me," and, getting up, he took a roll from a closet.

Roger smiled quietly, as he turned it over. By a private mark upon it,
he knew that it had been written at Alnwick, and was doubtless the
proceed of some foray upon a monastery across the border. He ran his
eye over it; and then, in a sonorous voice, proceeded to read it aloud.

"I thank you," the priest said, when he had finished. "Truly you are an
admirable reader, and well skilled in deciphering. I wonder that you
held not some more important post than that of cellarer."

Roger laughed.

"I might have done so," he said, "but in truth, I am not strict enough
in matters of discipline to suit our prior, and am somewhat over fond
of the wine cup. More than once, when it seemed that I might have been
chosen as reader to the monastery, I fell into disgrace, and lost my
chance; and indeed, I was far better pleased with my post, there, than
if they had appointed me sub-prior."

Any vestige of doubt there might have been in the priest's mind had
vanished, as Roger read; for he was conscious that he, himself, could
not have picked up a manuscript and have deciphered it so easily and
fluently.

"It must be trying to you, good father," Roger went on, "to be among
men who, if reports speak truly, are somewhat lawless, and hold even
the church in but slight respect. Surely, among them there can be but
little scope for your abilities?"

"'Tis true, brother; but they are, you know, kinsmen of mine. They have
many foes across the border, and some on this side, and are forced to
hold their own as they may. It was but two days ago that they were
obliged to punish a family that have long been at feud with them, and
who might well have fallen upon their holds, if they marched into
England with Douglas. However, they have brought off two hostages for
the good behaviour of these people."

"Yes, I heard a chance word, in the village, that a party had just
returned from a foray, and had brought back a number of prisoners."

"Not a number, brother, but two girls."

"I have seen no women in the castle," Roger said.

"No. William Baird lost his wife years ago, and cares not to have women
in the hold. There is not a married man among the garrison. If a man
takes him a wife, he must go and settle on the lands.

"The women are in a safe place of keeping. They are overhead. There are
wild young fellows among the Bairds, and the girls are good looking;
therefore he thought it best t