But it would be impossible to describe the consternation of the
chieftain when he read therein a formal grant, bequeathing the whole of
these vast possessions to Robert de Whalley and his heirs for ever.
The dean, apparently with surprise, and a well-feigned indignation at
the fraud which the hermit intended to have put upon him, exclaimed--
"I had a grievous suspicion long ago that this hoary hypocrite would
play me false; and indeed his great unwillingness to show the deed led
me to think that he meditated some deadly wrong."
"But wherefore," inquired the chieftain, "should there be messengers to
Halton with news and credentials so explicit that the estate was left
without let or encumbrance to the Lady Fitz-Eustace? A web of mystery is
here which we will speedily unravel. Who gave thee this deed? and
wherefore shouldest thou conceal it?" said he, addressing the hermit.
"Roger de Fitz-Eustace," replied the prisoner, "thine honour is abused.
That lying instrument was never in my charge."
"Why hast thou refused to render up the deed?"
"Lest it should fall into the hands of robbers, and thou shouldest be
cheated of thine inheritance.
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