the ground, when the wind comes mournfully through the
bare woods, and the hollow nooks and quiet caves respond with their
mystic voice, that two travellers were seen loitering up the grand
avenue that swept nobly through the western embattled gateway of Whalley
Abbey. The foremost of them wore a low-crowned cap, simply decorated
with a heron's plume, and a doublet of mulberry-coloured velvet, puffed
out capaciously at the shoulders. Trunk-hose of a goodly diameter, and
wide-flapped boots, decorated the lower extremity of his person. On his
left hand he bore a hooded falcon. The jesses were of crimson and yellow
silk, its legs fancifully adorned with little bells fastened by rings of
leather. These made a jingling and dissonant music as it flew, being
generally tuned one semitone below another, that they might be the more
sonorous considering their small size. The bearer wore a pair of stout
leathern mittens, and he carried a long pole to aid him, as it might
seem, in the chase. His manner bespoke him above the ordinary rank; and
his garb, from the minute regulations then existing in regard to dress,
showed at any rate his pretensions to nobility. This proud cavalier was
followed by one servant only, who carried a capacious wallet, not
over-well replenished with provision, as was apparent from its long lank
shape and attenuated proportions. His master's cloak was slung on the
other shoulder; and his belt displayed some implements that appeared
alike formidable as means of offence or defence.

Eventide was then drawing on, but it did not appear that the falcon had
been loosed to the game; the usual tokens of success were wanting--the
torn and bloody carcases that marked an abundant sport. Two or three of
the brethren were sitting on a bench in the gateway. In passing by, the
foremost of the strangers hastily addressed his follower.

"Ralph Newcome, plague on thee! hast thou had a call again at the
wallet? Thou guzzling tinder-throat, thy drouth is never slaked!"

Now Ralph, having felt sore oppressed with the weight of sundry leathern
bottles, loaves, and wedges of cold meat, had taken especial care to
lighten his back and load his stomach whenever the occasion was urgent.
His endeavours had not been without success, for the wallet, as we have
seen, hung from his shoulders, long, narrow, and unfurnished, save with
the scraps and relics of many a savoury junket.

"Coming, master," was the reply, sufficiently audible for