Short Fiction · Chapter
I explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Somerton, an antiquary, translates a passage from the Sertum Steinfeldense Norbertinum about Abbot Thomas von Eschenhausen's hidden treasure. He identifies three stained-glass figures (Job, John, Zechariah) in a private chapel as part of the Abbot's window, and believes their scrolls contain clues to the treasure's location. After careful study, he prepares to travel abroad to pursue the riddle.
Themes in this chapter
Antiquarianism and the Past
Mr. Somerton's meticulous research into stained glass and Latin texts exemplifies the antiquarian pursuit of historical knowledge.
The Curse of Knowledge
The riddle of the treasure, hinted at by Abbot Thomas, suggests that uncovering secrets may lead to unforeseen consequences.
Guardianship of Secrets
Abbot Thomas deliberately encoded the location of his treasure in the window, guarding it for future generations to decipher.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Somerton
The antiquary who translates the Latin passage, identifies the stained-glass figures, and deciphers the riddle of Abbot Thomas's hidden treasure.
- Abbot Thomas
Abbot Thomas von Eschenhausen of Steinfeld, who concealed a treasure and left clues in a painted window; his works and death are described in the Sertum.
Key passages
“Auro est locus in quo absconditur”
There is a place where gold is hidden.
The inscription on Job's scroll, altered from the Vulgate, hints at the hidden treasure.
“Habent in vestimentis suis scripturam quam nemo novit”
They have on their garments a writing that no one knows.
The inscription on John's book, a modified biblical verse, suggests a secret message.
“Super lapidem unum septem oculi sunt”
Upon one stone are seven eyes.
Zechariah's scroll, unaltered, may refer to a specific stone or location.