“Reverend father, I do not willingly speak ill of my neighbours, least of all of one who is now near akin to me through the marriage of my daughter with Sir Edward, who comes of the old stock of Chad.  Yet I cannot but state here, in this place, that I hold Sir Oliver to have drawn down suspicion upon himself by failing to give up Brother Emmanuel a week ago when it was demanded of him.  There be something to my mind strange and unworthy in such an act; and I here call upon all men to witness that I verily believe we shall find this traitor monk sheltering within the walls of Chad, and that if this be so I shall openly accuse Sir Oliver before all the world—­before the king himself—­of harbouring traitors and heretics, and shall make petition that Chad and all that pertains to it be forfeit, as the penalty for such evil courses, and be given to the rightful lord by inheritance—­Sir Edward Chadwell.”

The partisans of Mortimer raised a cheer; those of Chad received the challenge with groans and curses.  Sir Oliver spoke not a word, but sat with his head proudly erect, and his eyes gleaming somewhat dangerously; whilst the prior commanded silence by a gesture of his hand, and spoke to quell the tumult.

“My Lord of Mortimer, I have far more trust than you in the integrity of good Sir Oliver.  I trow he will be able to clear himself of whatever suspicions lie upon him; and if the monk be found within his house, he shall have every opportunity of explaining his presence there.  At the same time, I will not deny that it will look ill for him if he be found there; and that the tongues of all suspicious persons may be silenced, so that none shall say there has been opportunity for him to get the monk secretly away from the place, I will double the watch that has already been set around Chad, and I will send thither with Sir Oliver and his family two of my trustiest sons, Brother Fabian and Brother Nathaniel, to keep strict watch within doors, that there be no cause for any enemy to say that any there have aided an unlawful escape, or have striven to hide a miscreant from those who justly demand him.”

Sir Oliver bent his head.

“Any brother coming from Chadwater will be an honoured guest at Chad,” he said.  “I was about to ask if Brother Fabian was to be sent thither to instruct my sons.”

“Ay, and to find out what germs of heresy yon false monk may not have implanted!” cried Lord Mortimer, losing control of himself as he saw the calmness of his enemy, and felt that the prey he had so confidently looked to be his might even now slip from his grasp.  “It was those lads from Chad who strove to protect yon miserable hunchback who will be burned to ashes for his sins ere three more days have gone by.  How explain you such conduct as that, Sir Oliver?  Are you and your dame rearing up a heretic brood, to cumber the land in days to come?”

But the prior here interposed somewhat sternly.  He had no intention of allowing his table to be made the scene of a disturbance that might lead to bloodshed.  He turned somewhat sternly upon the haughty baron, and his words were few and plain.