Each draws from beneath his cape a huge key, which one
after the other are applied to the two locks; a system of
bolts, which radiate from the centre of the lid and shoot
into the iron sides in a dozen different places, slide back,
and the lid is opened. At the top lies the register of
the contents, containing the particulars;--dates, names,
and amounts--of the loans granted. This they remove
and begin to compare its statements with the contents of
the chest. There are a large number of manuscript
volumes, many of great value, beautifully illuminated and
carefully kept, for each is almost the sole valuable possession
perhaps of its owner! Then the money remaining in
one corner of the chest is carefully counted and compared
with the account in the register. If we look in we can
see also here and there among the books other valuables
of less peaceful character. There lie two or three daggers
of more than ordinary workmanship, and by them a silver
cup or two, and again more than one hood lined with
minever. By this time a number of persons has collected
around the chest, and the business begins. That man in
an ordinary civilian's dress who stands beside Master
Parys is John More, the University stationer, and it is his
office to fix the value of the pledges offered, and to take
care that none are sold at less than their real value.
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