s a sign that the King is temporal lord of the land."

"We do not deny that," said the other.

"Some do," said the Prior feebly.

There was a little more discussion. Dom Anthony remarked that it was not
a matter of temporal but spiritual headship that was in question. To
meddle with the Religious Orders was to meddle with the Vicar of Christ
under whose special protection they were; and it seemed to him at least
a probable opinion, so far as he had had time to consider it, that to
yield, even in the hopes of saving their property ultimately, was to
acquiesce in the repudiation of the authority of Rome.

And so it went on for an hour; and then as it grew late, the Prior rose
once more, and asked if any one had a word to say who had not yet
spoken.

Chris had intended to speak, but all that he wished to ask had already
been stated by others; and he sat now silent, staring up at the Prior,
and down at the smooth boarded floor at his feet. He had not an idea
what to do. He was no theologian.

Then the Prior unmasked his last gun.

"As regards the matter of time for consideration, that is now passed. In
spite of what some have said we have had sufficient warning. All here
must have known that the choice would be laid before them, for months
past; it is now an answer that is required of us."

He paused a moment longer. His lips began to tremble, but he made a
strong effort and finished.

"Master Petre will be here to-night, as my lord Cromwell's
representative, and will sit in the chapter-house to-morrow to receive
the surrender."

Dom Anthony started to his feet. The Prior made a violent gesture for
silence, and then gave the signal to break up.

* * * * *

Again the bewildering day went past. The very discipline of the house
was a weakness in the defence of the surprised party. It was impossible
for them to meet and discuss the situation as they wished; and even the
small times of leisure seemed unusually occupied. Dom Anthony was busy
at the guest-house; one of the others who had spoken against the
proposal was sent off on a message by the Prior, and another was ordered
to assist the sacristan to clean the treasures in view of the Visitor's
coming.

Chris was not able to ask a word of advice from any of those whom he
thought to be in sympathy with him.

He sat all day over his antiphonary, in the little carrel off the
cloister, and as he worked his mind toiled like a mill.