ir. Thou
needst not fear, though all the monks in the priory come to search,
that this hiding place will ever be found."

The monk looked around the narrow chamber and drew an involuntary
breath of relief. If indeed this thing were so, if indeed he might
lie hidden from discovery and defy the most stringent search, might
it not be a God-appointed means of salvation for him? Might he not
be doing wrong in insisting upon falling into the hands of men?
Would it indeed be possible for him to secrete himself without
bringing down upon others the wrath he himself would escape?

Whilst he stood thus debating with himself, the boys pulled him by
the sleeve and spoke eagerly, though involuntarily in low tones.

"And see further. Here is food laid up against this day. It will
all keep for many weeks. It is but poor fare, but not poorer than
thou art well used to--salted meat, and dried fish, and oaten cake;
which keeps moist far longer than any other. Here are a few
confections, and here is wine, and a jar of good mead. As for
water, it may be had at this trough here, and a goodly supply; only
it comes with somewhat of a rush, and the bung is not easily rammed
back in its place. It is best to raise the tube--so--in the hand;
but we could not make shift to do better. There is the lantern, and
oil in this vessel, and none can see the light at night from any
place when it is burned. I have placed three books in you corner--I
dared not take more from the library; but I knew thou wouldst have
thy breviary with thee, and thou art never dull. If it may be done
safely, one of us will visit thee from time to time; and if there
is any way of escape open to thee, thou shalt surely hear thereof.

"But be not dismayed if days go by and thou hearest naught. It may
be safer that thou shouldst be left quite alone. Thou wilt not
think thyself forgotten?"

Brother Emmanuel's eyes were fixed with a tender gaze upon the
faces of the bold, generous boys. He took their hands in his, and
they bent the knee to receive his blessing. His words were few and
brief, but each lad as he rose resolved deep down in his heart that
he would suffer the penalty of death itself sooner than betray the
secret hiding place and give the brother up to his foes.

Then with a few more last words respecting the hiding place and the
arrangements made for the comfort of its occupant, the pair stole
away, and soon found themselves safely within the walls of their
own ro