trumpets were heard half over the country-side. The young Count of
Montefeltro was about to be knighted.

"Come," said Francis, suddenly inspired, "let us go to the Castle, and
with God's help perhaps we may make some spiritual knight."

As soon as the ceremony was ended, and the company began to pour out
into the courtyard, Francis stood up on a low wall and began to
preach. He spoke of the worthlessness of all earthly pleasures
compared to the heavenly ones. He showed what the love of God could do
in the human soul, pointing them to the apostles and martyrs as
illustration, and contrasting the chivalry of the Christian heroes
with that which was human glory only. It was an appropriate subject,
and the people listened attentively.

Amongst the audience was a valiant knight, Count Orlando, Lord of
Chiusi. Immediately after the sermon, he went to Francis and said--

"I should like to talk to you about the salvation of my soul."

"Most willingly," replied Francis, always courteous, "but this is not
quite a fitting moment. You must honor those who have invited you.
First go and dine with them, and after the repast we will converse at
leisure."

Count Orlando did so, and returning to Francis they talked together.
Very soon Orlando was happier than he had ever been in his life
before, because he knew that his sins were all pardoned. Before he
parted with Francis he said--

"I have in my domains a mountain called La Vernia. It is exactly
suited to men who wish to live in solitude. If it please thee I will
give it to thee most willingly."

Francis accepted the offer, and the mountain was used as a place where
the brethren could go to pray, and rest when worn out with the fatigue
of their work. It was really a huge plateau on top of a steep
mountain, covered with trees. Amongst these, some little cells were
constructed, and a quieter, more restful place it would be hard to
imagine.

[Sidenote: _The Peasant's Advice._]

It was when Francis was climbing this mountain once, that a peasant,
who took him up on his ass, asked him--

"Are you the Francis of Assisi that is so much talked of?"

"Yes," said Francis, "I am."

"Well," responded the man, "You will have hard work to be as good as
they say you are. They have such confidence in you, it is difficult
for you to be equal to it, at least that is _my_ opinion."

Francis was charmed with this opinion, and thanked the man for his
charitable advice, but before that j