told it him; and there was such sincerity in his
manner, and his character both for orthodoxy and for scrupulous
truthfulness in word and deed was so widely known and respected,
that the prior's brow unbent somewhat, and he looked less stern and
severe.

"I believe your story, Sir Knight," he said. "I believe that your
sons sinned in ignorance. But none the less is it true that they
have stood champions for a pestilent heretic; and that is an
offence not likely to escape the vengeful notice of the Lord of
Mortimer, who is always on the lookout for a cause of complaint
against person or persons at Chad."

"That is very true," replied Sir Oliver, thoughtfully and gravely.
"I was greatly vexed when I heard of the affair, and chided my boys
for their hot-headed rashness. Howbeit there be many there to
testify that the man was at that time but hawking his wares, and my
sons could not know that he was a secret heretic and Lollard."

"Nay, but when that cry was raised they should not have stood at
his side as his champions without more knowledge of the truth. The
man is now known to have been preaching well nigh the whole day
long, reading portions of those accursed translations of Wycliffe's
which are damnation to all who possess them or listen to them, and
expounding thereupon in the fashion that sends persons raving mad
with the poison of heresy. The man is in hiding somewhere in the
woods about; but he will soon be caught and handed over to the
secular power to be doomed to death. And I like not the story of
your sons' part in all this; it hath an ugly look."

Sir Oliver hid his anxiety beneath a cloak of dignified submission.
He well knew the best way of putting things straight with the
prior.

"I greatly grieve over the hotheadedness of the lads, but I will
gladly make such amends as lies in my power. They sinned in
ignorance, as you, reverend father, believe, and for such sins the
indulgence of the Church may be won by the payment of such sum as
shall be thought right. If you will tell me what I ought to give to
purchase this indulgence, I will do my utmost to meet the just
claim; and Holy Church shall be richer and not poorer for the
trespass unwittingly made by the sons of Chad."

The prior looked pleased at this ready suggestion, and named a sum
which, though sufficiently heavy, was within Sir Oliver's means,
and which he promised should be immediately paid. He knew that the
prior, though a man fond of mone