of the narrow opening. He beckoned to his
companions, and at once ushered them into a low chamber. A lamp, half
extinguished, stood on the floor; the walls were nearly bare, and
streaked in various colours by the moisture filtering from the roof; a
curiously-carved oak-table, and two or three stone benches comprised the
furniture of the apartment; a few rusty swords, with two large pistols
nearly falling from their holsters, hung from the wall. In one corner,
reposing in decayed dignity, were seen some halberds, with several
unmatched pairs of mildewed boots; near to the window, or rather
loop-hole, heaped up in dust and disorder, lay a score or two of rusty
helmets, their grim appurtenances mostly broken and disjointed.

Pacing to and fro in this audience-chamber appeared a figure of about
the middle size, attired in a loose open garment. His head was nearly
bald; a few thin locks only hung from the lower part of his poll; and
yet his age was not so far advanced as the scanty covering of his
forehead might seem to intimate. He paused not as they entered; but
during the greater part of the succeeding interview persevered in the
same restless and abrupt gait, as though repose were anguish, and it was
only by a continued change of position that he could soothe the rising
perturbation of his spirit.

"Is this your haste, when my commands are most urgent?"

He turned sharply upon them as he spoke: his eyes grew wild and keen;
but at times a heaviness and languor, as if from long watching, seemed
to oppress them.

"We could not"--Michael was stammering out an apology, when thus
interrupted:--

"Enough! I know what thou wouldst say. Let thy comrade remain below.
Geoffery, conduct him to the refectory; Michael abides here. Haste, and
let refreshments be prepared."

What was the purport of the conversation that ensued may be surmised
from the following history.

Old Hardpiece, grumbling the greater part of the way, led his companion
through a labyrinth of stairs and passages to a small room, where a huge
flagon of ale, with cold beef and other substantial articles for
breakfast, were about being displayed. Anthony, nothing loth, threw
aside his cap, and unbraced his girdle, for the more capacious disposal
of such savoury and delicious viands. A heavy pull at the tankard again
brought out Master Geoffery's deep-mouthed oratory. Anthony's tongue
grew more nimble as his appetite waxed less vigorous; he asked many
questio