But instead
of dissipating his agitation, his rapid movements seemed rather to
increase it, and at last, wrought to a pitch of uncontrollable excitement,
he cried aloud -
"If the fiend were to present himself now, and offer to lead me to her, I
would follow him."
Scarcely were the words uttered than a hollow laugh broke from the
farther end of the chamber, and a deep voice exclaimed-- "I am ready to
take you to her." "I need not ask who addresses me," said Surrey, after
a pause, and straining his eyes to distinguish the figure of the speaker
in the gloom.
"I will tell you who I am," rejoined the other. "I am he who visited you
once before--who showed you a vision of the Fair Geraldine--and carried
off your vaunted relic--ho! ho!"
"Avoid thee, false fiend!" rejoined Surrey, "thou temptest me now in
vain."
"You have summoned me," returned Herne; "and I will not be dismissed.
I am ready to convey you to your mistress, who awaits you in King
James's bower, and marvels at your tardiness."
"And with what design dost thou offer me this service?" demanded
Surrey.
"It will be time enough to put that question when I make any condition,"
replied Herne.
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