The Robber Baron of Bedford Castle

Abbey just described had taken place, Sir Fulke de Breauté sat wit

a complacent mood, wel

to the huge flagon of hippocras that stood on the table beside him, and poured himself out a deep

; meseemeth thou

ly. "I like it not overmuch. Give me the pure clarets of Franc

f his horse's hoofs. First and foremost he had cursed Ralph de Beauchamp--for now he knew that he had a rival--and in his rage he drove the rowels again and again deep into the flanks of his unfortunate steed. Next he cursed al

marble, as when she stepped in majesty into the hall; and then, flushed and flashing, with gleaming eyes and distended nostrils, as she turned

into the hall, scattering curses right and left at the astonished s

is sister-in-law, if she met him in the hall, turned and fled. Even pretty Beatrice Mertoun, whom he was wont to regard wit

on. In furtherance of his new evil schemes he determined to turn t

oud on your brow, as if your thoughts were far away--per

nd your own business, and attend to your masses, and your flagellations, and your

ill up again, man. I was a fool not to see that your meditations were t

o you, brother, I cease not to think of her night and day! I see her ever before me, those eyes, those flashing eyes, that queenly form; I dream I clasp her, and I awake mad with despair! May the curses of St

is hand firm

I have somewhat to say unto you which I care not that all the varl

ped William

reach. It shall lie with you to take it, i

r. "In good sooth, brother, you smite with your hands

ain of my doings in these parts, which it seemed pleased not those most concerned with them. It hath come to my knowledge that the court has pronounced judgment against me. They may, by my troth, if it pleases them, for it does me no harm. N

ower brain, already somewhat fuddled with his copious liba

at nail thou art hammering at. Th

s a priest. But you, brother, owe her naught. From trusty sources I learn that these three legal spiders are to meet again at Dunstable for further spinning as soon as this retreat at Elstow is over. Now, what

liam eagerly. "Pardie! a De Pateshulle

brother worships safe caged in our stronghold here, it would prove Fulke de Breauté to be a greater fool than men hold him for did he not get what ransom he named. But, certes, I would be merciful, as it

liam, "though methinks it is no easy emprise! To sei

little Norman village, had ne'er sat in the seigneur's parlour of this, one of the fairest of English ca

," apologized William, draining his horn. "But I must have some of your best

reverend justices shall have a fair retinue to Bedford--a noble train! Take hear

is courage still further by another drink. Then he adde

smiled

ot?" he as

he was fast becoming, saw t

. "Ha, my lady! who would say me nay a second time? Not you, by St. Denis, I warrant me!" and he laughed wildly. "Travel they tog

. Sir Fulke rose, pushed the wine-flagon out of his reach, and ca