concluded to sow it in the lining of an old patcht coat which I threw over my shoulders and entrusted the care of the mantle to Ascyltos, in design to get to the city by cross-ways: But as we were going out we heard somewhat on our left hand to this purpose: "They shall not escape us; they came into the wood; let's separate ourselves and beat about, that we may the better discover and take them." This put us into such a fright that Ascyltos and Gito fled through briars and brambles to the city-ward; but I turn'd back again in such a hurry that without perceiving it the precious coat drop'd from my shoulders: At last being quite tir'd and not able to go any further, I laid me down under the shelter of a tree where I first miss'd the coat: Then grief restor'd my strength, and up I got again to try if I could recover the treasure; I ran hither and thither and every where but to no purpose; but spent and wasted between toil and heaviness, I got into a thicket, where having tarried four hours, and half dead with the horror of the place, I sought the way out; but going forward, a country-man came in sight of me: Then I had need of all my confidence, nor did it fail me: I went up roundly to him, and making my moan how I had lost my self in the wood, desir'd him tell me the was to the city: He pittying my figure (for I was as pale as death, and all bemir'd) ask'd me if I had seen any one in the wood? I answer'd, not a soul--on which he courteously brought me into the highway, where he met two of his friends, who told him, they had travers'd the wood thro' and thro' but had light upon nothing but a coat, which they shew'd him. It may easily be believed I had not the courage to challenge it, tho' I knew well enough what the value of it was: This struck me more than all the rest; however, bewailing my treasure, the country-man not heeding me, and feebleness growing upon me, I slacken'd my pace, and jogg'd on slower than ordinarily.