'Folly though I think all such vows to be, both in those who exact and those who perform them, I cannot forget that the time was when I myself, like thee, thought it part of a good Catholic's devotion to impose such vain works of penance upon myself. 'I pity thee sincerely, stranger, but will aid thee effectually in thy task, though I wish most heartily that thou mayest be enlightened to see thine error.' The pilgrim crossed himself devoutly. CHAPTER LI. THE INCENDIARY. The dance continued merrily and cheerily, and every one enjoyed the Christmas cheer; till at last the castle horn blew, and friends who lived near parted with good humor from those who were to remain the night. 'Friends,' said De Freston, 'farewell! Our love go with you.' Little did any who departed think they were the last words they should ever hear from the lips of that generous nobleman. The bustle of departure had scarcely been over before Ellen and Latimer, Cavendish and other friends, were surprised to hear Lord De Freston give an order such as they never had heard upon such an occasion before: 'Torches for the Tower!' 'Torches for the Tower, father!' exclaimed Ellen; 'what! on this night?' 'Yes, my daughter, it is but fitting that we should have due regard to the prejudices of strangers: 'Torches for the Tower! 'And, Ellen, wrap thyself well up in thy wintry woollen mantle, and accompany me thereto. This stranger has a vow upon him which we must see performed. It is one enjoined by thine early friend, Thomas Wolsey.' This was sufficient for Ellen, but Cavendish, his gentleman usher, house secretary, and most humble servant, said-- 'Who is the stranger? what is the vow?' 'You may inquire of him anything you will.' 'Old man,' said Cavendish, 'what is thy name?' 'My name is Duncan.' 'Monk of York, who, on a celebrated Palm Sunday, on which we all went in procession to our Lady's Chapel, didst conduct thyself disorderly, licentiously, and insultingly to my Lord Cardinal, and wast ordered to be confined for the lifetime of my master?' 'I am he--the same--and was then to perform the vow which thy master named, and which, now he is dead, I am come to fulfil.' 'I do not remember that part of thy sentence.' 'This was imposed upon me at the suggestion of our Superior, the venerable D'Annerat.' 'It is well--it is well--my poor master is dead, and the Superior might have obtained this penance from my master without my knowledge, and it is not unlike him. Hast thou no proof thereof?' 'This,' said the cunning Duncan, 'this,' and he showed him a glass cross, with the arms of the Cardinal in the centre, and the whole capable of illumination by a phosphoric matter, with which it had been washed inside.