had a notable discovery therein," said Ralph, still holding
on his pace diagonally, as heretofore.

"And may we graciously participate in the result? Doubtless 'tis a
comfortable and happy revelation," said the abbot.

"'Tis to beware of three most unlucky things, persons, or properties, I
trow,--to wit, a parson's maid, a prior's sow, and an abbot's dinner."

"And what lack they in thy honest esteem?"

"A parson's maid lacks honesty,--a prior's sow a litter,--and an abbot's
dinner lacks me!"

"Or, rather, thou lackest it."

"Why, troth, I am not over-nice in the disposition of vain words; nor
should I be over-nice in the disposal of some light scraps from your
reverence's buttery."

"Thou hast not dined?"

"Peradventure not at thy cost."

"Perchance an empty stomach may be the more apt to yield. A full belly
makes a stout heart."

"I know not. But hasten, I beseech thee. Thy questions over, we may make
merry together. Nothing less than a full flagon and a prime haunch will
suffice."

Ralph rubbed his hands at the bare idea of these prospective dainties.

"Wilt thou now disclose the name of thy master?"

"No," said Ralph; "and now for dinner."

"Prythee, in what haste?" returned Paslew, with a grin of cruel and
malicious irony. "There be some slight preliminaries to
adjust,--something to season thy haunch and whet thine appetite." He
stamped with his foot, and the two attendants entered, bearing
instruments of uncouth and horrid appearance.

"Thou mayest spare my bones and thy gimcracks. With all thy screwing,
thou canst not yet squeeze raindrops from the rock."

"I cry thee favour. Thou hast dared the stroke,--thou hast courted the
vengeance thou wouldest withstand, but thou shalt yield or break. Seize
him."

"Stand back, caitiffs!" said Ralph, with a look of deep and unutterable
scorn. "But to thee!--words would fail to express my contempt, my
derision, my defiance of thy puny power! Read, and skulk back to thy
cell!"

He drew from his doublet a small roll of parchment, which Paslew, with
unfeigned astonishment and vexation, recognised as a safe warranty from
the Archbishop of York, wherein the bearer, under whatever manner or
distinction he might choose to adopt, was charged with a secret mission
from the leaders of the "_Pilgrimage_" touching the success and
wellbeing of the Catholic faith, and the prosperity of the Holy Church.
All abbots, priests, and others, being true sons of the Church,