“Tut,” angrily exclaimed Sir George, “’tis all a tale, and I for one don’t believe a word of it.  The witch killed him, and was punished for it too.”

“But I saw it,” stubbornly returned Sir Henry, “and I have a witness; one who saw it done.”

“We tried Dame Durden by the ordeal, an she was found guilty and hanged,” persisted the baron.  “And, beshrew me, that’s enough for any man”; and the Lord of Haddon reverently crossed himself to show that the trial had had the approval of his conscience.

“But,” urged De le Zouch, “I tell you I saw it done myself, and I am ready to prove it any way you choose.”

“Come now, Sir George,” interrupted Lady Vernon, “the trial may for once have led us astray, as it did in the case of Thomas Bayford sixteen years ago.  Doubtless Mary Durden got no more than she deserved, and mayhap she was punished for deeds we wot not of.  Perchance Master Manners would not deny the charge if he were here, and faith!  I remember me now that Margaret did say he was left behind with Dorothy, and then Doll left him and galloped on.”

“Yes, that was it,” Sir Henry said, “and Eustace, who was left behind, saw them quarrelling and fetched me back to stay the strife.”

“Well, prithee now, go on,” exclaimed the knight.  “You saw him killed, and said naught?”

“No.”

“And let me hang another for it.  Truly, ’tis a right noble way to treat a host.”

“Nay, you are too hard upon me.  I thought he was but thrashing the knave, and as that was no affair of mine I left him to it, but afterwards his body was found in exactly the same spot.  I was away when the ordeal was performed, else I had told thee what I had seen.  Eustace will bear me out in all I have told you; question him for yourselves.  But now, if you still think well enough of Master Manners to mate him with the peerless Dorothy, I am sorry alike for her and your vows of knighthood.”

“Come that is right enough,” exclaimed the dame, “and Master Manners has not denied the accusation yet.”

“Then he shall soon have the opportunity,” said the baron, “for hither he comes; he could not have come at a readier moment.”

John Manners had waited a long time for Dorothy’s return, and now, half fearing that some accident had befallen her, he had willingly acceded to the request of the ladies and had set forth to find her.  Hearing voices in the house, he approached it to pursue his inquiries, when the watchful eye of Sir George Vernon immediately espied him.

“Pardon my intrusion,” exclaimed Manners, “but I am in search of Mistress Dorothy.  She left us to fetch some balls and has not returned.”

“Hie, man,” interrupted Sir George, “we have a serious charge preferred against thee; thou art just come right to answer it.”

“Have I been stealing some fair maiden’s heart?” he laughingly inquired.

“Nay, listen! ’tis a charge of murder; but I tell thee frankly, I don’t believe a word of it.”