"Whence come ye, and whither bound?" said the hermit, surveying the intruders by the light of a solitary lamp that was burning in a niche, wherein stood a skull and crucifix, emblems of our faith and our mortality.
"We are from the Abbey of Stanlaw, on our way to Kirkstall in the morning."
"Wherefore abide ye here? There is lodging and better cheer withal in the castle above."
"
We are under a vow, and rest not save on holy ground: we crave thy hospitality, therefore, and shelter for the night."
"Is your errand to Kirkstall hidden, or is it an open embassage?"
"The Lady Fitz-Eustace sendeth greeting by our ministry unto the holy abbot through our superior at Stanlaw, beseeching that he would make diligent inquiry touching the will of Robert de Lacy, once lord of this goodly heritage. She hath had news of his demise, and likewise another message with an assurance that every of these possessions have been devised to the Fitz-Eustace by his last will and testament. Yet this writing she has not yet seen, nor knoweth she into whose custody it hath been given. Apprehending the great favours which the Cistercian house at Kirkstall hath received from the Lacies, and the close intimacy which the abbot once enjoyed, she doth conjecture that, in all likelihood, the testament is in his keeping."
"Your journey hath need of none other reference, for the will is in my custody."
"In thine, Sir Ulphilas?"
"How! know ye my name already?" said the hermit sharply, and a fierce glance shot from under his high and pallid brow.