they say the faggots are somewhat green."

Cicely paled a little--who would not, even in those cruel days?--then
asked--

"And what is it that you seek, or that we can give? A confession of our
guilt, to cover up your crime in the eyes of the world? If so, you shall
never have it, though we burn by inches."

"Yes, I seek that, but for your own sakes, not for mine, since those who
confess and repent may receive absolution. Also I seek more--the rich
jewels which you have in hiding, that they may be used for the purposes
of the Church."

Then it was that Cicely showed the courage of her blood.

"Never, never!" she cried, turning on him with eyes ablaze. "Torture
and slay me if you will, but my wealth you shall not thieve. I know not
where these jewels are, but wherever they may be, there let them lie
till my heirs find them, or they rot."

The Abbot's face grew very evil.

"Is that your last word, Cicely Foterell?" he asked.

She bowed her head, and he repeated the question to Emlyn, who
answered--

"What my mistress says, I say."

"So be it!" he exclaimed. "Doubtless you sorceresses put your trust in
the devil. Well, we shall see if he will help you to-morrow."

"God will help us," replied Cicely in a quiet voice. "Remember my words
when the time comes."

Then he went.

CHAPTER XII

THE STAKE

It was an awful night. Let those who have followed this history think of
the state of these two women, one of them still but a girl, who on the
morrow, amidst the jeers and curses of superstitious men, were to suffer
the cruelest of deaths for no crime at all, unless the traffickings of
Emlyn with Thomas Bolle, in which Cicely had small share, could be held
a crime. Well, thousands quite as blameless were called on to undergo
that, and even worse fates in the days which some name good and old,
the days of chivalry and gallant knights, when even little children were
tormented and burned by holy and learned folk who feared a visible or at
least a tangible devil and his works.

Doubtless their cruelty was that of terror. Doubtless, although he
had other ends to gain which to him were sacred, the Abbot Maldon did
believe that Cicely and Emlyn had practised horrible witchcraft; that
they had conversed with Satan in order to revenge themselves upon him,
and therefore were too foul to live. The "Old Bishop" believed it also,
and so did the black-browed Prior and the most of the ignorant people
who lived around a