had with difficulty contrived to fetch them from thence
the day preceding, and twice that number would hardly have sufficed to
transport them thither. It was not to be gainsayed that a power superior
to their own was the agent in removals so mysterious. Nothing now
remained but to acquaint their lord with this second interruption; and
their diligence in performing this duty, they hoped, might exculpate
them from the heavy doom they had incurred. Some of the wiser and more
stout-hearted were chosen to carry these tidings to the Thane, hoping to
clear themselves from the ban, as well as to return with commands for
their future proceedings.

Gamel de Recedham, or Rochdale, had his dwelling in the ancient castle
built by the Romans on the verge of a steep hill jutting into the valley
of the Roach. It was a place difficult of access, save on the southern
side, where a wide ditch formed an effectual defence, and over which a
narrow bridge admitted only two abreast in front of the outer gate. It
was now, in some places, fast going to decay, but enough remained out of
its vast bulk to form a dwelling for the Saxon and his followers. It had
been once fortified throughout; the castle, or keep, being four-square,
flanked at the corners with stone towers. The lower part of the walls
was composed of large pebbles mixed with brick, and held together by a
firm cement. Higher up, and continued to the summit, were alternate rows
of brick and freestone. The corners were faced with stone, making a very
formidable appearance when guarded by slingers and throwers of darts,
who were stationed there only in times of great peril.

Passing the vallum, or outer defence, they ascended a narrow staircase
outside the keep, where the cringing serfs were admitted by four of the
lord's Norman bowmen, who ushered them into the audience-chamber. Some
of the Thane's men were habited in coats of mail, made of small pieces
of iron, cut round at the bottom, and set on a leathern garment, so as
to fold over each other like fish-scales, the whole bending with the
greatest ease, and yet affording a sufficient protection to the wearer.

The chamber of audience was situated at the uppermost part of the keep,
and great was the apprehension of the intruders, whilst following their
guides through the winding passages and gloomy staircases leading to the
inner cell occupied by their chief. The disposition of the armed
men,--their warlike habiliments, and the vario