“We have no time for parleying,” a rough voice said.  “Throw open the gate at once, or we will break it down.”

“Ye be no outlaws,” the lady superior said, “for the outlaws are men who fear God and respect the church.  Were ye what ye say, ye would be provided with the warrants that I mention.  I warn you, therefore, that if you use force, you will be excommunicated, and placed under the ban of the church.”

The only answer was a thundering assault upon the gate, which soon yielded to the blows.  The sisters and novices ran shrieking through the corridors at this rude uproar.  The lady superior, however, stood calmly awaiting the giving way of the gate.

“Where is the Lady Margaret?” the leader of the party, who were dressed in rough garb, and had the seeming of a band of outlaws, demanded.

“I will say nothing,” she said, “nor do I own that she is here.”

“We will soon take means to find out,” the man exclaimed.  “Unless in five minutes she is delivered to us, we will burn your place to the ground.”

The lady abbess was insensible to the threat; but the men rushing in, seized some sisters, who, terrified out of their wits by this irruption, at once gave the information demanded, and the men made their way to the cell where the Lady Margaret slept.

The girl had at once risen when the tumult commenced, doubting not in her mind that this was another attempt upon the part of her enemy to carry her off.  When, therefore, she heard heavy footsteps approaching along the gallery—­having already hastily attired herself—­she opened the door and presented herself.

“If you seek the Lady Margaret of Evesham,” she said calmly, “I am she.  Do not harm any of the sisters here.  I am in your power, and will go with you at once.  But I beseech you add not to your other sins that of violence against holy women.”

The men, abashed by the calm dignity of this young girl, abstained from laying hands upon her, but merely motioned to her to accompany them.  Upon their way they met the man who appeared to be their leader, and he, well pleased that the affair was over, led the way to the courtyard.

“Farewell, my child,” the abbess exclaimed.  “God will deliver you from the power of these wicked men.  Trust in Him, and keep up your courage.  Wickedness will not be permitted to triumph upon the earth; and be assured that the matter shall be brought to the ears of the pope’s legate, and of Prince John himself.”

She could say no more, for the men closing round the weeping girl, hurried her out from the convent.  A litter awaited them without, and in this the young lady was placed, and, borne upon the shoulders of four stout men, she started at a fast pace, surrounded closely by the rest of the band.