rive her board from board. And then some say we should compound the claim for a small sum in silver.' Here the abbot paused a moment for a reply, but receiving none, he added, 'But what thinkest thou, Father Eustace? why art thou silent? '
'Because I am surprised at the question which the lord abbot of Saint Mary's asks at the youngest of his brethren.'
'Youngest in time of your abode with us, Brother Eustace,' said the abbot, 'not youngest in years, or I think in experience. Sub-prior also of this convent.'
'I am astonished,' continued Eustace, 'that the abbot of this venerable house should ask of any one whether he can alienate the patrimony of our holy and divine patroness, or give up to an unconscientious, and perhaps, a heretic baron, the rights conferred on this church by his devout progenitor. Popes and councils alike prohibit it; the honour of the living, and the weal of departed souls, alike forbid it: it may not be. To force, if he dare use it, we must surrender; but never by our consent should we see the goods of the church plundered, with as little scruple as he would drive off a herd of English beeves. Rouse yourself, reverend father, and doubt nothing but that the good cause shall prevail. Whet the spiritual sword, and direct it against the wicked who would usurp our holy rights. Whet the temporal sword, if it be necessary, and stir up the courage and zeal of your loyal vassals.'
The abbot sighed deeply. 'All this,' he said, 'is soon spoken by him who hath to act it not; but' He was interrupted by the entrance of Bennet rather hastily. 'The mule on which the sacristan had set out in the morning had returned,' he said, 'to the convent stable all over wet, and with the saddle turned round beneath her belly.'
'Sancta Maria!' said the abbot, 'our dear brother hath perished by the way!'
'It may not be,' said Eustace, hastily; 'let the bell be tolled—cause the brethren to get torches—alarm the village—hurry down to the river—I myself will be the foremost.'
The real abbot stood astonished and agape, when at once he beheld his office filled, and saw all which he ought to have ordered, going forward at the dictates of the youngest
