"This youth must be closely questioned, my liege!" said De Marchmont, in the greatest embarrassment; "I would crave a few moments conversation with him in private, with your majesty's permission. There are matters which he must be conversant with, if he is the rightful heir of Clifton."

"As it pleaseth thee!" answered the king;

something my brother Richard said respecting this youth, which I have forgotten," added he, musing; "we will sift his claims thoroughly."

"The Saxon witch waiteth without, my lord!" said one of De Marchmont's followers, entering at this moment.

"We will send for her anon!" exclaimed the king, seating himself as he spoke; "we would fain look on the face of this hag, of which rumour has spoken so loud of late."

De Marchmont bit his lip at this announcement, as he replied, "Your majesty will scarce be able to bring any charge fairly against her, without summoning those witnesses who have suffered through her damnable practices."

"Perhaps not!" answered the king, coldly; "Now, on thy knighthood, dost thou believe these rumours? I would not wantonly waste life; something too severe we have been of late, and must conciliate the people's love, or never hope to stem this powerful current, which he of Rome hath let loose upon our land.”

"I dare not disbelieve what all have asserted as truth, my liege !" said the baron, "nor would it, methinks, be wisdom to turn a deaf ear to the many voices who call so loudly for justice, and complain of the numerous losses which they have sustained by her spells. I hoped your majesty had decided on this affair

before she was summoned hither?"

"We are ever willing to give thee an hearing;" replied the king, in his most serious manner; "and would, moreover, listen to the grievances of our people, when affairs of greater consequence call not for our attention. But, bethink thee, we are now combating a greater power than this, and trying to remove no less a spell than that which the church has thrown around

us.

Thou seest how difficult it is to remove this blinded reverence, and superstitious ignorance, which the people suffer these ambitious priests to throw around them. And, by the splendour of heaven! I swear, that it behoveth us to act cautiously in this matter, and not yield to the inroads of a feebler, and more contemptible superstition at home. I would not, in a word, do a thing that would hold us up to the laughter and derision of the multitude, or call forth the interference of the church."

"In this you act wisely, my liege!" answered the wily baron; "but this is an affair which the church would take up herself. Have they not prayers and forms for the exorcising of evil spirits; and but think how much it would redound to their praise, and strengthen their power, to take up this matter? If your majesty would win the affections of the people, give orders for her trial; it will not need your presence. Remember, it is on record, that Emma, the mother of Edward the Confessor, was accused of the death of her son, by the

practices of witchcraft; and she being innocent, went through the ordeal without any hurt; and doubtless, if this Elwerwolf is free from guilt, she will also escape uninjured."

"And Hereward the Saxon," continued the king, without replying to De Marchmont's remarks," he is somewhat popular among these rude forest-people. I would have his trial conducted fairly and openly. I would that his offence had been less, for there is a bold bearing about the man which I dislike not, and a blunt honesty, such as seldom is shown before a king. I am half inclined to forgive the knave."

"Your majesty's clemency is highly to be praised," said De Marchmont, with an almost imperceptible sneer; "and I would also plead for his forgiveness, had his offence been less. But might not this neglect of justice be attributed to a fear of these outlaws, whom he has many times aided to escape?"

"There, by heaven, thou touchest me, De Marchmont," said the king, arising in great excitement. "I would have these robbers de

stroyed; and by God's teeth! will burn the forest both root and branch, but what I will un-house them. This Saxon will we hang, as an example to all knaves who dare to incroach upon our prerogative. But how," added he, turning round on the sudden, "hast thou proof that he has sheltered and abetted the outlaws? I will have no unfair play, that thou mayest the sooner get hold of his possessions."

"Your Majesty's love," replied De Marchmont, with difficulty mastering the frown which was gathering on his brow, "hath already overburthened me with possessions. And if I have been too forward in the execution of justice, it has been for your own honour, and the preservation of your royal rights."

"I do believe thee," answered the king, leaning familiarly upon the baron's shoulder, "and will not fail to reward thee. But where is Edith of Lincoln? wottest thou what hath befallen the damsel ?"

"It is rumoured that she hath again returned to the priory," replied De Marchmont,