Produced by Al Haines. [Illustration: "Aliva recognized on the helmet the crest of the De Beauchamps." Page 143.] THE ROBBER BARON OF BEDFORD CASTLE BY A. J. FOSTER AND E. E. CUTHELL LONDON, EDINBURGH, DUBLIN, AND NEW YORK THOMAS NELSON AND SONS 1903 _*CONTENTS*_ I. By the Banks of Ouse II. Bletsoe Manor-House III. How Aliva received a Second Suitor IV. In Bedford Castle V. In Elstow Abbey VI. A Penitent VII. "*Arcades Ambo*" VIII. Justice in Bonds IX. An Unexpected Meeting X. Through Ouse Marshes XI. Breathing-Time XII. At the Castle of Eaton Socon XIII. The Bird in the Cage XIV. The Sanctuary Violated XV. Ralph raps at the Castle Gate XVI. Within the Castle Walls XVII. The King in Council XVIII. Heard Underground XIX. Fears and Hopes XX. Love Laughs at Locksmiths XXI. The Castle Falls XXII. Ralph to the Rescue XXIII. A tête-à-tête Ride to Elstow Abbey XXIV. "*De Mortuis*" _*LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS*_ "Aliva recognized on the helmet the crest of the De Beauchamps" . . . . . . _Frontispiece_. "The soldiers cast the bailiff into the midst of the fire" The Robber Baron making his peace with the Church "Thronging the castle-yard was a crowd of servants and retainers" A wild chase through Ouse marshes The council at Northampton A desperate plunge "Through fire and smoke the besiegers stormed the breach" *THE ROBBER BARON OF BEDFORD CASTLE.* *CHAPTER I.* _*BY THE BANKS OF OUSE.*_