turned and twisted till the best may be accused of
heresy; and again, if a monk has fallen beneath the wrath of his
superior, no man may tell what would befall were he to return to
the power of his spiritual father. Sure those holy men who founded
the orders of godly recluses little dreamed what those places might
become in time, and with the ever-increasing love of ease and
wealth which seems implanted in the heart of man.

"Heaven pardon me if I speak or think amiss! but it is strange to
hear and see what passes in the world. But one must use all caution
even in thought, and I would not have thee speak aught of this save
in a whisper in thy brother's ear, that he too may use all caution
and discretion till we can find occasion to send Brother Emmanuel
forth in safety.

"We have a week before us ere he will be summoned hence. Strive
that none shall suspect aught of difference or coming change. Keep
well the hours of study. Give none occasion for remark. For all we
know, a spy may be in our midst; and at least any servant of ours
might well be questioned by any of the monks of Chadwater, to whom
he might go to confess, as to what was passing in the house, and
see no hurt in answering questions. Wherefore be very wise and
discreet, and give none occasion for remark.

"Thou dost understand me, my son? I may trust thee? Remember that
thine own father's welfare may be imperilled by the veriest trifle
should men suspect him of striving to outwit the prior."

Edred's eyes expressed a great comprehension and sympathy. He took
his mother's hand and kissed it, slightly bending the knee.

"Thou mayest trust me, sweet mother," he answered. "Methinks I know
well all thou wouldst say. I will be cautious, and I will teach
caution to Julian. No harm shall come to any beneath this roof from
word or deed of ours."

And then the lady went to her delayed household duties, whilst
Edred went in search of his brother, to take him to the room where
their studies were usually prosecuted, that the household wheels
might revolve after the accustomed manner.

But Julian was nowhere to be seen. Edred sought him and called him
lustily, till at length the old seneschal at the gate heard him,
and informed him that his brother had gone a short distance on foot
with the travellers, but that he would doubtless be back ere long.

Julian was light and fleet of foot as a deer, and often ran for
many miles beside his father's charger, the nature o