Robert de Whalley immediately presented himself, with arms folded, and
an air of great ceremony in his behaviour.
"Thou hast been prompt to our bidding; the lark, I trow, had but newly
risen from her bed ere thou wast away from thine," said the baron.
"Three weary miles through this grim forest is good speed ere matins;
but I knew the occasion was urgent, and my lord's commands admit not of
delay. The palfrey which you so pleasantly noted yestereen is the sole
companion of my pilgrimages to and fro for the good of this noble house.
I did offer prayers for the soul of the deceased ere matins this
morning, in the chapel."
"Hast heard aught of, or communicated with, the traitor thou didst
denounce to me privily yesterday?"
"Being holden as one of great sanctity, by common report, peradventure
it were dangerous to lay hands on him without an express warranty from
our chief."
"He shall be summoned to our court. Adam de Dutton"--
"Stay, my lord," said the wily dean. "I would, with all due submission,
urge that caution were best in this matter."
"Caution, De Whalley! and to what end? Are not the Lacies able to
execute as well as to command? or is the lax ministration of justice now
complained of throughout the realm prevailing here also? By the beard of
Hugh Lupus, I will be heard, and obeyed too!"
"In good sooth, my lord, I see nor let nor hindrance in this matter,
provided that he whom we seek were of such ordinary capacities that be
common to flesh and blood, and subject to the same laws; but when we
have to cope with the devil, we must use his subtilty.
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