"But must we die? what have we done?"
"Broken their tyrannical laws. Judith, open the door."
A loud shout greeted the appearance of the old man, his beard descending to his waist, as he issued forth, leading Osric by the hand.
"What seek ye, Normans? wherefore have ye surrounded my humble home, whither tyranny has driven me?"
A loud shout of exultation.
"The deer—give up the deer—confess thy guilt."
"Search for it"—"a haunch was gone"—"if in the house, we need no further trial"—"to the nearest tree."
The house was rudely entered—but the haunch, which had been removed from the tree and hidden by Judith, could not be found.
"Ye have no proof that we have offended."
They searched a long while in vain, they opened cupboard and chest, but no haunch appeared.