But Satan had laid a snare for me, into which I blindly fell.

Among the brethren was one named Borlace Alvetham, a young man of rare attainment, and singular skill in the occult sciences.

He had risen in favour, and at the time I speak of was elected sub-prior." "Go on," said the monk.
"It began to be whispered about within the abbey," pursued Paslew, "that on the death of William Rede, then abbot, Borlace Alvetham would succeed him, and then it was that bitter feelings of animosity were awakened in my breast against the sub-prior, and, after many struggles, I resolved upon his destruction." "A wicked resolution," cried the monk; "but proceed." "I pondered over the means of accomplishing my purpose," resumed Paslew, "and at last decided upon accusing Alvetham of sorcery and magical practices.

The accusation was easy, for the occult studies in which he indulged laid him open to the charge.

He occupied a chamber overlooking the Calder, and used to break the monastic rules by wandering forth at night upon the hills.