Thomas atte Bridge a man no one likes is found hanging from a tree near Cow-leys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life but Master Hugh & Kate find evidence that this may not be so. Many of the town had been harmed by Thomas & Hugh is not eager to send one of them to the gallows. Then he discovers that the priest John Kellet atte Bridges partner in crime in A CORPSE AT ST. ANDREWS CHAPEL was covertly in Bampton at the time atte Bridge died. Master Hugh is convinced that Kellet has murdered atte Bridge
- one rogue slaughtering another. He sets out for Exeter where Kellet now works. But there he discovers that the priest is an emaciated skeleton of a man who mourns the folly of his past life. Hugh must return to Bampton & discover which of his friends has murdered his enemy.. .