This traitor hath long had an eye to the
possession."
"'Tis his," returned the constable, sternly, "by this good title."
"'Tis a fraud--a base attempt put forth by this cut-purse to wrest it
from thee. Search him, and if thou findest not another, and of a
different tenor, hidden about his goodly person, let me die a traitor's
death."
"I see not that our power hath need of such a pleasant exercise. Thou
art accused by him of treachery; and verily 'tis a vain attempt to rid
thee of the charge to throw back the accusation upon him thou hast
wronged."
"My Lord de Fitz-Eustace," said the dean,--but Roger looked displeased
at this style and address, reminding him so soon of the departure of his
lately-assumed title De Lacy,--"your ear and mine have been too long
abused by this plotting wizard. He is now subject to my authority.
Hereby do I assume my rights, and arraign the culprit before my
tribunal."
The ambitious churchman approached the judgment-seat, whereon he was
just ascending; but the hermit, with a desperate effort, burst from his
bonds, and ere the guards could arrest him, he had grasped his adversary
by the throat.
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