o make one at once. We had store of
money to last us for many a long day, what with my father's and
that which Owen had of his own, and we were well mounted, and what
few things we needed to seem but travellers indeed Owen bought in
some little town we passed through on the third day. After that we
went easily, seeing things that had nought in them but wonder and
delight for me.

Then at last we came in sight of the ancient town of Sarum on its
hill, and there we drew up on the wayside grass to let a little
train of churchmen pass us, and though I did not know it, that
little halt ended our wandering. In the midst of the train rode a
quiet looking priest, who sang softly to himself as his mule ambled
easily along, and he turned to give us his blessing as Owen
unhelmed when he passed abreast of us. Then his hand stayed as he
raised it, and I saw his face lighten suddenly, and he pulled up
the mule in haste, crying to Owen by name, and in the Welsh tongue.
And I saw the face of my foster-father flush red, and he leapt from
his horse and went to the side of the priest, setting his finger on
his lip for a moment as he did so.

Then the priest signed that his people should go on, and at once
they left him with us, and Owen bade me do reverence to Aldhelm,
the abbot of Malmesbury, before whom we stood. And after that they
talked long in Welsh, and that I could not follow, though indeed I
knew a fair smattering of it by this time, seeing that Owen would
have me learn from him, and we had used it a good deal in these few
days as we rode.

It seemed to me that Aldhelm was overjoyed to see Owen, and I know
now that those two were old friends of the closest at one time,
when they met in Owen's own land.

So from that meeting it came to pass that we found a home with the
good abbot at Malmesbury for a time, and there I learned much, as
one may suppose, while Owen trained me in arms, and the monks
taught me book learning, which I liked not at all, and only
suffered for love of Owen, who wished me to know all I might.

Then one day, after two years in quiet here, came Ina the king with
all his court to see the place and the new buildings that were
rising under the hand of Aldhelm and Owen, who had skill in such
matters, and then again was a change for us. It seems that
Ethelburga the queen took a fancy to me, and asked that I might be
with her as a page in the court, and that was so good a place for
the son of any thane in th