ightful lord by inheritance--Sir Edward Chadwell."

The partisans of Mortimer raised a cheer; those of Chad received
the challenge with groans and curses. Sir Oliver spoke not a word,
but sat with his head proudly erect, and his eyes gleaming somewhat
dangerously; whilst the prior commanded silence by a gesture of his
hand, and spoke to quell the tumult.

"My Lord of Mortimer, I have far more trust than you in the
integrity of good Sir Oliver. I trow he will be able to clear
himself of whatever suspicions lie upon him; and if the monk be
found within his house, he shall have every opportunity of
explaining his presence there. At the same time, I will not deny
that it will look ill for him if he be found there; and that the
tongues of all suspicious persons may be silenced, so that none
shall say there has been opportunity for him to get the monk
secretly away from the place, I will double the watch that has
already been set around Chad, and I will send thither with Sir
Oliver and his family two of my trustiest sons, Brother Fabian and
Brother Nathaniel, to keep strict watch within doors, that there be
no cause for any enemy to say that any there have aided an unlawful
escape, or have striven to hide a miscreant from those who justly
demand him."

Sir Oliver bent his head.

"Any brother coming from Chadwater will be an honoured guest at
Chad," he said. "I was about to ask if Brother Fabian was to be
sent thither to instruct my sons."

"Ay, and to find out what germs of heresy yon false monk may not
have implanted!" cried Lord Mortimer, losing control of himself as
he saw the calmness of his enemy, and felt that the prey he had so
confidently looked to be his might even now slip from his grasp.
"It was those lads from Chad who strove to protect yon miserable
hunchback who will be burned to ashes for his sins ere three more
days have gone by. How explain you such conduct as that, Sir
Oliver? Are you and your dame rearing up a heretic brood, to cumber
the land in days to come?"

But the prior here interposed somewhat sternly. He had no intention
of allowing his table to be made the scene of a disturbance that
might lead to bloodshed. He turned somewhat sternly upon the
haughty baron, and his words were few and plain.

"My Lord of Mortimer, Sir Oliver has answered to me for that
offence. You take something too much upon yourself in thus striving
to sit in judgment, and that in mine own presence.

"And now, gentle