The dean cast his eyes over the document, returning it to the messenger
without either answer or inquiry, and immediately retired from the
presence of this usurper on his long-coveted possessions.
Much chagrined by so unexpected an interference, he left the castle,
even at this untimely hour. Yet his footsteps were not bent towards the
shadow of his own roof, the deanery at Whalley.
Outside the castle wall, and on the steepest side of the hill, was a
little hermitage, wherein dwelt one of those reputed saints that dealt
in miracles and prayers for the benefit of the "true believers." Many of
these solitaries were well skilled in craft and intrigue; others,
doubtless, deceived themselves as well as others in the belief that
Heaven had granted them the power to suspend and control the operations
of nature. To this habitation, occupied by one of these holy santons of
the Church, were the steps of the dean immediately directed. He raised
the latch as though accustomed to this familiarity. The chamber, a high
narrow cell, scooped out of the rock, was quite dark; but the voice was
heard, a deep sepulchral tone, as though issuing from the ground--
"Art thou here so soon, De Whalley?"
"Sir Ulphilas," said the intruder hastily, and with some degree of
agitation, "canst work miracles now? The Canaanites are come into the
land to possess it; nor will threatenings and conjurations drive them
forth.
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