himself, and in a subdued and fearful whisper, "Is not that Friar
Bungey, the notable magician?"

"Magician or not," answered Warner, with a lip of inexpressible
contempt and a heavy sigh, "God pardon his mother for giving birth to
such a numskull!" and with this pious and charitable ejaculation Adam
disappeared in the adjoining chamber, appropriated to the friar.

"Hum," soliloquized Hilyard, "they say that Friar Bungey is employed
by the witch duchess in everlasting diabolisms against her foes. A
peep into his den might suffice me for a stirring tale to the people."

No sooner did this daring desire arise than the hardy Robin resolved
to gratify it; and stealing on tiptoe along the wall, he peered
cautiously through the aperture made by the sliding panel. An
enormous stuffed lizard hung from the ceiling, and various strange
reptiles, dried into mummy, were ranged around, and glared at the spy
with green glass eyes. A huge book lay open on a tripod stand, and a
caldron seethed over a slow and dull fire. A sight yet more terrible
presently awaited the rash beholder.

"Adam," said the friar, laying his broad palm on the student's
reluctant shoulders, "inter sapentes."

"Sapientes, brother," groaned Adam.

"That's the old form, Adam," quoth the friar, superciliously,--
"sapentes is the last improvement. I say, between wise men there is
no envy. Our noble and puissant patroness, the Duchess of Bedford,
hath committed to me a task that promiseth much profit. I have worked