“Often they were seen wandering together by the solitary banks of the river, or amidst the woods, without apparently interchanging word or sign. “Lord Warbeck was now companionless. “In vain the king’s court wooed him to its pleasures. “In vain the camp proffered him the oblivion of renown. “Ah! could he tear himself from a spot where morning and night he could see afar, amidst the valley, the roof that sheltered Leoline, and on which every copse, every turf, reminded him of former days? “His solitary life, his midnight vigils, strange scrolls about his chamber, obtained him by degrees the repute of cultivating the darker arts; and, shunning, he became shunned by all. “One night, when Lord Warbeck sat lonely in his chamber, dreaming of the past, the bell at the outer gate began to toll. “He listened. “Again and again its solemn sounds struck ominously upon his ear. “He had never before in all his life heard such a dismal, mournful sound. “The gate-keeper went out to ascertain the cause, but could see no one about. “He even went up into the bell-tower. “But just as he got there the bell ceased tolling; but even then shook to and fro. “He was about to leave when again it tolled. “The old porter was struck almost dumb with surprise. “The bell was not touched by anything that he could see, and yet its harsh grating sound thrilled him. “‘Ghosts!’ he cried, and hurried away to inform his master of the strange occurrence. “‘What means this noise at such an unseemly hour of the night?’ said Lord Edward, sternly. “‘I know not my lord,’ was the answer; ‘but all in the castle are in commotion and fear.’ “‘Get you gone, knave,’ said Warbeck, ‘and let’s hear no more of such silly nonsense.’ “The porter went his way, and Lord Edward walked about his room in a state of mental excitement. “‘What means this tolling of the bells?’ said he, half-aloud. “‘_I_ can explain,’ said a voice near to him. “Lord Edward turned suddenly around, and to his horror, he saw standing before him a ghastly skeleton form. “‘Who art thou?’ said Lord Edward, in a firm tone. “‘I am Redgill, whom thy brother slew.’ “‘Ha! the spirit of the dead!’ said Lord Edward. “‘No, not dead; through the agency of potent spirits, I have been restored to life.’ “‘Impossible!’ “‘No; I roam the earth with but one sole object.’ “‘Name it!’ “‘To destroy every one who bears the name of Warbeck.’ “‘Be you spirit or mortal, thou liest!’ said Lord Edward. “And at the same moment he drew his sword, and made a pass at the grim visitor. “In an instant, however, the blade was shivered into halves, and the skeleton laughed loudly and grimly.