that he was not aware when Oliver
departed, the latter slipping off unobserved to the chapel for the
purpose of informing the dean of this arrival.

In one part of the kitchen was a long low-roofed recess, accessible only
by a ladder, wherein dried meats, consisting of bacon, ham, deers'
tongues, mutton, venison, and other dainties of the like nature, were
stored. To this inviting receptacle was the attention of our guest more
especially directed. Without ceremony or invitation he ascended, and
drawing out a formidable weapon from his belt he commenced a furious
attack.

Oliver, on his return, found this worthy usurping the functions of both
cook and consumer of the victual with great assiduity. He was
accompanied by the dean, who addressed the intruder as follows:--

"How is it that we have none from the noble house of Fitz-Eustace save
thou and thy company?"

The messenger looked askance from his occupation, disposing of a large
mouthful of the viands with sufficient deliberation ere he vouchsafed a
reply.

"Me and my company! As goodly a band, I trow, as ever put foot to
stirrup or fist to crupper! yet will I resolve thy question plain as
Beeston Castle. My lady is old, and her only son died long ago on a
crusade. Her third grandson, now in the office of constable, is out
amongst the Welsh--plague on their fiery blood!--by reason of the
absence of his elder brother, Roger, yet abroad in these Holy Wars. Of
the eldest born, Richard, we know not but that he is deceased. He left
the castle many years ago, sorely afflicted, for he was a leper. So
that, peradventure, my lady hath sent the best man she had, inasmuch as
I am steward and seneschal, being appointed thereto through her
ladyship's great wisdom and discretion."

Here he surveyed himself with an air of indescribable assurance and
satisfaction.

"And, saving your presence," continued the deputy, "I come here as
castellan, or governor, until he whose right it is shall possess it."

"And how know we that we be not opening our gates and surrendering our
castle to some losel knave, whose only title may lie on the tip of his
tongue, and his right on the end of his rapier?"

"By this token," said the seneschal haughtily, at the same time drawing
out a formal instrument, to which was appended the broad seal of the
ancient house of Fitz-Eustace.

The dean cast his eyes over the document, returning it to the messenger
without either answer or inquiry, and imm