But the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of
Shrewsbury, at the news of this unexpected rising, were mightily amazed.
Their plans were at once terminated. Their emissaries had failed to
bring intelligence previously of the intended gathering. In the midst of
their dilemma word was brought that the Abbot of Whalley had first
lighted up the blaze of insurrection. Secretly resolving that this
meddling priest should sorely rue his mischievous exploit, they again
found themselves unwillingly obliged to enter into fresh stipulations
with their adversaries, though determining on delay, if possible, in the
hope of dividing their leaders, and of extinguishing the rebellion in
detail.
But we would crave the reader's return to the abbey, where Ralph was
left in strict durance, and possibly in some danger from the vindictive
purposes of the abbot.
Early on the following morning he was aroused from a deeptoned and
laborious stertoration, by a figure that shook him as he lay, in a
somewhat unceremonious fashion. The intruder was wrapped in a thick
cloak or tunic, and he stood gruffly erect by the straw couch, whereon
the prisoner's night-dreams had nestled in their first existence.
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