who were well used to this kind of work, should make a
strict search through all the outbuildings of whatever kind,
posting his men wherever he thought needful, and taking any steps
such as the smoking of chimneys and kindred methods that might in
any wise be likely to dislodge the fugitive. Meantime the rest of
the party would remain where they were, and the house should only
be searched if it was made clear that the monk was not hiding
without.

Lord Mortimer retired to give his orders, and the rest of the
company remained in the hall. The boys would better have liked the
house searched first, that their anxiety might be the sooner
relieved. It was keeping them on tenterhooks all this time, as they
knew well that no result could accrue from any search of the outer
yards or buildings, and it was hard to wait all that time in
uncertainty and suspense.

But they heard the order given without making any sign. It was well
for them at this crisis that they had been trained in habits of
self control and reserve. No one, to look at the three boys, would
have guessed them to be greatly interested in the proceedings. They
remained standing in the background, with an air of quiet respect
and submission appropriate to the young in presence of their
spiritual superiors. The prior, as his keen eye travelled over the
faces in the hall, never suspected for a moment that those three
quiet lads knew aught of this matter. But, pleased by their air and
bearing, he called them to him and asked them some questions, to
assure himself that they had been properly taught by the
recalcitrant monk whom now he had resolved to find and to punish
for his rebellion and temerity.

The boys replied with such ready intelligence and so much actual
learning that he could not but be pleased with them. Edred, in
particular, showed such readiness and aptitude that the prior was
surprised, and laying a kindly hand upon the boy's head, asked him
how soon they would be welcoming him at Chadwater.

The youth looked up with grave, thoughtful eyes.

"I know not that, my father. I have had thoughts of the religious
life; but--"

"Well, boy, what is the 'but'?" asked the prior with a smile, but a
keen flash of the eye which did not pass unheeded.

Edred saw the flash, and was put at once upon his guard. This was
not Brother Emmanuel, to whom he could open his whole soul and ask
counsel and advice.

"I misdoubt me at times if I be fit for the life," he a