"
"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.
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