The wretched captive does not long survive his doom, or it may be he lives too long, for death must be a release from such protracted misery.

In this dark cell one of the evil-minded brethren, who essayed to stab the Abbot of Kirkstall in the chapter-house, was thrust, and ere a year was over, the provisions were untouched--and the man being known to be dead, they were stayed.

His skeleton was found within the cell when it was opened to admit Borlace Alvetham." "Poor captive!" groaned the monk.
"Ay, poor captive!" echoed Paslew.

"Mine eyes have often striven to pierce those stone walls, and see him lying there in that narrow chamber, or forcing his way upwards, to catch a glimpse of the blue sky above him.

When I have seen the swallows settle on the old buttress, or the thin grass growing between the stones waving there, I have thought of him." "Go on," said the monk.
"I scarce can proceed," rejoined Paslew.