“Prithee come with me into the kitchen, we may have better quarters peradventure among the fleshpots,” said Oliver, leading the stranger through a small doorway on the left.  This coquinus of our ancestors was usually placed near the hall, for the convenience of serving.  Here, through a sliding aperture in the panel, the victuals were transferred with safety and despatch.  It was built entirely of stone, having a conical roof with a turret at the top for the escape of steam and smoke.  A fire was still burning, provided with a large cauldron suspended on a sort of versatile gibbet, by which contrivance it could be withdrawn from the flame.  Fire-rakes and fire-jacks were laid on the hearth, and around the walls were iron pots, trivets, pans, kettles, ladles, platters, and other implements of domestic economy.  Huge dressers displayed symptoms of preparation for to-morrow’s necessities, and a coarse kitchen-wench was piling fuel on the ever-burning fire.

The envoy, glad to be ensconced so near the blaze, quickly addressed himself to the task of improving it by a dexterous use of a huge faggot by way of poker.  He had thrown off his upper clothing; and the grim walls soon reddened with the rising glow.  So intent was he on an occupation which he evidently enjoyed, that he was not aware when Oliver departed, the latter slipping off unobserved to the chapel for the purpose of informing the dean of this arrival.

In one part of the kitchen was a long low-roofed recess, accessible only by a ladder, wherein dried meats, consisting of bacon, ham, deers’ tongues, mutton, venison, and other dainties of the like nature, were stored.  To this inviting receptacle was the attention of our guest more especially directed.  Without ceremony or invitation he ascended, and drawing out a formidable weapon from his belt he commenced a furious attack.

Oliver, on his return, found this worthy usurping the functions of both cook and consumer of the victual with great assiduity.  He was accompanied by the dean, who addressed the intruder as follows:—­

“How is it that we have none from the noble house of Fitz-Eustace save thou and thy company?”

The messenger looked askance from his occupation, disposing of a large mouthful of the viands with sufficient deliberation ere he vouchsafed a reply.

“Me and my company!  As goodly a band, I trow, as ever put foot to stirrup or fist to crupper! yet will I resolve thy question plain as Beeston Castle.  My lady is old, and her only son died long ago on a crusade.  Her third grandson, now in the office of constable, is out amongst the Welsh—­plague on their fiery blood!—­by reason of the absence of his elder brother, Roger, yet abroad in these Holy Wars.  Of the eldest born, Richard, we know not but that he is deceased.  He left the castle many years ago, sorely afflicted, for he was a leper.  So that, peradventure, my lady hath sent the best man she had, inasmuch as I am steward and seneschal, being appointed thereto through her ladyship’s great wisdom and discretion.”