s of the heathen."

At that the bishop looked long at me, judging perhaps what I meant,
by my voice. But the monks rejoiced openly, at first, until they
saw what was meant also, and then they trembled.

"Where is he?" he asked, speaking low.

"Father," I said, "this twentieth day of November will be the day
when England shall honour a new martyr. Eadmund the King is
numbered among them."

"How died he?" then said the bishop, folding his hands.

But now the monks bade him fly, and reasoned with and prayed him.
But he bade them save themselves, for that there would be work for
them to do among the heathen.

"As for me, I am an old man," he said, "and I would fain go the
same road as the king."

Still they clung to him, and at last, speaking to each by name, and
giving each some message to take to cell or abbey where they must
go at his bidding, he commanded them; and so, unwillingly, kissing
his hand and receiving his blessing, they went one by one, till he
and I and one or two laymen besides were left in the little church.
Then he spoke to the other men, and they went also, and we were
alone.

"That is well," said the bishop; "tell me all, and then do you
fly."

He sat down in his great chair, leaning his head in his hand while
I told him all in that quiet place. Never once was there trembling
flash from the great jewel of his ring, that shone in the
candlelight, to show how moved he was; but when I had ended, the
tears were running down his venerable face, and he said:

"Now is there truly one more added to the noble army of martyrs,
and he is at rest. Now do you go, my son."

But I had other thoughts in my mind, and I rose up silently from
beside him, saying only: "Not yet, father," and I went down the
aisle and out into the darkness to Leof.

"See yonder!" said he pointing, and there was a fresh fire not many
miles from us. "I think they scour the country for our bishop. We
have little time."

"Tell me, Leof," I said, "have you a mind to live?" for there was
somewhat in the man's weary voice that seemed to say that he and I
thought alike.

"None, master, after today's work, if I may find a brave man or two
to die with me."

"Here is a brave man waiting with a like thought in the church.
Shall you and I die with him?"

"Aye, surely," said Leof quietly.

"Bide here then," I said, and took the horses from him.

I mounted mine and rode to the house, where the steward and one or
two others watche