he ancient kingdom of Mercia. In fact, we see the
whole of it except that furthest part, which is covered by the Welsh
Marches and those parts which are hidden from where we stand by the high
ground of the immediate west. We can see--theoretically--the whole of
the eastern bound of the kingdom, which ran south from the Humber to the
Wash. I want you to bear in mind the trend of the ground, for some time,
sooner or later, we shall do well to have it in our mind's eye when we
are considering the ancient traditions and superstitions, and are trying
to find the _rationale_ of them. Each legend, each superstition which we
receive, will help in the understanding and possible elucidation of the
others. And as all such have a local basis, we can come closer to the
truth--or the probability--by knowing the local conditions as we go
along. It will help us to bring to our aid such geological truth as we
may have between us. For instance, the building materials used in
various ages can afford their own lessons to understanding eyes. The
very heights and shapes and materials of these hills--nay, even of the
wide plain that lies between us and the sea--have in themselves the
materials of enlightening books."

"For instance, sir?" said Adam, venturing a question.

"Well, look at those hills which surround the main one where the site for
the Castle was wisely chosen--on the highest ground. Take the others.
There is something ostensible in each of them, and in all probability
something unseen and unproved, but to be imagined, also."

"For instance?" continued Adam.

"Let us take them _seriatim_. That to the east, where the trees are,
lower down--that was once the location of a Roman temple, possibly
founded on a pre-existing Druidical one. Its name implies the former,
and the grove of ancient oaks suggests the latter."

"Please explain."

"The old name translated means 'Diana's Grove.' Then the next one higher
than it, but just beyond it, is called '_Mercy_'--in all probability a
corruption or familiarisation of the word _Mercia_, with a Roman pun
included. We learn from early manuscripts that the place was called
_Vilula Misericordiae_. It was originally a nunnery, founded by Queen
Bertha, but done away with by King Penda, the reactionary to Paganism
after St. Augustine. Then comes your uncle's place--Lesser Hill. Though
it is so close to the Castle, it is not connected with it. It is a
freehold, and, so far as w