was honored almost as a saint. But because he dared lift his voice
against the King--he died. No one knew how it happened. At the same
time his little son disappeared; men believed that he also was slain by
the cruel King. The people were furious; they stormed and threatened.
But alas! gradually the voices of their leaders were silenced. Some
died suddenly, as John had done. Some disappeared. Some were banished
from the kingdom. Some went away, broken-hearted; who knows where they
may be now?"

"Oh, how could the people forget their King and the holy man who had
been good to them?" cried John. "How could they allow that bad man to
be their king?"

"The people?" said the Hermit sadly. "The people so soon forget! Do
you not recall how, ages ago, the people treated the best Man who ever
lived? These folk dared not seem to remember. They were selfish and
lazy. The new King was rich and powerful. They found it easier to
grumble and do nothing else. And when the King said, 'Hunt!' they
hunted. When he commanded, 'Hate all animals; have no pets!' they
obeyed him. But it is a gloomy land, a sad land, of which Robert is
king!"

"Oh!" said John, "how do you know so much, my father?"

"Do not ask," said the Hermit. "One day I will tell you, but not now."

"Oh, he is a wicked King, who ought to die!" burst out John, throwing
up his arm angrily. "Would I were a man, and I would go kill him. But
I will do it when I am grown!"