The trunk, a heavy one with steel bands round it, but no lock or keyhole,
was carried in by two men. Shortly afterwards old Simon attended his
master. When he came into the room, Mr. Caswall himself went and closed
the door; then he asked:

"How do you open it?"

"I do not know, sir."

"Do you mean to say that you never opened it?"

"Most certainly I say so, your honour. How could I? It was entrusted to
me with the other things by my master. To open it would have been a
breach of trust."

Caswall sneered.

"Quite remarkable! Leave it with me. Close the door behind you.
Stay--did no one ever tell you about it--say anything regarding it--make
any remark?"

Old Simon turned pale, and put his trembling hands together.

"Oh, sir, I entreat you not to touch it. That trunk probably contains
secrets which Dr. Mesmer told my master. Told them to his ruin!"

"How do you mean? What ruin?"

"Sir, he it was who, men said, sold his soul to the Evil One; I had