This very night you must repeat the
incantation in my presence, If there be really such treasure, we
will share it amicably between us, and say nothing further of the
matter; if ye have deceived me, expect no mercy at my hands. In the
mean time you must remain in custody."
The Moor and the water-carrier cheerfully agreed to these
conditions, satisfied that the event would prove the truth of their
words.
Towards midnight the alcalde sallied forth secretly, attended by the
alguazil and the meddlesome barber, all strongly armed. They conducted
the Moor and the water-carrier as prisoners, and were provided with
the stout donkey of the latter to bear off the expected treasure. They
arrived at the tower without being observed, and tying the donkey to a
fig-tree, descended into the fourth vault of the tower.
The scroll was produced, the yellow taper lighted, and the Moor read
the form of incantation. The earth trembled as before, and the
pavement opened with a thundering sound, disclosing the narrow
flight of steps. The alcalde, the alguazil, and the barber were struck
aghast, and could not summon courage to descend. The Moor and the
water-carrier entered the lower vault, and found the two Moors
seated as before, silent and motionless. They removed two of the great
jars, filled with golden coin and precious stones. The water-carrier
bore them up one by one upon his shoulders, but though a strong-backed
little man, and accustomed to carry burdens, he staggered beneath
their weight, and found, when slung on each side of his donkey, they
were as much as the animal could bear.
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