s ago. Doubtless Mary Durden got no more than she
deserved, and mayhap she was punished for deeds we wot not of.
Perchance Master Manners would not deny the charge if he were here,
and faith! I remember me now that Margaret did say he was left behind
with Dorothy, and then Doll left him and galloped on."

"Yes, that was it," Sir Henry said, "and Eustace, who was left behind,
saw them quarrelling and fetched me back to stay the strife."

"Well, prithee now, go on," exclaimed the knight. "You saw him killed,
and said naught?"

"No."

"And let me hang another for it. Truly, 'tis a right noble way to
treat a host."

"Nay, you are too hard upon me. I thought he was but thrashing
the knave, and as that was no affair of mine I left him to it, but
afterwards his body was found in exactly the same spot. I was away
when the ordeal was performed, else I had told thee what I had seen.
Eustace will bear me out in all I have told you; question him for
yourselves. But now, if you still think well enough of Master Manners
to mate him with the peerless Dorothy, I am sorry alike for her and
your vows of knighthood."

"Come that is right enough," exclaimed the dame, "and Master Manners
has not denied the accusation yet."

"Then he shall soon have the opportunity," said the baron, "for hither
he comes; he could not have come at a readier moment."

John Manners had waited a long time for Dorothy's return, and now,
half fearing that some accident had befallen her, he had willingly
acceded to the request of the ladies and had set forth to find her.
Hearing voices in the house, he approached it to pursue his inquiries,
when the watchful eye of Sir George Vernon immediately espied him.

"Pardon my intrusion," exclaimed Manners, "but I am in search
of Mistress Dorothy. She left us to fetch some balls and has not
returned."

"Hie, man," interrupted Sir George, "we have a serious charge
preferred against thee; thou art just come right to answer it."

"Have I been stealing some fair maiden's heart?" he laughingly
inquired.

"Nay, listen! 'tis a charge of murder; but I tell thee frankly, I
don't believe a word of it."

"A charge of murder," echoed Manners blankly, "a charge of murder, and
against me! This is past endurance, 'tis monstrous! Whom have I slain,
I pray thee tell me?"

"The Derby packman," promptly returned De la Zouch, "and thou knowest
I saw thee do it."

"You lie. I never saw the man until he was dead. Thou shalt