THE RED DRAGON

"They also say, do they not," continued Madeloun, "that many people have tried to conjure the spirits of the Black Hole and seek the treasure that is hidden?"

"That is true."

"But, according to what is claimed, no one has succeeded."

"Can one, then," ventured Claude timidly, "conjure the demons in this way and appropriate the treasures of which they are guardians?"

"Without a doubt," said Madeloun; "but for that one must be very learned and very courageous. By that account, it is not you who could go to the Black Hole, my poor Claude."

Claude did not answer Madeloun, but questioning the sorcerer again:

"At what time does one hear these sounds of the sabbat?"

"At Christmas, at All Saints' Day, and during the night of Saint John’s Eve," replied Simounen, who fixed a look full of malice upon the face of his credulous listener.

"Saint John’s Eve! That is in eight days," murmured Claude. "And what does one do, Master Simounen, to conjure the demons and get the treasure?"

"You want to know too much, little one. To learn such things, it costs dearly, and even then, not just anyone who wants to can learn them."

Saying this, the shepherd winked as if to say: "All of this, I know it myself, and I am no prouder for it."

The cunning fellow had sensed in Claude Michel an easy dupe, and in any event, he was preparing his ground. Meanwhile, Claude, who was timid above all from fear of his comrades' mockery and felt stronger when he thought and acted in isolation.