Page:Weird Tales Volume 7 Number 1 (1926-01).djvu/70

68 And Lord Redwald ordered that the master-cook, should be brought before him. And he threatened him with all manner of grim penalties. Whereat the cruel monster did fall upon his knees and make confession, saying that the Lady Matilda had compelled him. Terrible was Lord Redwald's rage at this and awesome to behold. And he drew forth his sword and raised it and smote the wicked woman so that her head was cleft from her shoulders. And her body fell across the board and her evil blood spurted forth upon that fair pastie pye. Then the Lord Redwald commanded that the master-cook should be bound with chains and flung into the fire of his own ovens. And this was done. But the faithful scullion-boy he rewarded well for his service and made him the heir of his whole estate. And the Lord Redwald grew old in that single night and a great sorrow took possession of his soul. Neither was he seen to smile ever after that and [The manuscript is torn and frayed and the end missing.]

