bours, paying attention to every thing the old man had said; by which means, he shortly laid hands upon the treasure, without incurring any opposition or difficulty, either from a fierce mastiff, or a scowling wolf, and without even having the light of a blue flame, to guide his steps.
He seized some of the gold coins deposited in the chest, with feelings of unspeakable joy; which being somewhat subsided, he began to think how he might best convey his treasure secretly to his lodgings. It was far too weighty to carry without assistance, and he soon began to experience some of the anxiety so inseparable from the possession of wealth. The new Crœsus could hit upon no other plan but that of placing his riches in a hollow tree, which he found in a meadow near the garden. Then putting the chest back in its place, he covered it over with earth, and made it as smooth as he could. In the course of three days he succeeded in transporting the whole of his wealth safely into his lodgings, from the hollow tree. Believing that he was at length authorized to throw off all concealment, he forthwith arrayed himself in a rich dress, ordered the prayers at church to be discontinued, and in its place, a thanksgiving to be put up for a traveller on his safe return to his native city, after having brought his affairs to a successful issue. Then he concealed himself in a corner of the
