ian, delighted. "Edred, I mislike those cruel,
crafty monks. Methinks they are little like the saintly men of old
who fled to the cloister to rid themselves of the trammels of the
world. I--"

But Edred laid a hand upon his brother's arm and checked him
suddenly, pointing to another stationary figure a short distance
away amongst the trees--a figure wearing the dress of a lay brother
of the priory, and engaged in keeping a close and careful watch
upon the main entrance to the house.

"Hist!" whispered Edred; "we must not let him hear such words.
Julian, mark my word, this house is watched. The prior has set his
spies upon it. He fears lest Brother Emmanuel shall escape; or else
the watch is set so that any going forth of his may be known, and
he will be set upon and swiftly bound, and carried away to the
priory, whence, I fear me, no man will ever see him re-issue."

Both the boys had stopped short, and now they looked into each
other's faces with dismay.

Their light footfalls had not been heard, nor even the sound of
their voices; for a strong breeze had sprung up, and was rustling
the leaves overhead, and several birds were singing lustily. The
brothers had time to take in the situation without being seen
themselves, and they then drew hack into a leafy covert and spoke
in whispers.

"Edred, do thou go back to the house instantly and openly, and warn
Brother Emmanuel that he go not forth. Belike he might come out in
search of us, since the hour is long past when we should have been
with him. That must not be. Go and tell him all we have seen;
whilst I will creep like a wildcat round the house, and see if
there be other spies keeping watch like those we have seen."

"Ay, do so," replied Edred earnestly. "I fear me we shall find that
every door is watched. But if thou art seen, go forward boldly. Let
none guess that you suspect aught. Doubtless each watcher is well
primed with some excellent reason for being found there. Speak them
friendly, and do not show distrust."

"I will be as wise as a serpent," answered the boy, with one of his
keen looks which bespoke him older in mind than in years.

Edred felt that his junior was better fitted to cope with a spy
than he himself; and gladly taking the other office upon himself,
he walked gaily forward, whistling a roundelay as he moved, and
affecting not to see the dark figure by the oak, which pressed
closer and closer out of sight as the lad strode by.

"Verily