And see, here is a rope which I trow will let me to the very bottom of the well, an we can once turn the water some other way; and the ass can drag me forth again--and the treasure likewise--when once this matter has been accomplished.

The hot, dry weather is coming apace.

Men say already that the springs be something low.

All this favours our plans; and if I can find the spring that feeds this well, as like enough I may, then will I make shift to turn its waters another way, and the pixies' well shall be dry!" Petronella gazed at him in surprise.
"Brother, whence comes all this knowledge to thee?
I should never have dreamed such a thing might be!" "But I have read of such things being done ere now," answered Cuthbert eagerly.

"I have spent many an hour at Master Cole's shop upon the bridge reading of such matters--how men mine and counter-mine, and dig and delve, and sink wells and drain them, and do many strange things of which we never dreamed in past days.