Ceadda, Sub-Prior,
Tuesday in Oct., Asc., in the year of grace, 1068.
After a moment's silence, Odo of Bayeux, the Conqueror's half brother, and a hateful oppressor of the poor English, rose up:
"This letter does not afford any absolute proof of the guilt of our departed brother in arms, Hugo of Aescendune. He may have bought the liquid; there is no proof he administered it--people die of decline daily."
"May I produce and question a witness before the court," said Geoffrey, "in the absence of the prisoner?"
"Certainly," replied William.
A signal was given to an expectant usher of the court. Wilfred was led out, and in a few moments two wardens entered in charge of another prisoner.
He was tall and haggard; a long beard descended to his waist. His peculiar nose--the most marked characteristic of his race, long and beak-shaped, yet not exactly aquiline--marked the Jew. He looked anxiously around.
"Thou art Abraham of Toledo?"
The Hebrew bowed submissively.