Near
the mill, on a point of land formed by an abrupt bend of the stream,
stood the storehouse or grange. It was an ample structure, serving at
times 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.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181