kingdom save those for use and those he hunts to kill. There are no
pets nor playmates for the children; no birds even in his forests.
Beware his wrath, my lad, when he has word of your caravan."

"I am going to the King," said John simply. "We go to save the life of
his son."

The farmer stared again at John with a strange expression. "You, to
save his life!" he muttered. "I cannot understand it all!" And he
passed his hand over his forehead.

"I have some skill at healing. Farewell!" cried John gaily. "We shall
be safe, I know."

"Ay, with that silver thing on your neck," said the man to himself,
shading his eyes to watch them out of sight. "John; the Hermit's
pupil; a boy with the knowledge of healing, and a smile,--Saint
Francis! What a smile! He is like our holy John come back again as a
child. Who can he be?" And he crossed himself devoutly as he went
back to his work.

But John and his friends went sturdily upon their way. Up and down
hills they traveled; along dusty roads; through lonely stretches of
moor and plain. They caused great excitement in the villages through
which they passed. It was years since the townsfolk had seen a dancing
bear; years even since they had enjoyed the frolics of a cat and
kittens. The raven was a source of delight. The birds that followed
overhead and came at John's call, perching on his arms and shoulders,
filled the children with envy. The wolf looked so fierce that they
were afraid of him; but his brother Brutus was petted in a way to spoil