XVIII

THE CARRIER PIGEON

A evening of the next day, just as John had finished his simple supper,
he heard a scratching at the door. It was Brutus, returning footsore
and weary. Tied to his collar John found a message from the Hermit.

"Be of good cheer," it read. "We mount excellent steeds to ride to the
King. If by God's help I may save the young man's life, I will return
to you speedily thereafter. If it be the Lord's will that other things
befall, I will send the carrier pigeon with news. Bear a good heart,
my son. Keep to your studies, your exercise, and your devotions as if
I were with you. So when I return I shall find you a little stronger,
wiser, a better champion of the good. Farewell!"

John read this letter eagerly, and set himself to obey the master's
wishes. But now the days seemed long indeed. In spite of the many
friends who shared the hut with him, John felt very lonely, and longed
for the dear old man's return. But now he had something more to think
of: the good King Cyril and the holy man, his friend, who had borne the
name of John. And he longed to be some day a man like that.

The Hermit had been gone for nearly a week. One day John was sitting
by the door of the hut, busy with his studies, when he heard a _whir_
in the air overhead. Glancing up, he saw the flash of snowy wings, and
presently the carrier pigeon came fluttering down to his shoulder.

"Ah, my dear bird!" cried John, tenderly taking the creature in his