Some enemy of his house, or some desperate adventurer, wishful
to further his own schemes at another's expense, was doubtless the
author of this mischief. The whole was but the discovery of a moment.
Almost before the dark thought was visible on the brow he cried out--
"Bring forward the traitor!"
But Ralph, on the first hearing of this accusation, strode forward, even
to the table, where sat the awful conclave astonished at his temerity.
He stood calmly erect, surveying his judges with a countenance scarcely
moved from its usually hard and stolid expression.
"If it be true," cried he, "as these idlers do aver, I am here to
answer. If it be false, they must look to it."
The abbot frowned at this presumptuous speech.
"Who art thou?"
"Marry, an ass ridden by fools."
"Knave, see thou be discreet and respectful in thine answers. There be
whipping-posts for knaves, and stocks for the correction of fools."
"Why, if it be for the matter of my name, I trow, 'tis of an honest
Christian-like and well-conditioned flavour; comes out of the mouth
sharp as a beer-spigot. Men call me Ralph."
"And from whence?" said the abbot, impatiently.
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