The Moor began to read in a hurried voice. He had scarce finished
when there was a noise as of subterraneous thunder. The earth shook,
and the floor, yawning open, disclosed a flight of steps. Trembling
with awe they descended, and by the light of the lantern found
themselves in another vault, covered with Arabic inscriptions. In
the centre stood a great chest, secured with seven bands of steel,
at each end of which sat an enchanted Moor in armor, but motionless as
a statue, being controlled by the power of the incantation. Before the
chest were several jars filled with gold and silver and precious
stones. In the largest of these they thrust their arms up to the
elbow, and at every dip hauled forth handfuls of broad yellow pieces
of Moorish gold, or bracelets and ornaments of the same precious
metal, while occasionally a necklace of oriental pearl would stick
to their fingers. Still they trembled and breathed short while
cramming their pockets with the spoils; and cast many a fearful glance
at the two enchanted Moors, who sat grim and motionless, glaring
upon them with unwinking eyes. At length, struck with a sudden panic
at some fancied noise, they both rushed up the staircase, tumbled over
one another into the upper apartment, overturned and extinguished
the waxen taper, and the pavement again closed with a thundering
sound.
Filled with dismay, they did not pause until they had groped their
way out of the tower, and beheld the stars shining through the
trees.
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