Historic%20Yorkshire

74
THE TRAGIC STORY OF THE ELLANDS.
Turn " at Brighouse on a certain day, and that on
returning, his path lay through Cromwel-bottomWood,
a lonelyroad in which he was almost sure to be alone.
On that day accordinglythe three young menwereguided
to the spot, and there awaited.
Beneath Brookfoot, a hill there is
To Brighouse in the way,
Forth came they to the top of this
There prying for their prey.
The doomed knight came riding up the lane, and they
standingquickly beforehim, he made as though to pass
them, raisinghis plumed bonnetin courtesy, which, however,
he was told would avail him nothing, for they who
stood before him were the avengersof blood. He recognised
the boy who had cast the bread in his face, and
though much dismayed, with much of his natural ferocity
warned them of the consequences of their act,but it is
little use to argue with injured men. Sir John sprang
suddenly at young Adam Beaumont, and with his sword
would have split his head in twain, butit was struck from
his graspby Lockwood, and while Quarmby pinionedhis
arms, their swords speedily laid the murderer of their
fathers dead on the ground.
Mounting,the three lords fled to the swampyfastness
of Furness, where they remaineduntil the indignation of
the Ellands had somewhat subsided. The new Lord of
Elland,also Sir John,a manof peacefuldisposition, and
much esteemedbyhis neighbours,wasnow in possession.
Him the confederates resolved also to slay. On the
evening of Palm Sunday after the deathof Sir John,they,
with a companion named Lacy, went secretly to Elland,
and concealed themselvesin " Elland miln," binding the
miller and his wife. The young lord was expected to
pass there on his return from Botham Hall, where he
went twice a year, round by Savile Gate, and the
murderers were not disappointed, for he came in sight,
and presently,the water being low, the knight with his
wife, child, and servants, crossed overby the dam. The