e go to save the life of
his son."

The farmer stared again at John with a strange expression. "You, to
save his life!" he muttered. "I cannot understand it all!" And he
passed his hand over his forehead.

"I have some skill at healing. Farewell!" cried John gaily. "We shall
be safe, I know."

"Ay, with that silver thing on your neck," said the man to himself,
shading his eyes to watch them out of sight. "John; the Hermit's
pupil; a boy with the knowledge of healing, and a smile,--Saint
Francis! What a smile! He is like our holy John come back again as a
child. Who can he be?" And he crossed himself devoutly as he went
back to his work.

But John and his friends went sturdily upon their way. Up and down
hills they traveled; along dusty roads; through lonely stretches of
moor and plain. They caused great excitement in the villages through
which they passed. It was years since the townsfolk had seen a dancing
bear; years even since they had enjoyed the frolics of a cat and
kittens. The raven was a source of delight. The birds that followed
overhead and came at John's call, perching on his arms and shoulders,
filled the children with envy. The wolf looked so fierce that they
were afraid of him; but his brother Brutus was petted in a way to spoil
any ordinary dog. Yet he kept his temper and his poise, and endured
their homage meekly.

Often, in the country through which they passed, John found sick
persons to whom he could bring relief, and gladly he used the knowledge
which the Hermit had taught him. It seemed that there were few in that
land who had the skill of healing, and many of the sick had long
suffered for lack of the simple remedies which John had often used for
his pets. He saved several lives. Oh! that was joy for John! The
people were very grateful, and would have paid him anything he wished.
But all he asked was food or shelter for himself and his friends. Then
they spoke his name softly and kissed his hands, which made John laugh.

John found it easy enough to earn all the food he needed in the
villages. Remembering his mountebank days, he had but to hold a little
performance in the public square. Every one would hurry to see Bruin
do his tricks and John himself turn somersaults and walk on his hands;
after which the bear would dance and pass the hat, into which the
pennies rained generously.

But it was harder to find lodgings for the night. Knowing the King's
hatred for an