lse will ye be known for a couple of errant
knaves as ever went a-mousing into an owl's nest! Hence, begone!" said
the hermit, as he drave them from his threshold; and the counterfeit
monks went back to Whalley in haste, reporting the ill success of their
mission.

"Nevertheless," said De Whalley, "I have some clue to the search, if
the glance of his eye, which these varlets have reported, do show truly
where the treasure is hidden. I will foil the old fox yet with his own
weapons."

This comfortable reflection, in all probability, moderated his anger at
the unskilful disposition of his messengers, whom he dismissed with
little ceremony from his presence.

In the meantime the new castellan was exercising his power with
unsparing and immoderate severity. Oliver de Wortshorn was almost
heartbroken; the old man suddenly found himself reduced to the condition
of a mere dependant on the self-will and caprice of this petty tyrant,
his authority having been usurped, and his office wrested from him, by
the hand of a stranger. Adam de Dutton[51] was the name of this new
functionary, and he rode it out bravely over the necks of the servants
and retainers, discharging some, punishing others, and making the whole
community groan beneath the iron yoke of his oppression. Had there been
a master-spirit to wield the elements of conspiracy, and unite the
several members, so as to act from one common impulse, matters were just
ripe for rebellion.

Early in the morning, after a day of more than ordinary discipline,
Oliver bent his feeble steps to the hermitage. He laid his complaints
before the occupier of the cell, who was ever ready to administer aid
and comfort to the afflicted.

"Take little heed of the deputy now," said the holy man, "his master
will be here anon. I hear the tramp of armed men, with the herald's
trumpet. I see the red griffin, and the banner of the Fitz-Eustace."

"But, holy father, Sir Ulphilas," replied the ejected steward, "there is
no peace either by night or day, and we are nigh worn out with his
waywardness and oppression. If it might be that your reverence would
come with me, peradventure the churl would grow tame at your presence."

The hermit, complying with this importunity, accompanied Oliver to the
castle.

In the hall Adam de Dutton was about consigning one of the villains,
for some venial offence, unto the whipping-post and the stocks. The
accused besought his inexorable judge for some remissi