ny question of right and wrong. Those who were not of his
mind were obliged to get out from among the brothers. There was no
alternative, no easier way made for anyone. "Little Brothers" or
"Friars Minor" they called themselves, a name which then meant
"servant of all" or "least of all," and woe betide anyone who departed
from the spirit of this name!

CHAPTER IX.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ORDER.

"Would you know, oh world, these Warriors; Go where the poor, the old,
Ask for pardon and for heaven, and you offer food and gold;
With healing and with comfort, with words of peace and prayer,
Bearing His greatest gift to men--Christ's chosen priests are there."

It was not long before the little hut by the Riva Torto was full to
overflowing. The number of brethren had increased so, that there was
only just space for them to lie down at night, each under the beam
upon which his name had been chalked. It was a poor abode enough, but
poor though it was, they were not destined to have its shelter long.
One day when they were all engaged in prayer, a peasant noisily threw
open the door, and driving his ass right on top of the kneeling
occupants cried--

"Go in, go in, Bruno, we shall be better off here."

There was nothing to do but get out. The hut was not theirs, and
neither was there room for an extra man and a beast! They next betook
themselves to the Portiuncula, where they built themselves huts or
cells. The Portiuncula was the last church that Francis restored, and
one always especially dear to him. A little later it was given to the
friars for their own use.

From the Portiuncula the brothers travelled all round the
country-side, two by two, in true apostolic fashion. Some followed the
peasants into the fields, and as they shared their labors, sang and
talked of the love of Christ. For days, perhaps, they would live and
eat and sleep with the field hands, and then pass, always singing, on
their way, leaving hearts that had been touched, behind them. Others
sought the lazar-house, and spent their time in helping the brothers
tend the sick. They were always welcome here, and very often difficult
cases were reserved for their care. In the towns they met with a very
different reception. There they were considered "fair game" for
anybody who wished to tease or persecute or mock them. Some people
called them mad and lazy, others who believed in their good intent
said that if they wanted to be religi