crossed the meadows at the back of our college, and by a circuitous route
reached the grounds surrounding the museum, which were planted with
rhododendrons and other shrubs. The pouring rain was, unfortunately, not
favourable for our enterprise. I brought however a small box of
combustibles from the University Laboratories, and a dark lantern. When
we climbed over the low wall not far from the stone gallery, I saw, to my
horror, a light emerging from the Groschen Hall. Monteagle, who is
fearfully superstitious, began chattering his teeth. When we reached the
small door I saw it was open. A thief had evidently forestalled us.
Monteagle suggested going back, and leaving the thief to make off with
the MS.; but I would not hear of such a proposal.

The door opening to the Groschen Hall at the end of the gallery was open,
and beyond, a man, whom I at once recognised as the little Lutheran, was
busily engaged in picking the lock of the case where were deposited the
Book of Jasher and Aulus Gellius. Telling Monteagle to guard the door, I
approached very softly, keeping behind the plaster casts. I was within a
yard of him before he heard my boots creak. Then he turned round, and I
found myself face to face with Dr. Groschen. I have never seen such a
look of terror on any one's face.

'You scoundrel!' I cried, collecting myself, 'drop those things at once!'
and I made for him with my fist. He dodged me. I ran after him; but he
threaded his way like a rat through the statues and cases of antiquities,
and bolted down the passage out of the door, where he upset Monteagle and
the lantern, and disappeared in the darkness and rain. I then returned
to the scene of his labours. Monteagle was too frightened, owing to the
rather ghostly appearance of the museum by the light of a feeble
oil-lamp. In a small cupboard there was some dry sacking I had deposited
there for the purpose some days before. This I ignited, along with