"
The criminal was not loth to obey, disappearing speedily without
hindrance, while the spectators were mute with amazement. The hermit,
too, was silent before the usurper, who, almost frantic with vexation,
cried out--
"Seize him!--help, for the Fitz-Eustace!--treason against our Lady of
Halton!"
Uttering many rapid and incoherent expressions, he approached the
hermit, who stood unmoved, apparently the only unconcerned spectator in
the rising tumult. The seneschal's guards were already in motion, but
Adam was the first who attempted the seizure.
The holy man drew back, as though from some touch of pollution.
"Hold!" cried he, "one touch and 'tis thy last. Rash fool, thou hast
provoked this rebuke!"
The hand of the seneschal had scarcely been put forth, when, lo! the
astonished deputy shrank back in dismay. A sudden change came over his
angry countenance--a look of surprise mingled with horror, as though he
could have wished the earth to gape and hide him from the object of his
apprehensions. He stood trembling, speechless, pale as ashes, expecting
immediate and condign punishment. So suddenly this change was wrought
that the spectators fancied it to be some direct interposition from
heaven; concluding that he was smitten for the sacreligious and profane
hand he had dared to stretch toward this holy man.
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