the south west, the Abbot and his monks in the house he had
left were prostrate before the high altar in the dark church, each in
his stall, praying for mercy.

"O God, the heathens are come into thine inheritance," they murmured,
"they have defiled thy holy temple."

* * * * *

It was not until the sun was going down in the stormy west that Ralph
rode up to Durford abbey. The rain had ceased an hour before sunset, and
the wet roofs shone in the evening light.

There were certain signs of stir as he came up. One or two idlers were
standing outside the gate-house; the door was wide open, and a couple of
horses were being led away round the corner.

Inside the court as he rode through he saw further signs of confusion.
Half a dozen packhorses were waiting with hanging heads outside the
stable door, and an agitated lay brother was explaining to a canon in
his white habit, rochet and cap, that there was no more room. He threw
out his hands with a gesture of despair towards Ralph as he came in.

"Mother of God!" he said, "here is another of them."

The priest frowned at him, and hurried up to Ralph.

"Yes, father," said Ralph, "I am another of them."

The canon explained that the stable was full, that they were
exceedingly sorry, but that they were but a poor house; and that he was
glad to say there was an outhouse round the corner outside where the
beasts could be lodged.

"But as for yourself, sir," he said, "I know not what to do. We have
every room full. You are a friend of Dr. Layton's, sir?"

"I am one of the Visitors," said Ralph. "You must make room."

The priest sucked his lips in.

"I see nothing for it," he said, "Dr. Layton and you, sir, must share a
room."

Ralph threw a leg over the saddle and slipped to the ground.

"Where is he?" he asked.

"He is with my Lord Abbot, sir," he said. "Will you come with me?"

The canon led the way across the court, his white fur tails swinging as
he went, and took Ralph through the cloister into one of the parlours.
There was a sound of a high scolding voice as he threw open the door.

"What in God's name are ye for then, if ye have not hospitality?"

Dr. Layton turned round as Ralph came in. He was flushed with passion;
his mouth worked, and his eyes were brutal.

"See this, Mr. Torridon," he said. "There is neither room for man or
beast in this damned abbey. The guest house has no more than half a
dozen rooms, and the st