ence he has come, no true vigil is
kept, but that sloth and ease have taken the place of watching and
vigil and prayer. And such a man as that they would have me deliver
to his death!"

"Art sure they mean him ill, my husband? It seems scarce possible."

"I am very sure that it is so," answered the knight, with a stern
glance bent upon the sunny landscape beyond the open window. "It is
strange, but it is true; and I sometimes think that some fearful
and unlooked-for judgment must some day fall upon men who--"

But Sir Oliver paused, for his wife had made a gesture, as if to
check the impetuous words that sprang to his lips. He smiled a
little darkly.

"Thou art right, good dame. Such words are better left unspoke. If
it be dangerous to think some things, it be more dangerous to speak
one's thoughts. Let it be enough for us that the Lord reigneth, be
the earth never so unquiet. He sitteth a judge and a king. In His
hands are the final issues of all things."

The lady bent her head with due reverence, and then asked eagerly:

"And when does the fishing smack sail?"

Sir Oliver shook his head impatiently.

"Not for full fourteen days: it had but just come into port, and
there be much merchandise to unlade and lade again. The skipper was
an honest fellow, and a true-hearted man to boot. He would not take
my gold, but said his passenger should bring it with him when he
came; for he knew there was a chance he might not contrive to come,
and he would not receive aught for services he might never have
power to render. But he knows his business, and once safe on board
the sloop our fugitive will be safe enow. But not till it be almost
ready for sea--not till the skipper could weigh anchor at a
moment's notice. He himself said he must not come aboard till the
last moment. Were any hue and cry to be made after him, any vessel
in port would be certain to be searched. How to keep him safe for
these fourteen--nay, it is but twelve days now--is the thing that
is perplexing me. Until the close of the appointed week naught will
be done; but there will be one long week after that which will tax
our resources to the utmost. And this summons from the prior makes
the whole question the more difficult."

"And the boys say that the house is being watched. Hast not heard
as much? There be spies from the priory posted round and about. All
the gates are watched. Edred thinks it is to strive to seize
Brother Emmanuel should he venture