Search was everywhere made for
the missing body, but without effect. When the matter was related to
the king he was much troubled, and would fain have had masses said
for the repose of the soul of the unfortunate keeper, but the priests
refused to perform them, alleging that he had 'committed self-
destruction, and was therefore out of the pale of the Church.
"On that night, a terrible thunderstorm occurred--as terrible, it may be,
as that of last night--and during its continuance, the oak on which
Herne had hanged himself was blasted by the lightning.
"Old Osmond was immediately reinstated in his post of chief keeper;
but he had little time for rejoicing, for he found that the same spell that
had bound Herne had fallen upon him. His bolts and arrows went wide
of their mark, his hounds lost their scent, and his falcon would not be
lured back. Half frantic, and afraid of exposing himself to the taunts of
his companons, he feigned illness, and left his comrade, Roger Barfoot,
to take his place. But the same ill-luck befell Barfoot, and he returned
in woeful plight, without a single head of game. Four others were
equally unfortunate, and it was now clear that the whole party were
bewitched.
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