s, felt the stern eyes
upon them and grew restless; for none knew how soon he might be called
forward for rebuke before them all. And Aldam did not spare words when
he administered his corrections; and not one of the Cistercians but
would have chosen the heaviest task of the fields for four and twenty
hours in preference to a single minute's lashing by his biting tongue.

On the Abbot's right was Father James, the Prior, whose jolly face and
ample girth were equalled only by the Sub-prior, Father Albert, the
favorite of all the Abbey, who permitted the monks to do their own
sweet wills so long as it did not interfere with the necessary labors
of the farms and religious ceremonies.

"Let the names of the candidates for admission to full brotherhood in
our holy Order be read," the Abbot ordered.

The Chancellor stepped forward and with much rattle of parchment opened
the roll and cleared his throat preparatory to intoning. But he got no
further. The religious calm was rudely broken by the clash of steel on
the bare pavement of the ante-chamber, and as Aldam raised his head in
angry surprise the door was flung back and the two Knights, visors up,
strode down the aisle.

Instantly there was confusion; the monks, like timid children, drew far
away from these impious invaders of their peacefulness; some made as
though to flee; and all broke out into cries of alarm and terror.

The Abbot sprang to his feet, his eyes flashing, his face pale with
suppressed ire.

"Silence!" he thundered. "Return this instant to your seats, you
fearful ones!"

The brothers huddled back into their places, trembling. There was for
them small choice between the anger of their ruler and the armed men in
their midst.

"Truly this is strange conduct for Sir John de Bury and Sir Aymer de
Lacy," the Abbot exclaimed as they halted before the dais. "Since
when, pray, has it been deemed knightly to offer such affront to Holy
Church?"

"Since a mitred Abbot of Holy Church has shamed his sacred office," De
Lacy answered curtly.

"What, sirs!" Aldam cried. "Do you dare insult the Abbot of Kirkstall,
here in his very chapter, and hope to go unpunished either in this
world or the next?"

Aymer folded his arms over the shaft of his battle axe and laughed
grimly.

"In this world methinks small need have we to fear your reverence; and
as for the next world we will chance it. But be advised: tax us not
with threats; our patience is likely to