# I explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by M. R. James.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters