for purposes not immediately connected with its original design. A
small chamber was devoted to the poorer sort of travellers, who craved a
night's lodging on their journey. Beneath was a place of confinement,
for the refractory vassals and serfs, when labouring under their
master's displeasure. It was here the garrulous clerk said he had been
scared by the ghost, and his reluctance to proceed evidently increased
as he drew nearer. He did not fail to point out the spot, but resolutely
refused to budge a step farther.

"We had best return," said he; "I have told thee what I know of the
matter."

"And what should scare thee so mightily, friend," said De Poininges,
"from out the prior's grange? Methinks, these ghosts of thine had a
provident eye to their bellies. These haunters to the granary had less
objection to the victuals than to a snuff of the wind before cock-crow."

"I know not," replied Amen, rather doggedly; "'tis all I heard, though
there be more that live hereabout than the prior and his monks, I trow."

"Thou hast been here ofttimes o' nights?" carelessly inquired the other.

"I have, upon some chance occasion it may be; but since that ugly noise
got wind, to which my own ears bear testimony, I was not over-curious to
pass within hearing, though it were only the rogues, some said, that
were mulcting the flour-sacks."

"But thou knowest there was a hint dropped a while ago at the hostel,
that the maiden, whom thou hast now forgotten, methinks, had some
connection with this marvellous tale of thine; and now, it seems, I am
to believe 'tis but the knaves or the rats purloining the prior's corn!
Hark thee, friend," said De Poininges, in a stern tone, "no more
evasion: no turn or equivocation shall serve thee: out with it, and lead
on, or"--

A bright flash from his falchion here revealed the peril that he
threatened.

"_Miserere mei_--Oh,--_Salve et!_"--

"Silence, knave, and pass quickly; but remember, if I catch thee
devising any sleight or shuffle, this sharp point shall quicken thee to
thy work. It may prove mighty efficacious, too, as a restorative for a
lapsed memory."

"I'll tell thee all!--but--hold that weapon a little back, I prithee.
Nay--nay, thou wouldest not compass a poor man's death in such haste."

"Lead on, then, but be discreet," said De Poininges, softly, at the same
time pushing him forward at his sword's point.

"Here is some help to mine errand, or my craft fails me this bout.