-place of
those jewels, which, without me, none can ever find; shall I pass it on,
if I get the chance, to one whom I can trust? Some good soul--the nuns,
perhaps--will surely shelter your boy, and he might need them in days to
come."

Cicely thought a while, then answered--

"Not so, Emlyn. I believe that God has spoken to me by His angel, as He
spoke to Peter in the prison. To do this would be to tempt God, showing
that we have no trust in Him. Let that secret lie where it is, in your
breast."

"Great is your faith," said Emlyn, looking at her with admiration.
"Well, I will stand or fall by it, for I think there is enough for two."

The Convent bell chimed ten, and they heard a sound of feet and voices
below.

"They come for us," said Emlyn; "the burning is set for eleven, that
after the sight folk may get away in comfort to their dinners. Now
summon that great Faith of yours and hold him fast for both our sakes,
since mine grows faint."

The door opened and through it came monks followed by guards, the
officer of whom bade them rise and follow. They obeyed without speaking,
Cicely throwing her cloak about her shoulders.

"You'll be warm enough without that, Witch," said the man, with a
hideous chuckle.

"Sir," she answered, "I shall need it to wrap my child in when we are
parted. Give me the babe, Emlyn. There, now we are ready; nay, no need
to lead us, we cannot escape and shall not vex you."

"God's truth, the girl has spirit!" muttered the officer to his
companions, but one of the priests shook his head and answered--

"Witchcraft! Satan will leave them presently."

A few more minutes and, for the first time during all those weary
months, they passed the gate of the Priory. Here the third victim was
waiting to join them, poor, old, half-witted Bridget, clad in a kind of
sheet, for her habit had been stripped off. She was wild-eyed and her
grey locks hung loose about her shoulders, as she shook her ancient head
and screamed prayers for mercy. Cicely shivered at the sight of her,
which indeed was dreadful.

"Peace, good Bridget," she said as they passed, "being innocent, what
have you to fear?"

"The fire, the fire!" cried the poor creature. "I dread the fire."

Then they were led to their place in the procession and saw no more of
Bridget for a while, although they could not escape the sound of her
lamentations behind them.

It was a great procession. First went the monks and choristers, singing