n when he read therein a formal grant, bequeathing the whole of
these vast possessions to Robert de Whalley and his heirs for ever.

The dean, apparently with surprise, and a well-feigned indignation at
the fraud which the hermit intended to have put upon him, exclaimed--

"I had a grievous suspicion long ago that this hoary hypocrite would
play me false; and indeed his great unwillingness to show the deed led
me to think that he meditated some deadly wrong."

"But wherefore," inquired the chieftain, "should there be messengers to
Halton with news and credentials so explicit that the estate was left
without let or encumbrance to the Lady Fitz-Eustace? A web of mystery is
here which we will speedily unravel. Who gave thee this deed? and
wherefore shouldest thou conceal it?" said he, addressing the hermit.

"Roger de Fitz-Eustace," replied the prisoner, "thine honour is abused.
That lying instrument was never in my charge."

"Why hast thou refused to render up the deed?"

"Lest it should fall into the hands of robbers, and thou shouldest be
cheated of thine inheritance. This traitor hath long had an eye to the
possession."

"'Tis his," returned the constable, sternly, "by this good title."

"'Tis a fraud--a base attempt put forth by this cut-purse to wrest it
from thee. Search him, and if thou findest not another, and of a
different tenor, hidden about his goodly person, let me die a traitor's
death."

"I see not that our power hath need of such a pleasant exercise. Thou
art accused by him of treachery; and verily 'tis a vain attempt to rid
thee of the charge to throw back the accusation upon him thou hast
wronged."

"My Lord de Fitz-Eustace," said the dean,--but Roger looked displeased
at this style and address, reminding him so soon of the departure of his
lately-assumed title De Lacy,--"your ear and mine have been too long
abused by this plotting wizard. He is now subject to my authority.
Hereby do I assume my rights, and arraign the culprit before my
tribunal."

The ambitious churchman approached the judgment-seat, whereon he was
just ascending; but the hermit, with a desperate effort, burst from his
bonds, and ere the guards could arrest him, he had grasped his adversary
by the throat.

"Traitor, I warned thee beforetime. Now will I unrobe thy villany to its
very nakedness."

The hermit, thrusting one hand beneath the garment of his victim, drew
forth the real deed, which had been dexterously exchange