vobiscum" from the friar. But the foremost rider had, perchance, the
best horse, and the least wearied, for there was even too great a gap
between him and the rest of his company.

And now their voices might be heard, as they talked by the way, yet not
so loud that, straining my ears as I did, I could hear any words. But
the sounds waxed louder, with words spoken, ring of hoofs, and rattle of
scabbard on stirrup, and so I knew, at least, that they who rode so late
were men armed. Brother Thomas, too, knew it, and cursed again very low.

Nearer, nearer they came, then almost opposite, and now, as I listened to
hear the traitorous signal of murder--"Pax vobiscum"--and the twang of
bow-strings, on the night there rang a voice, a woman's voice, soft but
wondrous clear, such as never I knew from any lips but hers who then
spoke; that voice I heard in its last word, "Jesus!" and still it is
sounding in my ears.

That voice said--

"Nous voila presqu'arrives, grace a mes Freres de Paradis."

Instantly, I knew not how, at the sound of that blessed voice, and the
courage in it, I felt my fear slip from me, as when we awaken from a
dreadful dream, and in its place came happiness and peace. Scarce
otherwise might he feel who dies in fear and wakes in Paradise.

On the forest boughs above me, my face being turned from the road,
somewhat passed, or seemed to pass, like a soft golden light, such as in
the Scots tongue we call a "boyn," that ofttimes, men say, travels with
the blessed saints. Yet some may deem it but a glancing in my own eyes,