Solomon’s Treasure Chamber

           Whilewewereengagedinrecoveringfromourfright,andinexaminingthegrislywondersofthePlaceofDeath,Gagoolhadbeendifferentlyoccupied. Somehoworother—forshewasmarvellouslyactivewhenshechose—shehadscrambledontothegreattable,andmadeherwaytowhereourdepartedfriendTwalawasplaced,underthedrip,tosee,suggestedGood,howhewas"pickling,"orforsomedarkpurposeofherown. Then,afterbendingdowntokisshisicylipsasthoughinaffectionategreeting,shehobbledback,stoppingnowandagaintoaddresstheremark,thetenorofwhichIcouldnotcatch, tooneorotheroftheshroudedforms,justasyouorImightwelcomeanoldacquaintance. Havinggonethroughthismysteriousandhorribleceremony,shesquattedherselfdownonthetableimmediatelyundertheWhiteDeath,andbegan,sofarasIcouldmakeout,toofferupprayers. Thespectacleofthiswickedcreaturepouringoutsupplications,evilonesnodoubt,tothearchenemyofmankind,wassouncannythatitcausedustohastenourinspection. 

           "Now,Gagool,"saidI,inalowvoice—somehowonedidnotdaretospeakaboveawhisperinthatplace—"leadustothechamber." 

           Theoldwitchpromptlyscrambleddownfromthetable. 

           "Mylordsarenotafraid?"shesaid,leeringupintomyface. 

           "Leadon." 

           "Good,mylords;" andshehobbledroundtothebackofthegreatDeath. "Hereisthechamber; letmylordslightthelamp,andenter," andsheplacedthegourdfullofoiluponthefloor,andleanedherselfagainstthesideofthecave.