Then the prior sighed, and turning away, said:

"Let us go to Chichester and find shelter. Night comes soon, and
rest."

Sadly enough we went, though not for long: for when we came into
the roadway from the forest land, the prior put his heavy thoughts
aside, and spoke cheerfully to me.

"What is done is done; and but for you, my son, things would have
been worse. And their greed for the bell has made them spare the
church itself. Surely you must have fallen from the clouds to help
us--borne hither from the East Anglian land whose tongue bewrays
you."

"I marvel that you trusted me," I said.

"I trusted your face, my son, and when one is in a hard case the
first help is ever the best. Yet now I would fain know somewhat of
my good comrade."

Now I think that to any but this monk, with his friendly smile and
way of quiet authority, I should have been ashamed to own my part
with the Danes. But a few hours of companionship in danger knit
closer than many a long day of idleness together, and he seemed to
me as a near friend. Moreover, he had trusted me without question;
so I told him all my tale and he listened patiently.

"Now I am glad that I cursed not your friend's ship--for I forgot