 expense - the
ruins belong to Sir Arthur himself, so there can be no objection - do you think
we shall succeed in this way of managing the matter?«
    »Bah! - you will not find one copper thimble - But Sir Arthur will do his
pleasure. I have showed him how it is possible - very possible - to have de
great sum of money for his occasions - I have showed him de real experiment. If
he likes not to believe, goot Mr. Oldenbuck, it is nothing to Herman
Dousterswivel - he only loses de money and de gold and de silvers - dat is all.«
    Sir Arthur Wardour cast an intimidated glance at Oldbuck, who, especially
when present, held, notwithstanding their frequent difference of opinion, no
ordinary influence over his sentiments. In truth, the Baronet felt, what he
would not willingly have acknowledged, that his genius stood rebuked before that
of the Antiquary. He respected him as a shrewd, penetrating, sarcastic character
- feared his satire, and had some confidence in the general soundness of his
opinions. He therefore looked at him as if desiring his leave before indulging
his credulity. Dousterswivel saw he was in danger of losing his dupe, unless he
could make some favourable impression on the adviser.
    »I know, my goot Mr. Oldenbuck, it is one vanity to speak to you about de
spirit and de goblin. But look at this curious horn; - I know, you know de
curiosity of all de countries, and how de great Oldenburgh horn, as they keep
still in the Museum at Copenhagen, was given to de Duke of Oldenburgh by one
female spirit of de wood. Now I could not put one trick on you if I were willing
- you who know all de curiosity so well - and dere it is de horn full of coins;
- if it had been a box or case, I would have said nothing.«
    »Being a horn,« said Oldbuck, »does indeed strengthen your argument. It was
an implement of nature's fashioning, and therefore much used among rude nations,
although, it may be, the metaphorical horn is more frequent in proportion to the
progress of civilisation. And this present horn,« he continued, rubbing it upon
his sleeve, »is a curious and venerable relic, and no doubt was intended to
prove a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, to some one or other; but whether to the
adept or his patron, may be justly doubted.«
    »Well, Mr. Oldenbuck, I find you still hard of belief - but let me
