"Enough, I am willing to aid you. Will you go?"
"Lead on! "replied Surrey, marching towards him.
Suddenly, Herne drew a lantern from beneath the cloak in which he was
wrapped, and threw its light on a trap-door lying open at his feet.
"Descend!"
Surrey hesitated a moment, and then plunged down the steps. In
another instant the demon followed. Some hidden machinery was then
set in motion, and the trap-door returned to its place. At length, Surrey
arrived at a narrow passage, which appeared to correspond in form
with the bulwarks of the keep. Here Herne passed him, and taking the
lead, hurried along the gallery and descended another flight of steps,
which brought them to a large vault, apparently built in the foundation
of the tower. Before the earl had time to gaze round this chamber, the
demon masked the lantern, and taking his hand, drew him through a
narrow passage, terminated by a small iron door, which flew open at a
touch, and they emerged among the bushes clothing the side of the
mound.
"You can now proceed without my aid," said Herne: "but take care not
to expose yourself to the sentinels."
Keeping under the shade of the trees, for the moon was shining
brightly, Surrey hastened towards the arbour, and as he entered it, to
his inexpressible delight found that he had not been deceived, but that
the Fair Geraldine was indeed there.
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