the prior of Chadwater in this matter,
doubtless in the hope of disgracing Sir Oliver in the eyes of the
ecclesiastical powers.

So a general feeling of excitement and uncertainty prevailed during
the early hours of the morning. Sir Oliver and his wife strove to
appear calm and tranquil, but inwardly they were consumed by
anxiety. They felt something very much approaching certainty that
their own sons knew what had befallen the monk--probably his very
hiding-place; and they were by no means certain that it might not
be within the very precincts of Chad itself. The knight's
generosity and love of justice were sufficiently stirred to make
him willing to run some risk in the cause; he had resolved to ask
no question, and to let matters take their own course. But he could
not help feeling a tremor run through him as he heard the winding
of the horn which bespoke the presence of the visitors at his gate,
and he went forth to meet them with a sinking heart, albeit his
mien was calm and untroubled and his bearing dignified and assured.

The prior and the Lord of Mortimer headed the train, and behind
followed a goodly retinue of men wearing the livery of the baron,
to say nothing of the lay brothers and the cowled monks, who were
skilful in matters pertaining to search, and who had come to assist
in the examination of the whole of the great house.

Upon the face of Lord Mortimer and upon that of his son-in-law
there was an ill-disguised look of vindictive triumph. It was easy
to see that they were fully assured of the presence of the fugitive
within these walls, and that they did not mean to leave until he
had been dragged forth from his hiding place.

The guests of the better quality were respectfully conducted into
the great hall, and refreshments were placed before them. Sir
Oliver put his whole house and possessions into the hands of the
prior, who was invited to make any kind of investigation and
examination that he thought necessary. The knight repeated what he
had said the previous day as to his entire ignorance where the monk
was hiding, and whether he was hiding at all. But no obstacle of
any kind would be placed by him against the most stringent search,
and he would either accompany the searchers or remain passive where
he was, exactly as the reverend father judged best.

This statement was well received by the prior, who turned to the
Lord of Mortimer and suggested that in the first place his armed
troopers,