Page:Mysterious cavern.pdf/17

 altar and the throne was a tripod, resembling that of Pythia, in the temple of Delphi, which was placed opposite to a golden vase, filled with burning coals, upon which the Count de Nevers read the name of Nicholas Flamel.

After having attentively observed all these strange objects, he demanded to what place he was led, and for what purpose? "To the temple of death or immortality!" replied the lady in a solemn tone. Fixing upon this woman a look of indignation more than astonishment—"I am in your power," said the Count; "whatever your designs may be, my enquiries, I suppose, would be useless; but I---" "Your questions are indeed useless; the time for answering them is not yet come," interrupted the lady;" "make yourself easy, the poinard of the assassin cannot reach you here--you are sheltered from all danger;" and opening a secret door, she made him enter a chamber where he found a bed: two wax lights, which had not any thing magical about them, were set on the table, on which the Negress also placed a cup full of liquor, that diffused the most delicious perfume. After bidding him drink of this restorative, she told him she had much to do elsewhere, and assuring him he had nothing to fear from her who had saved his life, waving her hand, she departed, followed by the Negress, leaving De Nevers in an astonishment which increased every moment. However, after some minutes reflection upon all the circumstances of this strange adventure, he was so convinced by the conduct of the lady, that there could be no reason to fear the person who had really saved him, that he determined to make use of her last gift to assuage the thirst which tormented him. Carrying the crystal cup to his lips, he found the taste more delicious than the perfume it