Miser's Gold

"Nay, have no fear. The man was blind," said she. "How could he see ’twas we that took his gold? "The devil, man! I thought you were bold!" "This is a chancy business!" muttered he, "And we’ll be lucky if we get to sea. "The fellow deals with demons, I’ve been told." "Let’s open the chest, shut up and take a hold." Then silence as they knocked the hinges free. A glint of silver and a sheen of jade – Two strange gems gleaming from a silken fold – Rare plunder – gods, was that a hidden blade? A scream, a curse, two bodies stark and cold. With jewel eyes above them crawled and swayed The serpent left to watch the miser’s gold.