But the object of the Royalist leaders was to temporise, and an armistice was offered to the rebels and accepted.

Terms were next proposed and debated.
During the continuance of this armistice all hostilities ceased; but beacons were reared upon the mountains, and their fires were to be taken as a new summons to arms.

This signal the eight watchers expected.
Though late in November, the day had been unusually fine, and, in consequence, the whole hilly ranges around were clearly discernible, but now the shades of evening were fast drawing on.
"Night is approaching," cried the tall man in the velvet mantle, impatiently; "and still the signal comes not.

Wherefore this delay?
Can Norfolk have accepted our conditions?
Impossible.

The last messenger from our camp at Scawsby Lees brought word that the duke's sole terms would be the king's pardon to the whole insurgent army, provided they at once dispersed--except ten persons, six named and four unnamed." "And were you amongst those named, lord abbot ?" demanded one of the monks.
"John Paslew, Abbot of Whalley, it was said, headed the list," replied the other, with a bitter smile.