Page 75 (1/2)

'We have noticed a certain reluctance,' Richard said tentatively

'In ay … reluctance?'

'There is some uncertainty about what happens to monies placed in the father abbot's box'

'Could you be more explicit?'

'Our boxes are opened in the presence of witnesses and donations are recorded Our accounts detail receipts and expenditures and are available for inspection They can be challenged The same does not apply toput to i used' Richard chose his words carefully 'There are those a the father abbot's rebuilding prograue that if we are to pay for the services ofon All Hallowsnot on the abbey'

The dean jotted a note on his writing block 'Thank you, Master Rochell That has been al font 'I ca to see that removed'

'That had been our intention,' Richard said

'And you changed your mind?'

'Certain events made it difficult for us to undertake our instructions with the immediacy required of us'

'What were these events?'

'One was an outrageous assault by the abbot's bailiffs on the nation within the parish and has been the subject of a formal complaint to Bishop Neville'