Meanwhile, the subject of all this commotion sat innocently gazing at the burning embers, watching the logs as they blazed up and then gradually disappeared into powder to be blown away by the first slight breath of wind. Surely, he reflected, 'tis so with the baron's will; he is in the height of his determined fury now. But soon—and as the door opened, another puff of wind blew away the airy ashes of a once stout log—aye, surely, his opposition will vanish like as that.
"Never a soul came in here, your lordship, for a long time back," said Roger, deferentially doffing his cap. "Your lordship must be mistaken."
Manners turned round and beheld, with a feeling akin to dismay, Sir
Thomas Stanley and his brother just within the threshold of the door.
"Tut, tut, man," replied the knight, "I say he came in here; he was seen to enter, and no one has passed out since then."
Sir Thomas appealed to the others, but they were all unanimous in supporting their master, and replied in one chorus of surprise. Manners had not been seen for weeks, and not a soul among them had any idea of his whereabouts.
"I suppose no one entered, then?" sneered the knight.
"No," replied Roger complacently, "not for a long time back."
"Did he not come in here?" appealed Sir Thomas to those outside.
"Aye, aye," came the answer, "he did."
"Then where is he?" demanded the knight fiercely.