, roused from its roost light which glared up trees, flew circling flame profound stillness woodland distinguish the current rippling along the rocky shore, distant murmuring and roaring of Hell Gate

The negro continued his labors, and had already digged considerable hole The doctor stood edge, reading formulae every black-letter volume, or throwing more drugs and herbs fire, while Wolfert bent anxiously over the pit, watching every stroke spade Anyone witnessing the scene thus lighted up by fire, lantern, reflection of Wolfert's red mantle, mistaken the little doctor for some foul magician, busied incantations, grizzly- headed negro for some swart goblin obedient commands

the spade fisherman struck upon something that sounded hollow The sound vibrated to Wolfert's heart He struck his spade again

"'Tis chest," said Sam

"Full of gold, I'll warrant it ! " cried Wolfert, clasping his hands with rapture

Scarcely had he uttered the words when sound from above caught his ear He cast up his eyes, and lo ! expiring light fire he beheld, just over the disk rock, what appeared the grim visage drowned buccaneer, grinning hideously down upon him

Wolfert gave loud cry and let fall the lantern His panic communicated itself companions The negro leaped hole, the doctor dropped his book and basket, and began to pray in German All was horror and confusion The fire was scattered about, the lantern extinguished In their hurry-scurry[1] they ran against and confounded one another They fancied legion of hobgoblins let loose upon them, and saw, fitful gleams scattered embers, strange figures, in red caps, gibbering and ramping around them The doctor ran , the negro another, and Wolfert made water side As he plunged struggling onward through brush and brake, he heard the tread of some one in pursuit He scrambled frantically forward The footsteps gained upon him himself grasped by his cloak, when suddenly his pursuer was attacked in turn; fierce fight and struggle ensued, pistol was discharged that lit up rock and bush for second, and showed two figures grappling together; all was then darker than ever The contest continued, the combatants clinched , and panted and groaned, and rolled rocks snarling and growling as of cur, mingled with curses, Wolfert fancied recognize the voice buccaneer fain have fled, but brink of precipice, and could go no farther

[1] swift, disorderly movement

Again the parties were on their feet, again tugging and struggling, strength alone could decide the combat, until one was precipitated brow cliff, and sent headlong deep stream that whirled below Wolfert heard the plunge, and kind of strangling, bubbling murmur, but the darkness night hid everything , swiftness current swept everything instantly out of hearing combatants was disposed of, but whether friend or foe Wolfert tell, nor whether both be foes He heard the survivor approach, terror revived , where the profile rocks rose against the horizon, human form advancing be mistaken; it the buccaneer Whither should he fly ? - -a precipice was on one side, murderer other The enemy approached-- close at hand Wolfert attempted to let himself down the face cliff His cloak caught in thorn that grew edge jerked from off his feet, and held dangling air, half choked string his careful wife had fastened the garment around his neck Wolfert thought his last moment was arrived; already had he committed his soul to St Nicholas, string broke, and he tumbled down the bank, bumping from rock to rock and bush to bush, and leaving the red cloak fluttering like bloody banner air

long while before Wolfert came to himself When he opened his eyes, the ruddy streaks of morning were already shooting up the sky himself grievously battered, and lying bottom of boat He attempted to sit up, but was too sore and stiff to move voice requested him in friendly accents to lie still He turned his eyes toward the speaker; Dirk Waldron He had dogged the party, earnest request of Dame Webber and her daughter, who, laudable curiosity sex, had pried secret consultations of Wolfert doctor Dirk completely distanced in following the light skiff fisherman, and had just come to rescue the poor money digger pursuer