way the building nearest the well fell with a
crash and rumble, covering the well mouth with a pile of blazing
timber. The smoke and flame seemed to wrap us round, while the
burning timber flew, and the Danes from the great courtyard yelled
with evil delight; but before that cloud had cleared away we three
were outside the monastery gate, and were safe.

"Just in time," I said.

But "Deo gratias" said the monks in a breath.

"Now run," said I, and into the nearest spur of woodland we went,
and stayed not till we were beyond reach of the yells of the
destroyers, who, as it seemed, had not even seen us.

When we were sure that we were not pursued, the prior took my arm
and pressed it.

"Thanks to you, my son, our people are safe, and we have come out
of yon furnace unscathed. May you find help in time of need as near
and ready. Now when I read the story of the Three Children, I think
I shall know all that they suffered, for we have been in like
case."

And I could make no answer, for it seemed to me that I had
forgotten that I was a Christian of late. And that was true.

Now the prior bade the sacristan hasten to Chichester and tell all
this to the sheriff, and he left us, while we went on alone.
Presently I asked who made the chamber in the well, for the silence
weighed on me, and my thoughts were not so lightsome.

"Doubtless by Wilfrith's men," he said, "and for the same turn it
has served us. For in his days there were many heathen round him,
and flight or hiding might be the last resort at any time."

Then I wondered, saying that I deemed that surely it was a greater
thing to be a martyr and to die, than to save life.

"Not always so," he answered, and then he told me of the ways of
holy men of old time. "We may by no means save life by denying our
faith, but we are bidden to flee into another place when
persecuted. We may not choose the place of our death, nor yet the
time."

So he showed me at last what it was to be truly a martyr, fearing
not, nor yet seeking death.

"Of a truth," he ended, "the Lord may need my death by the hand of
the heathen at some time, and when the time comes I shall know it,
and will die gladly. But while He gives me the power to save life
blamelessly, I know that He needs me on earth yet, though I am of
little worth."

So we were silent after that, ever going on through the woods. At
last he laughed a little, and looked sidewise at me.

"We two are alone," he said, "the