I told him hastily how that the only hope for these helpless ones
was in flight to the woods, urging him until he understood me.
Gathering his monks around him, and rousing the people, he led them
to the rearward gate that opened toward the forest land, calling at
the same time to his swineherd, who was there, and bidding him take
them by the forest tracks to Chichester.

Then he bade his monks go also; but they lingered, asking to be
allowed to stay with him, and also what should become of the holy
vessels if the heathen laid profane hands on them.

"Obey, as your vows bid you," said the prior; "I and this warrior
will care for the holy things."

So they went, weeping, and were lost in the woods; for there was
little cleared land round the village, and the trees came close to
the monastery walls.

Now we two, the monk and I, stood at the open gate for a moment and
listened. We could hear nothing of the Danes as yet.

Then we closed and barred that gate; and all this while the bell
had tolled unceasingly, calling as it were for help that came not.

"Now do you go and call the sacristan from the bell," the prior
said, "and bid him lead you to the chancel, where I shall be."

I went to the tower door, unhesitating, for this man seemed to have
a wondrous power of command, so that I obeyed him without question,