Then Howel the Tall stood forth, and approaching the chaplain, said, "Good master Cadell, this matter hath already been decided and taken out of the province of thy master. Pabo, Archpriest and hereditary chieftain of the tribe of Caio, hath, as saith the Scripture, escaped out of the snare of the fowler. We are even now engaged in the celebration of his obsequies. You have interrupted us as we were about to commit his ashes to the ground." "How so!" exclaimed the chaplain, taken aback. "Pabo is not dead?" "Look around thee," answered Howel. "Behold how that fire hath destroyed the presbytery and at the same time hath consumed him who lay therein." "It was the judgment of God!" cried Cadell. "The manifest judgment of God against the man who lifted his hand against his spiritual father. Did the lightning flash from heaven to slay him?" "That I cannot affirm," said Howel. "Heaven has manifestly and miraculously interposed," said the chaplain, dismounting. In a few words he informed his attendants of what had taken place. "It is to be regretted," said Rogier. "I had hoped to carry a fagot, wherewith to roast him." "It soundeth passing strange," said another. "It is a miracle," persisted Cadell. "God is with us and against those who resist the bishop. This shall be everywhere proclaimed." "I do not see that as a miracle it was necessary," said Rogier. "For we would have burnt him all the same." "But," said the chaplain, "it was the will of Heaven to reveal that it is wroth with this people, and is on our side." Rogier shrugged one shoulder. "I will have a look at him and satisfy myself," said he, strode to the bier, and plucked aside the sheet. All recoiled at the object revealed--a human being burnt to a cinder. "By the soul of the Conqueror," said the bishop's brother, "methought he had been a man of more inches." "He is shrunken with the fire," explained the chaplain. "I would I could be certain it is he," said Rogier. "We will subject them to an oath," said Cadell. "If it be he, then, assuredly, his wife--that woman whom he called his wife--will not be far away." "She is the chief mourner," said Howel. Then he took Morwen by the hand and led her forward. "She is here." "Ah, ha! my pretty wench!" said Rogier, "praise Heaven that thou art released from thy leman. We may find thee a better man, and not one that wears the cassock." "Come hither," said the chaplain; "I desire thee to take the strictest and most solemn oath that he who there lieth charred as a burned log is none other than Pabo the Archpriest, whom thou didst call thy husband. What be the chiefest relics here?" he asked, looking round. "We have but the staff of Cynwyl; but that is mighty and greatly resorted to," said Howel. "Where is it? Bring it hither." "I am the custodian of the relic," said Morgan ap David. "But it is not customary to produce it unless it be attended and treated with all reverence."