f
apparent hesitation, spoke aloud.

"It is with great grief that I learn that one of our own brethren
has been heard to utter words which sound strangely like those of
heresy; but since it is our bounden duty that strict justice be
done to all, whether high or low, rich or poor, nay, whether it be
our own son or brother, I here call upon Brother Emmanuel to stand
forth publicly, as others have done, and answer the charge brought
against him."

The prior looked round as he spoke these words in a loud voice; but
there was no movement either in the crowd or amongst the cowled
monks, and he spoke the name again without eliciting any response.

The Lord of Mortimer leaned forward and spoke to his neighbour.

"Methinks this brother was a member of your household, Sir Oliver,"
he said, with a gleam of malice in his eye. "Surely you received a
mandate bidding you come with all your household. Where is this
preceptor of your sons?"

"His duties ceased last night," replied Sir Oliver calmly, in a
tone loud enough to reach the prior's ears. "He had command to
return today to the priory, and last evening he said farewell to me
and mine. I have not seen him today."

"Did he know of the summons to all to attend the gathering here
today?"

Sir Oliver bent his head.

"He did. I showed him the paper myself."

"Then wherefore is he not here?"

"That know I not. I did not know he was not here. I do not know it
even now. I have never known Brother Emmanuel fail in obedience
yet."

The name was being whispered all round. The monks were professing
to be searching for the missing brother. The prior looked at Sir
Oliver with some sternness.

"Where is this monk?" he asked,

"I do not know," was the firm response. "I have not seen him since
his farewell yesternight."

"You thought he was coming hither?"

"I knew naught. He told me naught of his purposes."

The prior's eyes flashed ominously.

"Have a care, Sir Oliver, have a care. Brother Emmanuel is yet
within the walls of Chad. I have reason to know he has not left
them the whole of this past week. He has been disobedient to his
vow of submission. He has not come at my bidding."

"I know naught of it," replied the knight calmly.

The Lord of Mortimer leaned forward once more with an evil smile in
his eyes.

"Let not mistaken generosity get the better of prudence, my
brother," he said, with derisiveness in his tone. "You know well
that the penalty of hiding and h