I charged him with the terrible crime of witchcraft, and he was found guilty." A hollow groan broke from the monk, but he offered no other interruption.
"He was condemned to die a fearful and lingering death," pursued the abbot; "and it devolved upon me to see the sentence carried out." "And no pity for the innocent moved you ?" cried the monk.

"You had no compunction ?" "None," replied the abbot; "I rather rejoiced in the successful accomplishment of my scheme.

The prey was fairly in my toils, and I would give him no chance of escape.

Not to bring scandal upon the abbey, it was decided that Alvetham's punishment should be secret." "A wise resolve," observed the monk.
"Within the thickness of the dormitory walls is contrived a small singularly-formed dungeon," continued the abbot.

"It consists of an arched cell, just large enough to hold the body of a captive, and permit him to stretch himself upon a straw pallet.